CONNECTED Issue 15

Magazine of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

ISSUE 15

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

21 TRAINING – ASPIRE, EVOLVE, ACHIEVE INSIDE

Children in Crossfire 25 years in business Focus on Professional Services 63rd President’s Annual Dinner Chamber Member News

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contents 4 Message from the CEO 6 President’s Message 16 Cover Story

21 Training on merger between two of the North West’s leading training and skills providers

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22 Chamber Life 24 President’s dinner 44 lockton

New Trade Credit Insurance Unit launched

70 Welcome to the Chamber 74 The Final Word

By CavanaghKelly’s Steven Lindsay

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Message from the CEO Welcome to the 15th edition of CONNECTED, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce magazine.

CONNECTED, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s full colour publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to businesses across the North West.

CONNECTED Magazine Editor Brown O’Connor Communications Content Editors Mairead Reid Production & Design Big Moo Design Advertising Mairead Reid Email Address mairead@londonderrychamber.co.uk Front Cover Image Stephen Latimer Photography

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Dawn McLaughlin Chief Executive Paul Clancy Business Development Executive Mairead Reid Events Manager Anna Doherty Accounts Assistant Caroline Murphy t: 028 7126 2379 w: londonderrychamber.co.uk Follow us on:

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in CONNECTED are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/promoting party and Londonderry Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

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With our last CONNECTED edition of the year, it’s a welcome and timely opportunity to reflect on the past 11 months or so. In a year still dominated by Covid, Brexit and – at times – political instability, I’m delighted to report that 2021 has been an overwhelmingly positive year for the Chamber and the North West.

While the pandemic continued to significantly curtail the normal operating of many businesses, it has done little to dampen the spirit or resilience of local business owners, leaders, and employers in the North West. And, despite the challenges, it’s important to remember that we have secured some key successes this year.

First and foremost, the signing off of the £250m Derry and Strabane City Deal was a huge achievement for the region and will transform business and society here. The Deal has the potential to create up to 7000 new, high-skilled jobs by 2032, boost our GVA to £230m per year, and further cement the North West’s status as a leading region to set up a business. Its potential impact cannot be overstated.

September also saw the first 70 students at our brand-new School of Medicine at Ulster University’s Magee campus. A long-standing and long campaigned for demand of partners across the city, the new school is yet another string to the bow of an already world-class educational offering we have in our city.

We’ve seen new investment from abroad and new jobs created for our city this year.

Companies from sectors as varied as tech and fintech to health and life sciences have chosen our region to establish a base and expand their operations, creating new, highlyskilled, well-paid jobs in the process. They’ve chosen the North West for a variety of reasons including our skilled workforce, the quality of life our region offers, our world-leading educational and research centres, and our affordability for businesses and families alike. It’s clear that the North West is on a path to excellence and the future is incredibly bright for everyone who lives, works, and does business here.

At the Chamber, we’ve seen the return of in-person flagship events like our President’s Annual Dinner, we’ve welcomed new members, signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding with Letterkenny Chamber, engaged with politicians from across these islands to raise issues important to you and your business, and we already have a full programme of activity planned for the next 12 months.

Coming out of the pandemic, it’s hard not to feel a genuine sense of optimism and excitement. Our recent Succeed North West event proved this. City partners from across government, business, education and academia, and civic society are committed to pulling in the same direction, committed to doing all that we can to boost our region and secure the investment and prominence it deserves.

I hope you enjoy this latest edition of CONNECTED and read about the strength of our local businesses across the entire North West region.

Paul Clancy Chief Executive

Commercial Insurance Corporate Partner:

corporate partners

corporate Patrons

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED. The past year and a half has been an absolute whirlwind for those of us in business. The world screeched to a grinding halt last March and the way we work, do business, and live our lives has changed dramatically.

During conversations with and visits to North West businesses I have witnessed the hardship suffered. I have listened to the stories of decimated businesses; depleted reserves and continual anxiety and uncertainty, but the one shining light was the concern business owners had for their people over and above their own problems.

I have been heartened, and filled with pride, by the way in which our North West business owners and leaders reacted to the crisis. When things have been at their toughest, we have often been at our best, and the sense of community, camaraderie, and support among members and traders has been genuinely inspiring.

As your Chamber President, I have been fighting for certainty, clarity and flexibility for you, our members, and our local businesses. I’ve often spoken about my optimism for our region as we emerge from Covid. While, at times, it was hard to be positive about the future with such difficult circumstances, it’s important that we take stock of what we’ve achieved, and what’s within our immediate grasp. I truly believe we are on the cusp of something great in the North West City Region.

The £250m Derry and Strabane City Deal was finally signed off this year, a huge and transformational capital investment project which will boost our economy, create thousands of new jobs, and set our region on the path to even greater prosperity. At the end of August, the School of Medicine at Magee welcomed its first ever students: an exciting development for the North West region and the first step in the journey to further expansion of our university.

We’ve welcomed new companies to the North West and FDI remains strong in our region. New jobs in sectors such as tech, fintech, and health and life sciences are being created. Our infrastructure is improving, and we look forward to the strategic rail review conclusions. Stronger and more reliable connectivity across this island and beyond is a key pillar to our economic success, especially as a border region.

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Our overarching and united message is to prioritise the North West, ensure we get our fair share of investment, and help us unleash our potential as a leading location to do business across these islands. Make no mistake – the future is bright for the North West and with regional partners all pulling in the same direction, there is a palpable energy and excitement across the region.

We have welcomed new members of all sizes and from all sectors. Our members are the lifeblood of the Chamber and everything we do is guided by you, for your benefit, and for the benefit of the wider economy.

We have engaged with MLAs, MPs, councillors, TDs and Ministers from across Northern Ireland, the UK and

Ireland to give North West businesses a voice and we worked constructively to find solutions and secure support for our members. It’s crucial that we represent the whole of the region, not just our great City, and this will be a key part of Chamber’s strategy going forward.

As my year in office draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, recognising the lengths you have all gone to, to protect your people and your businesses and commend you, for all you have done for our community during these challenging times.

Dawn McLaughlin President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

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NEWS

CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors and Granite break down link with Airporter on new bus wrap branding between the North West and the two Belfast airports.

Jonathan McKeown, CEO of Crash Services and Granite Breakdown, and Chairman of JMK Solicitors, said, “We are delighted to be working with Airporter who provide a fantastic service to passengers travelling between Derry~Londonderry and the two Belfast airports. As travel begins to open up, we look forward to seeing our branded buses travelling the roads of Northern Ireland.”

Paul Cooney, CRASH Services, Jonathan McKeown, JMK Solicitors, Niall McKeever, Airporter and Marie Keenan, Granite Breakdown

Northern Ireland’s leading accident management company, CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors, the region’s number one personal injury firm and Granite Breakdown have unveiled their advertising on Airporter buses, which travel daily

“Since opening up our office in the North West in 2019, CRASH Services and Granite Breakdown have helped many motorists involved in collisions and breakdowns. With JMK Solicitors set to open a new office in the area very soon, it is a fantastic time to develop this partnership between our businesses.”

Multi-award-winning company Airporter was founded in 1997 and introduced a new, innovative way of travelling to and from Northern Ireland’s airports. The family-owned transport business provides scheduled services between Derry~Londonderry and the two Belfast airports, with 16 departures taking place daily. 160,000 passengers a year enjoy Airporter’s custom-designed Mercedes vehicle, providing the ultimate comfort and convenience.

Airporter Director Niall McKeever, said, “In the last number of years we’ve built up a fantastic relationship with CRASH Services and Granite Breakdown. Since the firm opened in the North West in 2019, it has proven a significant boost to the local economy and business community.

Currently, we are thrilled to see Covid-19 restrictions easing and the revitalization of the local travel sector, and we look forward to taking our customers airport-bound with these new branded buses!”

McCay Solicitors’ Employer Protect Policy offering businesses vital protection Covid-19 is here to stay, and employers need to be aware of the risks in the workplace.

The scope of employment law risk and the potential for tribunals across a range of issues is widening inexorably, from basic health and safety provision through to worker’s rights, redundancy, and discrimination issues. An Employment Tribunal can cost a business around £25,000 in legal costs alone in addition to any financial award made to an employee by the Tribunal.

For a small monthly payment, McCay Solicitors’ Employer Protect Policy can insure your business against future claims, including indemnity for any legal fees, awards or settlements for any employment law claims. The firm are your sole point of contact and

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all work is undertaken by our fully qualified employment lawyers who are licensed to practice and fully insured in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

McCay Employer Protect Scheme benefits: • Greater financial security, instant access to legal support and insurance protection against tribunal claims.

• Legal advice and due diligence to ensure you are McCay Solicitors’ office in Ebrington Square, Londonderry up to date with the latest legislation and compliance within the law. security, instant access to legal support and • Protection to radically minimise your insurance protection against tribunal claims. Our exposure to unexpected financial legal advice and due diligence ensures you are up loss, capping all your employment to date with the latest legislation and compliance legislation and HR costs. with the law.”

Gareth McCay, Managing Director of To contact McCay Solicitors, please email: McCay Solicitors, said, “Our Employer reception@mccaysolicitors.co.uk Protect Scheme offers greater financial

NEWS

Great British Menu chef joins forces with North West culinary star to give foodies here a new flavoursome sanctuary ahead of Christmas A new foodie force is set to dominate the Northern Ireland menu this Christmas as two renowned Northern Ireland chefs team up to launch “Artis by Phelim O’Hagan”.

Chefs Phelim O’Hagan and Ray Moran’s new venture will be a standalone restaurant that sits adjacent to its four-year-old sister establishment, Soda & Starch, in the Craft Village in Derry.

Artis (Latin for Craft), offers a new high end dining experience. It will be a popular choice for those living in the city and for those visiting the city.

A celebration of local produce, married to more than 43-years of Michelin Starred restaurant experience, and enveloped in an ambience that sets the scene for family gatherings to long-needed reunions, Artis is just what Northern Ireland’s hospitality scene needs.

Occupying the interior site of the already critically acclaimed Soda & Starch venue, which rose to prominence during lockdown for its outdoor dining, Artis is the creation of Great British Menu Chef Phelim O’Hagan and North West businessman and chef, Ray Moran.

Great British Menu chef, Phelim O’Hagan, Soda & Starch Owner, Raymond Moran

Mr Moran has attracted a host of accolades for Soda & Starch over the years including featuring in the Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland rankings for the years 2019 and 2020. It has also featured in the McKenna’s Guide and has taken the award for North West Restaurant of the Year, among others.

For more information, please visit www.artisatcraftvillagederry.com.

Danske Bank takes action on race equality in Northern Ireland As part of the campaign, Danske Bank has signed the Race at Work Charter as a public commitment of action for race equality. The Race at Work Charter has more than 750 signatories across the UK and businesses in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to get involved.

Pictured at the launch of the Race at Work campaign are: (front row L-R) Geraldine McGahey, Equality Commission for NI and Stephanie Reid, Business in the Community and (back row L-R): Lori Gatsi-Barnett, JoinHer Network; Vicky Davis, Danske Bank; Israel Eguaogie, Belfast City of Sanctuary and Alex Deonarine, Chair of Danske’s Origins network

Danske Bank is supporting a new Race at Work campaign launched by Business in the Community in partnership with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The campaign aims to challenge businesses to proactively support the inclusion of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the workplace.

Vicky Davies, CEO Designate at Danske Bank, said, “Northern Ireland is becoming more diverse with people from different backgrounds living and working here, and calling it home. Businesses need to reflect this change.”

“Inclusivity and belonging are at the heart of what we do at Danske Bank. We’re an anti-racist organisation that has zero tolerance for

discrimination of any kind.

We’ve launched a race equality network, Origins to join our existing affinity networks and help ensure that all colleagues feel they belong. We’re listening to our colleagues, learning from the experts, and developing an action plan focused on achieving and monitoring tangible change in this area.

Signing the Race at Work Charter is a significant next step in this journey.”

Business in the Community offers a range of resources and toolkits to help businesses achieve and amplify the commitments of the Charter.

To find out more visit www.bitcni.org.uk/ RaceatWork.

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NEWS

Ulster University’s accounting students able to take studies to postgraduate level for first time Ulster University Magee continues to grow its accounting provision in the North West with its exciting new postgraduate courses. For the first time, students can take their studies to a postgraduate level on Magee Campus with the MSc in International Accounting with Analytics.

The course, which is closely aligned to the Chartered Accountants Ireland CAP2 competency statement, provides students with exposure to analytics tools and techniques on the course which will greatly improve their graduate employment prospects. Audit and performance reporting, used widely in the growing financial services sector in Northern Ireland, is taught to students through key software in the course which is offered on a full and part-time basis.

Prospective students have a range of scholarship opportunities available through Inspired Tax Incentives. The scholarship, which can cover university fees, work experience, and fund a potential graduate position, is on offer for the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course. Other local accountancy practices and businesses across the

North West have agreed to provide sponsorship in the form of contribution to fees of at least £1,000.

Claire Scott-Mcateer, MSc International Accounting with Analytics Course Director, said, “We are thrilled to be holding this new postgraduate course for the first time this year. This new course promises to be groundbreaking for accounting students in the North West, giving Magee students a step ahead in their professional accountancy training. No longer will accounting students have to study in Belfast or Dublin in their path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.”

“Accounting specialists with knowledge of accounting, finance and the business environment are always in great demand. The combination of subjects that students will study on this course will provide them with a sound basis to become a future business leader, and work across industry sectors including financial reporting, accounting, taxation and management.”

Claire Scott-McAteer, MSc International Accounting with Analytics Course Director

“I would encourage accounting students who wish to take their next step towards becoming a Chartered Accountant to consider the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course and contact us to see what we can offer for their professional development.”

To find out more about the MSc International Accounting with Analytics course, please contact Claire via cm.mcateer@ulster.ac.uk.

FinTrU announces innovative sabbatical benefit for employees book their four-week sabbatical period in advance of the required five years.

FinTrU has announced a new, marketleading benefit scheme for its employees.

FinTrU Unplugged offers any employee of Associate level and above, who has served a minimum of five years with the company, a four-week paid sabbatical to be taken at any time.

Founded in December 2013, FinTrU is a multi-award-winning financial services company that is committed to giving local talent the opportunity to work on a global stage with the largest international investment banks. The company provides its clients with high quality, cost-effective, near-shore resourcing solutions and employs over 900 people across offices in Belfast, the North West, London, Dublin and New York.

FinTrU, which works with clients in investment banks across the world, has proved itself as a leader in employment

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FinTrU Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinead Carville, is looking forward to the scheme being implemented

wellbeing initiatives. In the UK, a period of five years is a relatively short requirement of service to afford the opportunity of a sabbatical, with such a benefit more commonly associated with those in more senior positions.

FinTrU Unplugged is already providing employees with much-deserved support, those who have not yet built up the required service with the company can

Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinead Carville, notes this is part of the company’s long-term employee wellbeing strategy. “We are extremely conscious of work-life balance at FinTrU and how it feeds into positive mental wellbeing”, Sinead said. “Five years working for a company shows a loyalty and solid commitment that should not go unrewarded. Unplugged is the chance for employees to refresh, rejuvenate and, for a four-week period, literally unplug from work. It’s a great chance for people to take that trip they have always wanted to, work on a hobby they enjoy or simply spend more time with their family.”

Details about a career at FinTrU can be found at www.fintru.com/careers.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

a day in the life Name Nigel Birney

age 57

Hometown Enniskillen, now Belfast

Company Lockton Companies LLP

Job Title Head of Trade Credit

Describe what your job involves My job involves all aspects of managing the Trade Credit Unit at Lockton. I’m responsible for building our trade credit business across the UK and Ireland. Trade credit insurance provides vital protection to businesses against the impact of bad debt caused by customers who fail to pay for goods or services sold on credit. It is designed to enable companies to trade with confidence and explore new markets or products knowing that they are protected against credit risks such as the insolvency of a customer.

Domestic and export sales can both be covered and, where necessary, political risk cover can also be added.

Describe in detail a day in your work In a classic, clichéd ‘Day in the Life’ answer, no two days are the same in this job. Having worked in finance and insurance for over 40 years, there’s not a lot that is new to me. However, in this industry, you’re constantly challenged and kept on your toes with new and evolving issues facing the economy.

A typical day can include meeting with new clients, assessing their credit insurance requirements and providing them tailored solutions to enable them to grow their

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business safely. I am in constant contact, usually on a daily basis, with the Lockton regional offices across the UK and Ireland as we look to establish and develop the new Trade Credit Unit at Lockton.

What has been your most memorable day in work?

Joining Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, was a bit special. I’m still getting used to being the ‘new boy’, but the entire team is fantastic, and they have made me and my trade credit colleagues very welcome.

What is your greatest achievement?

Being named the highest achieving Trade Credit Broker in the UK in 2012 definitely ranks high and is a real career highlight I’m proud of. In my previous role at Willis Towers Watson, our trade credit clients, most of which are now Lockton clients, reached a combined turnover in 2019 of over £1.5bn, which is a fantastic achievement. We are

delighted for the opportunity to support and partner many great businesses across the UK and Ireland as we continue to build our client base.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given in work?

Always deliver more than what’s expected and always treat people with respect, not just those you are trying to impress. Treating people as you expect to be treated yourself will bring you loyalty and appreciation from your peers and colleagues.

What qualities do you think make good entrepreneurs in your experience?

Apart from all the usual qualities such as passion for what you do, enthusiasm and energy, self-motivation, and a willingness and acceptance to fail, I think the most important thing to remember is that great things in business are not achieved by one person - they are achieved by a team of talented and committed people.

A strong and reliable peer network of people you can rely on is vital in business.

JC HALLIDAY & SONS

JC HALLIDAY & SONS – BUILT ON TRUST At the heart of local community Local family business JC Halliday & Sons (based in Eglinton, Derry/Londonderry) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all its customers for their tremendous support in the last 18 months during the pandemic. During this time the family business managed to open their third franchise in May 2021, the Vauxhall brand to sit alongside Citroën and DS Automobiles, offering customers an unrivalled choice of car brands in the North West.

At JC Halliday & Sons we recognise it is important to give back to the local community. Over the years, the company has been proud to support community sports clubs such as the City of Derry Rugby Club, Derry GAA, Limavady Youths, and Rainey Rugby Club.

Andrew Miller, Dealer Principal at JC Halliday & Sons, said, “We are very grateful to all our customers over the past 18 challenging months for their support. We are really excited for the future launch of electric and hybrid

vehicles. 2022 we will see the launch of the Citroen C5 X, the New Vauxhall Astra & Grandland plus the luxurious new DS 4 and the DS 9 plug-in hybrid saloon. We look forward to welcoming customers, both new and old to test drive these innovative brands in our newly refurbished showroom in Eglinton.”

JC Halliday & Sons has a fantastic selection with over 200 New and PreLoved vehicles onsite. The company offers: • 30 years’ experience as a familyoperated business, based in Eglinton • Newly refurbished showroom that homes both Vauxhall and Citroën brands • A recently built DS luxury showroom in Eglinton, incorporating a new JCH Prestige range of vehicles • A large Citroen & DS Select Approved used vehicles site based in Magherafelt, Mid-Ulster • A winning culture – receiving numerous top awards in recent years!

• Dedicated Support - JC Halliday & Sons are always on hand to provide you

with the best Sales and Aftercare Support.

Our highly qualified team members will assure all your questions are answered.

• A Top Performance from all team members at JC Halliday & Sons - from our valeting team to our workshop technicians strive to provide you and your vehicle with the very best care when you purchase with ourselves.

So, why not drop by today to discover what JC Halliday & Sons, a local family business, has to offer you – now with even more choice! We look forward to welcoming you and finding your perfect vehicle. To find out more, visit www.jchallidayandsons.com or contact us on 02871 811470

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Solutions for agile working Different structures, different requirements, new work concepts: Modern offices are increasingly being transformed into open spaces and are characterised by communicative in-between zones, decentralised work areas and different types of rooms. There is a need for more flexibility in order to give free rein to thoughts and ideas. For productive and creative work in agile teams – exactly what the Sedus se:lab optimally supports.

The name already reveals that the approach to tasks was inspired by laboratory work. se:lab works in the same way as analysing, researching and problem-solving takes place in a lab.

Whether for workshops where flexible furniture is required or for spontaneous meetings that benefit from the use of mobile equipment, se:lab offers plenty of possibilities and is always ready for use.

Agile working

Smart working

Multifunctional rooms

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Being flexible, agile and spontaneously productive in freely configurable work areas.

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Project organisation with Scrum Solving problems with Design Thinking

Changing between fixed and flexible workplaces with predefined or free structures.

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Open-plan offices and open spaces Lounges and creative areas Bench and desk sharing

Use free space as it is needed – without compromise.

Meeting rooms Rooms for training courses

Official Supplier

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Visit our showroom at 101 Spencer Rd to select range of furniture available & our new homes section.

Our full range of office furniture and solutions are available online.

101 Spencer Road, Derry, BT47 6AE. Telephone +44 (0) 2871 311 741

dawsonhinds.com Email: sales@dawsonhinds.com

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Have a Class Christmas!

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21 TRAINING

Training at forefront of dynamic skills development and employability support CONNECTED recently sat down with one of the newest training and employment support providers in the North West, 21 Training, and heard how the company is equipping its participants to succeed for the future whilst also assisting local business growth through its mission ‘Building Future You for Lifelong Success’.

21 Training was launched following the successful amalgamation of two training providers with proven track records, Strabane Training Services and Customized Training Services.

The organisation currently employs over 60 staff, and was awarded the prestigious SME Innovation Award by the Department for the Economy in 2020, in recognition of its innovative and collaborative approach to apprenticeship delivery in the development of a bespoke City & Guilds programme with Specialist Joinery Group.

Chaired by Kieran Kennedy MBE, the team at 21 Training believes in creating a supportive and friendly

learning environment for all abilities.

The organisation is strategically positioned across five offices covering Derry~Londonderry, Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, and Coleraine, to ensure all potential participants in the North West can study locally to improve their future career prospects.

21 Training ethos The 21 Training approach is underpinned by three core principles - aspire, evolve, and achieve. Speaking exclusively to CONNECTED, Managing Director at 21 Training, Mia Coyle, explains the ethos that drives the organisation.

“We want our participants to aspire

Mia Coyle, Managing Director; Kieran Kennedy, Chair; and Debbie Deans, Business Development Director

towards the individual they wish to become. We nurture them as they evolve and secure nationally recognised qualifications”, explains Mia. “Importantly, as an outcomes focused organisation, we help our participants, whether they are a school leaver, job seeker, or an employee to achieve their career dreams.”

“Our organisation has the capacity and track record to be at the forefront of skills development. Our team has a deep understanding of the area we operate within, uniquely positioning us to work with those traditionally hard-to-reach audiences such as young people and the unemployed.”

Success through Apprenticeship

21 Training provides the most up-to-date training for all sectors

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21 Training Chairman Kieran Kennedy knows himself what it is like to benefit from the kind of programmes 21 Training currently provide, such as apprenticeships.

“As a former apprentice myself, starting at O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Limited at just 16, I fully understand the benefit an apprenticeship pathway can offer someone looking to develop both themselves and their career prospects.”

21 TRAINING

“As a young man with an ambition to learn in an emerging industry, I began an apprenticeship in the hope it would allow me to secure a full-time job”, says Kieran. “Little did I realise that the apprenticeship programme I had joined would not only help me secure a job but forge a career which would eventually take me to the helm of a huge organisation, employing over 700 people.”

Debbie Deans, Business Development Director at 21 Training, highlighted the work of the wider team to deliver for people in the areas they serve. “I work closely with the HR teams in the businesses we work with.

This brings wide ranging benefits to them including promoting Eamon McCay, Frylite; Debbie Deans, 21 Training; and Tori McLaughlin, Frylite vacancies, collaboration on marketing and promotion of their business, assisting employers, and signposting them to other services.” create up to 7,000 jobs by 2032. Training providers Supporting families not in education or will need to play a critical employment role in the development of 21 Training also offers employability our talent if these targets and other specialist support to families are to be realised and in the Derry and Strabane area funded we are ready to be at the by the European Social Fund and the forefront of delivering, Department for the Economy. The particularly within STEM North West has always been at the and wider digital high cutting edge with digital technologies, growth areas. My vision including the PULSE programme, for the regeneration of the developed by 21 Training staff and Strabane Canal Basin area funded by ESF, which aims to support is that we will have local young people (16–24-year-olds) to 21 Training works with local companies to identify skills apprentices employed re-engage in education and training and employment needs in the development through music and the creative arts. and construction phase To date, hundreds have successfully while bringing in ICT and completed the programme, learning business apprentices when the new programme. I realise not everyone is new skills in the creative industries as site is fully operational.” as lucky, which is why I have always a result. been an advocate for and committed “It has been well documented in the to growing the apprenticeship capacity Catalyst for the local economy Department for the Economy’s Skills in the North West area, ensuring “I am focused now on engaging with for a 10X Economy that there are nobody is left behind in an era that has businesses meaningfully to ensure skills shortages across the board at the potential to be one of our most that the programmes we offer are present, regardless of the industry. As prosperous. I look forward to working putting participants on a pathway a lean and nimble organisation, 21 closely with Chamber members on for a career which will span decades, Training can adapt its curriculum to the nurturing our local talent.” ensuring prosperity and job security”, emerging needs of the market.” says Kieran, laying out his immediate To find out more about the priorities for the new business.

Concluding on his own positive opportunities and current financial experience with apprenticeships, incentives available to employers “I have high hopes for the City Kieran adds, “I am grateful for the at 21 Training visit: 21.training or Deal and what that could mean for opportunities that were afforded contact Debbie Deans, Business those participating in our training to me, and I realise how lucky I was Development Director at 21 Training programmes. The City Deal has the in finding my way at such a young on 07860803643 or potential to act as a true catalyst for age through an apprenticeship ddeans@21.training. the local economy with a target to

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AIR COOL ENGINEERING NI

21st Century Heat Pump Technology future-proofs Historical Building Limavady-based air cool engineering NI continue to lead the installation of heat pump technologies in the North West with their recent energy retrofit of the former Barrack Stores on the Ebrington site.

Rather than refunctioning the historical building into standard commercial offices, The AMP’s owners wanted to create a sustainable, supported and flexible business hub for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups in the North West.

Energy efficiency, client comfort and balancing aesthetics with functionality were all key considerations for The AMP’s refurbishment brief. Although not a listed property, sympathetically future-proofing a heritage building efficiently is challenging. air cool engineering’s forward thinking client understood that traditional gas or oil fired boiler systems would struggle to achieve the energy efficiencies the business wanted and the building needed.

Aaron McElhinney, joint owner of The AMP, said, “We required a highly responsive heating solution which could efficiently maintain optimum comfort levels throughout the shared open workspaces, meeting rooms and offices. We were particularly interested in accessing sustainable, controllable, flexible and low-carbon technologies for our 180-year-old property”.

The AMP is a new initiative created by local North West business leaders to increase sustainability and create space for SMEs in the region. Aaron continued, “Our high-spec interior design brief also called for a heating solution which could be easily and discreetly ‘integrated’ with the interior décor. We looked no further than local heating, ventilation, and

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air conditioning specialists air cool engineering NI, to advise our team on the best solution for our business.”

Based in the North West, air cool engineering NI is an established and reputable HVAC contractor operating across Northern Ireland and Ireland. As specialists in the design of energy efficient small and large scale building mechanical services, their team combine experience and specialist knowledge to provide bespoke heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions to meet businesses indoor climate-controlled requirements.

The local-owned company advised The AMP team that the Mitsubishi Electric City Multi VRF system Kyle Eakin, Project Manager from air cool engineering NI could simultaneously deliver heating, cooling and heat recovery throughout the building. Harnessing “The Mitsubishi Electric City Multi VRF air-to-air heat pump technology, the Series perfectly meets the heating demands City Multi VRF offers exceptional of this old building with optimum efficiency. flexibility and stable temperatures, By investing in low-carbon heat pump while the heat recovery function technology, The AMP is future-proofing provides significant energy cost not only their own business, but also the savings for the business. multiple SMEs who operate from their property in Ebrington.”

Martin Mullan, Managing Director for air cool engineering NI, added, If your business is interested in the flexible, “We are delighted that The AMP low carbon and energy efficient credentials team chose a local contractor for of heat pump technology, please get in the energy retrofit of the historic touch with local HVAC professionals air cool Barrack Stores. As the 180-year-old engineering NI on building was being refunctioned +44 (0) 28 777 67114 or email into office spaces of varying sizes, sales@ni.aircool.co.uk. our client needed a tailored and flexible heating solution which could efficiently stabilise indoor comfort conditions.”

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CITYFIRE SCT OF DERRY & SAFETY AIRPORT PROTECTION

SCT Fire & Safety Protection offering hassle-free fire and security services to the North West Since opening eight years ago, SCT Fire & Safety Protection have grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s leading fire and security companies. The business was born out of wanting to create a brand that blends excellent customer service, high quality products, firstclass installations and servicing in the North West. From their sales team to their engineers, each of the SCT team work hard to advance the company’s reputation and standing, with every team member understanding the importance of the company’s goals.

“In the past few years, we have established a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable engineers who have pride and efficiency in everything they do”, says Eoin Cunning, Sales Director at SCT Fire & Safety Protection Limited.

“As a company, our commitment to excellence means that our engineers are continually attending courses for either the latest regulations and standards, or for hands-on training with the latest available technologies within our industry.

We aim for our engineers to be fully prepared to deliver the best to our clients and always have a solution to their problems.”

The Limavady-based company has received several third-party accreditations for its work, and as a proud member of the largest fire protection trade association in the UK, the FIA, SCT are always seeking to improve their client offering. After-sales care is very important for the company, and following an installation at any local business, their follow-up visits will ensure that clients expectations are met and exceeded.

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Extinguisher servicing, fire-risk assessments and CCTV installations are among the services provided by SCT Fire & Safety Protection

The priority of Eoin and his team is to save clients disruption of time during their day, fewer service visits, and most importantly, to offer the most competitive rates.

“Our services are very comprehensive, and include fire alarm systems, electrical testing, CCTV systems and much more”, Eoin explains.

“Our number-one objective is to provide cost-effective, bespoke solutions to our clients. We understand that fire and security may not be glamorous, but with us, the more services you have, the more money you’ll save.”

Because the company serves the entirety of Northern Ireland, they have technicians stationed

throughout the region on a permanent basis. Each engineer drives vans fully loaded with their essential equipment, meaning that any unnecessary return visits, and the subsequent time wasted, is avoided.

With SCT, businesses save time, frustration, and money by bundling their services and working with a single trusted source.

When working with multiple providers to maintain fire safety and security products, different service and billing dates must be kept track of. Businesses save time, frustration, and money by bundling their services and working with a single trusted source.

SCT FIRE & SAFETY PROTECTION

The company’s range of equipment meets the need of businesses operating across Northern Ireland

“With SCT, access to our customer portal includes management information and analytics”, Eoin says.

“You may access all our fire and safety security services from this page, as well as update your business information and monitor forthcoming service details”.

The customer portal mentioned by Eoin allows quick and easy access to a complete record of all SCT Fire & Safety Protection engineer visits, maintenance dates, certifications, invoices, and purchase orders.

“Clients engage with us for the likes of fire-alarm servicing, emergency light servicing, fire-risk assessments, extinguisher servicing, and CCTV installations, across multiple areas”, Eoin says. “Each member of our team is knowledgeable and competent, and we take great pride in the quality of work that we produce and the products that we use.”

SCT believe that customer service is the backbone of any successful business, and over the years, they have accrued a range of client testimonials.

Charles Moore, of Brackenwood, said, “I have engaged with SCT for a range of services across the multiple developments that I manage. From the initial consultation through to completion, we were very impressed with the first-class service we received.

I have found Eoin and his team to be knowledgeable and competent and would highly recommend them.

All work is completed when agreed and without hassle. Overall, a great company who are a pleasure to work with.”

done in such a short time. At the final inspection, Kyle was extremely thorough and conscientious. I would have no hesitation in recommending SCT to other companies who need fire and safety protection done to the highest standard.”

To get in touch with SCT Fire & Safety Protection and see how Eoin and his team can help protect your business, please contact the team either via phone on 028 7744 5079 or by email at info@sct-ni.com.

Engineer, Lee Thompson, who has been working at the company for three years, completed the installation for Noel and his team alongside Kyle Taylor. “Lee worked like a Trojan and I couldn’t believe how much he got

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CHAMBER LIFE

chamber life The past few months have been exceptionally busy for the Chamber as in-person events of all kinds have returned in earnest. With a hectic schedule of conferences, dinners, workshops, webinars, and political engagements, we’ve been out and about since we last spoke to you all.

As the autumn winds down and we look towards the final few weeks of 2021, it’s been another full-on period for the Chamber and the North West. Pandemic restrictions are all but gone, Foyle has two new MLAs, Derry once again proved why it’s the best place in the world to celebrate Halloween, and we’ve seen the roll out of the High Street Voucher Scheme.

We kicked off our busy period by welcoming the newly appointed Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to the North West on 5 August. Minister Lyons met with a Chamber delegation and discussed a range of important issues including the ongoing impact of the pandemic on local businesses, the

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA with Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber Vice President Aidan O’Kane, and Selina Horshi, White Horse Hotel

Executive’s plans for economic recovery post-lockdown, and the Department for the Economy’s High Street Stimulus Scheme.

A day later, we welcomed the new Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland Trevor Ringland MBE on his first official visit to the North West.

Accompanied by Chamber CEO Paul Clancy and President Dawn McLaughlin, the visit was to provide Mr Ringland with a greater understanding of the North West City Region and to see and hear first-hand the North West’s potential as a prime location for US foreign direct investment.

Chamber CEO Paul Clancy and UUP Leader Doug Beattie MLA

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We then met with UUP Leader Doug Beattie MLA and local Councillor Ryan McCready on 25 August. This was our first meeting with the two elected representatives, and we welcomed the engagement and their thoughts on everything from tourism to infrastructure.

The next day, Sinn Féin President Mary-Lou McDonald T.D. stopped in at the Chamber as she visited the North West for a series of engagements. We discussed a series of issues including business recovery from the pandemic, our ambitions for our city and region, and tax relief for cross-border workers.

On 10 September, Manager of the Global Future Council on Cities of Tomorrow at the World Economic Forum, Alice Charles, joined Chamber members and City stakeholders to discuss urban development, renewal, and a post-conflict future for our own city and region.

We hosted a cross border customs clearance webinar in association with our members Conall Dunne and Claire McEldowney from Easy Customs and our colleagues in the Letterkenny Chamber on 21 September. Conall and Claire from Easy Customs, an independent and specialist customs clearance agency based in the North West, took attendees through how to operate and trade on a cross border basis.

CHAMBER LIFE

Chamber Vice President Aidan O’Kane, Sinn Féin President Mary-Lou McDonald T.D., Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin, and Chamber CEO Paul Clancy

Members of the Friends of the North West group at the Succeed North West event in the Merchant Hotel, Belfast

On 23 September, we held a great breakfast seminar on tax and social security implications for cross-border workers and employers in partnership with EURES. This was a useful and timely event which gave attendees valuable information on everything from redundancy payments and pension lump sums to tax relief on pension contributions and social insurance benefits.

The next instalment of our Growth North West series took place on 28 September. Maximising Social Media was our fourth session in the series, with Declan Murtagh from Brilliant Red taking delegates through the latest trends and techniques in social media and best practice methods for engaging and growing a social media audience to effectively drive sales.

Our flagship event of the year, the 63rd President’s Annual Dinner, was held in the Everglades Hotel on 8 October. Our first dinner in nearly two years, we welcomed over 250 guests to celebrate with us after the challenges of the past 18 months. Full coverage of the event can be found on pages 24 and 25.

Danske Bank’s Chief Economist Conor Lambe took Chamber members through a Northern Ireland economy update on 12 October. Conor outlined Danske’s forecasts and predictions for local economic growth and which trends to

keep an eye on over the coming months.

A few days later, we collaborated with our partners at Ulster University and Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver our Innovation for Growth webinar. Attendees heard from former MD of O’Neills Kieran Kennedy on his experiences of putting innovation into Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA and Chamber practice in a business CEO Paul Clancy setting.

A Chamber delegation then met with the two newly appointed MLAs for Foyle from Sinn Féin on 22 October. Pádraig Delargy and Ciara Ferguson were selected to replace Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan in September, and this was a very welcome opportunity to hear their vision and plans for the North West as they got settled into their roles.

The penultimate session of Growth North West took place on 26 October. Perfecting Your Pitch was hosted by communications expert Una McSorley and gave delegates the key techniques you need when preparing and structuring an impactful pitch and how to effectively deliver it.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA visited the City Hotel Derry on 2 November to outline the impact of the Chancellor’s Budget and Spending Review on the Northern Irish economy. Guests heard from the Minister as well as senior departmental officials and learned how the new three-year budgeting process will work in Northern Ireland.

We travelled to the Merchant Hotel in Belfast on 3 November with the Succeed North West group. This was an event hosted in partnership with Invest NI, Derry City and Strabane District Council, North West Regional College, Ulster University, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Allstate NI, and FinTrU, and which welcomed 100 guests to hear about the strengths of the North West and why businesses should look to invest in, create jobs, and establish a base in our region.

And finally, our North West Energy Conference took place on 11 November. Sponsored by Anderson McQue, delegates heard from Thomas Byrne, Director of Energy Strategy at the Department for the Economy on their new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland, as well as representatives from SONI, RiverRidge, North West Regional College, and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Upcoming events and dates for your diary: EURES employers’ incentives webinar - 7 December ’21 AGM and Christmas Drinks – 9 December ‘21 Meet the Chamber – 20 January ‘22 Speed Networking (North) – 17 February ‘22 President’s Annual Lunch – 3 March ‘22 Speed Networking (Strabane) – 24 May ‘22 President’s Annual Dinner – 7 October ‘22

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Sarah Travers, host; Colin Mullan, Find Insurance NI; Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber President; Tony Connelly, RTÉ; and Paul Clancy, Chamber CEO

President’s Annual Dinner After two long years since the last one, the Chamber hosted our 63rd President’s Annual Dinner at the beginning of October at the Everglades Hotel. Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber President, called on political parties and representatives to prioritise the North West and ensure the region gets its fair share of investment ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in 2022.

Keynote speaker Tony Connelly and host Sarah Travers in fireside chat

Attended by over 250 business leaders, politicians, and civic leaders, the dinner was the first major in-person North West business event since March 2020.

Dawn McLaughlin said that now is the time for elected representatives, candidates, and ministers to prioritise Derry and the North West as we move closer to next year’s election and has called on parties to work constructively to rebuild the local economy after the impact of the pandemic.

Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin and Mayor of Derry and Strabane Alderman Graham Warke

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Speaking on the evening, Dawn praised the resilience of local businesses throughout the pandemic and urged our political parties to properly support them as they begin to recover and get back on their feet.

Declan Kearney MLA, Junior Minister; Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber President; and Gary Middleton MLA, Junior Minister

“The pandemic has had a hugely detrimental effect on the North West economy, but I have been heartened and filled with pride by the way in which our local business owners and leaders reacted to the crisis before them. The dinner is a fantastic occasion and opportunity to celebrate our resilience, recognise the strides we have made collectively over the past 18 months, and commend the efforts made by our local business community in protecting jobs and keeping their companies afloat in the most difficult of circumstances”, said Dawn.

“As we begin to come out the other side of the pandemic, the

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL DINNER

Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin

Guests enjoy the 63rd President’s Annual Dinner

Paul Clancy, Chamber CEO; Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber President; and Colum Eastwood, MP for Foyle

Dawn McLaughlin, Chamber President; Paul Clancy, Chamber CEO; and Sinéad McLaughlin, MLA for Foyle

The team from main sponsor Find Insurance NI

time is now for our ministers and our elected representatives at Stormont to prioritise the North West and deliver for our region. While the signing of the Derry and Strabane City Deal and the opening of the School of Medicine at Magee earlier this year were welcome first steps, there is much more that needs to be done to address regional inequality in Northern Ireland and level up the North West City Region.

Dawn issued a challenge to our local representatives – commit to securing the investment and support our city and region deserves. “Ahead of the next Assembly election in spring next year, candidates from all political parties must commit to properly investing in our city, creating and attracting new jobs to our region, and addressing deficiencies in our economy”, said Dawn.

“This includes committing to the full expansion of Magee, transforming our physical infrastructure to improve our connectivity to and from other economic hubs, marketing our region to businesses and investors across the globe as a prime location to do business, and properly supporting our businesses as they recover and rebuild post-pandemic.

“There is now an opportunity for all key partners in our region – business leaders, elected representatives, educational institutions, civic leaders – to work together and make sure the North West builds back as strongly as it can after Covid, prioritising jobs, investment and prosperity for our

The Londonderry Chamber team – Dawn McLaughlin; Anna Doherty; Paul Clancy; Mairead Reid; and Caroline Murphy

businesses and our communities.”

Sponsored by Find Insurance NI, the dinner was hosted by former broadcast journalist Sarah Travers and featured a ‘fireside chat’ with RTÉ Europe Editor and Brexit expert Tony Connelly, who is originally from the city.

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CURTIS OPTICIANS

Curtis Opticians EYEING up new and innovative services After a year and a half where most of us have stared at computer, laptop, and TV screens more than we ever have before, it’s fair to say our eyes have been under an increased amount of strain. Thankfully, North West independent eyecare specialists Curtis Opticians are here to help and give our eyes some much-needed TLC. The family business, which was established in 1928 by former jeweller Harold P Curtis, has remained in the family now for three generations and is currently run by brothers Paul and Ian Curtis. The company offers eye tests, lenses, and contact lenses as well as hearing care and specialist services like sports eyewear, paediatric eyecare, and corporate eyecare packages. Operating from two stores in Derry City and Dungiven, Paul says the family aspect of the business is crucial to the high-quality service they provide for their customers.

“If a customer trusts you, your business, and the service you provide to them, they’ll come back every time, as well as recommend

Curtis Opticians offers a range of services including eye tests and corporate eyecare packages

you to their friends and family”, explains Paul. “This has always been drilled into us from our father and grandfather who made the business what it is today. That family dimension to our business has been vital in our success up to this point and it’s a large part of why we’re so trusted by the customers we serve.

“They know what service to expect from us and all of our staff. They know that we treat every customer differently and in accordance with their unique needs. And that’s why they come back time and again.

Repeat business and keeping customers throughout their journey of needing eyecare is crucial and we work hard to maintain those high standards.”

The new optomap technology is cutting-edge and enables early intervention on eye issues

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Like all businesses since March 2020, especially those in the retail sector, Paul says Covid has been a particular challenge for Curtis

Opticians. “The basics of eyecare and optometry, like examining your eyes and selecting glasses, presented an initial challenge for all opticians. You can’t really socially distance when you’re up close and personal trying to see the back of someone’s eyes!”

“But we managed to work around it and innovate our practices a bit to make sure customers felt safe and secure when they came for their appointments”, says Paul. “We’ve also invested in new and emerging technology this year which allows us to innovate our existing services and examine your eye health even more in depth.”

Earlier this year, Curtis Opticians invested in new equipment from Optos, a leading global provider of devices to eyecare professionals for improved patient care. The optomap is a 200-degree digital

Curtis Opticians is currently run by brothers Paul and Ian Curtis

image of the retina which provides a much fuller and deeper image of the eye in one image, capturing up to 82% of the retina in one image. For comparison, a standard examination would only reveal between 10 and 15% of your retina at any one time.

Paul says the company has a long history of innovating and investing in the newest technologies for the benefit of their customers and says the optomap is the latest step in embracing new and emerging optometry practices. “We’re really excited by the optomap as a new piece of equipment for our customers.

Since Covid, some of them have understandably been concerned about the ability to socially distance and keep themselves safe when coming in for an eye test.”

The optomap non-invasively captures an instantaneous, ultra-widefield digital image of the retina, revealing important information for the comprehensive evaluation of systemic and ocular health.

The image, which is captured in less than a second, enhances clinical care, patient satisfaction, and practice efficiency. It is performed quickly and easily which enables practitioners to spend more time

diagnosing and educating rather than gathering information.

An optomap is performed as an initial step in a comprehensive eye exam. An optomap image provides the practitioner with a tool to help discover retinal disease, and assist in the diagnosis of eye conditions – and potentially other health conditions – early. It also enables the practitioner to effectively determine the next course of action.

After the strain all of our

eyes have been under over

the past 18 or so months, regular eye tests are as important as ever”, says Paul. “And due to the lockdowns, store closures, and only being able to undertake emergency appointments for a period of time, it could have been over two years since we’ve seen many of our customers. Having innovative and cutting-edge technology in place like the optomap gives us a much better chance of detecting any deteriorations or abnormalities that may have cropped up since your last test.”

Paul says your eyes can be a mirror of your wider health and says early signs of many diseases – retinal and otherwise –

can show on your retinas before you notice any symptoms. “Early intervention and prevention is key to successfully treating conditions or diseases, but it’s also critical in reducing pressure on the wider health service. If we can detect diseases earlier by using equipment like the optomap, then we can hopefully treat them, stop them from developing or spreading, and make sure you don’t need to go to a hospital or see a consultant.”

Going into 2022, Paul is optimistic about the outlook for his business and the wider retail sector. “We’re all really looking forward to putting Covid behind us and getting back to what we do best. I’m confident about the bounce back of the high street and retail businesses and we’re excited to be serving our customers once again.”

To book a consultation or discuss your eyecare needs, call 02871 262652 or email info@curtisopticians.com

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INDIGOLIFE COACHING

Workplace wellbeing and the power of authentic leadership

By Helen McDonnell IndigoLife Coaching

As the far-reaching ripple effects of the pandemic become more apparent, the impact on the collective toll of our mental health is evident.

The extra stress and worries about our health, strains on our personal and professional relationships, and work anxieties, have combined to create an often-stressful period since March 2020.

As I’ve written before, management and leadership can be a lonely place and expectations to keep a cool head can weigh heavily. There has been absolutely no shortage of both personal and professional challenges over recent times and, as a senior leader, you’re expected to impart calmness and confidence to those around you. However, it’s no admission of weakness to say that, sometimes, it’s hard to do so when things become overwhelming or seriously challenging.

Executive one-to-one coaching is one of the services provided at IndigoLife which has proved invaluable in creating a confidential space for leaders and managers to build resilience and develop tips and techniques for dealing with all sorts of different challenges in managing themselves and managing others.

Feedback from clients indicates the importance of having an opportunity to create some ‘headspace’ to offload, reflect and make sense of some of these challenges while adopting new perspectives for effective change.

Innovative leaders are always seeking new ways to become more effective and in response to this desire, IndigoLife has been delivering the Authentic Leadership through Practical Mindfulness programme for some years now.

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Indeed, the New Year sees an opportunity for a new cohort of leaders/ managers to sign up for the six-week Authentic Leadership through Practical Mindfulness programme in collaboration with the Londonderry Chamber. We have been running this programme with the Chamber since 2018 and previous participants have commented on the lasting positive effects from the course on how they manage and lead. The skills and self awareness developed from the course have allowed them to make lasting changes to the way they manage their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others, and indeed how they are as a leader.

The pandemic has sharply highlighted how old methods and styles of leadership are rapidly becoming out of date.

Authentic leadership and compassion are now more urgent than ever in the workplace. Developing a compassionate workplace culture, one which values trust and authenticity and recognises the importance of practical mindfulness as a leadership technique, will lead to greater

focus, engagement, and productivity from your colleagues.

At its core, mindfulness is very simple.

It’s about adopting an attentive, nonjudgemental awareness of the present moment and an awareness of the world around you.

That means being aware of and acknowledging the challenges your colleagues or employees may be experiencing, showing compassion, and supporting them where you can, benefiting both the individual and the organisation. Happier, more comfortable employees almost always translate to more productive, focused and engaged employees.

If you’re interested in signing up for the upcoming Authentic Leadership through Practical Mindfulness programme or in finding out more about what IndigoLife can do for you and your business, get in touch with me at helen@indigolifecoaching.com or call 07719 302988.

MEET AT THE CITY HOTEL

With a dedicated conference and banqueting floor providing eight meeting rooms, we can accommodate up to 350 delegates theatre style with ample space for breakout areas or up to 360 guests for private dining and up to 450 guests for a cocktail party. Our delegate packages are excellent value for money and start from as little as £25 per delegate.

All of our meeting & conference rooms come complete with free Wi-Fi and business packs for delegates. Natural light, air conditioning and built in AV ensure our meeting rooms are comfortable spaces no matter the duration of your conference.

In terms of conference catering we offer refreshment breaks either within your main meeting space or in a private area. Our 150 seater restaurant on the ground floor has fabulous views over the River Foyle and is a good option for event organisers who prefer to offer delegates a change of scenery over lunch.

Our latest addition to our social and meeting space, Herveys Roof Terrace, offers panoramic views over the city and can accommodate up to 40 people for drinks receptions, brunch or informal business gatherings.

We’re also ideally located for national and international events, with train and bus stations within view and our local airport only seven miles from our front door. Limited parking is available in our secure car park, and there are over 600 additional car parking spaces at the Quayside car park within a one-minute walk from the hotel.

For more information contact our events team on 028 71365800 or email events@cityhotelderry.com

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Colin Mullan, Director, Find Insurance NI with Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin

Keeping costs down in a ‘hard’ insurance market The effect that Covid-19 has had on businesses, whether directly or indirectly, is immeasurable, and the insurance industry hasn’t gone unscathed. As Oliver Bate, CEO of Allianz, put it “the virus has hit insurers like a meteorite”.

As businesses look to rebuild post-pandemic, coupled with the already hardening market, the increased need for insurance protection means the demand will exceed the supply for the first time in many years. As a result, the implications of this are likely to affect commercial clients.

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What is the hard market?

There are two types of insurance cycle conditions – hard and soft – that can affect the market. In a hard market, you are likely to see high premiums, a reduced appetite due to stricter underwriting criteria, decreased capacity - meaning insurers write fewer policies - and lower limits on policies. Whereas in a soft market, you will typically see the inverse of this.

We had been in a soft market for around 15 or 16 years, but since the end of 2019 and into early 2020, we’ve been experiencing a harder market. This may be the first time many firms are experiencing a hard market as the last one was in 2001 to 2004.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

What industries are affected?

All commercial businesses could be affected by the hard market as capacity decreases and premium prices rise across the board. However, there are some trades which could be impacted quite heavily.

Food and Drink Industry The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 has led to insurers becoming increasingly cautious when it comes to the use of composite panels, as well as placing additional pressure on food and drink businesses to show that they have strong risk management in place.

In addition, those businesses that have processes that use heat generation, such as deep fat frying, will likely need to have solid safety measures and business continuity plans in order to get cover over the line. The detail and quality of presentations to underwriters will also need to be high to secure the best terms of cover and hopefully reduce price hikes.

The food and drink sector has also been hugely impacted by lockdowns and government regulations around Covid-19. Before the pandemic, insurers were calling for premium increases for casualty risks (which includes product recalls, standard liability, and product liability) to offset the increase in claims and operational fees from legal fees rising. The pandemic will have compacted this as, generally after major scenarios, insurers typically prioritise underwriting property risks over casualty.

Property Owners Storms Ciara and Dennis in early 2020 had an impact on the hardening of the market. House prices were low at the start of 2020, meaning insurers were losing money on property cover. The claims made because of the storms hit

The team from Find Insurance NI at this year’s President’s Annual Dinner

insurers when they were already making a loss on property premiums. Following the two storms, scientists have warned there could be more intense storms and major floods to come, with the frequency increasing to every two to five years in the last decade, compared to 15 to 20 in the past century.

With an increase in the number of claims as a result of storms and floods, in addition to restrictions on what insurers are able to insure because of the hard market, this could continue to drive premiums up and reduce the number of policies they write in the property arena.

What can I do to lessen the impact of the hard market?

We understand that the hard market conditions can be frustrating. There are a couple of things you can do to mitigate the blow of the hard market on your business.

Implement a risk management system Having a robust risk management protocol is key in today’s market. Not only does it help you identify any risks, but it also gives underwriters reassurance that you’re doing all you can to minimise them. Plus, it can help to set you apart from competitors who don’t have one - both insurers and clients may see you as a safer choice.

Speak to your broker Our biggest piece of advice though is to engage with your broker as early as possible. We’re on your side and can use our contacts in the market to find you the best possible cover.

If you have a renewal coming up, you may find that we are getting in touch with you earlier than we previously have done. This is to prepare for any snags that may pop up. We can plan well advance of your renewal date to identify any issues with placing the risk, so we can bolster your presentation to give you the best chance of securing protection.

In addition, we can look at alternative and specialist avenues if the open market isn’t biting.

This also applies to new policies. If you have a fresh risk you need to find cover for, we’d recommend speaking with us early. The sooner we know about a policy your business requires, the sooner we can help you.

To discuss your corporate insurance needs, get in touch with Colin now at colin.mullan@findinsuranceni.co.uk.

Find Insurance NI is based in the North West and was recently named in the Top 100 Independent Commercial Brokers in the UK.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

North West housing market stronger than ever When CONNECTED previously spoke to Mortgage and Protection Adviser Claire Feeney at the start of 2021, she spoke of a housing market which had remained strong and buoyant despite the impact of the pandemic. So, nine or so months on, how is it looking now?

“We can’t really believe it ourselves to be honest”, explains Claire. “Back then, I said I expected a very busy summer of buying and selling and I did predict that the market would remain strong in the short term at least. I was cautious and thought that things like furlough and the end of the stamp duty holiday might combine and slow the market down. But it’s unbelievable to see the sheer level of activity that’s gone on all throughout 2021. I don’t see it slowing any time soon.”

“I think the housing market is a good example of how the pandemic has impacted certain industries in different ways”, Claire says. “Retailers, hospitality businesses like pubs and restaurants, high street businesses, they’ve all obviously found it very tough and have suffered over the past 18 or so months. However, despite the initial shutdown period from March to early summer 2020, property, real estate, and the housing market has been somewhat of an outlier in the economy.

“I think a lot of people in this industry braced themselves for a

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crash of sorts when Covid raised its ugly head, along the lines of 2007/8. Thankfully, that’s not what we’ve seen, both in Derry and across Northern Ireland more generally, and long may it continue.”

Claire has nearly 20 years’ experience in property, having worked for an estate agency before joining Mortgage Solutions four years ago. She says she’s confident about the short-to-medium-term outlook for the market and says competition between both buyers and renters for properties is driving the current spike, with average house prices up 9% over the past year. “I think the lockdown has meant there was a pent-up demand for homes which we’re now seeing the outworking of.

“But people have also had the chance to save up money, a lot of younger buyers especially possibly moved back home with their parents at the start of the pandemic, meaning they have a lot more disposable income than before, and they’re desperate to get their own place”, Claire explains. “All this combined means the market is really

Claire Feeney, Mortgage & Protection Adviser, Mortgage Solutions

competitive at the minute and, where we’d usually see a handful of offers or enquiries on a property, it’s not uncommon now to have well over fifty.

“This makes it tougher for buyers, particularly first-time buyers, to get ahead”, says Claire.

“Which makes it even more important to have a mortgage adviser you can really trust and who knows the local market inside out.”

“Working from home, more disposable income than ever before for a lot of families and buyers, policy decisions like the stamp duty holiday, and even people moving back home to Derry and Northern Ireland from across the water – all these external forces have collided in 2021 and have accelerated the housing market like nothing else in the past decade”, says Claire. “It’s a fascinating time to be working in the sector and I hope the current boom stays around well into the new year.”

For mortgage, protection, and insurance advice, get in touch with Claire at c.feeney@mortgagesolutionsni.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

McCay Solicitors listed in Top 40 Law Firms Local law firm McCay Solicitors have been listed in the Belfast Telegraph’s top 40 law firms in Northern Ireland.

The top 40 list was compiled by independent body Statista following a range of surveys with those within the legal industry. The firm has offices based here in the City’s own Ebrington Square, and has offices in Strabane and Omagh. The firm started out as a niche employment law firm and has since grown to a team of ten providing expert advice in a number of other areas such as commercial law, property, probate, litigation and clinical negligence. The firm’s Managing Director Gareth McCay commented, “I am delighted that our team has been recognised in this way. When I started the firm I wanted to bring the ethos and service levels that I had experienced working in large firms in Belfast and Manchester and provide something here in the North West for the business

community. We started from humble beginnings in 2015 with just myself, a secretary and a laptop in a two room office so it is fantastic that the business has grown to this level and that our amazing staff have been recognised by their peers in this way. This honour is down to our people, we have recruited a fantastic team who are committed to excellence and going the extra yard for our clients. Thank you also to the many clients over the past six years who have put their faith in us, it is very much appreciated.”

The firm is one of only two legal firms in the city to be placed in the top 40 but Mr McCay sees a change in demand within the North West region.

can build relationships with, that they can pick up the phone to directly and that they can see in their office at short notice. Management time is important and businesses don’t have to travel a round trip of three hours to seek commercial legal advice, we are here on their doorstep and our team is already delivering for a number of the leading companies in the North West. We have some exciting plans for 2022 which we are currently working on.”

“Many of the larger firms have been taken over by large English corporates but many clients in the North West don’t want this. Businesses want a service delivered diligently and on time but they also want people that they

Further information on the specialist areas covered by McCay Solicitors can be found on their website www.mccaysolicitors.co.uk where you can also sign up to their monthly newsletter.

Practise Areas Employment Law Commercial Law Litigation Property Probate www.mccaysolicitors.co.uk

Offices; Derry-Londonderry, Strabane,Omagh, Manchester

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Quality team to thank for two decades of success at CavanaghKelly For almost 20 years, CavanaghKelly has been at the heart of the business community in Northern Ireland, working with and supporting local companies.

In that time, the firm has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s leading and most trusted independent business advisory practices.

The local company has continued to grow, expanding its core services of accounts, audit, and taxation, whilst developing its specialist services to ensure clients have access to the support and advice as soon as they need it.

It is now one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory practices with a growing presence in the North West. CavanaghKelly formed in 2003 when Sean Cavanagh and Des Kelly merged their individual businesses and the practice has now grown to a team of almost 100 in its offices across Dungannon, Omagh, Enniskillen, and Belfast.

“We have invested heavily in our staff as, for us, our people are at the centre of our success.

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Without the talent and the skills of our colleagues, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

It is the wealth of experience and expertise of the entire team that means the practice is able to deal with clients promptly, directly, professionally, and successfully”, says Des Kelly, Managing Partner at CavanaghKelly.

The company has continued to strengthen its leadership team over the last number of years, bringing both experience and a fresh energy across the entirety of the practice’s offerings. This includes Steven Lindsay, Director of Advisory and Internal Audit and Londonderry Chamber of Commerce Board Member.

Steven’s expertise and wider network is a driving force in CavanaghKelly’s ability to support businesses across the North West.

More recent senior appointments also include Ryan Falls, Partner of the practice’s Audit, Charity and Regulated Sector; Janette Burns, Tax Director; Anita Doris, Advisory Director; Shauna McStravick, Restructuring Director; Shane Martin, Head of

R&D and Capital Allowances; and Kathy Blair, Senior Manager Private Client.

“Having the right management structure and senior leadership team in place is crucial for any business”, explains Steven. “It’s what we advise our own clients to do, and I think it’s important that we practice what we preach.

Ensuring that you have leaders in your team who can drive your business in a progressive way, support and mentor their junior colleagues, engage effectively and with success for your clients, work with professionalism and discipline – these are really the ‘bread and butter’ qualities you need when it comes to your senior leaders and I’m proud that the team here has them in spades.”

Prior to Covid, the leadership team met to set out the practice’s strategy for the next five years.

Investment in talent sits at the heart of this new strategy and Des says the pandemic has done nothing to throw the practice off its course.

“All of our success comes back to our people. If we don’t

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

(L – R) CavanaghKelly Partners Ryan Falls, Des Kelly, Catherine Martin, and Michael Drumm

have excellent people within our organisation, then we can’t deliver for our clients – it’s as simple as that”, explains Des. “We’ve supported local businesses from initial startup to scale-up phase through to assisting them with handing the reigns over to their next generation of leaders. And we have seen them through a global recession and now a global pandemic.

“We want CavanaghKelly to continue to be at the heart of the business community for another two decades and we can only do that with the best people onboard”, says Des, outlining the practice’s new strategic approach. “Our senior appointments really reflect where we see the business going in the medium-to-long term. We’re combining new, youthful energy that is driving our strategy forward with an existing wealth of experience that

will not only support our clients, but also bring along our next group of leaders.”

Labour shortages across a number of key industries and sectors in the economy have been well documented over the past number of months, with staff recruitment and retention proving a serious challenge for many businesses. So, how have CavanaghKelly fared during the pandemic?

“The team has actually grown considerably over the last eighteen months”, Steven continues. “We have had 33 new staff join us since the start of lockdown and we are still actively recruiting for other roles, which is a fantastic position to be in.

Growth during the pandemic isn’t something to be sniffed at and we’re very proud that we’ve managed to take more people on.”

CavanaghKelly continues to recruit for several roles to support its growing client base across a number of practice areas and spread across its offices. And Des says there’s a role for everyone. “The variety of interesting jobs we have available really reflects the breadth and depth of what we do here. We have always had the ethos of one practice, one team – regardless of which office you may be based in - but this has never been as prevalent as it has been over the last 18 months. I’m very proud of the team we have here and I’m confident about the coming months and years.”

For more information and to discuss how CavanaghKelly can support your business, call 028 8775 2990 or email steven.lindsay@cavanaghkelly.com

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Is the future flexible? How to strike the right balance in a hybrid working world combination of working from home and in the workplace.

• Identify when staff are required to be in the office to fit with the needs of the business and clearly communicate these boundaries to the relevant staff.

By Julie Pollock Owner, Consult HR

The last 20 months have seen a fundamental re-think in how we live and work. The shift to remote work has been a silver lining in an otherwise challenging time, offering staff a greater work-life balance, freedom to live where preferred, and spending more time with loved ones.

In pre-Covid times working from home was almost unheard of, with only 5% of staff operating outside the office. With CIPD figures suggesting that 40% of employers expect more than half their workforce to work regularly from home, and 80% of staff who worked remotely seeking that arrangement to continue, it seems the arrangement is here to stay.

While both a high number of employers and employees alike are seeking to rethink the future of work, a cautious approach must be taken to

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ensure that the right balance is struck.

Making sure working arrangements put in place do not have a detrimental impact on the business must be the top priority of any employer.

It is worth noting that remote working is not for everyone. Under 10% of people report they would not want to work-from-home at all, and particular jobs are simply not suitable for a remote working arrangement. Going forward, employers must not rush towards a one-size-fits-all policy that simply will not work for their business or particular employees.

Are you developing a work-from-home or hybrid working arrangement?

Here are my top tips around what employers should consider when implementing new working arrangements: • Involve your staff in the discussions, ask them what works well and what doesn’t. Research suggests that staff preference is a hybrid approach, a

• Consider whether you will adopt a fully workfrom-home arrangement or a hybrid approach.

This should be given careful consideration, taking into account the potential impact this could have on working relationships. Research suggests those working fully from home reported poorer relationships with colleagues and a more negative impact on their health.

• Clearly set out your expectations around childcare when working from home, i.e., are employees allowed to care for their children when working remotely or must they have appropriate childcare arrangements in place.

• Prepare a clear, bespoke policy setting out who the policy applies to, what the flexible working arrangements are and your expectations from staff.

• Put a trial period in place which will allow you the flexibility to try and test these arrangements with the ability to change this if parts of this arrangement are not working, rather than being stuck with a policy that doesn’t work.

Consult HR has a wealth of experience with developing polices plus all other HR related matters. If you would like any further information or advice, contact Julie on 07858 089006 or by email to julie@consulthr.co.uk.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Ulster University Business School at Magee leading course provision across accounting, business, and leadership With over 6,000 students and 140 academic staff, Ulster University Business School is one of the largest business schools in the UK and Ireland. Here in the North West, from undergraduate to postgraduate, full-time to parttime, the study opportunities at the Magee campus are the backbone of our region’s graduate talent pool, offering local employers highly skilled and motivated students who can fit straight into their business.

Ulster University Business School at Magee

The BSc Hons Accounting with Specialisms allows students to choose specialism at the beginning of year two, with students able to undertake a ‘taster’ module for each specialism subject in year one. The specialisms offered include taxation, management, or analytics. The degree offers full exemptions from Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) CAP1 exams, all ACCA Applied Skills and Knowledge papers, and CIMA exemptions.

new Graduate Certificate has been introduced at Magee to enable those students who may not have studied the ‘straight’ accounting course to stream on to the new MSc International Accounting with Analytics after undertaking this bridging course in the summer semester after they graduate from their degree. The new MSc International Accounting with Analytics enables students to take their studies to the CAI CAP2 level and helps cater for the increasing level of demand for accounting graduates in the region.

Beyond this course, students can study accounting with other subjects including marketing and business, granting them the flexibility to enter a range of graduate roles. A

Claire Scott McAteer, who leads the new MSc International Accounting

The accounting provision has always been a strength of the Business School, and there continues to be an unprecedented level of demand for graduates at an undergraduate and MSc level. In the North West especially, as the need for part-qualified and newly qualified accountants continues to grow, Magee campus will be a hub for the professional development in this field.

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with Analytics, said, “In recent years, the Business School at Magee has led the development of hundreds of highly skilled accounting graduates many of whom have their graduate professional accountancy training position secured before they have even completed their degree.

It is great to see many Magee graduates, who have previously worked in Belfast or Dublin, return to the North West to fill the roles that companies here are advertising. As accounting provision grows, we hope that many more graduates can command the high salaries and good job

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

security that has come to be expected from former Magee students.”

The MSc in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector is one of many excellent part-time courses offered by the University at the Magee campus. This highly successful, unique cross-border Masters programme was designed in response to the demand for strong leadership and innovation within the public sector. Developed specifically for senior executives, this programme provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of both business and strategic issues facing their organisation.

This part-time course is delivered by six twoday residential sessions, providing participants with the flexibility to complete the course alongside their daily work. Course Director, Dr. Tonya Cullen, says that “the unique cross-border approach provides a mechanism for participants to co-create synergies within and across a wide spectrum of public organisations including – finance, revenue, health, social security, agriculture, education, local authorities, and non-departmental public bodies”.

Operated on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis, the MSc International Business course is designed to equip students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the political, social, and cultural aspects of doing business in international markets.

The programme has been delivered from the Magee campus for over twenty years and has provided individuals with a wide range of

Accounting students can undertake courses with a range of specialisms including taxation, management, and analytics

employment opportunities across international roles within the public and private sectors. Past graduates that have gone on to command roles in the global companies including Deloitte and PWC as well as supporting local export driven companies to support talent development within their workforce as they expand into international markets.

“At its heart, the MSc International Business course helps our students

Part-time courses available include MSc International Business

obtain a better understanding of how to develop their strategic outlook on global business decision-making” Course Director, Edel Griffin explains.

“Course participants are looking to advance their career first and foremost, and this programme supports individuals to develop their international management credentials and move both them and their company to the next level.”

The programme offers several pathways to specialise in Human Resource Management and Data Analytics and the flexibility of the delivery options allows students to study at a time and pace to meet their individual needs. The MSc International Business course represents the Business Schools’ commitment to offering modern, innovative courses in an equally modern way. Looking forward, the Magee Business School will continue to lead postgraduate and undergraduate provision across a range of fields including accounting, international business, and leadership. To find out more about the courses available at the campus, visit https://www. ulster.ac.uk/faculties/ulsteruniversity-business-school/globalbusiness-and-enterprise or contact uubsmagee@ulster.ac.uk.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AbbeyAutoline proud of its long association with this city Insurance Broker employs over 40 people locally but eyes further expansion There has always been a strong sense of community in Derry~Londonderry but, perhaps now more than ever before, support for local businesses is vitally important.

As we embark on the road to recovery from the pandemic, it is important for local businesses to stand together and to create a strong voice for Derry through Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

At AbbeyAutoline, we have a long connection with the city and currently employ over 40 people in the area.

This is something we are proud of and actively looking to build upon as we focus on growing our commercial insurance business.

We were there for the people of this city when they needed us through the pandemic and now we are back in our offices at 13A The Diamond to continue supporting this community as we all look to the future.

We are part of this community and when our customers need us they can get us on the phone or come to our offices. Our people are the backbone of our business, and it is important to

us to have offices staffed by local people in the areas where are customers are.

Last month we celebrated our first anniversary as Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker and after an incredibly busy year our business has remained buoyant with commercial retention sitting at 95%.

Created after a merger between Abbey Insurance and Autoline, AbbeyAutoline is part of the Prestige Insurance Holdings Group and has quickly become a market leader in Northern Ireland.

Abbey and Autoline were two of Northern Ireland’s most established insurance brokers, so while our name may be new, AbbeyAutoline can call upon over 45 years of industry experience.

We also have plans to grow the 430-strong team with a number of Commercial Account Executives having joined the company recently and further recruitment planned, especially in the West of the Province.

We have also appointed a new Commercial Director with Jackie Elliott joining the team. Jackie brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in the commercial insurance industry in Northern Ireland for almost 20 years.

Both Abbey Insurance and Autoline were well known for their personal lines such as car, home, van and taxi policies which together with Autoline’s well-established Agri, business and corporate insurance offering, mean that the merged business offers the complete range of insurance products. Business, corporate and Agri are all areas AbbeyAutoline is continuing to expand and grow.

Conor Murphy, Daniel McClintock, Jackie Elliott and John O’Connell.

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The business is in a good place, we have come through a very

Jackie Elliott, Commercial Director at AbbeyAutoline

demanding twelve months, and we know we can rise to the hardest of challenges.

We take great pride in the fact that we have been able to help our clients during lockdown and have been there when they needed us most. Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, we are focussed on growing and expanding the business and our growing commercial team are on hand to guide local businesses through their insurance needs.

To find out how AbbeyAutoline can tailor a policy to suit your insurance needs, visit www.abbeyautoline.co.uk

Exciting News for Lawlink NI! They are now part of Dye & Durham, a global technology company that provides workflow solutions and critical information to legal and business professionals. Dye & Durham partner with some of the world’s top tier law firms and financial institutions and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, providing stability and security to all their customers.

Lawlink are the leading Legal Search Company in Northern Ireland, providing services to Conveyancing Solicitors, Financial Institutions & lenders across the UK. This partnership now ensures that their clients have the most comprehensive list of services available and further establishes their position as the market leader in Northern Ireland.

Business Development Executive Aidan Young stated,

We have been taking steps to transition our

business into the Dye & Durham family, allowing

us to consolidate the products and services that are available across the group and meaning our clients can access more of the information they need, more efficiently.”

He added, “There are a number of changes we will be making to fully integrate our local experience and expertise with the global offering of Dye & Durham but most importantly I would also like to personally reassure all our clients that nothing will change in terms of service, you will still deal with the same people and we remain a trusted partner, committed to helping you succeed. This will not change, even if our name does.”

Dye & Durham connects the largest global network of professionals with public records to support business transactions and regulatory compliance Our Products and services make us the Market Leader for Legal Searching Services in N.Ireland Every step of the way, our customers trust that we’ll deliver efficiencies and improved productivity Our technology-enabled solutions allow our customers to stay focused on making their clients’ a priority.

If you are interested in the services available contact LLNI-enquiries@dyedurham.com 028 9023 0095 www.dyedurham.com

www.dyedurham.com LLNI-enquiries@dyedurham.com 02890 230095 41

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

How Danske Bank is making a difference for businesses in the North West CONNECTED caught up with Peter Houston, head of Danske Bank’s North Business Centre, to talk about the bank’s presence in the North West and why customers starting to invest in their businesses again is a positive sign for the economy in 2022.

Peter, it’s been another interesting year, what have Danske Bank’s priorities been in 2021?

As Northern Ireland’s biggest bank and a key player in the region’s economy, our mission over this past 12 to 18 months has primarily been to do what we can to help get Northern Ireland back on its feet and to play our part in delivering the future success and recovery of the economy. I took up the post of Head of North Business Centre in 2021 and through what has undoubtedly been a period of uncertainty, our team serving the North West has tried to ensure the bank has been a force for good and a leader for business, for the economy and in society.

How have you been supporting customers in Derry and the North West?

Our North Business Centre covers Derry, Coleraine and Ballymena and we have eight relationship managers across the region working with our customers, and a full time customer acquisition manager, Mark Brown.

Derry~Londonderry is a key location and hugely important market for us, with about 30% of the centre’s business customers. As such we have a lot of local people on the ground in the city, including two relationship managers, Gary McLaughlin and Gillian McIvor.

As well as providing financial support for our customers in the North West region during the last 18 months or so, we’ve also spent a lot of time with them, sharing our advice and giving guidance as they have adjusted and pivoted to deal with changes in market conditions. It is encouraging to note that the majority of our business customers in the region have come

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Peter Houston, Head of Danske Bank’s North Business Centre

through the pandemic really strongly and are now thriving and expanding.

What’s your outlook for the year ahead?

Danske Bank’s forecast is for the economy to grow by 5.8% this year and 4.7% next year.

A lot of customers have, as you might expect, held off on investment because of recent uncertainty, but we’re starting to see signs that this is changing, with companies preparing to spend for the future again. For example, our asset and trade finance

(L-R) Peter Houston, Mark Brown, Gillian McIvor, Gary McLaughlin

teams – led by Head of Specialist Business Aaron Ennis - are seeing increased activity from businesses in the North West who are purchasing new equipment and putting facilities in place to support increased export sales.

When it comes to the pace of economic recovery, a lot will depend on the record levels of deposits and pent-up economic capacity turning into consumer spending and business investment. It is also a positive sign that we are now seeing business customers starting their repayments on Covid support loans and payments holidays and turning their attention to investing in growth.

What do you see as the key challenges for local business in the year ahead?

There are clearly a lot of issues that businesses are facing in the short term around trade, supply chains, input costs and talent, but most businesses here have shown incredible resilience

and are getting on and dealing with these situations.

You mentioned that Danske Bank wants to make a difference in society as well as the economy – what does this mean?

One of the biggest challenges facing us all is the climate crisis. Danske Bank has appointed a Head of Sustainability, Chris Martin, to lead our response and we’ve signed up to Business in the Community’s Climate Action Pledge to reduce our own emissions by 50% by 2030. We’ve already taken steps such as replacing all the lighting in our branches with ultra low energy LED lighting, buying 100% of our electricity from renewable sources and making our branches fossil fuel free.

As a bank we play an important role in contributing to the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland. But everyone who works in the bank is committed to making sure our contribution to society goes beyond this and that we leverage our strengths to make a real difference in our local communities through charity initiatives, volunteering our time and supporting sport at all levels.

For example, our North Business Centre recently raised over £4,500 for our fantastic charity partner Aware NI, which has its roots in Derry. Our people are proud of those partnerships and invested in making a difference.

But we’re also looking out and engaging with our customers to support them on their climate journeys through our Climate Action Programme. The programme helps SMEs understand the case for climate action, measure their carbon footprint, plan the targets they want to reach and ultimately commit to make tangible emissions reductions.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Lockton launches new Trade Credit Insurance service Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, has launched a new specialist Trade Credit Insurance team for Northern Ireland.

Nigel Birney has recently been appointed to head up the new service which is now Northern Ireland’s largest team of Trade Credit specialists providing Trade Credit Insurance services, assisting with business growth, and protecting against bad debts.

Trade Credit Insurance provides financial protection for businesses if customers who owe money for products or services do not pay their debts or pay them later than the payment terms dictate. It gives businesses the confidence to extend credit to new customers and improves access to funding, often at more competitive rates.

The appointment comes as the company expands its service offering in Northern Ireland. With over 100 staff already providing business and commercial insurance services from its office in Belfast and its team of Account Executives from across Northern Ireland,

Kieran Hurley, Account Executive, Lockton

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Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton

the addition of Trade Credit Insurance further cements Lockton’s position as the leading and best-resourced brokerage in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after his appointment, Nigel said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Lockton team during a period of ambitious growth for the company, particularly in the specialist area of Trade Credit Insurance. The availability of Trade Credit Insurance and its many benefits will be absolutely vital as we emerge from the pandemic and look to reinvigorate the Northern Ireland economy.

“The last number of years has been a tumultuous period for the local market here in Northern Ireland. Our businesses have gone through many big moments including Brexit, the pandemic, and an absent Stormont, which have affected their confidence when trading locally and overseas.

The Trade Credit service we can now provide at Lockton means that businesses using our service can trade

with confidence and explore new markets knowing that their business is protected against credit risk such as the insolvency of one of their customers.”

The Trade Credit Insurance service will give clients access to intelligent market monitoring, a debt collection service, protection from bad debts, and the potential for greater access to working capital facilities, which combined will help facilitate confident and secure trade both at home and abroad.

“What sets us apart is that we have a very experienced and dedicated team fully committed to building relationships who will work very closely with all our clients to really understand and make a difference to their business”, explains Nigel.

Kieran Hurley, Account Executive for the Derry~Londonderry region, welcomed Nigel’s appointment and said it signalled further growth and

(L-R) Julie McCallion, Leah Smyth, Ruth Hawkins, and Nigel Birney

expansion within the company across Northern Ireland.

“This is a very positive step for Lockton and we are so pleased to welcome Nigel and his team into the organisation”, says Kieran. “Having an experienced and talented Trade Credit Insurance team onboard is serious added value for our clients and customers and sets Lockton apart as the leading commercial insurance broker in Northern Ireland.

As more and more companies

of all sizes in the North West

begin to look towards their post-pandemic recovery, there are export opportunities to be grasped.

Trade credit insurance can give firms the confidence and security to trade globally.”

Gary Ennis, Partner and Head of Office for Lockton in Northern Ireland, says Trade Credit Insurance can play a key role in economic recovery and growth in Northern Ireland as businesses leave Covid in the rearview mirror.

“Nigel will play a crucial role in the development of our Trade Credit Insurance offer here in Northern Ireland as we enhance our services to a range of clients across the private sector”, says Gary. “This is a strategic hire for us and, as a key player in the insurance industry, Nigel brings years of experience. His insights, market knowledge, and expertise will significantly enhance the Lockton offer and strengthen our position within the local market and the island of Ireland.”

“As we emerge from the pandemic, and as business returns to a level of normality, the role that Credit Insurance plays for business is vital.

With vast levels of debt amassed by companies of all shapes and sizes since March 2020, businesses must take sensible and proactive steps to protect themselves, particularly as they seek new markets or recalibrate their supply chains. Our new Trade Credit Insurance team, with years of considerable and combined experience in the sector, is here to help businesses get back on their feet post-lockdown and restore confidence as they begin trading again.”

For more information and to discuss your Trade Credit Insurance needs, contact Nigel at nigel.birney@lockton.com or 07917 107441.

For general insurance needs, contact Kieran at kieran.hurley@lockton.com or 07826 664810.

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VELVET INTERIORS

Velvet Interiors offering bespoke design packages to homeowners and businesses across the North West

Shauna Stewart, Founder of Velvet Interiors

Shauna Stewart founded Velvet Interiors in 2018, and from day one, she sought to base the company on her vision of offering approachable interior design. Within a short space of time the company has become an award-winning design practice working throughout the UK and Ireland.

A graduate of Interior Design at Ulster University, Shauna has a breadth of experience in design and project management, working in the interiors industry for over 20 years.

As a designer and brand manager for European interior brands she brings a unique design aesthetic to Velvet.

Whether at home, on a building site, managing her team, or styling a room, Shauna and her team offer the full design package to clients across the North West.

For home design, the company has broad experience in a diverse range of residential design projects. Shauna works together with clients to interpret their desires and styles, with each project starting with an initial, informal chat to discuss the approach. Spatial planning, lighting design, kitchen design, and window dressing and styling are among the extensive range of services offered by Velvet.

“In a world of Instagram and Pinterest overload, it is hard to know where to begin to understand what is best for

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your home”, Shauna says. “Finding the time to work on your home design can be a real challenge, especially if you are not sure where to look. When you work with us, you are working with a team of experienced designers who can help inspire, plan, and transform your home to compliment your personal style and needs.”

Whilst interior design is the mainstay of the business, Velvet Interiors also has a stunning new studio boutique in Limavady, offering customers the chance to step inside and snap

up something special. Their unique collection of furniture, lighting, home accessories and art has been carefully curated by the team to complement your home. This includes limited edition art prints, stunning coffee tables, luxury home fragrances, and chairs.

Since the company opened its doors, Shauna and her team have worked with public and private sector businesses to deliver projects of all shapes and sizes from a one-room refresh to a space holding 150 desks.

Staff welfare and morale is now a

VELVET INTERIORS

The company operates out of its studio on Main Street, Limavady

Velvet Interiors offer a range of styles and designs for their interior decorating services

leading concern for employers, and Velvet Interiors has helped companies design a space that allows creativity and innovation to flow. And with a full project management offering, Velvet will handle everything and let you get back to running your business.

“Businesses in the North West and beyond are looking toward reinventing their office environment in the wake of the pandemic”, Shauna explains. “There is growing recognition that a dynamic and exciting office space contributes significantly to the culture of a team.

Whether it’s an entirely on-brand office, or a bold statement space, we are creating beautiful, vibrant workspaces designed to drive productivity and inspire.”

The expansive commercial services provided

by Velvet Interiors include workspace interior consultancy and space planning, bespoke furniture design, workspace technology and connectivity installation, and much more. The company are featured on House and Gardens’ “The List”, the ultimate global guide to the best interior designers in the world. Having won the Irish Fit Out Awards Office of the Year 2020, the company is receiving wide-ranging recognition across the island on its ambitious and high-quality work.

“We pride ourselves on only working with the best contractors and commercial partners when working on our projects”, Shauna says. “We are very flexible, and over the years, we have designed spaces in historical buildings, new builds, and everything in between.

We know that value-for-money is everything, which is why we always look to meet and exceed client expectations with everything we do, regardless of the budget.”

Open Monday to Saturday, Velvet Interiors is a one-stop shop for everything home, office and newbuild design in the North West.

Their full, expert-led fit-out team means that all design execution is hassle-free and completed to the highest standard.

To get in touch with Velvet Interiors to discuss your home or business, book an initial appointment, please visit www.velvetinteriors.co.uk/ contact-us or simply call the studio on 028 77763069.

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ALLSTATE NI

Allstate NI Wins Gold At Both UK And Northern Ireland Contact Centre Awards ATSC who has responsibility for over 250 contact centre operators across bases in NI, the US and India.

With a focus on inclusive diversity and dedication to creating a culture of continuous improvement in the workforce, Sabrina was nominated for her determination across all areas of the business, including in driving initiatives to boost employee engagement.

Sabrina led the team that established the ‘Flex It Up’ model, an employee-led flexible working approach, and spearheaded Allstate’s Digital First Strategy.

Sean Benson, Senior Division Leader and Stephen Lomas, Senior Manager

Allstate NI have won six awards across local and national Contact Centre celebrations. The contact centre team at Allstate Northern Ireland have achieved four gold and two silver awards across both the local and national contact centre awards events.

At the London ceremony of the UK National Contact Centre Awards last month, the team took gold in the Contact Centre Manager of the Year and Unsung Hero categories, and silver in the Best Diversity and Inclusion Culture award.

Employees at the Allstate Technology Support Centre (ATSC) celebrated further last week with three awards at the Contact Centre Network Northern Ireland Awards, winning gold in Support Team of the Year and Large Contact

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Centre of the Year and silver for Senior Manager of the Year.

Allstate’s Unsung Hero was Senior Division Leader Sean Benson, who was recognised for playing a key role in moving the company’s operations online in a matter of days due to the pandemic, while himself at risk due to a serious health condition.

Stephen Lomas was also celebrated as Contact Centre Manager of the Year for his outstanding leadership capabilities, unique approach to employee engagement, and his work at the forefront of Allstate’s digital transformation strategy.

Locally, the silver award for Senior Manager of the Year went to Sabrina Lynch, Senior Division Leader at the

Hosted by TV and radio presenter Vernon Kay, the London awards event saw the ATSC team recognised for their innovative approaches to achieving a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Silver win in the Best Diversity & Inclusion Category follows Allstate’s Silver Diversity Mark NI award that made it the first NI company to be recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Welcoming the awards, Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said: “The response of our teams right across the Allstate operation to the changing ways of work could not have been possible without the service desk team at the ATSC. In four days, we had the entire NI operation equipped to operate from the comfort and safety of their homes thanks to an efficient mobilisation led by Sean, Stephen, Sabrina and the 300 strong service desk team.”

Contact Centre of the Year Winners 2021

Great Work Great Life Great People CAREERS AT ALLSTATE NI

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49

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE

A Health Extension Worker, funded by Children in Crossfire, carries out malnutrition checks in Wolisso, Ethiopia

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE: 25 YEARS OF CHANGING CHILDREN’S LIVES As the Derry-based international development charity celebrates its landmark 25th anniversary, Founder and Executive Director Richard Moore reflects on the journey so far and seeks new partnerships to secure future growth.

ORIGINS IN INSPIRATION It may surprise readers to learn that the seeds for Children in Crossfire were sown in the US state of Mississippi in 1992. I participated in a walk organised by Afri (Action from Ireland), in which we re-traced the Choctaw Nation’s Trail of Tears. The Choctaw had donated money to Ireland 150 years earlier during the Great Famine, and this walk gave Irish people an opportunity to show solidarity with them as they faced hard times of their own.

A two-year-old child in Ethiopia who recently received life-saving treatment at St Luke’s Hospital

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I met many remarkable people during that unforgettable trip, including a priest called Fr Pat Clarke who

worked with Brazilian Indians in the Amazon. He and others left me questioning how I might support disadvantaged and disempowered people myself. Having been blinded when I was ten by a British soldier’s rubber bullet, my instinct was to help vulnerable children and I felt my own life experience could enable me to do that effectively.

And so it was, after much planning and effort, that Children in Crossfire was ready to roll by 1996. Our goal was clear and ambitious: to make life better for children growing up in the crossfire of injustice and poverty around the world.

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE

RAISING FUNDS TO HELP IMPROVE LIVES We launched on 28th September with a walk of our own around Derry’s Walls. Hundreds turned up, immediately reminding and reassuring me that the people of our city and the wider North West were global citizens who felt true compassion for the most impoverished in this world.

In our first few years, Children in Crossfire’s principal purpose was to work in partnership with Concern Universal, raising funds for their programmes around the world. Money we raised supported people in Bangladesh, Colombia, Brazil, Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique. In fact, our 2002 campaign in response to dreadful famine in Malawi, run in partnership with The Irish News, raised more than £1million and helped save many lives.

Since then, we have supported many valuable projects including a childhood cancer unit, a disability centre, cleft palate and club foot treatment, malnutrition and emergency feeding projects, education programmes, water and housing provision, a pharmacy, and more. We are still involved in much of that work to this day.

TANZANIA AND ETHIOPIA: LONGTERM IMPACT THROUGH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT By the mid-2000s, it was clear that a step change was needed to take Children in Crossfire to the next level. We sharpened our focus on healthcare and education and began building our own capacity in two countries – Tanzania and Ethiopia – where we could deliver lasting impact through long-term partnerships with local communities.

It was the right move. In Tanzania, our flagship Early Childhood Education programme has grown

from modest roots to now national reach. Over the last ten years, we have become respected leaders in the education sector, consistently producing results that underline the life-changing value of early intervention in children’s lives.

In Ethiopia, we have built enduring relationships that have saved and improved the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the world. For more than a decade, for example, we have supported the therapeutic unit at St Luke’s Hospital in Wolisso where around 350 children receive life-saving treatment for severe Children in Crossfire Executive Director Richard Moore acute malnutrition every year. with pre-school children

When I first met the Addis Hiwot community in Addis Ababa in 2008, NEW PARTNERSHIPS FOR MORE CHANGE they were living in a graveyard in the Everything we have achieved over most extreme poverty I ever witnessed. our first 25 years is down to the Children in Crossfire provided those people who have supported us, some people with housing and education of whom will be reading this. I am and have supported them ever since. sincerely grateful for all that goodwill.

It is wonderful to see young people who were little children then going into As we look ahead with still more employment and further and higher ambitious plans, we will welcome education now. That they are beginning support from Chamber members. I to fulfil their potential as human beings understand the pressures businesses fills me with pride. are facing, but I also appreciate the

deep kindness of people across the ALWAYS FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE North West. We hope to engage with So, as we arrive at our 25th you in the coming weeks to ensure anniversary, we look to the future with the most vulnerable children in this great excitement. Our Early Childhood world get the start in life all children Education programme in Tanzania deserve. will grow significantly over the next We have much to do to but, with three years and beyond, reaching your support, we will be up to the pre-school children all across that challenge. vast country for the first time since we started working there. Hundreds of Children in Crossfire will be further thousands of children will get the start engaging with local businesses in in school every child deserves. the weeks ahead. Any Chamber

member who would like to further We have similar plans for Early discuss Children in Crossfire’s work Childhood Education in Ethiopia too, with Richard Moore should contact building on our experience and Ronan McCay, Head of Fundraising & expertise. In recent months, we launched Communications, on a new programme in Wolisso, with 028 7126 9898 or at the long-term vision of delivering ronan.mccay@childrenincrossfire. the same standard of life-changing org education for Ethiopian children over the next decade as we have done in Tanzania.

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CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT

City of Derry Airport Welcomes Increased Passenger Demand & NEW UK & European Routes As the gateway of the North West, City of Derry Airport (CoDA) has experienced a number of challenges over the last 18 months. As with all businesses across the travel and tourism sector, its been a period of rapid change. However, City of Derry Airport is looking ahead with positivity due to the steady increased passenger loads and the launch of new services to Manchester and Edinburgh, and holidays to the Algarve and Majorca for Summer 2022. Furthermore, with the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund investments for the North West economy, changing market trends, a change in the traveller mindset, and an increased demand from the local catchment area for flying local, it is an opportunistic time for the airport.

restrictions eased, we saw an increasing demand for short breaks and we believe a growing percentage of the local catchment area truly value the benefits of the reduced travel time to get to the airport, the compact single level terminal building, cost-effective parking and business lounge access and, of course, the maximum 15 minute journey time from the carpark to the departure lounge.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, explains, “As City of Derry Airport is positioned with a catchment of over 500,000 people already making 3.5M journeys per year, the airport provides the opportunity to fly local and enjoy a safe, friendly and convenient travel experience.

Summer 2021 brought more great news for City of Derry Airport, as the airport secured a new partnership with NI award winning tour operator, Travel Solutions. Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, expressed her delight, “This new partnership has allowed us to launch some fantastic summer sun holiday packages for Summer 2022, demonstrating the confidence in the market.”

“Summer 2021 was very positive with high load factors of up to 87%. As travel

“The flights, operated by Albastar, will commence on a weekly basis from 29th June 2022, and packages are available for couples, families and groups, with 3* and 4* accommodation types to suit all tastes and budgets. Prices include airport and security taxes as well as 20kg checked in luggage per person, not forgetting that FREE child places are available when you book before 31st December 2021!”

“Bookings are strong and our tour operator holds protection with a CAR and ATOL license, providing passengers with complete reassurance when booking. A booking deposit of just £50pp is required and you can book via your local travel agent or by contacting Travel Solutions on 028 9045 5030 or www.travel-solutions.co.uk.”

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In addition to the year-round services to London Stansted, Liverpool and Glasgow with Loganair, a new Manchester service will be launching from 1st December 2021 as Ryanair returns to City of Derry Airport. Ryanair flights to Manchester will be available three days per week and fares start from just £11.99pp one way.

A new service to Edinburgh with Loganair will also be commencing from May 2022, with all-inclusive fares starting from £53.99pp which includes 15kg hold baggage and in-flight refreshments.

Looking towards 2022 and beyond, Mr. Frazer comments, “Our core objectives are, as always, improving connectivity to key UK & European hubs.

“We look forward to working closely with our airlines, travel agents, tour operators and industry partners to accelerate the growth and recovery of the sector in 2022.”

For more information on City of Derry Airport’s year-round services to London Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and package holidays for the Algarve and Majorca for Summer 2022, visit www. cityofderryairport.com.

DERRY, WATERLOO PLACE, BT48 6BUE | STRABANE, BT82 9EA | MAGHERAFELT, BT45 5AG

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SHAPE YOUR LIFE

Shape Your Life offering a new way of dieting with bespoke online courses

Kevin Flanagan, who has lost three-and-a-halfstone through the Shape Your Life programme Sharon McCormick, founder, and creator of Shape Your Life

“It is not very often that we think about how the foods we eat can affect our mood”, says Sharon McCormick, founder, and creator of Shape Your Life. “But processed foods, such as ready meals, baked goods, and processed meats, can really affect our health in a negative way.”

While most foods require some degree of processing, some foods, known as ultra-processed foods, are chemically processed and tend to be high in artificial ingredients, sugars, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats.

Not all processed foods are bad for you, but their links to higher level obesity and illness across the world are clear.

Whether it be grinding beef, heating vegetables, or pasteurizing foods, most food items are mechanically processed, which does not necessarily make them unhealthy. It is the ultraprocessed, or cosmetic foods, such as pizza, cakes, pastries, fizzy drinks (etc.), high in saturated fats, added sugar, and salt, which are harmful if consumed in excess.

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The Shape Your Life programme has been designed in line with NHS guidelines with a key focus around gut health, nourishing your body, and creating a sustainable lifestyle built around healthy habits. Whether you would like to lose weight, want to transform your body, or reset and rebalance your gut health, Sharon explains, her courses offer something for everyone.

“Our programme focuses on the key areas of successful weight loss. We focus on nourishing and fueling the body and incorporating healthy, sustainable food”, Sharon says. “Shape Your Life delivers consistent results as our groups are run by fully qualified Neuro Linguistic Practioners, which means we are able to help our members change and improve their mindset. We are determined to bring about a sustainable lifestyle change, one which is flexible to your needs and helps you work towards your ideal weight.”

Shape Your Life offer a range of interactive programmes including Food on Mood, Cooking on a Budget, and other bespoke courses that fits your needs and makes you feel good. Past attendees of the group have transformed their lives, with the new plans helping them address their health challenges and get back to where they want to be. This includes Kevin Flanagan, a bus driver from the North West who was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic. Since joining Shape Your Life, Kevin has already lost threeand-a-half stone, and continues to make improvements to his diet and lifestyle.

“To rebalance your diet and make it healthier, replacing ultra-processed foods with whole foods, including grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, must be a first step”, Sharon explains. “When you work with us, you will eat better, feel better, look better, and ultimately change your diet to Shape Your Life”.

To get in touch with Sharon and see how you can take part in the Shape Your Life Groups in Derry~Londonderry, Strabane, Omagh, as well as the interactive programmes on offer, contact her on 07519779345.

EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland – Northern Ireland

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Data Analysis

Visit Our One Stop Shop Website

EuresCrossBorder.eu 55

AIRPORTER

Airporter confident of strong air travel bounce back as company celebrates 25th anniversary The directors of North West based bus company Airporter have said they expect a strong recovery for air travel as Covid restrictions unwind, with pent-up demand from people eager to travel again driving business.

The company, which is celebrating 25 years in business this October, is back to around 60% of its pre-pandemic levels of trade, and directors Jennfier and Niall McKeever are optimistic about the shortto-medium term for the sector.

Airporter runs a regular direct service from Derry~Londonderry to both Belfast airports and provides a vital transport link for the people of the North West.

Opening in 1996 with just two drivers, two buses and around 5,000 customers a year, the company now carries 150,000 passengers annually, has a staff of 30, and a fleet of Mercedes coaches.

In 2018, the company invested £1 million in a custom-built headquarters in Springtown, to futureproof the organisation for growth and development.

Airporter continues to go from strength to strength and, currently, the company is well on its way to carrying 2 million passengers. The company has completed over 100,000 journeys and plays a huge role in improving connectivity to and from the North West region.

“The pandemic has, of course, been a huge challenge for the wider travel and tourism industry but we’ve weathered the storm well and we’re pleased to be

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(L-R) Jennifer McKeever, Director; Kathy Coyle, Customer Service Manager; Niall McKeever, Director; Pamela Deery, Office Manager; and Carla McDevitt, Customer Accounts Manager

operating at around 60% of our prepandemic levels”, explains Airporter Director, Jennifer McKeever.

From the start of October, international travel in Northern Ireland has been much freer of Covid restrictions, meaning travelers can go on holiday and explore the world beyond our shores much easier.

Jennifer says this has been a positive for Airporter and everyone involved in the travel and tourism industry.

“We’re excited and optimistic about the bounce back of the industry as

vaccine levels rise and people get back travelling again. We’ve already seen a positive return of trade during the summer with people eager to get back on holiday again and with students going to university across the water”, says Jennifer.

Besides the return of domestic and international travel, the Airporter team are excited by the short-tomedium term outlook for the North West and ongoing projects which are boosting the region’s connectivity and economy. “As the infrastructure in the North West continues to improve all

AIRPORTER

Airporter celebrated its 25th birthday in October this year

the time, we are hugely optimistic about the future”, explains Niall McKeever, Airporter Director.

“The completion of the A6 dualling project, scheduled for next Spring 2022, is not just a potential gamechanger for Airporter, but also for the North West economy. Improved connectivity between our region and other leading economic hubs across the UK and Ireland will bring increased investment, more jobs, and greater prosperity for the North West.”

The recent COP26 Climate Conference, held in Glasgow, has thrust the climate crisis into the spotlight for businesses and governments across the world.

Airporter is ready and willing to play its part to get us to net zero.

“Looking forward, decarbonisation and sustainability will become even more of a key priority for Airporter”, says Niall. “The transport sector has a real opportunity to lead the way in terms of meeting our net zero goals and transitioning to more climate friendly and carbon neutral ways of doing business. We are conscious of the challenges ahead of us, but we are excited about meeting them head on over the next 25 years.”

Reaching a quarter of a century in business, for any company, is a huge success and the team at Airporter, ably led by the McKeevers, is rightly proud. “We’re so proud to have reached this hugely significant milestone and of everything we’ve achieved over the past 25 years. When we set out in 1996, there was no formal or reliable transport link between the North West and the two Belfast airports, and we had just two small buses”, reflects Jennifer.

Jennifer and Niall McKeever, Directors, Airporter

“Now, we carry over 150,000 passengers annually. We’re privileged to be so many people’s first choice for travelling to and from the North West – people going to work, students going to university, families reuniting, visitors coming to the North West.”

For Niall, it’s important to remember why Airporter first came about. “Airporter was born out of a need to serve the local community here in the North West and we remain absolutely committed to Derry and

beyond. We have developed a recognisable and successful brand during this period, as well as creating and sustaining a crucial infrastructural link between our region and the two Belfast airports, and we want to thank everyone who has supported us since 1996 – our staff, our customers, both Belfast International and Belfast City Airports for their ongoing partnerships with us, and the people of Derry and the North West for supporting us always.”

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ULSTER UNIVERSITY

Transform your business with Ulster University Business across the North West have agilely and expertly navigated the generational impacts of Brexit and the pandemic. As businesses begin to emerge from a period of stabilization, proactive leaders will now pivot to redesigning their businesses and propositions to best meet the needs of their customers, consumers, and employees.

Business transformation can be both exciting and daunting. Sometimes it is best finding a collaborative partner with the depth and breadth of knowledge that can support all your business needs. In Ulster University, you may have the perfect innovation partner on your doorstep. You can benefit from the world-leading skills, expertise and facilities at our Magee

campus including the advances developed through the Derry & Strabane City Deal. You can also access capabilities at our Coleraine and Belfast campuses.

What type of partnership could be best for you? A Knowledge Transfer Partnership may be your best solution working with the university and a high-calibre graduate to develop the idea or opportunity.

Alternatively, you may want to take advantage of Ulster’s Consultancy Services or license our technology.

Licensing Technology is a great way to access world-leading technology differentiating your product or service.

If you want to a closer collaboration, consider a Spin-in/Spin-out relationship where you will benefit from the expertise and support of the entire university.

Finally, Ulster can tailor a PhD Research Project to your needs which may be the most cost-effective way to solve your challenge.

Ready to transform? Contact Ulster University to begin your transformation.

Our research and technology are catalysts for innovation.

We partner to create value and social impact.

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DA VINCI’S HOTEL

Make memories this Christmas in Caterina’s Bistro, Da Vinci’s Hotel Da Vinci’s Hotel has been at the heart of Christmas celebrations throughout the years so let’s make this Christmas extra special. After a year of virtual meetings reconnect with your work colleagues and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch or dinner. With live music in the bar every weekend and DJ set in Caterina’s on selected dates, the festive spirit will be well and truly alive, bringing in Christmas & New Year.

New Executive chef, Chris “Tufty” Moran, is renowned within the industry and has travelled the world honing his craft of fine dining. Throughout his career he has worked along with esteemed chefs such as Nick Nearns in Glasgow, Phil Howard in London, Robbie Millar in Bangor aswell as working in the prestigious Gleneagles.

His key focus is sourcing local produce and transforming it into a gastronomic delight, evident in his menu. With dinner menus priced at £24 for two courses & £29.50 for three courses it offers excellent value for money at a time where customers are price conscious.

Speaking on the re-opening of Caterina’s Bistro post lock-down, Olga Henry, General Manager expresses “It has been an exceptionally difficult

year for the hospitality industry however the reopening of Caterina’s Bistro has shown how resilient the industry has been and that a bright future lies ahead. We were delighted to relaunch our Gourmet Wine Dinner evenings & Festive Wreath workshops which sold out within days, indicating the appetite there is for social events to return.”

If you would like to book for Caterina’s Bistro online bookings are available via Open Table UK or calling 02871 279111.

DA VINCI’S

FESTIVE LUNCH

Two courses £18 | Three courses £22

FESTIVE DINNER

Two courses £24 | Three courses £29.50

BOXING DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY Two courses £24 | Three courses £29.50

DJ set in Caterina’s Bistro & live music in Da Vinci’s Bar on selected dates.

For more info see www.davincishotel.com/christmas.html Credit card details are required at the time of booking. T&C apply

15 Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 8JB

T: 028 71 279 111

caterinas@davincishotel.com

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NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE

College Academies Assuring The Way Forward Assured Skills Academies funded by the Department for the Economy and delivered by North West Regional College (NWRC), are changing the employment landscape in the North West.

In just three years, NWRC has supported more than 300 potential individuals who have gone on to full-time employment after completing an Assured Skills (PreEmployment) Academy, with plans for a further 400 potential jobs in the next three years.

Recently, the College launched its second Assured Skills Welding Academy

giving 12 successful applicants the opportunity to receive industry-standard welding training during a five-week course at the college’s Greystone campus, followed by two-weeks of consolidation training at one of four engineering companies in the North West area. Participants who complete the Academy are guaranteed an interview for a welding position at companies which include Fleming Agri, Crossland Tanks, Terex, and E&I Engineering. Three more Welding Academies will be offered at NWRC before Spring 2022 including the NWRC Specialist Pipe TIG Welding Academy in partnership with AE Global in January 2022 and the NWRC General

Welding Academy in March 2022.

NWRC is currently midway through the tenth Assured Skills Academy with FinTrU, a four-week intensive training course in partnership with Ulster University to develop core skills for the business services sector. Participants who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role at FinTrU’s NW Centre of Excellence.

Assured Skills Academies are a short, demand-led, pre-employment training programme, fully funded by the Department for the Economy, to upskill individuals and help them compete for guaranteed job vacancies in expanding indigenous businesses and new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies.

The model has a dual aspect, supporting employers who require workers with specialised training and skills, providing them with an opportunity to see the suitability of participants whilst assessing them as potential employees.

Sinead Milligan, Business Development Executive; Marc McGerty, Business Development Executive; and Sinead Hawkins, Business Skills Manager

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Assured Skills also support participants progress into new careers, giving them an insight into the

Maggy McCartney, HR and Health and Safety Manager, Fleming Agri; Caleb Ward, Welder; Sinéad Hawkins, Business Skills Manager, North West Regional College; Jonathan Lecky, Managing Director, Fleming Agri Products; Kyle Stothard, Welder; and Adrian Wilson, Welding Training Co-Ordinator, Fleming Agri Products

work of their potential employer, whilst learning new transferable skills. This specialised training to future employees, ensures that those who graduate are ‘job ready’ to work either within their placement companies, or within the sector.

NWRC provides the training, skills and certifications on these programmes and coordinates and engages with the companies on their skills needs to develop the training programme.

Sinead Hawkins, Business Skills Manager at NWRC, said Assured Skills Academies have been a huge boost for the North West, providing opportunities to kick-start individuals into careers in a number of growing sectors. She added, “I am passionate about growing these Academies for the North West Region. They are a fantastic opportunity for new talent to progress in the industry by addressing the skills shortage.”

“The talent and skills pool in the area continues to grow and strengthen, thanks to the success of the academies, which are employer led and offer high quality training opportunities and allow all our successful participants to hit the ground running when they enter the world of work.”

a wide range of career options in a number of industries and recruiting more women into this profession can help us fill this skills gap.”

“Academies have a hugely positive impact on the North West City regions’ economy by feeding into local business needs. NWRC has supported over 300 individuals though the academies in the past 3 years, in sectors such as Customer Service, Financial Services, and more recently, Welding, with more than 92% getting a job offer at the end of the programme.”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC said: “NWRC has worked hard establishing strong links with the local business community.

Whether it’s training new and existing staff, or providing cutting edge research and innovation expertise, the college, with support from the Department for the Economy, continue to support businesses to maximise their potential and go further than before.”

“Our Welding Academies have proved extremely popular with almost 200 applications for 12 places. We’d like to encourage more females to consider applying for future welding academies.

Training as a welder can open up

“The College is committed to closing the skills gaps and supporting the North West Region for a post-Covid economy and future labour market.”

For more information on how NWRC’s Business Support Centre can support your business contact Sinead Hawkins on Sinead.hawkins@nwrc.ac.uk 07809100689

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BUSINESS ADVICE

business advice and employers to widen their net in their search for workers. The Partnership has supported and facilitated the free movement of workers and jobseekers during its lifetime. However, the UK decision to leave the EU ends the Partnership’s ability to apply for EU funds and to be a part of the wider EURES network.

Joe Lavery

Northern Ireland Coordinator, EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE EURES CROSS BORDER PARTNERSHIP After almost 25 years in existence, the EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland – Northern Ireland, as we know it, will cease to exist. The partnership is a member of the European Employment Services family and is one of around 10 partnerships across the EU. Made up of representatives from Government bodies, chambers of commerce, trade unions and employer organisations from both sides of the border, the EURES Cross Border Partnership has always supported cross border workers, jobseekers, and employers from both sides of the border.

Funded and backed by the European Commission, the EURES Cross Border Partnership has provided a network of advisers to help workers with their queries, jobseekers to find jobs

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The good news is that the Cross Border Partnership will continue to operate, under the new name of the Cross Border Partnership for Employment Services.

Funding will come jointly from the Department of Social Protection and the Department for Communities.

With the partners remaining the same, the adviser network will continue to be as strong and vibrant as it has in the past and will continue to offer similar services to the crossborder worker, jobseeker and employer as it has done for over 20 years.

The value of the Cross Border Partnership cannot be underestimated, and it will continue to offer support to employers, workers and jobseekers in the North West region as well as across the whole border region.

More details to follow in the coming weeks but do keep an eye on our website and social media for further updates.

Gareth McCay

Managing Director of McCay Solicitors WHAT CAN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS? In the past month alone, I have been asked to review 4 sets of Restrictive Covenants in an employment contract/service agreement in order advise as to enforceability. On each occasion I have advised that the covenants were unenforceable, much to the surprise of the client who was left facing a loss of business with little recourse.

Restrictive Covenants are normally included in the employment contracts of senior employees in an effort by an employer to restrict what the employee can do post-termination of their employment.

Typically, the covenants prevent solicitation of customers, clients, suppliers, other employees, or general competition for a defined period after termination, in order to protect the employer’s confidential information, customer connections, goodwill and the stability of its workforce.

The difficulty is that any contractual term restricting an employee’s activities post-termination is void for being a restraint of trade and contrary to public policy, unless the employer can show that it has a legitimate interest which is appropriate to protect and that the protection sought is no more than is reasonable having regard to the interests of the

BUSINESS ADVICE

parties and the public interest.

Restrictive Covenants are hugely attractive in circumstances where say an experienced sales manager moves to a competitor and takes customer information with him and uses this for the benefit of the competitor. Armed with an enforceable Restrictive Covenant, it is possible for an employer to obtain an interim injunction restraining both the ex-employee and the competitor as well as an award for damages potentially against both the ex-employee and the competitor. Armed with a Restrictive Covenant that is poorly drafted, too wide, vague, uncertain or does not relate to a legitimate interest will usually result in a business having no recourse and incurring a catastrophic loss to a competitor.

My advice would be to customize Restrictive Covenants at the outset then review them on an ongoing basis and particularly at times when an employee’s role changes, or they are promoted.

Chris Wynne

Head of Financial Crime Prevention, Danske Bank PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST FRAUD In early 2021, the Royal United Services Institute published a report on the impact of fraud in the UK. It stated that “its impact on the private sector has consequences for both the stability of individual companies and the broader reputation of the UK as a place to do business.”

Anecdotal feedback tells us that our customers are more worried about their accounts being ‘taken over’ than being caught out in a scam where they send money to a criminal.

Yet according to UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud cost businesses £91.3m in 2020. Criminals continue to use social engineering to deceive and impersonate, often employing simple techniques to great effect.

How does that affect your business? The weakest part of many processes is us, the human being. Responding to a ‘dodgy’ text claiming to reschedule a delivery or to listen to a voicemail may seem innocuous, however in replying, the individual may divulge personal information. Using this a criminal can probe a bit further and perhaps access email or other accounts.

Two of the biggest loss categories for businesses are Invoice Redirection and CEO fraud, both often linked to email compromises. The goal is to get a business to make payments to an account controlled by a criminal, usually on the back of an email received. Whilst the most common, they are also the most preventable.

Ensuring that the beneficiary account details received are correct by confirming with the email sender or intended beneficiary, would stop these scams in their tracks. A call using a phone number known to be correct could make all the difference.

Does your business have appropriate controls in place to prevent this type of fraud, and more importantly, are they being used? Contact Chris at christopher.wynne@ danskebank.co.uk

Sandra Moffett Head of Ulster University Business School at Magee NOW IS THE TIME TO UPSKILL AND REFOCUS Although the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, many are returning to a ‘normalised’ mode of living, embracing onsite working arrangements whilst facilitating a parallel hybrid, virtual existence.

This dual approach is perhaps more challenging than we ever imagined, as we juggle face-toface events and engagements, with Teams and Zoom calls and the ever-growing email demands, whilst craving a coffee catch up with colleagues and friends. We seek to reconnect in a social setting whilst being ever present in a virtual world. Being kind to colleagues, supporting those who are challenged with health and family commitments, facilitating home working and caring duties was our new norm but what will the future hold?

At Ulster University Business School, we encourage you to take stock of your current status, reflect on how far you have come and how much you have coped with in the last 18 months. Appreciate the journey has been tough and waters have been unchartered.

Breathe and be present, be complementary to yourself. But what is next, for you and your business?

Now is the opportune time to upskill and refocus. Take on the challenge of a new learning opportunity, strive for that promotion, get a further qualification, or build your team so you are armed and ready to accept the new opportunities that lie ahead. Ulster University Business School at Magee is here to help you reconnect, personally and professionally. Our students are employability ready, primed for new ways of working onsite, virtual or hybrid depending on your business needs. Students are equipped with skills much in demand by local businesses in areas such digital transformation, innovative and entrepreneurial design thinking, leadership, marketing, international business, and business analytics.

Academic staff are keen to engage in business support so let us help you take your business to the next level. I urge you to reflect, reach out and reconnect, and let us help you to cocreate the business solution that you need post pandemic.

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ULSTER UNIVERSITY

The Social Justice Hub at Ulster University Magee campus

Dr Esther McGuinness: Leading Ulster University’s Legal Minds to Make a Real Difference in the North West 64

Born and bred in the city, Dr Esther McGuinness is a Derry native, where she is now Head of the Ulster University School of Law and co-founder of the University’s Law Clinic, the only access to justice programme of its type in the UK and Ireland.

Esther co-founded the Social Justice Hub at Magee, alongside her colleague Claire Mulrone, who manages the University’s Community Engagement Team, in March 2018, primarily to provide support for survivors of domestic abuse, but it has since then developed to become the community outreach limb of the Law Clinic.

“As Co-Director of the multi-award-winning Ulster University Law Clinic, I supervise LLM Access to Justice Masters students in providing a range of pro-bono services”, Esther explains. “These services are given to claimants who might otherwise be unrepresented in areas of social security, employment, and family law from offices in both Magee Campus and in Belfast.”

Though Esther has over 25 years’ experience in the field of employment law, she took a somewhat non-traditional route into law and began her working life nursing. “Much like working with patients on the ward,

ULSTER UNIVERSITY

communication skills are vitally important when dealing with clients in law and legal education”, Esther notes.

Under her leadership, the University’s School of Law offers innovative and progressive courses combining legal education and practical skills which benefit students and employers in equal measure. A suite of new postgraduate courses is also on offer, including Employment Law and Practice delivered in partnership with The Labour Relations Agency and Legal Island, and International Commercial Law and ADR delivered with Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Alison Donaldson Legal and Mediation NI. A first-of-its-kind Corporate Law, Computing and Innovation course has just been introduced, delivered in partnership with a range of legal and computing experts.

“While the benefits of studying law for developing written and spoken communication skills are well-known, we understand that supporting student wellbeing is fundamental to students’ future careers, whether as legal professional or other roles”, Esther says. “From collaboration and project management to analysis and research, our courses will prepare students as far as possible for the professional practice. But it is the community, supportive ethos that underpins the Law School.”

Research emerging from the School of Law is both pioneering and world leading. Results from the UK National Exercise (REF) assessing its research placed it fourth in the UK in terms of research and first overall for research impact, eclipsing the results of much larger law schools.

During the pandemic, Esther, and her colleagues in the Legal Innovation Centre, worked in collaboration with the LLM Access to Justice student community at the University to assist with the huge number of Covid-19 related inquiries to the Law Clinic. Together, they developed an innovative digital platform to help navigate their queries to ensure those

Dr. Esther McGuinness, Head of the Ulster University School of Law and Co-Founder of the University’s Law Clinic

with greatest need were assisted first.

Esther said, “Beyond our work around issues such as redundancy, furlough and layoffs, other colleagues are working on a digital triaging system for family law enquiries. These types of practical innovations are going to impact on legal services delivery and advice in the future, but where necessary, they must not replace face-to-face consultations.”

Ulster University Law Clinic couples the legal talents of its student body to meet the needs of clients on a community level. In 2018, the Law Clinic, in partnership with the Community Engagement team, expanded onto the Magee campus developing a Social Justice Hub to enhance effective participation in Derry. Over the last 10 years, the University’s commitment to community engagement and work with voluntary organisations has allowed it to provide extensive advice and support to a range of groups in areas of employment, social security and family law.

The Hub seeks to enable community engagement with local partners, increased partnership between academic teams resulting in cross-faculty student engagement (both social work, arts, and law).

“It enables the team to mobilise the practice of law for students, academics and community-based clients and partner organisations”, Esther explains, “providing an informed service for communities, while also directly enhancing employability for students in the Law Centre.”

If you are interested in working with the School of Law or supporting the work of the Social Justice Hub, please contact lawclinic@ulster.ac.uk. Keep up to date with news by visiting www.ulster.ac.uk/lawclinic/home where details of an upcoming symposium on the Impact of Poverty in Derry, in partnership with NSPCC, will soon be published.

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DOWN MEMORY LANE

Down Memory Lane Joe McGinnis

Managing Director, Braidwater

What age are you?

I am 38 years old. I have been in the property development industry for almost 20 years.

Where in the city are you from?

I was born in Faughanvale and I’ve lived there all my life. A fantastic place with a beautiful view over the Foyle.

Explain what your business does.

Braidwater, a family-owned home— builder have been working in the North West, Northern Ireland and the wider UK for almost 50 years. Our team of over 100 talented people have managed and led major private and social housing developments across the country. Put simply, we build houses.

What is your title and how long have you been in post?

I am the Managing Director of Braidwater.

My father, Patrick McGinnis, founded the company in 1973, and I have led the company now since 2010. Having began my journey with Braidwater at the age of 18, and working my way up from foreman, to contracts manager, to my current role, I have a strong cross-section of understanding of what it takes to solve the problems in order to deliver within this industry.

Tell me how your business began.

Braidwater had very humble beginnings.

My father’s family farmed like most of the rural population at that time, after leaving his job at DuPont in 1973, he dug the foundations of his first house in Iveagh Park, Gortgare. His first construction contract, Newbuildings Primary School, quickly followed, and my father earned himself a reputation for honesty, integrity, and productivity.

Ballynagard Road created a major amount of hassle for anyone going up and down to build the houses never mind look to buy a house.

People adapt well and everyone seemed to continue as normal.

Now, though, our troubles are bureaucratic in nature. The red tape facing the home-building sector grows every single day, and it is posing serious challenges to our Patrick McGinnis, founder of Braidwater, pictured business and the wider industry. with his son Joe McGinnis, Managing Director of While the city has changed Braidwater dramatically from the dark days, for our business in particular, opportunities remain for improvement always rely on for the best advice, and in order to overcome these challenges that’s your granny. Her advice to me was and continue to deliver homes. simple: read everything. No matter what is presented in front of you, read it, and Has the ethos of the business changed you’ll find something useful. I often think over the years? of how many lessons that I would have Since my father founded the missed without her advice! company, our philosophy has remained the same: regardless of Has the way you do business in the city what you’re doing, do it with integrity. changed much over the years – examples Be it contacting a client, speaking with of anything that is better now? your foreman, or simply carrying out Within any industry, you are always your daily work, do it to the highest looking for ways to innovate and improve standard and in keeping with the the way you do business. For us, we reputation that Braidwater has built build houses, and there will always be over the years. new construction skills to learn or new technologies to develop. The way we What’s the best bit of business advice work at Braidwater today is very different you have been given over the years? to how it was when I first started, but There’s only one person you can the core principles of persistence while having a positive and problem solving approach to every challenge remain integral to our work.

What can businesses learn from the past to build a strong future?

What was the city like outside your windows in that era? How has it changed?

Like many who grew up during the Troubles, there are certain things you just don’t forget, for example, I remember when Cranlee Park in Culmore was being built, and the checkpoint just past

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In July 1991, NI Industry Minister Mr Richard Needham attended the sod cutting at Braidwater’s new £5m office block development at Dorman’s Wharf, Waterside

The experience of working my way up within the company has taught me the value of flexibility, being dropped in at the deep end and being able to adapt.

Be it your skillset, your approach to work, or even your business model, I would say that not pigeonholing yourself and being flexible in your approach is the best way to build a strong future for both you and your business. This is also the most important skill any young person can learn.

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APPOINTMENTS

CavanaghKelly

Everglades Hotel

1. Shauna McStravick Shauna McStravick has been promoted to Director at CavanaghKelly. Shauna joined CavanaghKelly in 2016 as a Manager. Shauna will continue to lead CavanaghKelly’s Business Recovery and Insolvency team and work alongside other departments as we continue to grow the practice.

4. James Toal James Toal, who comes from Co Armagh, has been with Hastings Hotels 11 years.

Easy Customs UK 2. Christopher Sweeny Christopher is Assistant Manager of Easy Customs UK and has sole responsibility for overseeing the needs of clients sending goods between NI and GB as well as supporting those with Irish and Rest of World customs requirements.

Prior to joining Easy Customs, Christopher has been pivotal in running a successful family business in Donegal.

Chris focuses on supporting clients in all trade and customs related matters and in particular helps them navigate the challenging documentary environment that life post-Brexit presents.

3. Alan Ferguson Alan has joined Easy Customs UK as a Customs Consultant and brings a wealth of accounting and VAT experience to his role.

To date, Alan has supported our many clients requiring assistance in closing out their supplementary UK and NI customs declarations and continues to go above and beyond for these clients in his day to day role.

We are delighted to welcome Alan to the team

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He started his career with the group as Trainee Manager in 2008 and spent time training at the Everglades,as well as the other hotels within the group, so he is no stranger to the North West.

Most recently he managed the Percy French restaurant within the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, bringing it to new levels of success and it is this reason that James was promoted this summer to be General Manager of the Everglades Hotel.

James not only brought with him his skills, and serious work ethic to the Everglades, but also his Fiancée Aleksandra Golan as Sous Chef who worked with him in Newcastle and brings her amazing culinary talents to the kitchens in the hotel. Her Derry Girls Afternoon Teas are already Legenderry!

McCay Solicitors 5. Sara Plower Sara is a graduate of University of Liverpool and after a number of years as a director in a local company she returned to education achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Law from the University of Ulster. Sara joined the McCay Solicitors firm in July 2016 as a Paralegal initially assisting the Managing Director before progressing to run her own caseload of personal injury, employment law and clinical negligence cases. Sara commenced her apprenticeship in 2019 and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of Northern Ireland in September 2021, having graduated from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queens University with Distinction. Sara’s main current practice areas are conveyancing and probate.

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6. Tara Vij Tara has joined the McCay Solicitors firm in the position of Marketing Executive. With an extensive career in PR, marketing and design, she will develop and oversee all of the firms marketing needs, website management and social media marketing. Tara’s skillset in media management and relations stems over 12 years with previous experience in working with the Derry News and Manager at the County Derry Post under the River Media Group. She has also created a much needed service locally for PR, Marketing and Event Management needs which also incorporates an inhouse publication servicing the North West of Ireland. Her specialty and forte excels in social media marketing which will be an invaluable asset here within our firm. We strive to offer an exceptionally high standard of work throughout and look forward to having Tara communicate this effectively via our various marketing mediums.

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NWRC 7. Aidan Mulcahy Aidan joins NWRC from Kevin Watson Group, where he was Financial Controller.

He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), graduated with a BA in Law and Accounting from the University of Limerick and is a former JP McManus Scholarship recipient. Aidan has a broad range of experience across Construction, Manufacturing and Financial Services, previously working for Bemis in Campsie, LGT Capital Partners in Dublin and Challenger in Sydney, Australia.

A proud Limerick man, Aidan moved to the North West in 2015 and now lives in Co. Derry with his wife and four young sons. As Head of Finance at NWRC, he will be based at the Strand Road campus and will oversee the college’s finance functions.

8. Sinéad Milligan Sinéad Milligan has 18 years diverse service-led experience in IT and Marketing following a degree in Business, Masters in Computing and Information Systems as well as spending a year studying Business and German in the US. She began her career as an IT programmer and moved in to business as she was quickly drawn to the

world of client services and business development. She spent 10 years working in the private sector as a Client Manager where she secured and managed relationships with key clients throughout NI, mainland UK, ROI and US. In 2013, she decided to work parttime and balance the needs of a young family which led her to the role of Employer Liaison Officer in North West Regional College securing strong relationships within Industry and supported local economic development through the successful delivery of DfE funded ApprenticeshipNI programmes.

Throughout this time, she expanded the role by leading in operational and compliance related projects and led in the development of an Employer Management Information system for NWRC. She is looking forward to her new role as Business Development Executive where she will be working on Assured Skills Academy programmes delivered

by NWRC and managing key client accounts to ensure high standards of client satisfaction and service delivery is achieved.

Ulster University 9. Micky Quigg Micky Quigg, taking up his new role as Project Development Officer with Ulster University Business School. Micky is no stranger to the campus or University having graduated with a BA Hons Drama from Ulster University, Magee in 2014. Micky then worked for Ulster University Students’ Union for three years, two years as the Magee Vice President for Academic and Students Affairs – and one as the Campaigns and Communications Officer across the four campuses.

After UUSU, in 2017 he moved away from home to America and worked for the New York Gaelic Athletic Association, he spent four years with the sporting organization, two as Hurling Development Officer – then was promoted to Games Development Manager in 2019.

Micky comes with a wealth of experience in event management and stakeholder engagement, which he will surely bring to the forefront in his new role.

Velvet Interiors 10. Rachael McCrea Velvet Interiors are delighted to welcome a new senior design to the team, Rachael McCrea Rachael has a wealth of experience in home design having previously ran her own design business. She brings a unique style and eye to interior design and retail to Velvet Interiors.

Rachael will head up their Limavady studio and boutique as well as domestic interior design.

Rachael@velvetinteriors.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to The Chamber CONNECTED is highlighting some of the Chamber’s newest members. Let us introduce you to the wider range of members that the Londonderry Chamber represents across the North West. Will your business be featured in the next edition?

#GrowingBusinessNW

Welcome to new member Belmont Strategy. Belmont Strategy is a specialist communications and public affairs consultancy that operates exclusively in the clean energy, planning and infrastructure sectors.

Welcome to new member Wild Atlantic Distillery - an awardwinning Gin, Vodka and Whiskey Distillery based in Co Tyrone and draws its inspiration from Ireland’s stunning coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way. The distillery is located on the outskirts of Aghyaran – close to the Sperrin Mountains – and only 15 miles from Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. As lovers of traditionally crafted spirits and history, they are all about maintaining the long history of independent, traditional and craft distilleries that Ireland and particularly Co Tyrone has to offer.

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Welcome to new member Lee Kennedy Planning. A chartered planning and development consultancy practice working throughout the whole of the United Kingdom & Ireland. Full members of the RTPI, NAPE & TPCA. The Practice was established in 2015 but the Principal Planner has over 20 years experience in planning consultancy working on the biggest and smallest of both private and public development projects. Previously, he worked for one of NI’s largest independent consultancy firms 15 years.

I left in 2015 to establish my own independent planning consultancy firm. All clients are provided with a full professional personal service no matter how big or small their project. I’ve obtained a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge across all sectors of planning, both urban and rural, having a specialised knowledge of planning enforcement. My work entails carrying out planning appraisals, applications, appeals, inquiries, concept statements, environmental, retail impact assessments, general planning, development advice and due-diligence. I combine my expertise with a dynamic fresh approach tailored to each specific project with a focus on delivering successful results for my clients. This success is evident in the growth of my business and the repeat instructions from existing clients

Welcome to new member Toast Accountants. Toast Accountants are a totally online accountancy practice that is committed to providing exceptional, cost efficient accountancy & taxation services with the implementation of cloud accounting software.

BENEFITS OF BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER

B2B MARKETING Connect with over 350 other North West business, make the most of sponsorship opportunities, and reach over 12,000 users across our social media

LOBBYING & ADVOCACY The voice of business in the North West

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & THE LEARNING CENTRE Providing your business the skills & training to succeed

CONNECTED CONNECTED, the North West’s only business magazine, is the Chamber’s tri-annual publication & reaches an estimated readership of 20,000

BUSINESS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Supporting your business to grow, expand & succeed in a successful North West

EVENTS With over 40 online & in-person events every year, you can learn, connect, network & influence

CONTACT LONDONDERRY CHAMBER: Paul Clancy,

Mairead Reid,

Anna Doherty,

paul@londonderrychamber.co.uk 07548 210 655

mairead@londonderrychamber.co.uk 07548 210 653

anna@londonderrychamber.co.uk 71 07548 210 657

CEO

Business Development Executive

Events Manager

CHAMBER MEMBER STORY

How does your membership benefit you?

With air cool engineering NI Managing Director, Martin Mullan

It is safe to say that this year has not turned out how many of us expected. Like others in January, we felt a strong sense of hope and optimism that the worst of the pandemic was behind us.

The first half of this year, however, was characterised by a lockdown which posed economic turmoil to local businesses. Since then, the strong vaccine uptake, continued easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and the growing business confidence, has offered real hope and expectation that we are moving forward.

Based in Limavady, air cool engineering NI designs, installs and maintains heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems across Northern Ireland and the Republic. Our clients include high street stores, business offices, independent retailers, gyms, restaurants, and bars. As an essential maintenance contractor, we were very fortunate that we continued to operate through the initial lockdown restrictions. However, this year’s lockdown, coupled with the unexpected closure of non-essential construction in the Republic of Ireland and the end of the Brexit transition period, brought new challenges to our business.

In our 23 years, we have consistently delivered high-quality installation and after-sales services to clients large and small. Our 30-strong team works with multiple business sectors to support architects, property managers and construction companies in the design, installation, and maintenance of energy efficient HVAC systems. For over 20 years we have been proud to work with clients across the North West and beyond.

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From the early days of the pandemic, the importance of working locally has been put under the spotlight. Even after 23 years in business, and with clients across the country, we recognised the need to raise our profile in the North West. The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce provided us with the right platforms to enhance the visibility, reputation, and capabilities of our business.

Being a Chamber member means being a part of a community. From monthly webinars to the WhatsApp group, the support network around us ensures we never miss an opportunity to improve or invest in our business. The Chamber’s Growth North West events programme especially has meant that we have began to consider the international growth opportunities the City Deal will present.

Since joining the Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, we can only describe our experience as exceptional. The Chamber has consistently helped to raise air cool engineering NI’s profile, giving us access to key decision-makers and leaders in the North West business community. From CONNECTED, to ezines, events, member news, web banner advertising, and even the annual wall-planner, the Chamber offers cost-effective marketing communication opportunities for members year-round.

Although we are so remote from the centres of power in Stormont and Westminster, we know that the Chamber will continue to champion the voice of the North West’s diverse business community. The last 20 months have been a real struggle for us all, but with the Chamber’s support, we are confident that we will emerge even stronger from the pandemic.

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THE FINAL WORD

The Final Word Steven Lindsay, Director, CavanaghKelly

As the year draws to a close, this is a natural time for reflection on what the last 12 months have meant for our business community. 2021, for all its challenges and difficulties, has shown what can be achieved when businesses, elected representatives, and communities work together to deliver for local people. No more is this true than in the North West, where the true value of collaborative action has been shown through the likes of the City Deal the University expansion and other major investment projects.

Since rejoining the Chamber Board almost two years ago, I have continued to be both impressed and enthused by the desire and determination of business leaders here to drive meaningful and real improvement for the North West. I am a firm believer that the success of any business, large or small, depends on the community that supports it. By combining our expertise, our energy, and our resources, we can build an economy that not only drives local entrepreneurship and indigenous growth but encourages other international companies to invest here.

I have been a Director with CavanaghKelly, Chartered Accountants, since 2018. Since joining the firm, I have witnessed significant growth and expansion in the range of services we deliver for our clients in the private, public and community and voluntary sectors. My role straddles the advisory and audit teams. I lead our developing internal audit team, providing advice and assurance on governance, risk management

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and control issues to public sector and charitable organisations. I also play a lead role within our advisory team, focusing on reviewing performance, future planning and implementing change.

Over the years, I have worked with charities, community groups and public sector organisations, helping them plan and develop strategies that will deliver vital services for local communities here.

This is a role that involves developing joined-up, strategic approaches to achieve meaningful, real, and tangible results. While my work focuses on micro-level projects, it is these grassroots initiatives that will truly improve and further build the North West City Region in future years. I have worked with community led health improvement organisations in the North West and beyond, and have seen the tangible differences these are making for local people – much of which has been brought to the fore in the last 18 months.

Earlier this year, we worked on a project with local employers, training providers and Derry City and Strabane District Council to help gain a clearer picture of apprenticeship provision in the Council area and make recommendations for future developments in this important area. Our skills base and the health and wellbeing of the people in our region are key components of a successful economy.

The spirit of collaboration that we see on a local level must be replicated on a regional level if we are to truly progress.

Whether it is the close links between the Derry and Letterkenny Chambers, emerging relationships between our universities and further and higher educational colleges, or business partnerships working towards common goals, our success in the North West hinges on everyone playing their part.

As we rebuild and recover from the pandemic, a new, fresh, and innovative way of thinking must be put in place if we are to face current and future challenges head-on.

Looking ahead to 2022, it is important to consider how we continue to focus on building our economy. By doing this as individuals and working in silos we will fail to address the systemic challenges we all face. If we identify our strengths and build on these together, we will truly unlock the true potential that the North West economy has.

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