SEPTEMBER 2026 Price £2.30 (€2.60)
FEATURE
How to solve a problem like Lough Neagh
INTERVIEW
The NI man leading revamp plans for Belfast
Growing in an evolving motoring market
Charles Hurst on heading to the £1bn sales mark and the rise of new brands and electric vehicles
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Contents 08 News
40 Interview
77 Motoring
The latest news and exclusives from across Northern Ireland and beyond
John Mulgrew speaks to Gerry Hughes about Castlebrooke’s new plans for Belfast
Pat Burns tries out a new BYD hybrid and the latest small electric Kia
18 Cover story
43 Energy, waste & environment
84 Photocall
Charles Hurst on growing amid an evolving market with sights set on cracking £1bn
Pavel Barter on the state of Lough Neagh
A look at what’s been happening across Northern Ireland over the last few weeks
22 In Focus
53 Events & conferences
92 Travel
John Mulgrew speaks to Nathan Sno about his time in three Michelin-starred restaurants
We take a look at the top 10 moments which captured spirit of the Fleadh
Edinburgh is the perfect city of food, drink and culture for an inaugural family trip
35 IT & cyber-security
61 Christmas events
94 Review
Pavel Barter weighs the impact of data centres on Northern Ireland and the economy
We look at what our leading hotels and venues are doing for the festive season
IWC marks 50 years of a Gerald Genta sports watch icon
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SEPTEMBER 2026
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EDITOR’S COMMENTS
City pedestrianisation will be a long road
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t would normally feel like old news talking about an event which happened a few weeks ago.
But I think it’s fair to say that the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann had an impact on many of us who paid it a visit in Belfast over the course of eight days. Welcome to September’s Ulster Business. Our cover story features Charles Hurst, and inside there’s the usual plethora of news, interviews, profiles, comment, and features. Turning back to the Fleadh, the numbers were impressive, with some 1.6 million people being recorded in the city centre during the event. Even during the start of day, the crowds thronged. And by night, along with the usual hustle and bustle of
those out for the evening at the weekend, that only grew. It’s reignited the conversation about what Belfast should be as a city, as somewhere to welcome people as well as making it as attractive as possible to both locals, and visitors from overseas. Pedestrianisation is at the crux of all of this. Chris McCracken of Linen Quarter BID, writing in this edition, is calling for action and progress to be made in order to expedite that, and pointing the finger at inaction by Stormont. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced her department will bring forward another consultation looking at transport in the city, and part of that will
Publisher Ulster Business c/o Mediahuis UK Ltd Belfast Telegraph House, 33 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG Printer W&G Baird Greystone Press, Caulside Drive, Antrim BT41 2RS www.wgbaird.com
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examine pedestrianisation. That’s certainly a step in the right direction. But for those who are in favour of such a change, many will be accutely aware of just how slow the wheels turn here. Take Hill Street, for example. The pedestrianisation of this small thoroughfare in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter took years to make happen. And anyone will tell you, months after it was closed to most traffic, cars still drive down it on a regular basis today. So, if we want to move to pedestrianising an entire chunk of the city, I won’t hold my breath. ■ John Mulgrew
Editor John Mulgrew, john.mulgrew@mediahuis.co.uk Advertising Louise Henderson, louise.henderson@mediahuis.co.uk Charlotte Prentice, charlotte.prentice@mediahuis.co.uk Graphic design Susan McClean, Mediahuis Ireland Design Studio Cover photo Elaine Hill
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Ulster Business Magazine
Mediahuis UK Ltd © 2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Mediahuis.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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NEWS
A month in numbers
£195m The total investment planned to refurb part of Belfast city centre by developer Castlebrooke.
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£202k The average cost of a home in Northern Ireland, which is at its highest level since 2007.
£4.6m Belfast City Council has submitted a proposal for a £4.6m AI programme to help businesses.
£3m
The investment in the refit of Harland & Wolff’s famous Samson and Goliath cranes.
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Two new hotel brands could come to NI as part of city revamp
Early sketches which show what the new development could look like
wo new hotel brands could be coming to Northern Ireland as part of a major city centre redevelopment, it can be revealed. Gerry Hughes is the man leading Castlebrooke Investments’ £195m plan for neglected parts of the Cathedral Quarter has been unveiled to the public as part of a consultation. It initially had planned a £400m development, called Tribeca, which would have had a large retail element. The new scaled back plans will now be residential-focused, and include two hotels. The business has scaled back plans for the development of a new area, which would have been called Tribeca. “We stepped right back and started to think again about future of area, as the last scheme didn’t work out,” Gerry Hughes told Ulster Business. “I wanted to really focus on three things. It was agreed that residential development was the way to go, with the market and the need for more homes. “People create footfall – buying stuff in shops, bars, restaurants. The idea was to focus on what would attract people to the place. When you take that point of view – [looking
at] how can you connect this part of the city better, with a multi-professional team some of the best urban design team in Copenhagen, with local architects.” It could bring around 1,000 new homes – including social and affordable accommodation — two four-star hotels and up to 100,000 sq ft of mixed commercial and community space, including shops, restaurants, cafes and services. He says it’s currently in discussion with a number of operators for the hotel elements of the overall scheme. “Because it’s a full application, we are making sure we are designing with operator input. “Two hotels are being designed with input from two hotel chains at the moment – both brands are new to Northern Ireland. Plans also include the restoration of five listed buildings including The Masonic Hall, the Garfield Bar and the facades of the former North Street Arcade. Mr Hughes says that would include a mixture of homes for sale, build-to-rent, 120 units of communal living, and 120 social or affordable homes, which has says would be “fullyintegrated into the scheme”. Read the full interview on page 40-41
NEWS
Derry data centre plans moving forward
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orthern Ireland’s newest data centre is moving forward with its developers claiming it can “play a major role in supporting the local energy system”. GreenScale NI is developing a ‘sustainable’ data centre at its Foyle Port campus in Londonderry. “Our first phase one power supply is now on site,” Brian Doherty, managing director of GreenScale NI, told Ulster Business. “We’ve built our access roads. We have full planning permission. Our power contracts are established and executed. We are ready to go.” GreenScale says it will not consume water to cool its data centres, Brian insists. Instead, it will use a closed-loop water system for direct liquid cooling, supplemented by free-air cooling where appropriate. “We will not use any more water than the average-size office building.” Anna Dowson, GreenScale’s senior director of sustainability,
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What new GreenScale campus could look like when completed
acknowledges that “data centres are power hungry infrastructures” but believes the north west has much to offer in terms of renewable energy. “In an area with significant curtailed wind generation, as well as grid and transmission constraints, we can play a major role in supporting the local energy system by strengthening infrastructure, enabling greater renewable penetration and even helping to reduce power costs for local consumers.” Read the full feature on page 35-38
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NEWS
Belfast Telegraph Property Awards now open for nominations
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he 2026 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards have been launched, with entries open until October 9. And broadband infrastructure company Openreach has returned as headline sponsor for the fourth year in a row. Lauren McGaughey, Openreach NI director, said: “We’re delighted to once again return as title sponsors of the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. “It is a real privilege to support these awards for the fourth year, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of Northern Ireland’s housing and home building industries. “The property sector and our work are closely linked, as we continue to build our full fibre network and connect homes and businesses right across Northern Ireland. “We’re keeping communities connected and enabling a once in a generation digital revolution that benefits everyone who chooses to live and work here. “Best of luck to everyone involved this year. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and sharing a fantastic event together.” There are 19 categories in total, including Property Personality of the Year, which is a non-entry category. Martin Breen, executive editor of Mediahuis in Northern Ireland, said: “We are proud to hold the 2026 Belfast Telegraph Property
Quotes of the month
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Belfast Telegraph business editor Margaret Canning and Lauren McGaughey, director of Openreach in Northern Ireland, launching the 2026 Property Awards
Awards and are delighted that Openreach is again the headline sponsor of the prestigious event. “Good luck to everyone with their entries, and we look forward to seeing everyone on November 20.” The judging panel, chaired by Dr Sharon McClements, senior lecturer in Built Environment at Ulster University, is made up of experts across areas such as surveying, housing and architecture.
Entries close at 12pm on October 9. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony hosted by comedian Neil Delamere on November 20 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in south Belfast. For more information on the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Karen McGarvey at karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk
“It was my first experience of that. It’s scary and intimidating, and also very eye-opening. It’s obviously extreme and not good or healthy.”
“The Fleadh showed us the positive impact on the city centre when we put people first. We should not have to wait any longer for Stormont to catch up.”
Nathan Sno speaking about his time working in three Michelin-starred restaurants.
Chris McCracken calling for movement on pedestrianising the city centre.
“There’s no change but business-wise for us as a tearoom, this July was our worst July since we opened.” Una Johnston of the Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Toome speaking about the impact of blue green algae on Lough Neagh and her business.
NEWS
NI man with Michelin background launches new city restaurant
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Northern Ireland chef who spent time in three Michelin-starred restaurants around the world says his own health journey and move away from drugs and alcohol has led to the opening of his own Belfast fast-casual restaurant. Lisburn man Nathan Sno left Northern Ireland at 19 and became a head chef in Australia by the age of 20, before working at top London restaurants. This year, he opened Vine on the Lisburn Road – a casual restaurant focused around nutrition. “The biggest reason is that somewhere along that journey my relationship changed, not just taste, but something about the drivers of how we feel, physically and mentally,” he says.
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Part of that was moving past his younger years, drinking and using drugs, to “pulling himself together”. “I was around the wrong environments [in earlier years]. It’s one of the biggest reasons I left. I wanted to understand things differently, and it’s why I got into this idea of health and how much of an impact these things made – not just on how you look, but how you feel.” “I was going on that transformation, looking at my health and changing my own habits,” he says. On his own restaurant, he says Vine is not “another salad bar”. It’s hot food which has its focus on balance and nutritional value. “It’s a fast casual restaurant which makes nutritional, delicious food. The world need no more salad bars. It’s hot, wholesome, chef-led
Nathan Sno
– cooking from scratch. We make everything from zero.” Read the full interview on page 22-23
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NEWS
Dobbies to close Antrim store with 43 jobs hit
Margaret Canning
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ore than 40 jobs have been hit after Frasers Group terminated the tenancy of garden centre chain Dobbies at a Co Antrim retail park. Dobbies said it will close its store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim at the end of October after it was given notice by Frasers Group. It was described as Dobbies’ biggest store in the UK when it opened at The Junction in October 2023. A spokesperson for The Junction said the new owner was proceeding with plans to develop the retail and leisure offering at the site. They said 43 people were employed at the store, with jobs being “affected” rather than lost. “We are engaging with those affected and our priority is to support them, including exploring redeployment opportunities with Dobbies and The Junction where possible.” The Junction, along with The Boulevard in Co Down, were acquired by Frasers Group from
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Lotus Property in a deal announced in June. However, Lotus Property continues to work on The Junction as asset manager. A spokesperson said Lotus Property was focused on ensuring The Junction continues “as one of Northern Ireland’s leading retail and leisure destinations”. It said the retail park was continuing to performing strongly, and had ended 2025 with an 11pc increase in turnover. It had also re-signed long-standing tenant Next, with other major names like Nike, Asics, Mountain Warehouse, Tresspass, Starbucks and Omniplex Cinema continuing their businesses on site. The scheme has also welcomed new operators including Murdock Builders Merchants, chicken chain Popeyes, Blether & Brew café and cafe chain Greggs. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said: “Over the past three years, Dobbies has been a hugely valued presence at The Junction, and we are grateful for everything they have brought to the scheme and to the Antrim community. “This decision reflects the exciting next phase
for The Junction, as new plans are developed to enhance the scheme for the benefit of shoppers, businesses and the wider community. We look forward to sharing more on this in due course and seeing The Junction continue to thrive as a retail and leisure destination.” A spokesperson for Dobbies said: “Dobbies will close its Antrim garden centre at the end of October following the decision by its new landlord, Frasers Group, to redevelop the site for new retail and leisure uses. “Since opening in 2023, Dobbies has worked closely with The Junction to establish a garden centre in a unique destination better known for outlet retail. The store has built a loyal customer base, and we are proud of what has been achieved. “... we recognise this will be difficult news for our Antrim colleagues. Our immediate priority is supporting everyone affected by this change, and we will explore redeployment opportunities and individual support options for colleagues.” The spokesperson said the decision related just to the Antrim site “and does not reflect Dobbies’ wider business performance”.
NEWS
Café owner ‘suffers worst summer’ amid return of blue-algae
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business owner on the edge of Lough Neagh says it’s suffered its worst summer since opening amid a return of blue-green algae. Una Johnston is the proprietor of the Lock Keeper’s Cottage, a tea room beside Toome Canal at the Lough edge. She’s lived beside Lough Neagh her whole life, married to a local fisherman and is involved in community events. “… where I live at the edge of the Lough our bay is full of algae. There’s no change but business-wise for us as a tearoom, this July was our worst July since we opened,” she said. Gary McErlain, a local fisherman who runs the tourism business Lough Neagh Stories with his wife, has seen his business decimated. “If a big chunk of your livelihood has been taken away for three years, that’s not a good outlook,” he says. “The tourism industry around the Lough is suffering. The world is seeing was a green Lough Neagh and who really wants to come to see a green Lough Neagh?”
SEPTEMBER 2026
The Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Toome
But the financial impact of three years of blue-green algae has taken its toll. “They [the government] is taking too long,” Ms Johnston says. “How are households supposed to finance their families?” A spokesperson for DAERA described Muir’s “determination to turn the tide on water quality” and bring about “long-term recovery” as part of the 37-point Lough Neagh Action Plan, launched in July 2024. Read the full feature on page 43-46
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NEWS
Five major planning applications brought back to Stormont department A 1,300 home development two wind farms among cases sent back to the Department for Infrastructure, writes John Mulgrew
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ive major planning applications due to undergo public inquiries or hearings have been returned to Stormont, it can be revealed. The schemes, which include a large wind farm and £250m property housing development for almost 1,300 homes, had been sitting with the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC). But the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has now written to the organisation to “withdraw its request for a hearing or public local inquiry (PLI)”. It says in each case the applicant has “chosen to amend their proposal and/or update their accompanying environmental information since referral to the PAC, resulting in the postponement of the hearing or PLI”. It says it will now reconsider the amended applications, alongside any consultation responses, before deciding on the next step. The Department says it will then contact the PAC “where and when it is considered appropriate to do so”. “Having considered the stage reached in each application and the need to assess the amended submissions and any further consultation responses, particularly in terms of whether these may materially affect the Department’s previously stated position, it was considered appropriate, in the interests of procedural consistency, to withdraw the Department’s requests at this time,” a spokesman said.
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The PAC said the cases “which had been referred to the Commission for a Public Local Inquiry or hearing, have returned to the Department for Infrastructure in 2025 to facilitate the further processing of the applications”. One of the five applications is a huge £250m housing development. Developer Neptune Carleton LLP have made proposals for a mixed development of 1,290 homes and commercial units at the Blaris site on the outskirts of Sprucefield. Planning approval had previously signed off by the council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for an M1-Knockmore Link Road, which will “unlock” the development plans. A consultation for the scheme was launched earlier this year. “There will be provision of 20% affordable housing and we expect the residential construction to be rolled out over three phases beginning in 2026 and finishing the final phase in 2036,” those behind the scheme said. A previous application for 1,300 homes was
approved by LCCC in March 2021. However, it was ‘called in’ by DfI and issued with a ‘notice of opinion’ to refuse the housing development. Another of those schemes brought back to the Department include two wind farms. That includes Carnalbanagh Wind Farm. It could see seven wind turbines and electrical substation and control building being developed outside Broughshane. Unshinagh Wind Farm is another which has been brought back to the Department. The proposed windfarm could include 14 three-bladed horizontal axis wind turbines, each up to a maximum height of 180 metres to tip height, located outside Carnlough in Co Antrim. The initial planning application for the development was originally recommended for refusal by the Department for Infrastructure back in 2024. Renewable energy firm RES wants 14 turbines on Unshinagh mountain, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Antrim Coast and Glens. ■
RECRUITMENT
Why human skills are now the differentiator in tech Mark Wade, Hays
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ince the launch of generative AI there has been speculation as to whether it could take over roles from humans. Entry-level and graduate job opportunities seemed to drop dramatically over the past number of years, as administrative responsibilities were shifted onto AI and timeconsuming tasks were streamlined. Hays has been in Northern Ireland for 30 years, and many of our staff have been with us since the beginning, navigating significant periods of disruption and change for clients. However, our tech team, led by Roisin Byrne, senior director of technology, and Juliann Deegan, business director of digital technology, say that AI has been the single biggest shift they’ve seen in that time, and it has caused the most dramatic change in the market. From how candidates present themselves on paper to the methods used by clients to recruit and how job roles are now shaped, our team is adapting in real time to how AI is being used across the board. “AI has now become embedded in many organisations, and there was an initial fear that roles would be entirely eradicated. But rather than the employment market contracting, it has stabilised and roles are evolving to new skillsets,” Roisin says. According to Hays’ latest UK research, expertise in AI is the most sought-after specialist skill (39%) by tech employers today. Almost three quarters of employers (73%) are confident AI will positively impact their organisation in the next 12 months, and more than half (56%) say their company is currently investing in AI, with a further 24% expecting to follow suit. “AI-specific roles are becoming more commonplace, tech companies are increasingly seeking people who can assess, influence, and unlock AI’s potential,” Roisin says. “Northern Ireland is still lagging behind
SEPTEMBER 2026
Roisin Byrne, senior director of technology, Mark Wade, director of Hays Northern Ireland, and Juliann Deegan, business director of digital technology
larger cities in developing dedicated AI talent pools. Instead, positions are increasingly combining data, analytics, and engineering with AI training, but over time we expect that these will become more AI focused,” she says. Hays’ research shows close to half employers (47%) plan to use contractors to access the AI skills they need, but in the long-term companies will have to consider how they provide upskilling opportunities to ensure their teams are keeping up to date with emerging technologies. “Local tech firms in particular are continuing to hire graduates at similar rates as before, and are prioritising AI training, as they have recognised the importance of succession planning,” Juliann says. “They are training their graduates in specific skills and nurturing them to help them develop for the long-term.” However, as companies adapt and recognise the potential and the limitations of AI, clients are adjusting their requirements in new hires. “People have become the real differentiator
in the market, and there is now far more emphasis placed on the human skills,” Roisin says. In the past, higher academic achievement and technical ability had been top priority for tech companies. “Previously, graduates from computer science courses would have had their pick of job offers when leaving university. But now skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability are becoming more important for employers, and grads are really having to prove themselves in those areas,” Juliann says. There is no doubt that AI has permanently changed the working world, but skilled people will always be behind business success. Tech has been a growing industry for Northern Ireland for the past number of years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. AI presents opportunities for different skills to shine in the tech space, and when used responsibly can be a real asset for candidates and companies alike. ■
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NEWS
Victorian Belfast house could be knocked down for apartments after appeal John Mulgrew
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plan to demolish a Victorian house and former day care in south Belfast to build apartments has been given the go ahead following a successful appeal. The development was initially turned town by Belfast City Council’s planning committee back in August last year. The developer, Cregagh Developments Ltd, wanted to knock down the former Bees Knees Nursery at 18 Annadale Avenue. The application – which received a number of objections, including those from prominent politicians – involved the demolition of the existing Victorian building for the construction of a residential development consisting of 14 units. That would have involved nine apartments within a three-storey building, and five two storey terraced dwellings, along with associated landscaping and car parking. The applicant submitted viability information regarding various potential options to retain and convert the existing building to other uses, making the case that retention of the existing building was not feasible. Of six options, the applicant said the only viable one was nine apartments and five townhouses. But now the plans have been given planning permission, after the case was appealed to the
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Planning Appeals Commission. It says the main issues of the appeal centred are whether the existing architectural features will be incorporated into the design of the new development, and whether the proposed development would erode the character and appearance of the area Some 23 representations, primarily objecting to the scheme, were received. Among those opposing the plans was SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP. “In order to support the development of further housing I would therefore be in agreement that a compromise should be reached that utilises the existing building, retaining the gardens, thereby allowing for provision of housing without damaging the overall area or gardens,” she said in a letter to planners. And the Ulster Architectural Society also opposed the development, saying it expressed “concern over the proposed development plans in regards to massing and scale, potentially overshadowing existing buildings within the area”. In outlining some of the reasons for the successful appeal, the PAC said “the existing building is not listed. In that regard, there is no legal requirement upon the appellant to retain any or all of the existing architectural features within the redevelopment proposal”. It said it was also “satisfied that the appeal
A CGI image of the proposed development at Annadale Avenue
development demonstrates the highest feasible and viable sustainability standards in the design, construction and operation phases of development in line with prevailing statutory regulations”. “I have previously concluded that the appellant has demonstrated that the reuse of the existing building is not appropriate or feasible and that the appeal development would minimise waste through the reuse of as much existing building material as possible” such that it complies with relevant policies. And on the scale and size of the development, the PAC said “having regard to this and also from my on-site observations, I do not consider that the scale, form and massing of the appeal building would represent a discordant feature in the local streetscape context”. ■
COVER STORY
Charles Hurst: growing amid an evolving motoring market with sights set on cracking £1bn With turnover approaching £1bn, a growing portfolio of emerging and premium brands, major investment across Ireland, Charles Hurst has entered 2026 with ambition. Jeff McCartney discusses a changing motor market, the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, the new brands making their mark, and the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s automotive sector 18
Jeff McCartney pictured with the BYD Seal at Charles Hurst BYD dealership
COVER STORY
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or Charles Hurst, growth is not simply about just selling more cars. It’s a firm with more than a century of doing business here, focused on offering customers greater choice, investing in facilities and people, and ensuring the business is positioned for a rapidly evolving automotive market. The scale of that growth is evident in the company’s latest performance. Turnover increased by almost £100m in 2025, taking the business beyond the £900m mark and within sight of the £1bn milestone. “From a company point of view, we had a very, very successful 2025,” says Jeff McCartney, managing director of Charles Hurst and operations director for premium brands
SEPTEMBER 2026
at parent company Lookers. “We are now heading towards a billion pounds turnover, and that’s really what we want to do in 2026.” Its performance has not been driven solely by new cars. Used vehicle sales increased by 1,700 units in 2025, representing a 12% rise, while the business is already another 9% ahead this year. Jeff believes that the breadth of the Charles Hurst offering is a significant factor in that performance. Its portfolio now stretches from more affordable vehicles through to brands such as Ferrari, allowing customers to move between a wide range of products under one roof. “We’re trying to future-proof automotive for our Northern Ireland customer,” he says. “What we’re trying to do is give the customers the best possible choice.” That choice is becoming increasingly important as the market undergoes one of its most significant transformations in decades. Across Northern Ireland, alternative-fuel vehicles are gaining substantial ground. The overall market is up 2% year-on-year, while battery electric vehicles are up 18%. Plug-in hybrid and self-charging hybrid vehicles are up 19%, contrasting sharply with a 15% fall in diesel and an 8% decline in petrol. For Charles Hurst, the figures demonstrate that customers are increasingly prepared to move away from traditional powertrains, although the transition is not necessarily happening in one leap. “A lot of people are taking half a step and getting into plug-in hybrid and trying it,” Jeff says. “We’re finding that those customers come back and then go straight into a battery electric vehicle.” The EV market itself has also matured. Customers are becoming interested in practical questions such as battery warranties and real-world range, while improvements in technology mean that electric vehicles are becoming a much more viable everyday proposition. “The technology has increased, the range is unbelievable,” Jeff says. “Customers are really seeing it as a viable choice as their everyday car.” The growth of alternative fuels is also reshaping the competitive landscape. Charles
Hurst has had BYD for around two years and has recently taken on Geely and Changan, while newer brands are increasingly attracting consumers with strong specifications, warranties and competitive pricing. Jeff says customers visiting Charles Hurst’s large Boucher Road operation are not necessarily committed to one brand when they arrive. Instead, the breadth of the site allows them to compare different products and price points. “Customers now are starting to vote with their feet and go for a lot of the newer brands,” he says. That puts pressure on established manufacturers, which have responded with aggressive pricing, deposit contributions and other consumer offers. The result is a market in which the traditional hierarchy of brands is being challenged by newcomers offering what Jeff describes as very good value for money. For Charles Hurst, expanding the brand portfolio is therefore a key part of its strategy. But there is a significant obstacle to bringing some of those new brands and models to Northern Ireland: type approval. Under the current arrangements, vehicles entering Northern Ireland can require separate approval from those sold in Great Britain, with some models carrying GB rather than EU type approval. Jeff argues that this is restricting consumer choice and creating delays in the arrival of new brands. “We really want to make sure that customers have the same choice of vehicle in Northern Ireland as they do in the rest of the UK,” he says. “And today they don’t.” The issue is particularly significant for newer manufacturers, for whom the additional approval process can represent a considerable cost and administrative burden for a relatively small market. Charles Hurst is among those lobbying for change, with Jeff and representatives from other major automotive groups engaging with local politicians and government. For the company, the issue is about ensuring Northern Ireland customers – and the local economy – are not left behind as the wider automotive market evolves. Alongside its Northern Ireland operations, Charles Hurst is also building its presence in >
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COVER STORY
Jeff McCartney and Andrew Gilmore
Dublin, with the group adding Cadillac to its portfolio in the Republic. Investment is ongoing on this side of the border too. A major redevelopment of the Kia operation is planned, with the company intending to move its specialist brands towards the front of the road over the next 18 months. Geely has also moved into a new showroom on the Boucher Road site, while the business has recently completed a substantial investment in its parts operation. The facility has become a major parts hub, supplying other dealerships and retailers across Northern Ireland and supporting the group’s wider operations. The investment reflects a wider philosophy at Charles Hurst – its sites are intended to be destinations rather than a collection of isolated showrooms. Customers can move around different brands and compare products in an environment where, Jeff believes, the stereotypical higher-pressure approach to selling cars has disappeared. “Customers come in very well prepared.
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There’s more information,” he says. “We’ve got to come in and not sell, but advise, and really help them through the journey of buying.” That customer-centric approach is matched by a strong focus on developing people within the business. Jeff himself has spent 38 years with Charles Hurst, joining in 1988 as a tyre fitter before moving into sales and progressing through management roles. The company has also recently appointed Andrew Gilmore as franchise director, taking day-to-day responsibility for the Northern Ireland and Dublin operations. Like Jeff, Andrew has built his career within the organisation, joining as a technician 33 years ago before progressing through sales and brand leadership roles. That emphasis on internal progression is something Jeff sees as an important part of the company’s culture. Attrition is low, he says, while investment in training and development gives employees a route from technical and sales roles through to senior management.
As the business grows, that people strategy will become increasingly important. Charles Hurst will continue to look for new brands where they can add customer choice, while maintaining its existing premium portfolio and developing its operations in both Northern Ireland and Dublin. And there is plenty of evidence that the premium end of the market is performing strongly too. The group represents brands including Ferrari, Aston Martin and Bentley on an all-Ireland basis and has seen significant year-on-year growth. For Jeff, however, the common thread across every part of the business is choice and service. Whether the customer is buying their first car or one of the world’s most exclusive vehicles, the ambition is the same – it’s about providing the right product, at the right value, backed by experience. With turnover already approaching £1bn and further brands, facilities and investment in the pipeline, 2026 could be another defining year for Charles Hurst. ■
IN FOCUS
‘Someone overcooked a sauce and the chef screamed in his face and poked him’ Nathan Sno outside his restaurant Vine
From 100 hour weeks, three Michelin-starred kitchens, and leaving booze and drugs behind, to fast casual cooking back home, John Mulgrew speaks to chef Nathan Sno
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athan Sno is acutely aware of what it’s like working in some of the world’s greatest three Michelinstarred restaurants. “I remember in one restaurant, the first day I arrived, one of the chefs overcooked a sauce, and the [chef in charge] walked up to him and was screaming in his face and poking him,” he says.
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“It was my first experience of that. It’s scary and intimidating, and also very eyeopening. It’s obviously extreme and not good or healthy.” The Lisburn man left Northern Ireland at 19 and became a head chef in Australia by the age of 20, before working at top London restaurants. “When I was cooking, I was very lucky to
IN FOCUS
have that opportunity to find my way in through people I had met,” he says. “One led to one door, and then another.” And before returning to set up his new nutrition-forward fast casual Lisburn Road restaurant Vine, his time behind the stove included working at ‘stages’ across dozens of the world’s best restaurants – many boasting three Michelin stars, and some having once been named as the best in the world. That includes New York’s Eleven Madison Park – which came number one in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017, Restaurant Gordon Ramsey in London,
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Stockholm’s Frantzén, and Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, in California. “There’s a level of detail that goes into it, but it’s more so the thought process that goes into hospitality as a whole – there were culture shifts and changes, from the hustle and bustle of New York to the more remote French Laundry.” While he’s witnessed the intensity of some restaurant kitchens over the years, Nathan says “I’m the opposite and advocate for respect”. “But at the same time, there’s a that level of care that someone has about food. “It sets the tone for the standards which were in demand at that level of cooking. The same goes for anything else, like sport. It’s pretty extreme at the top.” Long hours are something intrinsically linked to stereotypical life in kitchens at the top of their game. And for Nathan, that’s meant 100 hour weeks. “I’ve done the 100 hour weeks many times,” he says. “You are getting few hours sleep a night. It’s a poisonous rabbit hole, but there was an expectation during that time and at that level. “Things are definitely changing, but not fast enough. It’s not to blame ownership – there is a culture shift there. Hospitality businesses know margins are low. The model is broken. “There was the sheer human effort and the level of resilience, while it was detrimental and required a serious layer of mental resilience. I don’t advocate for it, but I’m thankful I got to experience it.” “This is why we do what we do,” he says. “We are trying to have an impact. I spent most of my career in fine dining – it’s polarising as what I’m doing now is the complete opposite, and a fast casual concept. “The biggest reason is that somewhere along that journey my relationship changed, not just taste, but something about the drivers of how we feel, physically and mentally.” Part of that was moving past his younger
years, drinking and using drugs, to “pulling himself together”. “I was around the wrong environments [in earlier years]. It’s one of the biggest reasons I left. I wanted to understand things differently, and it’s why I got into this idea of health and how much of an impact these things made – not just on how you look, but how you feel.” “I was going on that transformation, looking at my health and changing my own habits,” he says. During his time working in London, Nathan started creative business Food Story Media, a marketing organisation aimed at helping educate people and their understanding of what goes into that plate of food you receive in front of you at a top fine dining restaurant. On his own restaurant, he says Vine is not “another salad bar”. It’s hot food which has its focus on balance and nutritional value. “It’s a fast casual restaurant which makes nutritional, delicious food. The world need no more salad bars. It’s hot, wholesome, chef-led – cooking from scratch. We make everything from zero. It’s very intentional. “While we absolutely have options which are low calorie, there’s sometimes a misconception [around that]. “You can buy a low calorie bar of something with a long list of ingredients. People are on different journeys – some are suffering from anorexia, or obesity. It’s different journeys. It’s about nutritional density – the protein content, fibre, and complex carbohydrates you need to function. Carbs are important.” The Vine menu starts off your choice of meat or protein, whether that’s something like spiced lemon chicken, Romesco salmon, or turkey kofta, alongside sides including garlic broccoli, wholewheat mac and cheese, or season brown rice. “These things change based on seasons and what is at its best, always with nutrition in mind and finding the best way to find something with maximum flavour and nutritional density,” Nathan says. ■
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COMMENT
More than a million people filled Belfast’s streets… so why is Stormont still blocking the way? As figures showed some 1.6 million people descended on Belfast for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the case for pedestrianisation of the city centre has only gotten stronger, writes Chris McCracken, managing director of the Line Quarter BID
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he Fleadh has been a joyous occasion for Belfast. An inclusive celebration of music and culture that brought over one million residents and visitors onto the streets over eight magical days. Belfast became a living demonstration of what happens when we give the city back to people. For many, the case for wider pedestrianisation has now been made. Sadly, the policy framework that could facilitate this transformation – the Eastern Transport Plan (ETP) – has still not been approved. Following the Fleadh, the draft policy has finally been announced for public consultation. But this is a policy that has been five years in gestation. The long delay in publication is probably as frustrating to civil servants – who have worked hard to produce thoughtful, well-researched proposals – as it is perplexing for city stakeholders who want to see progress in this field. The plan aims to put into motion a new
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Chris McCracken
sustainable transport hierarchy for urban areas, first announced by the Department in 2021. Walking and wheeling are positioned at the top of this hierarchy, followed by cycling, and then public transport. Shared and commercial vehicles come next and private cars last. The overall strategy looks at four distinct themes, including sustainability, connected communities, safety, and green growth. Outline proposals were first released for consultation in September 2023. It took until July 2024 for the consultation report to be published, although this did at least highlight that the proposals were on the right track, with 73% support from over 500 submissions. The ETP aims to dovetail with the local development plans for the five eastern councils. These are all at different stages, but in January 2025 John O’Dowd announced in the Assembly that the Belfast iteration, whose
Council plan was at an advanced stage, would be prepared for public engagement first. In a Ministerial briefing note, civil servants indicated that the Belfast section of the ETP would be published for consultation in May 2025. People waited. Stakeholders were ready to engage. But nothing happened. Another 16 months have now passed. And when it is published, this will not even be the approved policy. It will be another consultation — this time on the final draft for just one of the five council areas. This is no longer a delay to one transport policy. The absence of the ETP is becoming a bottleneck for an entire programme of investment and change in Belfast, causing gridlock across other areas of work. The £75m streets ahead public realm project – first announced in 2007 and already delayed by successive Stormont collapses and the
COMMENT
Pedestrians were able to walk freely around more of Belfast city centre during the Fleadh
pandemic – is now predicated on the ETP before progress can be made. Rebalancing funding towards public transport, delivering A Bolder Vision for the City Centre and realising the Active Travel Delivery Plan are likewise being held back by the ETP’s absence. And of course, within all of these lies the pathway to progress greater pedestrianisation for the city centre – which, post-Fleadh, the city now needs to deliver. To make meaningful progress we need a
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great sense of urgency. First, the consultation should be limited to eight weeks, given that the content has already been widely discussed. Second, infrastructure officials must fast-track the consultation report. Last time it took ten months; this time we should be aiming for two. Third, the consultation report and final draft of the ETP should be brought before the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee no later than January 2027. Given the cross-cutting nature and strategic
significance of the ETP, the Minister should also clarify whether it falls within the matters that must be referred to the Executive under section 20 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and paragraph 2.4 of the Ministerial Code. If so, maintaining these deadlines makes it more likely the policy will be approved within the current Executive mandate. If the ETP is not approved before the Easter recess on 20 March, and subsequent dissolution of the Assembly the following week, it will be pushed into the next mandate as one of many priorities for the new term. Linen Quarter BID has consistently advocated greater investment in public transport and more pedestrianisation, subject to proper consultation and assessment. On this, we are aligned with businesses, local politicians and wider stakeholders who want to work alongside DfI officials to deliver a fresh and ambitious transport vision for Belfast. But we need urgent action from the Department. Publication of another consultation for Belfast’s Eastern Transport Plan is not enough. What matters is a clear process that leads from consultation to approval, and from approval to delivery. The Fleadh showed us the positive impact on the city centre when we put people first. We should not have to wait any longer for Stormont to catch up. ■
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Arthur McAnerney (left) at City Picnic in 2014 with thenbusiness partner Gavin Gregg
HOSPITALITY
‘He loved people, conversation, good food and, above all, laughter’ Family pays tribute to City Picnic restaurateur Arthur McAnerney after death at 50
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Belfast restaurateur who died on his 50th birthday has been remembered for putting family “above everything else in his life”. Arthur McAnerney, a father-of-seven originally from Armagh, was the owner of City Picnic on Castle Street. In a tribute sent to the Belfast Telegraph, his family said he was “a devoted husband to Maria and a much-loved father to seven children”. “Above everything else in his life, his family came first.” His family said that, despite his illness, he had been closely involved with City Picnic’s plans for marking Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. They said: “Arthur was a larger-than-life character with an entrepreneurial spirit and an enormous personality. “Those who knew him will remember a man who loved people, conversation, good food and, above all, laughter. “Arthur had an ability to fill a room. He loved entertaining and bringing people together, whether that was around the family dinner table, in his home or through City Picnic. “He took enormous pride in the business and had continued to have ideas and ambitions for it even throughout his illness.” They said he had been “particularly excited” about City Picnic’s preparations for music and entertainment during last week’s Fleadh.
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“Although he became too unwell to be there himself, his family, staff and friends came together to help bring his plans to life.” But he was equally proud of the home and family life he created with Maria, they added. “He loved good food, particularly Maria’s cooking, and was never happier than sitting around the dinner table with family and friends, talking, laughing, playing cards or a board game and enjoying the company around him. “He took great pride in his appearance, his home and his surroundings, but the greatest source of pride in Arthur’s life was his children. “He believed strongly in teaching them the value of work, independence and making their own way in life.” They said that those closest to him called him “generous, funny, determined and completely unforgettable”. “He was a big man with an even bigger character, and when Arthur walked into a room, people knew he was there. “His death has prompted an outpouring of messages, stories and memories from friends, customers and people whose paths crossed with his over the years.” A book of condolence was opened at the restaurant for customers to record their memories. People are also being encouraged to share stories, photographs and memories through the City Picnic Facebook and Instagram pages
“so that his wife, children and wider family can read and treasure those memories in the days and weeks ahead”. “Arthur leaves behind a business he was immensely proud of, countless friendships and, most importantly, the family he loved so deeply,” the tribute said. “He will be very greatly missed.” Mr McAnerney is also remembered for doggedly standing up for businesses affected by the closure of Castle Street after the devastating Primark fire of 2018. His business, on the corner of Fountain Street and Castle Street, was forced to close after the blaze in August that year. Belfast Telegraph restaurant critic Joris Minne wrote in a review that the burgers at City Picnic were “the best in Belfast”. Mr McAnerney opened the venue in 2011, and was later joined by Gavin Gregg as a partner. Mr Gregg stepped down last year. Mr Minne said he was “deeply, deeply saddened”. He added: “The last time I saw him was at a
HOSPITALITY
party in Bullitt Hotel a few months ago. He and his wife Maria were there, and we had a big, long chat about City Picnic. “He had a sandwich board outside City Picnic for years because I had said ‘I think this is the best burger in Belfast’, and he put that quote out on the street. “And he said to me: ‘You know, I’ve always been grateful for that’. And I said: ‘But it was the best burger in Belfast’. “And I’ve been back since, and it’s still as good.” He said Mr McAnerney was part of a family of entrepreneurs, with mother Catherine and late father Vincent setting up businesses culminating in McAnerneys supermarket in Armagh. Mr Minne said: “Arthur sourced his meat from Armagh and was very, very conscientious. He had great attention to detail. “His restaurant was unusual in that it was decked out in all primary colours, so very attractive to young families, which was clever because people shopping in the city would
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focus on that. “It was chic and fun — everything a good restaurant should be, entertaining and exciting, with good food... “He was ‘Mr Hospitality’ and had a lovely way about him. He and his wife and family were just lovely people, and he was a giant of a fella, too. “He was a big, gentle guy... I was a great admirer of him, and I’m deeply, deeply saddened that a young fella like that should die.” Art O’Hagan, director of estate agency CPS and chair of Armagh City Centre Management, said it was “very sorry” about the loss of Mr McAnerney. “Arthur was a highly successful businessman and entrepreneur, from a very well-known and respected Armagh business family. “He and his family circle have made a significant contribution to the local business community over many years. “On behalf of the local business community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Arthur’s
family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. “May his gentle soul rest in peace.” Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said he had met Mr McAnerney in the aftermath of the Primark fire to discuss its impact on retailers. “Obviously, he went through a terrible tough time, but he was a very resilient individual who was determined, in spite of all that was going on, that his restaurant would reopen. I was very struck by his determination,” he said. Mr McAnerney’s funeral took place on Saturday at St Michael’s Church, Carlingford, at 11.30am. A death notice described him as “beloved husband and best friend of Maria, and adored dad of Oran, Aoibheann, Faye, Vicky, Lewis, Sebastian and Sophia”. He is also survived by his mum Catherine and siblings Nicola, Patrick, Clodagh, Paula and Aidan, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw. He was predeceased by his father Vincent in 2013. ■
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NEWS
Council planners have recommended a social housing scheme is refused planning permission. Stock image
Planners recommend social housing scheme at former cricket club be turned down John Mulgrew
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social housing development planned for the site of a former Belfast cricket ground is being recommended for refusal. BW Homes & Construction wants to build 37 homes at the old Dunmurry Cricket Club site, alongside a basketball court, other recreational facilities and parkland. But planners are recommending the scheme is turned down. That centres around the “loss of open space” as part of the council’s local development plan. They also say the “proposal would have a harmful landscape impact on the LLPA (local landscape policy area)”. “The proposal is contrary to Policy OS1 of the Belfast Local Development Plan: Plan Strategy 2035 in that, if approved, it would result in the unacceptable loss of a significant area of open space,” council planners said. “In this case, it has not been demonstrated that the proposed development will bring
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substantial community benefits that decisively outweigh the loss of the open space.” In a letter from the council last year, it said that the “proposed residential development would constitute the loss of existing open space and would be contrary to LDP (local development plan) open space policy provisions”. “… it is clear that the subject site is considered to be existing open space,” it said. “The policy approach to open space as set out in LDP Policy OS1 means that all existing open space is subject to strong protection, irrespective of its ownership, access or condition and whether or not it is specifically identified in any development plan “… it should also be noted that, where the principle of development may be considered acceptable in terms of open space policy exceptional cases and LLPA, all other policies in the Belfast LDP Plan Strategy must be considered.” BW Homes & Construction, which is part of the Braidwater Group, says it has engaged with Apex Housing Association to “help inform
the housing element of the proposal”. “The purpose of this project is to make better use of this vacant site, situated between the main urban hubs of Belfast and Lisburn, to make more efficient use of this key land, while respecting the landscape setting,” it says in planning documents. “The proposal is to redevelop zoned open space to provide a mixed-use development that balances residential and recreational needs. The brief is to development approximately half of the site to deliver much-needed affordable housing, while the remaining half will be transformed into a new community park. “This proposal is being undertaken in collaboration with Apex Housing Association to regenerate this vacant land that was reserved for recreational uses but has been subject to a long period of vacancy at the former Dunmurry Cricket Club... “[It] aims to deliver a mixed-use scheme that will result in substantial community benefit, incorporating social and affordable housing alongside a new community parkland with sports facilities for the wider community.” ■
FOOD & DRINK
Forest Feast marks its 30th anniversary
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orest Feast is celebrating its 30th anniversary this September, marking three decades of innovation and sustained growth that has seen the business evolve from a small family run operation into an internationally recognised premium snacking company. Founded by Michael Hall MBE and his late wife Lorraine in 1996, Forest Feast was the first brand launched by the family business, Kestrel Foods Ltd. Thirty years on, Michael remains at the helm as chief executive, having grown the company into a portfolio of leading food brands including ACTI-SNACK, Just Live a Little Granola and Indie Bay, employing more than 150 people at its headquarters in Portadown, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland. The brand’s tricennial anniversary comes at a significant moment for the business, following a period of exceptional growth. Annual sales have increased from £23.2m in FY23 to £43.8m in FY26, representing a compound annual growth rate of 23.7% . This is supported by continual investment in manufacturing, including expanding factory capacity and specialist production capability at its Portadown site, product innovation, people, and brand development, as the business works towards its ambition of doubling in size by 2030. Over the past 30 years, Forest Feast has grown through a combination of entrepreneurial ambition and continual reinvestment. From securing its first national GB grocery listing with Waitrose in 1998 and winning its first Great Taste Award in 2011, to launching internationally recognised product innovations and building state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities, the business has continually evolved in line with changing consumer tastes. The wonderful world of Forest Feast has become synonymous with exploration - a brand rooted in discovery, where the finest of
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Michael Hall MBE
ingredients are sourced from all four corners of the globe and brought back to base in Co. Armagh to be carefully crafted into innovative, indulgent snacks. Today, Forest Feast has won more than 20 Great Taste Awards and continues to develop premium products that respond to growing demand for better-for-you, high-quality snacking. While the business has grown significantly, the team has a relentless curiosity for discovering new ingredients and creating products consumers keep coming back to. “Reaching 30 years is an incredibly proud moment,” Michael Hall MBE, founder and chief executive of Forest Feast, said. When Lorraine and I started Forest Feast, we believed that snacks could be better: more exciting, more delicious, more carefully crafted, more responsibly sourced and more memorable.” “Looking back, what makes me most proud isn’t how much we’ve grown, but how we’ve done it,” Michael says. “We’ve consistently reinvested in our people, manufacturing capabilities, our brands, and product innovation, while staying true to
the values the business was built on. Thirty years later, I still come to work with the same excitement and belief that great products and great people are what drive long term success.” Since its launch, Forest Feast has been committed to ethical sourcing and responsible business practices. Longstanding partnerships include Preda mango in the Philippines, which supports farming communities and sustainable agriculture, alongside Cacao-Trace certified cocoa, renewable electricity across its manufacturing site, more than 20,000 trees planted through Ecologi, and ongoing partnerships with FareShare to reduce food waste. As consumers increasingly seek snacks that combine quality ingredients with premium taste and mindful indulgence, Forest Feast is setting its sights firmly on doubling the business by 2030. Through accelerated international expansion, category leading innovation and continued investment in its people, brands and world-class manufacturing capability, the ambition is clear: to build Forest Feast into one of the world’s leading premium snacking brands. ■
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NEWS
Peter Rusk at Harland & Wolff shipyard
Iconic Harland & Wolff cranes set for makeover as part of £100m investment
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elfast’s iconic yellow cranes will be used for shipbuilding for the first time in two decades as part of a near-£100m of investment in Harland & Wolff. Work is already underway on Samson and Goliath as the entire yard prepares to deliver a major contract for the Royal Navy — the first ships built in the shipyard since 2003 — and new owner Navantia UK is keen for the symbols of Belfast to be a practical part of this project. Over £3m is being invested in a “comprehensive refit” of the famous cranes, including replacements for the cables that supply them with power, alongside structural and electrical repairs. Things are already underway with the refit of Goliath, the smaller and older crane built in 1969, with Samson, the larger crane built in 1974, to be worked on afterwards, with the aim of having both back in shipbuilding shape by the end of the year. Capable of lifting 840 tonnes (the combined weight of four Boeing 747s), the cranes have the capacity for Harland & Wolff’s current
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project of building Fleet Solid Support Ships, which are the largest non-aircraft carrier vessels that sail in the Royal Navy. From the very top of Samson, the whole of Belfast is visible, with views down the lough where these new ships will one day sail out to join the rest of the fleet. Staff working on the cranes can spend all day up there, with a kitchen and sitting area giving them room to relax on their breaks. From a practical perspective, Samson and Goliath’s huge lifting capacity allows Harland & Wolff to transport the enormous — and heavy — steel and other materials necessary to complete its contracts. Updating the cranes is part of a near-£100m spend from Navantia on recapitalisation plans for Harland & Wolff, which it says “will prepare the yard for advanced naval and commercial shipbuilding projects”. The new project could also deliver a big employment boost to the city, as Navantia plans to increase the workforce from approximately 450 today to 1,500 by 2030. New apprentices are also being hired, with 66 set to arrive in the coming months, while
existing staff can also upskill to work on the new machines that are being installed. Peter Rusk, the programme manager at Navantia UK who is overseeing delivery of the recapitalisation at Harland & Wolff, says the whole workforce is excited about the prospect of a revitalised Samson and Goliath and for the company, as a whole, to return to its shipbuilding roots. “The cranes, yes, they are historic, they are iconic to Belfast, but their true purpose is for shipbuilding — and they haven’t been used for shipbuilding in over 20 years. “So, this is great. It’s fantastic that we are investing this money, and we are going to bring it back to what its true purpose is for.” While work has continued at the yard in the past two-plus decades, Mr Rusk says returning to the job of shipbuilding feels like the right thing for Harland & Wolff. “Everyone is incredibly proud of this. A lot of the people working here, their fathers, their great-grandfathers, they worked here. They maybe helped build the Titanic. I have family members who worked in the yard as well. We’re all proud to work here again.” ■
NEWS
Work starts on extension to Airbus Belfast wing facility
Airbus apprentice Harrison Dalton; Charlotte O’Kane, head of A220 programme management; Joanne Millar, head of A220 wing operations; and Ethan Kane, Airbus apprentice
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onstruction has started on an extension to the Airbus Belfast wing facility. The European aerospace giant said the extension will support its ramp-up of production of the A220, a narrow-bodied aircraft whose wings are made in Belfast. Airbus said it was part of a wider multimillion-pound site investment. The facility had been part of Spirit AeroSystems’ operation in Belfast, until it was split between Airbus and rival Boeing in a transaction finalised last year. Work on the extension is due to finish in the first half of 2028, Airbus said. It will house a third autoclave, used for sterilisation, as well as specialised wing tooling and cranage, as production of the A220 ramps up to 13 aircraft per month by 2028.
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Airbus said it will also continue with modernisation of the site, including adding a new security gate entrance, high-voltage electrical substations, a new office block, expanded 650-space car park and new IT systems. Anthony Rouse, head of Airbus Belfast plant and site, said: “Enhancing our wing facilities is a direct investment in the future of A220 wing production here in Belfast, building the capacity required to meet the growing demand for this aircraft. “This commitment is also reflected in our ongoing skills development, including bringing on board 40 new apprentices who will start in September this year. “It’s an exciting time for aviation in Northern Ireland and for the next generation of aerospace talent.”
Airbus said Belfast was “central to the A220 programme” as the only global manufacturer of its wings. The site pioneered a special manufacturing process known as ‘resin transfer infusion’ (RFI) for the making of the advanced composite wings. The technology makes the structure approximately 10pc lighter than traditional aluminium equivalents, directly reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions. The news from Airbus follows an announcement by its neighbour Harland & Wolff of a £3m investment in refurbishment of its eye-catching cranes. The shipyard is gearing up for a return to shipbuilding after more than 20 years, as it prepares to work on a major contract for the Royal Navy. ■
NEWS
City office block on ‘strategic corner’ set for redevelopment after green light A CGI of how the building will look on completion
Margaret Canning
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he proposed redevelopment of an office in Belfast city centre has been given planning permission. Developer Melcorpo Commercial Properties lodged plans for revamping Capital House on the corner of Wellington Place and Upper Queen Street in November. The approved plans involve adding a two-storey extension, which would bring the building to eight storeys. The developer is also planning to add front and back extensions, and to replace the front of the building with full-height glazing. And the main entrance to the building would be relocated to Wellington Place from Upper Queen Street as part of the plans. When complete, the scheme would bring around 97,400 sq ft of lettable office space, with spaces ranging from around 10,970 to 12,975 sq ft. The developer said there would be scope to combine spaces using internal stairs, which would give occupiers the flexibility to increase the size of their space as they grow.
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Three ground floor retail units are also included in the plans, with the total size of the building 135,931 sq ft. A spokesperson for agents TDK Property, which advised on the planning application, said that when complete “Capital House will deliver an exceptional grade A office building in the heart of Belfast’s most sought-after business district”. The developer announced on Tuesday that it had obtained planning permission from Belfast City Council. Stephen Deyermond, partner at TDK Property, said: “We are delighted to obtain planning permission so quickly, and credit is due to the project team and the Belfast City Council planning team. “Capital House occupies a strategic corner, one block from Belfast City Hall, in the heart of Belfast’s most sought-after office district.” He said the redevelopment would bring a Grade A office building to the market at a time when little new high-quality space was available or proposed. The plans include a “wellness and business lounge” on the second floor with direct
balcony access. There are also cycle storage, showers, drying rooms and changing rooms on the ground floor. A manned concierge and high-speed passenger lifts are also planned. Capital House was formerly known was Dial House, and was completed in 1976 as BT’s Belfast headquarters. However, it has been largely vacant in recent years. Melcorpo is a family-owned Irish commercial property investment company. Other office developments in the area have also involved the reuse of older buildings, including Merchant Square, Urban HQ and Lancaster House. ■
IT & CYBER-SECURITY
Big data in little NI
IT & CYBER-SECURITY
What new GreenScale campus could look like when completed
Construction of Facebook’s data centre in Damastown, Dublin
As NI opens its doors to data centres, Pavel Barter weighs their general positive economic benefits against their potentially negative environmental impacts
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new report into Northern Ireland’s artificial intelligence strategy has described the development of data centres as an opportunity for the region. For many public sector AI projects, cloud computing will be used. This requires data centres and at present NI [only] has nine,” stated the consultation report which was published by the Executive in August 2026. Over 20% of renewable energy in NI, it stated, is “curtailed due to system restraints, ie we produce more than we use. As such, NI could develop a strategic, whole system plan for a green data centre industry which attracts
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foreign direct investment (FDI).” The report arrives just as GreenScale, a sustainable data centre developer and operator, prepares to open its Foyle Port campus in Derry. “Our first phase one power supply is now on site,” Brian Doherty, managing director of GreenScale NI, told Ulster Business. “We’ve built our access roads. We have full planning permission. Our power contracts are established and executed. We are ready to go.” Anna Doherty, chief executive at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, describes the GreenScale project as “a campus, powered by local wind and solar, that will serve as an
enabler for other technological developments across the region and facilitate development of large-scale wind energy generation.” The data centre is likely to benefit the local graduate market as well tech companies setting up in the area. But due to the resource-intensive nature of data centres generally, what environmental and societal price might be paid for an influx in Northern Ireland?, notes Mary McKenna, a technology entrepreneur and angel investor, needs to weigh the “positive economic benefit” of data centres alongside their potentially “serious negative environmental impact”. Environmentalists do not need look far for precedent. The Republic of Ireland has an estimated 135 data centres, according to NI’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, although the exact figure is uncertain. Statistics released by
IT & CYBER-SECURITY
The site GreenScale will build its new development
the Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) in July 2026 indicated that data centres accounted for close to a quarter of total electricity usage in Ireland in 2025: a major contributor to carbon emissions. A recent report from Friends of the Earth revealed that “households in Ireland paid an estimated €715m more in electricity bills between 2015 and 2023 due to the rapid expansion of data centres”. Households in NI may also be impacted by RoI’s data centres, the report’s author, ecological economist Dr Seán Fearon, told Ulster Business: “It’s a single electricity market and the price mechanism – using gas as a price setter – affects households in the north.” James Orr, director of Friends of the Earth in NI, describes “high levels of fuel poverty in Northern Ireland” and “concerns about socioeconomic impacts
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as well as wider environmental impacts [around data centres].” Environmental groups cite the Republic as an example of how not to handle data centres. Industry, on the other hand, considers it an example of how to do it right. The data centre sector developed in the Republic of Ireland in the early 2000s. Back then, Brian Doherty assisted in many projects including the development of the Irish government National Data Centre. He describes what happened in Dublin as “very far-seeing”: fibre was laid along the route of the M50 linking areas around Dublin where data centres subsequently sprang up. At that time, the first transatlantic cable crossing to Ireland was routed into Dublin. Ireland suddenly had one of the fastest connections from Western Europe to North America and big tech companies came flocking.
Northern Ireland, on the other hand, “wasn’t on the radar,” recounts Brian. “There was little infrastructure in Northern Ireland at the time outside BT’s data centre in Exchange House in Belfast. I believe it would have been difficult for data centre operators to consider locating here back then.” Until now. GreenScale, which is hoping to develop a campus in Letterkenny, claims sustainability at the core of its operation making “the best use of the Northwest’s natural, regional wind resources, and being as environmentally conscious as possible,” according to Anna Doherty of Derry Chamber. The company considers sustainability from the earliest stage of site selection through to scalability. GreenScale has implemented 12 sustainability commitments. These include items such as >
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IT & CYBER-SECURITY
One of Amazon’s Dublin offices
‘Sourcing Green Energy’, ‘Reducing Embodied Carbon’, and ‘Achieving Net Zero Emissions’. Each commitment is built around frameworks: European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). GreenScale will not consume water to cool its data centres, Brian insists. Instead, it will use a closedloop water system for direct liquid cooling, supplemented by free-air cooling where appropriate. “We will not use any more water than the average-size office building.” Anna Dowson, GreenScale’s senior director of sustainability, acknowledges that “data centres are power hungry infrastructures” but believes the Northwest has much to offer in terms of renewable energy. “In an area with significant curtailed wind generation, as well as grid and transmission constraints, we can play a major role in supporting the local energy system by strengthening infrastructure, enabling greater renewable penetration and even helping to reduce power costs for local consumers.” Earlier this year, GreenScale completed its first net zero road map, modelling a path to net zero by 2050. “By committing to running our generators on HVO [hydrotreated vegetable oil], by using ultra-low GWP [global warming potential] refrigerants, and by procuring renewable power, we will reduce our Scope One emissions by more than 90% compared to industry averages,” says Anna. GreenScale
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and Foyle Port are currently bidding for Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone (AIGZ) designation which will accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure, although scalability of the Derry Campus is not contingent on AIGZ approval, according to GreenScale. The scale of data centres is where environmental concerns come to the fore, says Aideen O’Dochartaigh, a professor at Dublin City University who specialises in corporate sustainability accounting. “Industry tells us individual data centres are becoming more efficient. But the cumulative impact of all the data centres is the problem. At the scale we’re currently looking at, there is not enough renewable energy to power all our data centres [in RoI.” The Republic of Ireland “is one of the most resource and emissions-intensive economies in the developed world,” says Dr Seán Fearon. “Renewable energy capacity put onto the grid since 2015 has been consumed by data centres. This is antithetical to a clean power system. In a time of climate emergency, it’s a ridiculous state of development.” Environmentalists describe a lack of oversight around data centres in the Republic. Statisticians, for example, don’t have figures as to the exact amount of data centres in existence here. Seán describes it as a “culture of opacity”. Aideen O’Dochartaigh criticises what she describes as “a lack of transparency” from many major data centres in RoI. Legislators, however,
are beginning to develop policies around these industries. The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive aims to assess data centre performance. Last December, Ireland’s Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a paper setting out rules that data centres will need to follow over the next five years. Are similar central policies required in Northern Ireland? “We’ve seen time and time again that in the absence of policies, deals can be done often behind closed doors and without any real transparency,” says James Orr of Friends of the Earth NI. “The absence of any independent climate assessment is a big worry. We need to invest in a robust planning system that is strategically led not by private sector, but by public interest.” GreenScale, for its part, welcomes transparency and accountability and say they focus on environmental and social value commitments. “We will draw more and more of our power from renewable energy generation sources, such as wind and solar.” says Brian Doherty. Anna Doherty of Derry Chamber, meanwhile, expects the Northern Ireland executive to formulate a data centre policy: “That is definitely needed.” It is unlikely that NI, with a smaller population and a smaller energy grid, will ever match the scale of the Republic’s data centre market – and this might abate some concerns. Environmentalists, however, still need to be convinced. ■
NEWS
Brendan Mooney of Kainos
Kainos gives optimistic outlook in trading update
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ainos plc has said strong momentum from last year is continuing, with full-year profits of £77.1m now forecast. The IT provider, which is the only Northern Ireland firm on the FTSE 250, issued a trading update from chief financial officer Richard McCann. The business, led by chief executive Brendan Mooney, said the first few months of the financial year to March 2027 had been positive. It said: “As a consequence, the board now anticipates delivering revenue and adjusted PBT (profit before tax) for the year ending March 31, 2027, comfortably ahead of current market expectations.” The company, based at Upper Crescent in south Belfast, operates in three divisions:
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digital services, Workday Services and Workday Products. The update said: “During the year ended March 31, 2026, the company achieved double-digit-percentage revenue growth, a very strong sales performance and record backlog levels. “This strong momentum has continued in the first months of the current financial year.” It said digital services continued to grow very strongly, thanks to “several significant contracts” in the second half of last year, and more deals since the start of the present financial year. “Trading in both Workday Services and Workday Products has continued to perform well, with both divisions recording double-digit revenue increases over the same period in the previous financial year.
“Looking forward, we remain confident in our outlook for the financial year and beyond. “This confidence is underpinned by a robust pipeline and a significant multi-year contracted backlog. “While the macroeconomic environment remains volatile, Kainos operates in markets driven by clear structural trends and remains well positioned to deliver on its strategy.” It will announce results for the six months ending September 30, 2026, on Monday, November 9. It said analyst estimates put its revenue for the year ending March 21, 2027, at £498m-£514m, with adjusted profits before tax of £75.m-£84m. Consensus figures were for revenues of £509.3m and profits before tax of £77.1m. ■
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INTERVIEW
‘I took this on as I wanted to see it happen – I’m not interested in getting planning permission for the sake of it’ Castlebrooke Investments is turning fresh attention to a major part of Belfast city centre with a new scheme, following its now-shelved mixed-use Tribeca development. John Mulgrew speaks to Gerry Hughes, the man leading the plans, about moving to residential-focuses, new hotel operators, and the developer’s own reputation
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orthern Ireland man Gerry Hughes says he firmly wants to deliver revised plans to revamp much of the north end of Belfast city centre. He is the man leading Castlebrooke Investments’ £195m plan for neglected parts of the Cathedral Quarter has been unveiled to the public as part of a consultation. It initially had planned a £400m development, called Tribeca, which would have had a large retail element. But in the years since that was first proposed, applications for the development have been withdrawn. The new scaled back plans will now be residential-focused, and include two hotels. The business has scaled back plans for the development of a new area, which would have been called Tribeca. “We stepped right back and started to think again about the future of area, as the last scheme didn’t work out,” Gerry Hughes told Ulster Business. “I wanted to really focus on three things. It was agreed that residential development was the way to go, with the market and the need for more homes. “There is policy too, to get people [living] in the city centre. Secondly, is that this is a very important part of the city from a heritage point of view. “There’s value I that – it’s not a negative.
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Gerry Hughes
[We want to] harness and utilise the quality and history which exists. “Thirdly, there’s the desire to put people
in front of process. The only thing that drives value is people. “People create footfall – buying stuff in
INTERVIEW
Early sketches which show what the new development could look like
shops, bars, restaurants. The idea was to focus on what would attract people to the place. When you take that point of view – [looking at] how can you connect this part of the city better, with a multi-professional team some of the best urban design team in Copenhagen, with local architects.” Those behind the scheme include Copenhagen-headquartered urban designer Schulz Grassov, Belfast-based firms Like Architects and Todd Architect, Dublin-based specialist heritage architect OC+C Architects, planning consultant TSA Planning, and property consultant Colliers. Plans also include the restoration of five listed buildings including The Masonic Hall, the Garfield Bar and the facades of the former North Street Arcade. It could bring around 1,000 new homes – including social and affordable accommodation — two four-star hotels and up to 100,000 sq ft of mixed commercial and community space, including shops, restaurants, cafes and services. He says it’s currently in discussion with a number of operators for the hotel elements of the overall scheme. “Because it’s a full application, we are making sure we are designing with operator input,” he says. “Two hotels are being designed with input from two hotel chains at the moment – both brands are new to Northern Ireland. “There is an opportunity for two hotels in
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the scheme, totalling around 400 bedrooms, and about 1,000 units of residential.” Gerry says that would include a mixture of homes for sale, build-to-rent, 120 units of communal living, and 120 social or affordable homes, which has says would be “fullyintegrated into the scheme”. “The intention is to create a neighbourhood and not one block of housing,” he says. “[For one of the hotels] Royal Avenue is one of the best locations in the city.” On revising the plans, Gerry says the “office market has changed” in the wake of changing habits and hybrid-working. “There is a demand for new homes, and that is mainly in rental growth,” he says. “There is a need to meet that demand. “City Council is in favour of city centre living, and that principle is well-established. Two hotels add variety.” Gerry hails from Northern Ireland, studying at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving on to work on a range of schemes, including the redevelopment of Manchester city centre. “On deliverability there is 100,000 sq ft of new public realm,” he says. “We need to work with public sector as to how we can actually fund and deliver that. “We see this is as a public-private partnership approach as we are creating so much benefit.” Gerry was formerly Avison Young principal and president, Europe, while he sits on the board of the Martine Belfast Trust, and is
an honorary professor at Queen’s University Belfast. “Manchester is a great case study… now you can see the boom in city centre living. “That city centre living started in the most historic part of Manchester. It was heritage and character that attracted people in the first place. Pioneers moved in and then became a popular thing to do. If we can get that right here… I can see that helping kick off housing in the city centre here.” Asked about Castlebrooke’s reputation, which took a hit amid delays in work on the previous scheme, Gerry says “my focus is on the scheme and getting one that is deliverable”. “There is nothing gained to be getting planning permission and not delivering,” he says. “The intention is actually delivering this, and spending more to get a full permission. [You could] get outline if you want to flog it. I took [this on] as I wanted to see it happen – I’m not interested in getting planning permission for the sake of it.” He said it’s aiming to get planning permission by September or October 2027, and says funding is there to get an occupier to deliver the first hotel phase, with further development taking place over four or five years. “Each element can be funded differently – we don’t need all funding all at once,” he says. ■
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Walter Watson manufactures and sells steel products
NEWS
Co Antrim family-owned steel firm reports pre-tax profits of almost £6.2m James McNaney
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Co Down steel business reported almost £62m in turnover last year, but experienced a 20pc drop in pre-tax profits as problems in the market affected margins. Walter Watson says they are satisfied with the “highly resilient” results, and said continuing sales and new orders are encouraging in a “competitive marketplace” that is experiencing “subdued demand”. The business cited higher energy and operating costs as challenges it faced last year, and said a continued drive for efficiencies has mitigated against these issues. Based in Castlewellan. Walter Watson makes and distributes steel products to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. The group brought in £62m of turnover in 2025, a 5pc rise on the £59m made in 2024. Cost of sales increased by 8pc, rising to just over £51m. Selling and distribution cost the group £1m last year, while administrative expenses rose to around £4.2m. Increased costs led to Walter Watson making
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20pc less profit before tax, falling to £6.2m from £7.6m. Money owed to the firm by debtors went up almost 30pc to £25m, while it owes £9m to creditors due within one year. The business employed an average of 227 people in 2025, and has staff costs of £9.7m. In a strategic report filed with the results, the directors said: “The group has a record margin of 17pc in FY 2025, which is satisfactory considering the volatile nature of many of our input costs, especially increasing direct energy costs and direct labour costs. “Our continuous improvement in operating efficiencies, and ability to be flexible in both design and manufacture coupled with support from our supply chain has enabled us to mitigate these threats. “The group turnover during the year ended on December 31, 2025, increased... which is pleasing considering the wider sector declines in prices across most steel products, largely driven by subdued demand in the construction sector as a consequence of lower levels of business and economic confidence generally. “Our 2025 performance highlighted our ability to strengthen output volumes and market share year on year, resulting in an
overall turnover increase in a declining steel price environment.” The directors described profits for the year as representing a “satisfactory performance” and said the 2025 results “demonstrate the resilience of the group as we continue to deliver on our strategic objectives while maintaining a strong liquidity position as demonstrated by net cash at the year-end of £23m”. “The group has no bank loans or overdrafts and shareholders’ funds of £64m also highlight the balance sheet strength of the group. “The group’s order book for the remainder of 2026 remains healthy and the directors view the outlook with confidence; although we are aware of the changing dynamic with enquiry levels and have positioned the group in preparation for future growth. “Whilst the construction sector has remained challenging, investment in the group’s core businesses continued in 2025, and the capital investment program continues to modernise the premises, plant and machinery assets. “The group continues to have the financial resources to implement future orders from customers, thus enabling effective management of business risks.” ■
ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
In deep water
ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
As locals around Lough Neagh face another season of businessdisrupting blue-green algae, what efforts are being made to address the underlying causes of the pollution, asks Pavel Barter
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ew people are as devoted to Lough Neagh as Una Johnston, proprietor of the Lock Keeper’s Cottage, a tea room beside Toome Canal at the Lough edge. Una has lived beside Lough Neagh her whole life; she is married to a local fisherman and is involved in community events. So it pained her to witness the return of bluegreen algae to her local waters over summer 2026. “It’s not sitting as heavily on the River Bann [which flows into Lough Neagh from the south], but where I live at the edge of the Lough our bay is full of algae. There’s no change but business-wise for us as a tearoom, this July was our worst July since we opened.” Gary McErlain, a local fisherman who runs the tourism business Lough Neagh Stories with his wife, has seen his business decimated. “If a big chunk of your livelihood has been taken away for three years, that’s not a good outlook,” he says. “The tourism industry around the Lough is suffering. The world is seeing was a green Lough Neagh and who really wants to come to see a green Lough Neagh?” From a fishing perspective, the algae triggered a collapse in its famous eel population and the closure of the local fishery. The decline of the eel business, explains Gary, is directly related to the loss of Lough Neagh fly: a vital part of the food chain for local fish and eels. “It doesn’t take science to tell us that our Lough Neagh fly is down in numbers. We can see that in real time.” The algae (a bacteria known as cyanobacteria) has triggered a crisis around the
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UK’s largest freshwater lake but locals believe this was a long time in the making. According to Gary McErlain, there were signs the Lough has been hypereutrophic (an oversupply of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen leading to extreme ecological stress) for 25 years. Fly numbers have been dropping “from the mid1990s”. Locals first began noticing algae in the late 2010s. It culminated in an unprecedented and massive bloom of the bacteria in 2023. That year, Una Johnston was organising her
quarterly Lough Neagh Artisan Market – a collection of local artisan businesses who sell their wares on the shores of the Lough – but she was forced to cancel the night beforehand due to online complaints about the algae. A host of factors have been attributed: climate change, for example, has caused the Lough to increase in temperature by one degree since the 1990s. The invasive Zebra mussel species have accelerated the water’s toxicity. But for locals the overwhelming issue is pollution.
ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
Algae on Lough Neagh
“You couldn’t convince me any other way,” Gary says. “We can see that very clearly.” It’s a position also held by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). “The increase in blue green algae blooms is a result of excess nutrients from agricultural and wastewater systems,” a spokesperson explained to Ulster Business. Various recent studies – including a RePhokUs report and a New Harmonica Study produced by AFBI and Lancaster University – identified nutrients in the
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Lough which emanated from agriculture, wastewater treatment works and septic tanks. In June, 2026, DAERA launched a 10-week consultation into nutrient pollution in NI waterways. The Nutrients Action Programme 2027 – 2030, according to the spokesperson, “is aimed at reducing nutrient pollution from farming to improve water quality.” The consultation, which includes input from farmers, environmental organisations and the agri-food industry, closes 7 September, 2026. The Department also launched a £40m
Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme with a view to “enable farm businesses to invest in technologies that better manage nutrients, including low-emission slurry spreading equipment. In June, 2026, Environment minister Andrew Muir secured over £49m of funding for Lough Neagh, “which will be invested in on-farm advice and nature-based solutions to improve water quality”. Lough Neagh locals believe the lack of investment in NI Water is a major contributor to the pollution. According to Una Johnston, >
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ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
Some consider the Going for Growth strategy as having contributed to the problems now facing Lough Neagh
some housing developments around Lough Neagh are restricted because the local sewage system is not fit for purpose. Gary McErlain adds: “It’s not a Lough Neagh problem because Lough Neagh didn’t create the nutrient and phosphorous. It’s coming off the land. It’s coming off the catchment area. It’s coming up the riverbanks. It’s coming up the north coast. It’s a regional problem.” Water infrastructure is the remit of the Department of Infrastructure but DAERA intends to enforce approaches to water pollution, regulation and enforcement through its Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. This legislation increases fines and penalties for pollution offences and creates fixed penalty notices to ensure deterrents are in place to protect the Lough. A Lough Neagh Regulation and Enforcement Task Force introduced “over 20 officials focused on the catchment area, including additional inspectors on the ground”. Locals insist the government’s actions are not happening fast enough and delays have cost local fishermen and tourism industries another summer. In 2026, blue-green algae
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was first recorded (through DAERA’s Bloomin’ Algae App) in April. Since then there has been around 70 more reported sightings. Una Johnston, who used to conduct the Lough Neagh Artisan Market four times per year opted for a single outing of her event this summer. Although eel was traditionally the main source of the fishing industry, local fishermen are catching scale fish – trout, salmon, perch, for example – that are in season. But the financial impact of three years of blue-green algae has taken its toll. “They [the government] is talking too long,” says Una. “How are households supposed to finance their families? How are they supposed to pay their bills? We’ve had so many disasters through flooding or farming or Covid, in which help or finance was immediately found. I have to admit to being very angry about the fact our fishing families have been left to hang.” A spokesperson for DAERA described Muir’s “determination to turn the tide on water quality” and bring about “longterm recovery”. The 37-point Lough Neagh Action Plan, launched in July 2024, “set a
clear direction on how Northern Ireland can improve the health of its waterways, focusing on education, incentivisation, regulation and enforcement”. According to the spokesperson, 23 of the actions are completed and 14 are “progressing apace”. A financial assistance scheme has been developed, although “the approval process spans more than one department and therefore can take some time to complete. When secured, and approved by the Minister, the details and timescales for the scheme will be announced.” Despite the last difficult few years, some locals are optimistic that business (and eels) can return to the Lough. “You have to look at the positives and glimmers of hope,” says Gary McErlain. “We are seeing a lot of young fish coming through again. Nature has a powerful way of fighting and coming back. Given the opportunity, Lough Neagh will come back. But yes, this is a man-made problem. It’s not a natural issue that we can’t get a grasp of. We can fix it. There’s no question about that. If it’s a man-made problem, man can fix it.” ■
NEWS
Distrust of AI could hold NI back warns professor W idespread distrust of artificial intelligence (AI) must be tackled if Northern Ireland is to fully embrace the technology, an Ulster University professor has warned. Fears over AI, personal data concerns and confusion about its everyday use will come under the spotlight at a major public seminar in Londonderry. Michaela Black, professor of artificial intelligence at Ulster University (Magee Campus), said a lack of public understanding was fuelling fears around AI, with many people using the technology every day without even realising it. Prof Black said the biggest challenge is ensuring people understand what AI is, how it works and what happens to their personal information when they use it. “Our biggest problem is that there is no citizens’ training for AI,” she said. “Some citizens don’t even know that they’re using AI on their phone sometimes. Others are using it quite regularly but not fully understanding that their data is very private to
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them and very personal to them.” Professor Black said that lack of knowledge could undermine confidence in AI at a time when the technology is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. “If you don’t really know what’s going on, do you really trust it?” she asked. Her comments come ahead of a public seminar in the Guildhall aimed at giving citizens an opportunity to question experts and voice their concerns. Professor Black said public engagement must be at the heart of Northern Ireland’s approach to AI, arguing that people should not simply be expected to accept new technology without understanding it. She also warned that many people may not realise they are already interacting with AI, from online searches to chatbots. “People could be chatting to a chatbot and don’t actually know it’s AI that they’re talking to,” she said. The professor believes accessible AI education, both online and face-to-face, could help address the problem.
“People should understand why their data is valuable, how it can be used and, crucially, when they should and should not use AI,” she said. But Professor Black stressed that distrust should not mean rejecting the technology altogether. She pointed to the experience of a visually impaired friend who had initially refused to use AI-powered glasses because she did not trust them. After eventually trying the technology, her friend was able to have letters read to her, arrange medical appointments and carry out tasks that had previously been difficult. “The transformation of her life is phenomenal,” Professor Black said. She said the example demonstrated why people need to be given informed choices rather than simply being encouraged to embrace AI. “We’ve got to make sure we’re making it available in multi-formats that everybody at every level of society can gain access to it when they’re comfortable to do so and in a safe environment,” she said. The free public seminar, exploring the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society, will take place in the Guildhall on Thursday, September 10, from 6pm to 7.30pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm. It’s open to everyone and will form part of a wider effort to put citizens at the centre of Northern Ireland’s AI journey. ■
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ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
Before Northern Ireland signs a 25-year cheque... look hard at the price The proposed Belfast incinerator is being sold as a ready-made answer to a looming crisis. Before a single signature commits ratepayers for a generation, the numbers deserve far more scrutiny than they are getting, according to recycling firm Re-Gen
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orthern Ireland genuinely does need to decide how it treats the waste that cannot yet be recycled. Nobody sensible disputes that. But there is a difference between solving a problem and rushing into the most expensive, least flexible version of a solution — and then locking ratepayers into it for the next quarter of a century. This is the real choice now facing councils and the Department for Infrastructure over the large incinerator proposed for the outskirts of Belfast. The developer’s case rests on a simple, reassuring story: there is a crisis coming, here is a ready-made plant, it needs no public money up front, and all that is missing is a minister’s signature. It is a tidy story. It also does not survive contact with the figures. A price tag from another era Start with the number everyone repeats: £250m. That figure was first set well over a decade ago, when the project was originally conceived. Construction costs for major infrastructure have risen enormously since then, and comparable energy-from-waste plants being built across Britain and Ireland today are costing many hundreds of millions of pounds — some far more. The idea that this plant can still be delivered for its original price belongs to the past. No council should sign a 25-year contract against a cost estimate that
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old without an independent, up-to-date figure on the table. The promise that it “doesn’t rely on initial public sector capital investment” is the most misleading part of the pitch — because the word doing the work is “initial.” The capital may be raised privately, but it is paid back, with a return, through the gate fees councils pay to use the plant year after year for decades. Those fees come from ratepayers. No upfront public capital is not the same as no public cost: it is a 25-year bill, not a free asset — and households will carry it in their rates long after the ribbon is cut. The bill only grows from here The cost case gets worse, not better, over the life of the plant. Carbon pricing is coming to energy-from-waste: by around the end of this decade, plants like this are expected to start paying for the fossil carbon they emit — mostly from burning plastic — for the first time. It is a charge that did not exist when this project was designed, that will rise over time, and that will be passed straight through to councils and their ratepayers. Committing now to burning hundreds of thousands of tonnes a year is committing to a carbon bill that climbs for the life of the plant. There is a deeper problem with building something this big. A plant of this scale needs a guaranteed diet of waste to make
the sums work — typically locked in through long-term contracts that oblige councils to keep supplying it, or pay anyway. That creates exactly the wrong incentive: once you have an expensive furnace to feed, the pressure is to keep feeding it, not to reduce, reuse and recycle more. A 25-year commitment to burning is a 25-year brake on doing better. The green case is softer than it looks The environmental argument is not as clean as the brochure suggests, either. The plant’s headline carbon “saving” is measured against landfill — but landfill is closing anyway, so that is the wrong comparison. Measured against modern energy recovery, the advantage shrinks. Unless the plant captures and uses its heat from day one, an electricity-only incinerator turns only around a quarter to a third of the energy in the waste into anything useful. The heat use that would make it genuinely efficient is described in the proposal as a future “potential,” not a firm commitment. Putting all our eggs in one basket There is also a resilience question that cuts against the whole “self-reliance” argument. Building one very large plant to handle the residual waste of most of Northern Ireland’s population creates a single point of failure. When a facility like that goes offline — for
ENERGY, WASTE & ENVIRONMENT
planned maintenance or an unplanned breakdown — the waste does not stop arriving. It still has to go somewhere, at short notice and high cost. A system built around one giant asset is more fragile, not less. The rest of the world is stepping back Supporters like to say Northern Ireland is an outlier because others have built these plants. That was true a decade ago. It is not the direction of travel now. Wales has stopped approving large new incinerators. Scotland has turned firmly against new capacity. Denmark is working to shrink its incineration fleet, and the Netherlands is taxing it. Even in England, the rules for new plants have been tightened. Northern Ireland would be signing up, for 25 years, to a technology that our nearest neighbours are quietly stepping away from. There is a better path — and it isn’t ‘do nothing’ None of this means ignoring the problem. It means being smarter than a single oversized burner — and starting from what has changed since this project was drawn up. When it was first envisaged, there was little you could do with black-bin waste but bury it or burn it. That is no longer true. Today’s
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sorting technology, increasingly driven by AI and robotics, already recovers far more metal, plastic and other material from the residual stream than was possible a decade ago — and it improves year on year. A plant, sized to burn today’s black bin waste, would within its 25-year life be burning material that we will by then be able to recover and put back to use. You don’t lock that in — you leave room for it. Then, for what genuinely cannot be recycled, think differently about scale and where these plants go. Instead of one enormous facility, Northern Ireland could build smaller, modern plants on industrial estates — sited well away from homes, where heavy waste infrastructure belongs, and far less likely to trouble residents with traffic or odour. Smaller plants also allow something a single mega-facility never can: a staged approach. Build one, watch how waste volumes and recycling actually evolve over the next few years, and then decide whether a second or third is really needed — rather than betting a quarter of a billion pounds and 25 years on a single guess made against decade-old assumptions. That flexibility is the whole point. The makeup of our waste is changing as producers cut packaging and more materials become
recyclable, and the technology keeps moving. A modular, right-sized network of plants can adapt as that happens. One giant furnace, locked in for a generation, cannot. These are the questions government and councils should be asking before any signature commits ratepayers for the next 25 years. What will this really cost, over its full life, once carbon charges and gate fees are counted? What happens to recycling once councils are contractually bound to keep a furnace fed? Why commit to the largest, least flexible option when smaller, staged plants could do the same job with far less risk? Is a decision timed conveniently ahead of an election really being given the scrutiny that a choice of this magnitude deserves? The waste needs dealing with. But the people who will pay for it deserve the real numbers — and the real alternatives — first. ■
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INTERVIEW
Meet the NI man heading Ireland’s communications regulator Garrett Blaney, boss of Ireland’s communications regulator, tells John Burns about growing up in Holywood and the various challenges he faces in the role
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fter a decade at former Power NI owner Viridian, including overseeing its regulatory affairs across the island of Ireland, Garrett Blaney from Co Down began to question his career path. Suddenly he asked himself: “Gosh. Is this it? Am I going to just work to make shareholders more wealthy for the rest of my life?’” Deciding the answer was no, he left the company and became a regulator in the Republic. “It was probably a bad move from a financial point of view, to go into the public sector,” says the commissioner of ComReg, who earns about €200,000 a year (£171,000). “But, look, satisfaction comes from more than that. There’s the satisfaction of doing something for society, and that made the difference for me.” He served two terms in what is now the Republic’s Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), overseeing energy and water, before moving in 2019 to communications regulator ComReg, where he is two years shy of completing another two terms. Garrett says moving from the private to the public sector was quite the cultural shift. “It was a bit discombobulating at the time. Like playing a game of chess with yourself and
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switching the board around, having to play a different strategy for the same game.” Ireland’s regulators are currently being criticised for two quite contradictory reasons. On the one hand, there’s something of a “commission carousel”, with officials jumping off one and joining another, as Garrett himself did. Joining ComReg as a commissioner this summer is Niamh Hodnett, formerly online safety commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán and previously a ComReg executive. On the other hand, there has been much disapproval about Niamh Sweeney being appointed to the Data Protection Commission, given that she previously worked for Meta. Garrett hopes such criticism doesn’t dissuade others in industry from becoming regulators. “When you work in industry, your job is to do your best for the company,” he adds. “As soon as I came over – and all three commissioners in ComReg have industry experience – your job is to do the best for the regulator.” The work of the telecoms regulator usually attracts little public attention, but that changed last year when it tackled the scourge of fake text messages, with fraudsters commonly posing as a person’s bank or a utility provider.
ComReg introduced a sender ID register. Companies that weren’t on it had their texts flagged as ‘likely scam’. For a while, though, some legitimate messages about medical appointments or payment notifications were wrongly flagged as suspicious, and ComReg had to apologise. “In the early days, it took a bit of time to get proper traction,” Garrett admits. “But that’s settled down, and we’ve had good results, and I think there’s a general sense now that it’s worked well. “Look, with any big interventions there’s always going to be teething issues. If you were afraid of those, you wouldn’t do things, and then society would be worse off. We just have to take some risks.” And what of scam phone calls? Until recently, our phones were lighting up daily with calls purporting to come from Singapore, Malaysia or Germany, but the nuisance has since abated. Has the problem been sorted?
INTERVIEW
Garrett Blaney says moving from the private to the public sector was quite a cultural shift
“No,” he smiles. “People don’t like to use the term whack-a-mole, but as soon as you fix the first problem, the bad actors just move to the next one. “Something like 170 million calls have been blocked. We’ve done a lot of interventions using our powers, but we can’t rest on our laurels. “There’s also an international dimension to this. If Ireland is seen as weak, all the bad actors will flock here. So our job is to make sure we’re one of the stronger links.” Does he himself get scam calls, I wonder, thinking what a shock a fraudster might get if tried his crooked spiel on the chairman of the Irish telecom regulator. “I think we all get them,” he says. “You do get frustrated sometimes. I generally just block it, or put it as junk.” Blaney (64) is from Holywood in Co Down, and took golf lessons on the same course as Rory McIlroy, obviously with somewhat less
SEPTEMBER 2026
success. His father Roger, an epidemiologist, was a tánaiste (vice president) of language organisation Conradh na Gaeilge and wrote the well-regarded book Presbyterians and the Irish Language, which went to four editions. “We were brought up in Irish,” Garrett says. “My father decided that I and my two younger sisters would all speak Irish, that it would be our first language. It’s hard as a teenager sometimes to speak in Irish all the time, but it’s something to really appreciate. Over his remaining two years on ComReg, Garrett will oversee it taking on many new responsibilities – on cybersecurity, AI and digital infrastructure, including data centres. For this, it will need a lot more staff. The current approved complement is 258, and there are ongoing discussions with the Irish Government about assigning more. Garrett rejects the notion that Ireland is over-regulated, saying to the public it means more than rules, and is about standards and
planning requirements. We need to ensure Ireland is a good place to build infrastructure, and that’s a challenge. “The court system is not the fastest sometimes in making decisions. That’s another area where we struggle a bit as regulators,” he says. “We’re quite happy to go to court if it’s needed, and quite happy to defend ourselves. But it’d be nice if we could speed up the court decision-making process. It’s a constraint.” In his spare time, Garrett and a friend are kayaking all the largest rivers in Ireland – and have now completed the Erne, Blackwater, Bann and Shannon, and the Barrow this year. “It’s a very different world to regulation,” he laughs, although I suggest there may be a metaphorical connection, since both require you to navigate hazards and foresee looming danger. Garrett says, more prosaically, you do need to check the mobile coverage before setting off in remote areas. ■
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NEWS
Anger after Ulster University scraps Magee sports dome project
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lans for a new sports arena at Ulster University’s Magee campus have been scrapped. The proposed Air Dome Project was intended to deliver a large sports facility at the Londonderry campus as part of plans to expand Magee and increase student numbers. However, Ulster University has confirmed the project is no longer financially viable due to “ongoing construction inflation and unsustainable running cost projections”. A university spokesperson said the decision was made after reviewing the financial challenges facing the institution. “Ongoing construction inflation and unsustainable running cost projections have caused Ulster University to conclude that the Dome Project is no longer financially viable within our current context,” the spokesperson said. “We are disappointed, but we must prioritise our limited resources on core activities of delivering excellence in teaching, research with impact, and in delivering City Deals. “This outcome is an inevitable consequence
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of the constrained financial position we are placed in as a result of the lack of a sustainable funding model for higher education in Northern Ireland.” They said other options for bolstering sports facilities on campus are being considered. “We remain committed to working with SEUPB (Special EU Programmes Body) across a range of projects and with local partners and stakeholders in the north west, even as we navigate these constrained times.” The spokesperson added that the decision was “difficult but unavoidable”. The air dome was expected to provide additional sporting and recreational space for students and the wider community. The project formed part of wider investment plans connected to the future development of Magee, which has long been a political priority for Derry. However, the decision has prompted criticism from SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin, who said the announcement raised further questions about the future expansion of the campus.
The party’s Opposition economy spokesperson said: “This project was announced two years ago to much fanfare as part of the ongoing plans to expand Ulster University’s Magee campus and increase student numbers. “Today, we are being told that it has been scrapped and there will be real frustration and concern in our city about what this means for the expansion of Magee as a whole.” Ms McLaughlin said she recognised the financial challenges facing Ulster University and higher education across Northern Ireland, but claimed Derry had repeatedly seen delays to promised investment. “It feels like when there are projects to be scrapped or cuts to be made, Magee is first in line,” she added. “The SDLP is fully supportive of the expansion of Magee, it’s in our DNA, but for the past few years it has been one step forward and two steps back. This city has waited long enough for the university it deserves.” ■
EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Top 10 moments that captured spirit of the Fleadh
EVENTS TITLE & CONFERENCES
Shona Bradley (7) from Desertmartin, playing on Donegall Plac
Belfast welcomed some 1.6 million people through its streets with the first year of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Kyle Frazer looks at some of the highlights of a week of music and culture
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f you were in Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, you couldn’t miss it — streets thronged as locals and tourists poured into the city. This was Belfast’s first time hosting the
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EVENTS & CONFERENCES
First Minister Michelle O’Neill dancing in the city centre with Fermanagh man Pat O’Doherty
Minister Michelle O’Neill dancing on the street with Fermanagh man Pat O’Doherty. The Sinn Féin vice-president shared the video on her social media channels, writing: “When a Fermanagh man asks a Tyrone woman to dance at Fleadh, sure why not?” Many bystanders and viewers commented that it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves, with Ms O’Neill responding: “That’s the spirit of the Fleadh.”
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largest celebration of Irish traditional music and culture, but if you didn’t make it, then fear not, it returns to the city next summer. The event has been hailed as such a success that some are now campaigning for Belfast to be given the festival for a third consecutive year — a move that wouldn’t be unheard of, with Cavan pulling that off in 2010, 2011 and 2012. So, reflecting on the past week, we’ve rounded up some of the best moments of the Fleadh, which saw more than 200 events, 180 trad competitions, and unrivalled craic. Opening Concert The Fleadh opened with a multicultural showcase from Ards CCÉ, the South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, as well as an array of highland pipers and champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance’s Lauren Smyth.
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Many who had gathered described the concert as touching and emotional. Political representatives also delivered speeches, outlining how the Fleadh was a wonderful opportunity to unite Belfast. Belfast Lord Mayor, Róis-Máire Donnelly, said the Fleadh was “a celebration of our culture, that ancient soul flowing out across the city, into our streets and homes”. In her speech, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said “respecting another’s culture never diminishes our own”, and that “confidence in who we are gives us the freedom to celebrate the richness of others”.
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Michelle O’Neill dancing There were plenty of moments that grabbed online attention throughout the week. One of the most viewed was First
Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards On the Monday, the Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards were held in the Mac to celebrate the achievements of Comhaltas members across Ireland who have additional needs. Several young people were nominated by their local Comhaltas group and took to the stage in what was an afternoon of entertainment showcasing some of Ireland’s best musicians. Kate Laverty, from Loughbeg Comhaltas, was nominated for an award for her bodhrán skills and performed a cover of the Salley Gardens along with Maria Conway on the tin whistle.
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Pipe Bands showcase Presented by the Belfast Bands Forum, the event celebrated the rich heritage of unionist and Ulster-Scots culture through its musical traditions. >
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EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Foinn Harkin (7), from Tyrone, plays the tin whistle as Senan Kennedy (3) looks on
Showcasing the sounds, traditions and craftsmanship of flute bands, Lambeg drumming, pipe bands and Scottish country dancing — it emphasised the inclusive nature of the Fleadh. The performances were attended by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Among the bands performing were the Imperial Guards Belfast, Sir Henry Inglesby Fife and Drum, and County Armagh Drum Majors, with Highland dance sets from local dance schools.
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Pedestrianisation and street buskers Throughout the week, several commentators observed the benefits of pedestrianising Belfast city centre to make it more accessible for major events like the Fleadh. It’s something that has been trialled with limited success in areas like Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter, with some saying that this
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is down to a lack of policing. However, the pedestrianisation of the city centre for the Fleadh allowed for plenty of pop-up trad sessions and buskers.
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Foy Vance Singer-songwriter Foy Vance was part of the closing ceremony for the Fleadh. Ahead of his performance, the Bangor-born artist said he was “bursting with pride”. Vance also played a sold-out gig at Belfast’s Custom House Square on the Saturday. He also told the Belfast Telegraph that he hopes the success of the Fleadh will help Stormont make decisions that could “revolutionise” arts and culture in Northern Ireland.
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Charlie the pug and the Donegal Bar Several parts of the city centre were revamped to temporarily accommodate the influx of visitors. The pop-up Donegal bar was transformed from a derelict site, with concrete beams used to build a temporary stage for Irish dancers to entertain revellers. But the real star of the show for The
Donegal was Charlie — a pug who took social media by storm with his Mexican waves.
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President Connolly’s walkabout President of Ireland Catherine Connolly was part of the opening ceremony of the Fleadh and expressed her delight at welcoming the event to Belfast for the first time. She said: “Over the next week, Belfast will welcome visitors from all corners of Ireland and indeed the world” and called it “a celebration of what we have in common and the universality of music, song and dance”.
EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly and President of Ireland Catherine Connolly outside the Mac
Throughout the week, she was spotted walking around Belfast city centre between events and stopping to engage with residents. It certainly isn’t every day that you see the president walking past Greggs on Castle Lane!
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Anthony Boyle singing West Belfast actor Anthony Boyle was twice spotted taking in everything the Fleadh had to offer — firstly at Kelly’s Cellars pub, before being pictured singing with a band at the Linenhall Bar on Bedford Street. The bar underwent major renovation earlier
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this year to give it a more traditional feel ahead of the Fleadh. That seemed to do the trick for the Say Nothing and House of Guinness star, who took to the mic with a pint in hand to show us the after-hours spirit of the festival.
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Ed Sheeran rumours Finally, an honourable mention should go to the ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ chat surrounding Ed Sheeran, who was reportedly set to surprise fans with a set as part of the Fleadh.
The four-time Grammy award-winning singer made a surprise visit to the Wexford Fleadh in 2025, where he performed at the Sky and the Ground pub along with rising Irish-folk sensations Amble. A cross-border group formed as part of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, featuring musicians from Belfast and Cork, performed at the Gig Rig on Monday, but, unfortunately, there was no appearance from the Galway Girl star. Some local businesses joined in on the speculation, posting AI-generated images of Sheeran in their shops. ■
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EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Fleadh a ‘turning point’ for tourism in Northern Ireland
Roisin Horton (9), her mother Loran and Aiobhin O’Donnell (8) from Rathmullan, Co Donegal, on Belfast’s Royal Avenue
Margaret Canning
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he 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be looked back on as a “turning point” in the growth of tourism in Northern Ireland, it’s been claimed. Eimear Callaghan, Tourism NI’s head of experience and industry development, said the event — the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, held in Belfast for the first time this summer — will have enticed many first-time visitors to Northern Ireland. While the region had already successfully hosted large-scale sporting events like The Open, the Fleadh would have a different kind of impact, she said. In January last year, then Economy Minister Conor Murphy announced a goal of increasing tourism spend in Northern Ireland from around £1.2bn in 2023 to £2bn by 2035. Speaking during last week’s event, which drew 1.6 million people into the city centre over eight days, Ms Callaghan said: “What we are experiencing is a wee moment in our tourism journey and I think when we look back it will have been a turning point in our tourism. “We had a projected economic impact of
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£53m, and businesses have really stepped up in capturing this amazing opportunity. “They’ve invested in spaces, invested in so many pop-up bars, car parks have been transformed into music venues. It’s something completely different for those living in the city as well.” The Fleadh moves around locations on the island of Ireland, and has previously been hosted by smaller cities like Galway and Sligo, and towns like Wexford and Mullingar. Holding it in a city on the scale of Belfast was “unique” in itself, with the action taking place across many different locations. “The Fleadh footprint is significantly bigger than previous years,” Ms Callaghan said. “We’ve seen that in different spaces like City Hall, Custom House Square, St Anne’s Cathedral and the Waterfront.” She said the event could change how people perceived Belfast. “We’ve learned that these events are transformative in their economic impact, but they’re also transformative in changing perceptions of Northern Ireland and promoting it as a place to live, study and invest. “The Open was a real corporate and
tourism opportunity to showcase our amazing landscapes and our world-class golf. “But the Fleadh is different as it showcases our shared culture, our shared musical traditions, and Belfast’s status as a Unesco City of Music. “The Fleadh is all about the people, it’s all about the craic, it’s about the Giant Spirit that we talk about in our marketing and it actually comes to life in an event like this.” She said hosting the event for two years — which followed a competitive bidding process won by Belfast — was a golden opportunity. “To have it for two years gets us the real opportunity to cement what an amazing place Northern Ireland is to showcase in the first year and encourage more to come next year. “ And it was hoped that the Fleadh would help continue a trend of rising visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland. “With the Fleadh, we’re showing that friendliness, and that we’re welcoming and open for business. And we’ve so many hotels, bars, restaurants and experiences that can be enjoyed just on their doorstep, literally. ‘An hour from a giant adventure’ is one of our key marketing messages.” ■
NEWS
Co Down heating appliance giant posts £10m loss James McNaney
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Newry-based heating appliance firm lost £10m before tax and cut around over 250 staff in the last financial year. Revenue at Glen Electric, part of the Glen Dimplex group, also dropped by over £10m last year, and despite cost reductions the business lacked the profit on asset disposals that saw it make large profits in 2024. Directors of the company, including Glen Dimplex chief executive Fergal Naughton, attributed falling revenues and profits in the year ending September 30, 2025 to “softness” in the UK market along with restructuring and “targeted site and headcount rationalisation”. Despite the drop in profits, turnover and staff, the directors characterised 2024 as a year of “continued strategic delivery”. Glen Electric makes and sells heating products and operates across the UK, Ireland, the EU and international markets including North America. The founder of the business, Martin Naughton, died last month at the age of 87. Mr Naughton was remembered as a successful businessman and committed philanthropist in education and the arts. Glen Electric had recorded a profit before tax of more than £23m in 2024, and was placed number one on the Belfast Telegraph’s Top 100 companies in Northern Ireland, due in large part to £27m brought in by asset disposals. Reflecting on the performance for the year, the directors of the business said: “Our purpose is to be a leader in the transition to a more sustainable world and the year ended 30 September 2025 was a year of continued strategic delivery for Glen Electric Limited as the transformation of the business to reduce its cost base and position itself to benefit from a recovery in market demand progressed.” Turnover at the business dropped from £260m in 2024 to £244m in 2025, with around £170m of sales coming in the UK, £36m in the EU and £23m in North America.
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Glen Dimplex chief executive Fergal Naughton
Costs of sales fell £10m to £172m, while net operating expenses rose slightly to £72m from £70m. There was a £30m negative change in profits before tax, as the firm lost £10.2m in 2025 having recorded large profits the prior year. Staffing dropped by close to a fifth at Glen Electric, to 1,010 with staff costs dropping by 12pc to £60m. The directors said the reduction in turnover was “driven by a softness in the UK market”, and attribute operating losses to this fact. “The group has responded to two years of contraction in the UK market by accelerating consolidation and efficiency measures across manufacturing and support functions and by
prioritising investment in higher growth and higher margin areas of the business. “These actions are reflected in the investment in restructuring and non-trading items in the year amounting to £13.7m and were taken to reduce the group’s cost base and position the business to benefit from a recovery in market demand. “The actions taken in the year, including further manufacturing consolidation, targeted site and headcount rationalisation and other cost measures, and are intended to deliver improved profitability over the medium term and underpin the group’s confidence in its ability to deliver value for customers, employees and other stakeholders over the medium to long term.” ■
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
The festive season
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Ulster Business takes a look at some of the festive offerings happening at hotels and venues this Christmas
✱La Mon Hotel & Country Club
This hotel and country club, located 15 minutes from Belfast, has a range of different Christmas experiences. Guests have several nights to choose from in December for a range of live events, which includes a three-course meal, DJ, and live band from £65 a head.
fluffy pancakes, buttery croissants, homemade muffins, fresh fruit skewers, fruit juice, and a mug of hot chocolate. Meanwhile, adults can sit back, relax, and savour a delicious bacon buttie with Ballymaloe Relish alongside tea and coffee. There’s also face painting, colouring, and a DJ. Child (under 13) £25 and £20 per adult
✱Brunch with Santa
✱Titanic Hotel
In the run-up to the big day, on December 23 and 24 La Mon is hosting a family brunch with the man himself. Young guests have the choice of a buffet of
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The Titanic Hotel is offering a Christmas party celebration, which includes fizz, three courses, and entertainment from a DJ, from £75 per person
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
to Boxing Day, and includes festive meals and more. There is also the Grand Festival Carvery for those who don’t want to cook on the day itself. The meal includes a glass of bubbly, selection of starts, a full Christmas dinner, and desserts. Adult tickets are £160 (or £145 if booked early), and £75 and under, for children, depending age.
✱Ten Square Hotel
This Belfast city centre hotel is hosting a range of events, including Christmas Party Nights. The Linen Hall Suite is also available to host your own celebration in the restored function room, ideal for up to 300 guests. There is also a Fairytale Weddings in a Winter Wonderland. “Ten Square offers a picture-perfect setting where your love story can unfold like a fairytale. With twinkling lights, elegant interiors, and the festive charm of Belfast all around, our dedicated wedding team is here to help bring your winter wonderland wedding to life.”
✱Hastings Hotels ✱Galgorm Resort & Spa
The hotel and spa is offering up a range of different festive experiences and packages this year. That includes a full Winter Wonderland experience whereby you check in on Christmas Eve and are welcomed with canapes and festive cocktails, alongside carol singing. It also includes access to the Thermal Village, mulled wine and hot chocolate, with Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas Day then begins with an Irish breakfast with a glass of Buck’s Fizz, before meeting Father Christmas. That’s then followed
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by a five-course traditional Christmas lunch, with light bites and live music in McKendry’s Lounge & Bar in the evening.
Kingfisher Country Estate
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This hotel and estate in Templepatrick hosts a range of different Christmas experiences. That includes a range of party nights, which includes food and live music, from £60 a head, to ‘dine and stay’ deals, which start at £102 per person. It also offers a two-night Christmas break which begins on Christmas Eve and carries on
The hotel group, which includes the Grand Central, Europa and Culloden, has an extensive range of events are Christmas. That includes Christmas party nights at the hotels, as well as a range of festive dining offerings.
✱The Merchant
The five-star hotel has a lengthy Christmas and festive offering, which includes a range of Christmas lunches and dinners, along with a six-course Christmas lunch in the Great Room. This Christmas Day experience includes canapes, amuse bouche, a range of starters, sorbet, main course, dessert, and a cheese course, finished off with tea, coffee, petit fours and mince pies. The dinner is £365 for adults, and £220 for children 12 and under. ■
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CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Christmas drive-in cinema experiences get the go-ahead for Belfast’s Boucher Road
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series of outdoor drive-in cinema experiences has been approved for Boucher Road Playing Fields this December. A Belfast City Council committee has approved a request from CinePark Limited to host the movies. The film programme was not announced during the meeting. CinePark will run a ticketing system where one car will buy only one ticket regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. Standard tickets will cost £20, with premium £25. All tickets will be sold via the CinePark website, but the council said it will also take payment on site if required. There will be food vendors and stalls at the event, selling popcorn, confectionery, drinks and slushies. The council report for the people and communities committee said: “The event organiser expects between 150 and 250 cars to attend the event per day split across different showings at different times of the day. “The event organiser has scheduled a variety
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of movies to accommodate a wide audience demographic ranging from families with young children and teenagers, young couples through to a maturer audience. “It’s likely to be themed very much around Christmas and the festive time of year and will give families something very different to do. “CinePark Limited will be solely responsible for acquiring and maintaining all appropriate movie licences, rights, etc for all the titles that will be shown. “The event organiser will be using a 7×4 metre LED screen that comes on a trailer platform with a hydraulic system to raise the screen. “The platform ensures quick installation and removal as no structure has to be built. An FM radio transmitter will be used to broadcast the audio for the movies directly to each car radio.” The playing fields are well known as a concert venue — singer Lewis Capaldi also played the spot recently. It has also hosted Belsonic and Tennent’s Vital festivals. Belfast’s most recent temporary drive-in
A Belfast City Council committee has approved a request from CinePark Limited to host the movies at the playing fields
cinema was hosted at the Titanic Slipways by the Belfast Film Festival. A drive-in cinema event was last held at Boucher Road Playing Fields in December 2020, featuring screenings of The Grinch and Elf as part of a Belfast City Council Peace IV initiative. The primary regular drive-in cinema near Belfast is at Let’s Go Hydro in Carryduff. The council report said: “This proposed event will be the first time that CinePark Limited has held an event with Belfast City Council, so council officers will carry out additional due diligence when planning and regulating this event. “Officers have already carried out checks with Companies House and early meetings and site visits with the organisers have been very constructive. “Members are aware of the (committee) decision to return Boucher Road Playing Fields to full playing pitch provision. “Whilst the work to develop the site is ongoing, all decisions around current use of the playing fields will be taken on a case-bycase basis.” The report added: “The council will collect a fee for the hire of Boucher Road Playing fields. The promoter shall further pay to the council a social contribution fee which shall equate to 10pc of the overall site fee received. The council will use this by way of investment back into the local community.” ■
SEPTEMBER 2026
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INTERVIEW
Aerospace chief brands NI a ‘powerhouse’ after growth at double rate of wider UK industry Joey Reffitt, the head of ADS Group NI, tells James McNaney that new spending plan presents big opportunities for aerospace and defence sectors
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he new head of the representative body for the aerospace and defence sectors here believes that Northern Ireland will be “critical” to the future of industries across the UK. Joey Reffitt, the director of ADS Group Northern Ireland, feels that the government’s recent defence spending plan presents big opportunities for the sector in Northern Ireland. The sector in Northern Ireland encompasses firms like weapons manufacturer Thales, aerospace giant Airbus and aeroplane seat manufacturers Collins Aerospace and Thompson Aero Seating. According to figures from ADS in 2024, the sector has 9,000 direct employees here. Joey (32), who’s from England, was appointed director of ADS NI six months ago, after starting his career in the advanced manufacturing sector. His first involvement in the sector here was five years ago, when he worked for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a research technology institute made up of six organisations across the UK focusing on advanced manufacturing and advanced manufacturing research. “I’d come over in that capacity because there was no centre here in Northern Ireland, which we felt was a missing piece.” Joey is candid that, before he joined ADS, he “didn’t have a huge amount of involvement with them”. “My background is that I’m an aerospace engineer. My time at High Value Manufacturing Catapult had a number of roles, but I spent around 10 years in Bristol. Obviously, there is a heavy aerospace
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Joey Reffitt (middle) at the ADS Group stand at the Farnborough Airshow, which took place this summer
ecosystem, aerospace and defence ecosystem down in Bristol. “The role I left there was a deputy chief engineer for digital, I was very focused on understanding how we can support industry — working with some of the typical names within our industrial sector — on their goals for manufacturing research in the space of digital capabilities. “My background is very much an industrially-facing one. I wanted to explore how I could use those skills within the context of a trade organisation. “That’s why I was keen to join ADS, to be honest, because I felt I’d had that industryfacing understanding. I understand the industry’s concerns and how they operate, what their priorities are, particularly around future programs.
“And I felt I could bring that to my role here at ADS.” He took over as director of ADS Group NI from Leslie Orr, who retired in February after 15 years at the organisation. Joey believes that “Northern Ireland is absolutely critical to the wider UK aerospace and defence landscape”. “It’s got one of the densest ecosystems, from an aerospace defence perspective, in the UK. “The sector for Northern Ireland, across aerospace defence, space and security, generates around about £2.bn in turnover and overall the GVA is just shy of £1bn, at £930m. “The sector is growing significantly, just in some of the figures we’ve seen come out in the past couple of weeks, the aerospace and defence sectors in Northern Ireland have
INTERVIEW
Wings for the Airbus A220, whose customers include AirAsia, are made in Belfast
grown at around twice the rate of the wider UK economy. “It puts into perspective the opportunity and growth for those sectors here in Northern Ireland. “Northern Ireland has a real strength in complex aerostructures. A great example of that is that the Airbus A220 wings are all made here in Northern Ireland. Every single wing that is on that aircraft is made in Northern Ireland, which is fantastic. “Additionally, we’re a real centre of excellence for aircraft seating, around one-third of all global aircraft seats are made here in Northern Ireland. That is a brilliant statistic to showcase NI being a powerhouse in this sense. “Also, we’ve got a deep supply chain that supports that through, in terms of precision engineering, advanced composites, thermoplastics and other polymers.” The big news in the sector has been the publication of the government’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) in June, which has promised £298bn for the sector across the next four years. This includes £15bn of funding reallocated from other capital projects, and means that some road and energy projects have had to either be altered or cancelled. While the additional funding does increase the percentage of GDP spent on defence, it does not set out how the UK intends to reach the goal of 3.5pc by 2035 that Nato nations are meant to reach. Joey says that ADS welcomes the announcement of the DIP and adds: “We do recognise that there are challenges in
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terms of budgetary constraints within the UK Government and so we’re pleased to see the uplift in spending for defence, absolutely. “ While the specifics of the investments have not been made clear, the DIP will almost invariably result in further spending on the sector in Northern Ireland, and Joey hopes this will contribute to economic growth in Northern Ireland. Just under 1,000 people work in defence jobs here, out of a total workforce of over 800,000 UK-wide. Increased government spending can create jobs, however, the defence sector is not commonly seen as the most efficient way to turn tax income into employment or overall growth. As a sector, it tends to employ fewer people per pound spent, while the outputs of weapons and armaments do not produce the same economic multiplier effects that are seen from other manufacturing industries. Asked if higher military spending might harm job creation overall, Joey said aerospace and defence consistently rank as two of the best sectors in surveys of job quality, taking into account issues of “fair pay, job satisfaction, work-life balance” and others. “In terms of the types of employment versus other sectors, what we also have been able to publish recently from some of our figures is highlighting the disparity in productivity. “And productivity is a really key thing to think about, because ultimately that’s showing how effective particular jobs are at generating return.” Increased military spending has been seen
across much of Europe in the years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and as such, there is higher turnover for defence firms. However, the nature of contemporary warfare has not been uniformly good news for investors in the sector, as some fear that drone-led combat favours defensive forces and cheaper arms. Some commentators have also contrasted the relatively cheap armaments like the Iranian Shahed drones, which cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, with much the more expensive weapons systems produced by western defence firms. The military efficacy of the expensive weapons platforms produced by the sector is in question not just militarily, but also economically. Asked about the impact of these developments on the sector, Joey said, “You can see that a huge amount of funding from the DIP is going towards autonomous systems, whatever part of the service that may be, whether that’s focused on naval assets, air assets or even ground assets. We’re pleased to see the recognition of the importance of that. “Specifically from a Northern Ireland perspective, one of the strengths Northern Ireland has is in advanced manufacturing. “Whatever products are being made, whether they’re conventional ships, whether they’re autonomous ships, whether they’re conventional aircraft or autonomous drones, they still need to be made. “So Northern Ireland is well-placed to be a key partner in whatever make-up that the armed forces takes over the next number of decades.” ■
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INTERVIEW
‘We’ll be sharing profits with our customers in 2028’ Damian Wilson, chief executive of Share Energy, speaks to Margaret Canning about being the new kid on the electricity-supply block
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he chief of Northern Ireland’s newest electricity supplier has said it will be sharing profits among customers in two years’ time. Share Energy was founded in 2024 with a vow to provide low-cost electricity and share 50pc of its profits with customers. Founder Damian Wilson said it was now operationally profitable and would be sharing profits in 2028. It now has 40,000 customers, but Damian — formerly managing director at ClickEnergy, which he also co-founded — admits a recent price hike took its toll on growth. Like all energy firms, it’s been reeling from the impact on markets of the conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Share Energy announced a 26.4pc price increase from April 1 — adding £213 to annual bills. He says the company’s customer numbers now edge it in front of ClickEnergy, grabbing its place as the fifth-biggest Northern Ireland electricity supplier. “We’re just coming up about two years now since we were set up, and it’s been phenomenal growth, and we’ve exceeded all our targets. It’s been hard for us to keep up with it at the same time, and we’re still in that startup phase. “So it’s been a test to maintain a high level of customer service at the same time as growing the company. “The 26.4pc was our first-ever price increase back in April. It was a tough decision, but it was something that had to be done because of what happened in the energy markets after the attacks on Iran. “We’re susceptible to those increases very, very quickly because the market on the
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island of Ireland is very small and is impacted immediately. “It pushed our prices up and slowed down our growth dramatically, to be honest. “We’ve taken that on board and we’ve used that time to catch our breath a little bit and to tidy a few little loose ends up that we had. “We probably lost a couple of thousand customers.” He says the company’s finances are tracking targets in its business plan. “We posted our company accounts there for 2023./2024, which included just a month of trading. “So, for 2024/25, it’ll still show a loss, but we’re operationally profitable now, so that’s good. “But what you have to remember is that we’re still only 20 months into live trading. “It’s pretty unheard of actually for an energy company to be operationally profitable at this early stage, so we’re doing something right. Month-on-month, we’ve been making profits, but it won’t show on our annual accounts this year. “Realistically, if we keep going, then for 2026/2027 financial year, we will be fully profitable, so at the end of that, in 2028, we should be able to start sharing profits.” He jokes that he doesn’t have a crystal ball when asked how energy prices will perform over the winter. “Over the last week, gas prices have spiked again, because of the tit-for-tat activity in the Middle East, but they’ve settled down again. “We think we’re OK in terms of our pricing, but it’s not anything like when Russia invaded Ukraine in terms of where prices have gone to, which is a good thing.”
But to bring stability in pricing, he says more investment in infrastructure is needed — including in renewables, infrastructure and interconnectors. He’s “very much” in favour of the island’s own North South Interconnector, and the separate Celtic Connector from Ireland to France, which will avail of French nuclear power. But he adds: “They’re not the answer to everything and people’s habits need to change a little bit.” He welcomes the prospect of smart meters, technology that’s due to become available here from 2028, which will give households clear, real-time information about how they use energy. He hopes that solar panels and storage batteries will enable people to become their own generators of energy. “You can walk into Lidl now and buy your own 1 or 2 kilowatt battery, and people are now almost becoming their own energy generators in their homes, which is great. “We’re all for it, which might sound strange as suppliers, but generate your own and any extra you have, spill it onto the grid and to the supplier, and then we can distribute it round everybody else.” He and his wife, Martina, are in the process of getting solar panels installed at home in Derry, he says. The father-of-three says his route into the energy industry was a circuitous one. “I was a computer science graduate from Magee College in Derry many moons ago. “Afterwards, I worked in an IT telecoms consultancy company called Western Connect. That was for 13 years, and I got to travel >
INTERVIEW
Damian Wilson, chief executive and founder of Share Energy, which is based in Londonderry
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INTERVIEW
Damian Wilson
the world when I was young, free and single.” After getting married, he got a job in a fleet management company as IT director. Then, “purely by accident, I met the original owners of Budget Energy and they enticed me to go and work for them. And I actually found I really enjoyed the energy market.” He then co-founded ClickEnergy, where he stayed for seven years until 2022, before taking around six months off before entering planning stages to set up Share Energy. “Click is still a well-established company and we’re slightly bigger than them now. But both Click and Budget were great learning experiences.” Looking ahead, he jokes that Share Energy wants “world domination”. “We want to keep growing. We came into this market to disrupt it. There was too much sameiness in the market. “The electricity that you get into your home is the same as any electric supplier. The only difference is either the bill or the keypad card that you use and maybe a slight difference in the tariff that you have with them but more or less, it’s much of a muchness. “So that was the whole reason for setting
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up Share. We didn’t want to be just another supplier and the ethos is that we want to disrupt the market. “A big reason for giving profits back is that the customer deserves loyalty, you know? “We are all about rewarding the loyal customer as well as the new customer, because everywhere else, it’s all about rewarding the new customer.” Share Energy also hopes to reverse a reluctance here to switch electricity supplier, a love of the status quo for customers that’s been highlighted by the Utility Regulator. “There’s almost a feeling that my supplier knows me, they trust me, they know how I use it and they’ve looked after me. But have they really? Most people do shop around for their insurance but not their electricity supplier. There’a perception that it’s really hard to switch, but it’s not.” Next, it’s looking to open in the Republic of Ireland. “Hopefully we enter there next year. It’s a much bigger market, four times the size of Northern Ireland, but at an operational level, it’s very similar. We’ll be able to run everything from our offices in Derry and Belfast.”
The business now has 42 staff at its offices on the Catalyst sites in Derry and Belfast. “It’s been a roller coaster of a journey getting staff in and getting them trained up.” He and Martina have three children, aged 22, 19 and 18. Damian says he’s just home from a family holiday in London, seeing Bruno Mars in concert and West End show Wicked, and the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum for daughter Charlotte’s benefit. “I love just switching off and relaxing with the family.” Harry, the eldest, is doing a higher-level business and finance apprenticeship through Share Energy. His middle son, Tom, is studying international business and Spanish at Queen’s, while Charlotte has just finished her A-levels. Martina is a classroom assistant who’s particularly focused on ensuring proper care for children with diabetes, informed by their experience of looking after Harry, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, aged four. “Martina’s a huge advocate for making children who have diabetes realise there’s nothing that should stop them from doing anything.” ■
NEWS
Private equity firm Exponent investing in engineering outfit
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he private equity firm Exponent is to invest €70m in OFS, an Irish-run provider of specialist technical services to power-generation companies and data centres. The intention is to double the company’s workforce from the current level of 200. Headquartered in Naas, Co Kildare, and with offices in America and Singapore, OFS was founded in 2002 as a specialist engineeringservices provider. Its founders Eric Kavanagh and Joseph Dunne will continue as managers after the investment. OFS specialises in gas turbines, offshore rotating equipment and other energy infrastructure for data centres. It has a global team of engineers and technicians who install, commission, maintain and operate the equipment. The company says it supports customers in more than 40 countries, and these include Mitsubishi Power, Solar Turbines, Siemens, GE Power and Vantage. The role of gas turbines in supporting the electric grid is becoming increasingly important as they become a preferred “behind the meter” power source for data centres, which are finding themselves restricted by grid capacity and connection delays. Exponent says its investment is designed to accelerate the company’s growth by strengthening its commercial capabilities, and by capturing the growing demand from power generation and energy customers. The precise nature of the €70m investment is not known, but the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in Q4. David McGovern, a partner at Exponent, said: “OFS is another great example of the fact that Ireland continues to produce
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OFS specialises in gas turbines, offshore rotating equipment and other energy infrastructure for data centres
world-class businesses in this broad sector with the expertise and ambition to succeed internationally. “The company has built an impressive global reputation from its base in Kildare, underpinned by the vision and leadership of the management team. “We are committed to investing in Irish businesses of this calibre and promise, and we are delighted to partner with OFS as it continues to grow globally.” Exponent, which was established in London in 2004, opened offices in Dublin three years ago. In its lifetime it has raised five funds and invested in more than 40 businesses, with enterprise values ranging from €150m to €500m. It specialises in family and founder-led companies and corporate carve-outs.
It has been invested in Irish-based businesses since 2012. Most recently it rolled an investment in the Limerick-based firm H&MV Engineering into a new vehicle, in the process giving it a valuation of €1.4bn. Separately, Echelon Data Centres, the Irish-headquartered owner and operator of hyperscale data centres, has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Trinovium, a subsidiary of Trinity Biotech. The deal is to develop next-generation liquid cooling solutions for AI and high-density computing environments. In the announcement, the companies said that the collaboration would bring together Echelon’s experience in designing and operating data centre infrastructure with Trinovium’s expertise in high-purity fluid manufacturing and analytical technologies. ■
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FOOD & DRINK
This hanger steak and crispy rice onigiri is the best way to celebrate end of the summer John Mulgrew turns a cheaper cut of beef into something impressive with just a little effort
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his dish centres around one of the lesser-known cuts from the cow. But it’s one that’s gaining momentum. What that means is if you can get it, it’ll likely start costing more as the months and years go on. Ask your butcher about the impact television chefs have had on the price of ox tail. Hanger is a little gem of a cut. Also referred to as onglet if you cross the English Channel, it looks akin to a miniature beef fillet. But it’s considerably different. Like a fillet, there’s only one single muscle on the animal, normally cut into two pieces when sold, but it is considerably richer, more mineral, and beefier in flavour, sitting under the belly. It has considerably larger muscle fibres,
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while not as tender as that prized cut — favoured by those with only a passing interest in the bovine who favour tenderness and leanness over everything else, and with pockets deep enough. Treated well, it can be one of the best things to eat. And, for now at least, it’s pretty cheap, certainly for a lean and tender cut. Some chefs et al will say anything over medium rare and this is past its prime. I disagree. I’ve had it in a very good London restaurant, and while it looked something out of the Great Big Book of Steaks, it was chewy and dense. Medium, without going into medium well, gives you the best of both worlds. Moist, tender, while retaining a little toothsome bite.
It does need a little more attention than something like a ribeye, or even a sirloin, and most of that is due to those large, strong muscle fibres. Most of it just comes down to cooking to the right temperature, resting well, and then cutting against the grain, ideally into slices no more than a centimetre thick. This recipe is simple, but showcases the beefy character of the cut, bringing some additional punch with a quick umami-laden marinade, all while being a fairly cheap meal. If you can’t get hanger steak, then flat iron is a good option, which you can find in some butcher shops and supermarkets. You could also use rump, but it tends to be tougher and the flavour isn’t as pronounced. Almost everything beef-related benefits from being cooked over charcoal. But while that’s my preferred option, this will work just as well in a big, hot pan. But you may want to finish
Hanger steak cooking on the barbecue
FOOD & DRINK Prepping the onigiri
the cooking in the oven. Start with a quick marinade. I normally don’t do anything to pricier cuts other than dry-brine (well salted and left for at least a few hours uncovered in the fridge), but this works well for hanger. Combine around three tablespoons of light soy sauce with a couple of tablespoons rice wine vinegar, along with lots of black pepper. You can also add some mushroom powder for yet more umami. Remove a while before cooking and dry off well. Coat in a little oil, as this is a lean cut, and sear and cook on a medium to high heat, either on your barbecue, or in a hot heavybottomed pan. When you reach about 56-58C internal temperature, remove and rest well. The longer the better. For this take on onigiri, which is essentially
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Hanger steak with crispy onigiri and gochujang mayonnaise
formed Japanese rice balls, which can also be stuffed, I start with jasmine rice. I’m using a rice cooker (the best 20 quid I’ve ever spent), but cook as you normally would, but add a teaspoon of miso and a dash of sesame oil. I let the rice cool, allowing it to be handled more easily, and it’ll also be a little more sticky and starchy. I use plastic moulds, which I bought online for a couple of quid, but you can also form by hand into triangles with rounded edges. In a non-stick pan, add a little neutral oil and fry on a medium heat until you get a light, crispy crust. Just be careful, as it may spit a little due to the water within. For the sauce, combine mayonnaise with a tablespoon of Korean gochujang (less if you
want it to be milder, but it’s not normally that hot) along with a teaspoon of miso, a touch of rice wine vinegar, and a crack of black pepper. To serve, slice your hanger in half, then cut against the grain into slices between half and a centimetre thick. Now, brush a little of the mayonnaise on your onigiri, and sprinkle a little furikake seasoning on top (this is a Japanese mixture of sesame seeds, nori, salt and sometimes other spices which can really lift a dish). This will allow it to stick better. Serve up your sliced beef — and sprinkle a little Maldon salt on top — with a couple of onigiri and a dab of mayonnaise on the side. For some additional flavour and moisture, pour over some of those beef resting juices. ■
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FOOD & DRINK
Should restaurants and bars call time on the use of ‘AI slop’? AI has many positive uses, but this isn’t necessarily one of them, writes John Mulgrew
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’ll start off by playing devil’s advocate here. I understand why our social media timelines, shopfronts, and walls are being peppered with AI-generated promotional artwork. Time, effort and money go into designing things like menus, graphics, and promotional flyers. For bars, restaurants, takeaways, and cafes, that’s another cost they can do without,
especially at the moment, when margins are considerably more squeezed than they have been. I completely understand why some choose this path — it’s quick, easy, essentially free (aside from the large processing power needed by a data centre somewhere far away to generate said image). They may not have anyone on staff who can throw something together in Photoshop, or even Canva. It’s entirely justifiable.
Some hospitality businesses are using AI to generate promotional material. An AI-generated image demonstrating the ‘AI slop’ that is being created by some hospitality businesses
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‘AI slop’ has become the preferred nomenclature, which has become the catch-all term for this widespread use of the technology. There’s a generation which perhaps doesn’t mind it, and there is a generation — or generations — who don’t immediately pick up the use of AI in either image or video generation in 2026, or care. We’ve all had relatives sending videos, or gushing over posts, of what are clearly generated images. A cat walking down a runway, a celebrity doing something rude or out of character, or a clip featuring a family member, prompted by a static image, blowing out digital birthday candles. It’s all harmless fun, isn’t it? It’s often beyond cringy, but largely, yes. However, we have now reached a point where viable, established businesses, with reputations, are using it as a key tool in their marketing and advertising arsenal, and I don’t think it’s doing anyone any favours. Social media timelines are now littered with
FOOD & DRINK
eye-wateringly muddled imagery, the same font, form and style as thousands of others — a soft, odd filtered large language model’s interpretation of what the food, owner, or business may look like. Many have the same aesthetic. The same fonts, colours, gradients, far too busy, and far too much needless text. Brushstroke fonts, icons, captions and pictures of people or food that don’t meet scrutiny when you at them closely. You should be able to spot one a mile away. Negative space is something that is key to a lot of graphic design. AI seems to be afraid of it. And this AI-generated imagery has already made the leap from digital to print. At a market in Derry a few weeks ago, I unconsciously diverted away from a business slathered in AI branding and menus, to one without. We do, of course, have a long history of using images on menus not of the food itself. Chip shops and takeaways have often used
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bought-in menus featuring hefty, plump, juicy burgers, four inches thick and crispy deepfried cod that wouldn’t look out of place in a cookbook. And while they may be images of food we’re ordering at the big fast food chains, the product we receive when we open that wrapper often looks considerably less desirable than that of the perfectly lit photograph we see in the drivethrough. Two pubs in England have vocally banned the use of AI-generated posters for music and gigs. Much of that is probably in supporting artists — who are being severely impacted by the zeitgeist — but also because of their often gaudy, generic and regurgitated nature. There are two reasons they all look so similar. Firstly, most businesses are likely using one or two popular large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, to generate them. The second, and more depressing reason, is that they are basing the generation on training material — someone else’s work,
essentially. If the prompts being delivered aren’t succinct or specific enough, the engine is falling back on what is most commonly being generated. There’s no personality or creativity of individuality at work. I fully understand the pressures businesses are under — especially those in hospitality. But, whether they like it or not, they must be aware that for some — I’d argue, a growing cohort — the overt use of this takes away much of the personality or quirkiness the business has worked hard to build up. While I’m sure it doesn’t mean corners are being cut in the kitchen, it can lead to an overall poor reflection, especially of a business, which has already worked to make a name for itself among customers. It cheapens a business. For new operators, the same applies. We may reach a point where they get better, and people are less perturbed and this all becomes the norm. But we aren’t there yet. AI has many positive uses. But this isn’t necessarily one of them. ■
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Sander Van Eck Noord How did you get started in the industry? I’ve always spent a lot of time outdoors, and since moving to Northern Ireland, I’ve made the most of the incredible coastline – chasing big waves with friends all around the island. Before relocating, I designed, manufactured, and repaired surfboards as a side hustle during my studies, which quickly grew into a fully-fledged business. Eventually, I felt I had taken that venture as far as I could and was ready for the next challenge – enter Noord. Combining my passion for the outdoors with my background in industrial design, I set out to improve the waterproof socks on the market - because the only thing worse than wet socks, is wet socks mid hike. My goal was to create socks that perform exceptionally well, are comfortable, and look great. Before developing my first samples, I spoke with hundreds of people in my target market to ensure I was addressing real needs. I continue to involve customers and industry experts in the development process, as ultimately, the product is for them. With it being a startup, winning £5,000 at the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch competition came at a pivotal time. It provided a valuable boost to cash flow in those early stages, while also helping to raise awareness of the brand and create new opportunities as I continue to build the business. Typically, who are your clients or customers? While I could define a typical customer persona, one of the most exciting aspects of Noord is the diversity of its customer base. To date, I’ve sold to customers in over 40 countries worldwide. My socks are used for everything from trail running in the mountains of New Zealand and -25°C runs, to sailing in Norway, dog walking in Crocs, and golf – they’ve even seen military use.
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Entrepreneur OF THE Month Do you enjoy what you do, and what in particular? Becoming an entrepreneur is genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My mum often tells a funny story about me walking home from school at seven years old because I felt I “wasn’t learning anything” – we were just repeating last year’s material. That’s certainly not a problem in entrepreneurship; continuous learning is essential to growth, and that’s what I enjoy most. Part of that learning comes from seeking guidance from experts to overcome challenges and fill knowledge gaps. For example, one of the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch judges, Paul Jacobs, owner of Smart Storage, became a mentor to me following the competition and has offered me invaluable advice since. What is the most difficult part of your job? A description I find particularly accurate is that entrepreneurship is “pursing opportunity beyond resources controlled.” This is both the most exciting and most challenging aspect, as you’re often limited in resources and have to be creative with what you have.
For me, the biggest challenge has been balancing risk with available resources. I chose to grow slowly at first and bootstrap the business while building cash flow. Although this may have slowed early growth, it has put me in a stronger position to take more calculated, data-driven risks now. What are the challenges facing your sector and the economy in general? From my perspective, logistical challenges are a major issue. If I’m experiencing them as a small business, I imagine many others are too. This includes tariffs and customs charges when shipping to the US, where I receive frequent orders, as well as navigating complex customs processes across EU countries. For an early-stage business, these kinds of barriers can be difficult to manage, which is why having the right support network is so important. Through Go Succeed, I’ve been able to access guidance and connect with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, which has been invaluable in helping me navigate this environment. ■
Motoring Pat Burns
MOTORING
BYD goes hybrid with the Atto 2
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YD has launched a hybrid version of its Atto 2 SUV. The Atto 2 DM-i brings BYD’s Super Hybrid with DM (Dual Mode) technology to the compact-SUV segment, mixing the EV driving experience with an impressive real-world range of up to 620 miles. Already a successful powertrain in the Seal U DM-i and Seal 6 DM-i, this powertrain includes several BYD innovations, including a 1.5 litre petrol engine alongside dual high-speed electric motors and a Blade Battery. As its name suggests, ‘super hybrid’ with DM technology can operate in two distinct ways – EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time; in these cases the petrol engine is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter, and the car has the driving response of a pure EV. In moments when additional power is required, HEV mode can switch from Series to Parallel, combining the petrol engine and the electric motor.
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The result is a powertrain that spends most of its time operating like an EV, with up to 90km of pure-electric range from the larger of the Atto 2 DM-i’s two Blade Batteries, and the refinement and instant response of an electric car even in HEV mode. And the intelligent control of the systems (the ‘i’ in DM-i) lifts the efficiency beyond any of the car’s rivals, with combined fuel consumption of as little as 156 mpg and a combined range, on a full charge and a full tank of petrol, of as much as 620 miles. Alongside these impressive efficiency figures, the SUV also delivers comfortable performance; the DM-i can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 111 mph. There are two configurations of Super Hybrid powertrain available. In Active spec the Blade Battery capacity is 7.8kWh and the maximum system power is 166PS (122kW). This version has a WLTP pure-electric range of 24 miles and an overall WLTP combined range of 577 miles.
The Boost version takes the battery capacity up to 18.0KWh and increases the system power output to 212PS (156kW). The larger battery delivers a WLTP pure-electric range of 24 miles, along with a WLTP Combined Range of 620 miles. It gets a more powerful 6.6kW AC charger, allowing the bigger battery to be recharged from 15% to 100% in three hours when connected to a 32A three-phase AC power point. The Atto 2 DM-i Active features metallic paint as standard, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, electrically adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four USB Type-C charging ports, rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and a smart key that allows access via a smartphone or a wearable. This model comes with BYDs six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years’ cover for the drivetrain and battery. Prices start at £26,995. ■
MOTORING
Form an orderly Q
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udi has just launched the next generation of its flagship seven-seat SUV, the Q7, with a comprehensive update that includes its design, technology and everyday usability. The new Q7 combines road presence with a refined interior, advanced digital features and a highly efficient electrified diesel powertrain. On sale now, prices start from £81,665. Available at launch with a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine featuring mild-hybrid (MHEV plus) technology, the Q7 delivers 299PS and 630Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. Standard quattro all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension ensure performance and comfort across all driving conditions. Three highly equipped specifications are offered on the Q7, starting with S line. It features S line exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, alongside a poweroperated tailgate and privacy glass. Inside, three-zone climate control and electrically
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adjustable heated front sport seats ensure comfort for all occupants. Technology highlights include the Audi panoramic display with an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display, complemented by a 12.3-inch passenger display. A range of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise assist, surround-view cameras and park assist plus, is also included as standard. The Edition 1 model introduces a more distinctive design and additional comfort and convenience features. Exterior upgrades include larger 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, a black styling package, darkened exterior details and red brake calipers. The interior is further upgraded with Nappa leather upholstery, contrast stitching and sport seats plus with integrated lighting. Front occupants benefit from seat ventilation and massage functions, while heated seats extend to the second and third rows. At the top of the range, Vorsprung represents the most advanced and
comprehensively equipped Q7, bringing together Audi’s latest innovations in lighting, assistance systems and luxury. It is immediately recognisable through its 23-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels – the largest ever offered on a Q7 – along with digital Matrix LED headlights and third-generation OLED rear lights. These enable advanced functions such as selectable light signatures and projected warning symbols. Additional exterior upgrades include an illuminated grille and rear Audi rings, alongside a panoramic sunroof with adjustable transparency. Inside, the Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system is included as standard, delivering an immersive sound through 22 speakers and integrated seat actuators. Four-zone climate control, an air quality package and extended ambient lighting further enhance convenience and comfort. Driver assistance systems are also upgraded, with a head-up display, adaptive cruise assist plus and park assist pro with trained parking capability. The Q7 Vorsprung is £101,665. ■
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MOTORING
Too clever for the opposition?
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he Kia EV success story continues with the launch of the EV2, a small electric B-segment SUV. It combines bold design, advanced technology, and everyday versatility, offering the best of Kia in its most compact electric car yet. Best of all, it’s eye-catching and unlike many of today’s cars, it is fun to drive. The EV2 is available with two battery options: a 42.2kWh standard-range battery and a 60kWh long-range battery. Anticipated all-electric driving ranges reach up to 317km for the standard-range version and up to 448km for the long-range version (WLTP pending). Both versions feature 400V technology and deliver rapid DC fast charging. The standardrange model completes the process in 29 minutes, while the long-range versions take around 30 minutes. As Kia’s most compact EV to date, the EV2 also introduces the new infotainment system. A new sliding and reclining rear seat system maximises everyday usability. Rear legroom extends from 885mm to a segment-
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leading 958mm. When the seats are fully slid forward, the EV2 offers an impressive boot capacity of up to 403 litres. The boot space is complemented by a 15-litre frunk. The EV2 delivers a fully connected EV experience through an integrated EV Route Planner linked to Kia Charge, plug and charge functionality for seamless charging without cards or apps, and bidirectional charging through vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid, enabling customers to power external devices or feed energy back into the grid2. The EV2 offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connectivity features typically found in more expensive EVs. Standard and available systems include highway driving assist, front collision avoidance, smart cruise control, blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor, and the latest parking assistance technologies. Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry allows the vehicle to be maneuvered from outside using the smart key, a feature unique in the segment. The EV2 Long Range is Kia’s latest
model eligible for the maximum Band 1 Government Electric Car Grant (ECG), reducing the vehicle’s on-the-road price by £3,750 with the entry level version now priced from £24,245. This new grant applies to EV2 variants equipped with the 61kWh Long Range battery, which includes the ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grades. These variants offer high levels of standard specification alongside an all-electric driving range of up to 275 miles on a single charge. The EV2 recently demonstrated impressive real-world performance and efficiency at the NAF El Prix Summer Test, the world’s largest independent EV test conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor. In the Summer EV Test, the EV2 standardrange with a 42.2kWh battery delivered 325km of range – 17km above its WLTP combined value of 308km – exceeding 105% of its official figure. This result ranked the EV2 first among all compact and mid-size electric vehicles tested. ■
MOTORING
Skoda determined to Peaq in 7-seat all-electric SUV segment Philip Hedderman
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koda have sent shockwaves through the seven-seat electric SUV segment with the launch of its luxurious flagship model called Peaq. Yes, you read that right — the new Skoda Peaq which is bigger, badder and the most sumptuous Czech model to date — will cost just over 58 grand and that’s with the larger battery pack. That 91kWh unit generates a meaty 282bhp and has a claimed range of 637kms. There is a smaller 63kWh model that will cover 452kms but with less grunt, at around 200 horsepower. Yes, there are models out there with longer ranges — like the BMW iX3 topping the chart at 805kms — but the big shock here is the price. To put it into perspective, the Peaq’s closest rivals are the Korean twins — namely the Hyundai Ionic 9 and sister brand Kia’s EV9. So, what do you actually get for nearly the same price as an entry-level petrol Kodiaq? Well, for starters, the Peaq is bigger - adding 113mm in length, (giving an extra 170mm to
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the wheelbase) 6mm in height and the boot is bigger by 54 litres. That translates into an extra 58mm of legroom in the second row of seats and 84mm in the third row over the Kodiaq. It’s also taking the flagship moniker very seriously and has upped the ante with its more premium look and finish inside and out. On the outside, the Peaq follows a similar design theme to the Epiq, Elroq and Enyaq, with a ‘Tech-Deck’ face which uses vertical slats and LED back-lighting. It’s also available with full LED headlights and alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. It also gets flush door handles — the first time that they’ve appeared on a Skoda model — which retract automatically when the car is locked or in motion. Gone are the garish winged arrow logos, replaced by black Skoda lettering on the bonnet, tailgate and just above the rear haunches. Inside, it’s a sumptuous affair with a de-cluttered cabin bedecked in quilted faux leather and premium materials. The hulking 7-seater, which can also be
configured as a six, is also the first to feature a vertical 13.6 inch Android based infotainment touchscreen with hepatic controls. That means that popular apps such as Spotify, YouTube and Google Maps are included without the need to connect a smartphone. It is twinned with a 10 inch driver’s digital display which sits in front of the heated two spoke steering wheel. Irish customers can choose between three models — 60, 90 and 90X —and two trim lines, Selection and Sportline. Standard kit includes a panoramic glass roof with dynamic shade control, heated front seats, ambient lighting and special wireless phone charging docks that lock your device in place. A USB port is also embedded into the rear view mirror meaning easy connection of a dash cam. Safety kit includes; front assist, turn assist, cross traffic assist, blind spot control and traffic sign recognition. In November eight modles will be available to view at dealerships nationwide when orders will be taken. First deliveries are expected in mid January. ■
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APPOINTMENTS
LK Communications, part of the Ardmore Group, has appointed Kelly Maguire as its new managing director, marking a significant investment in the future leadership and growth of the agency. Buttercrane Shopping Centre has appointed James Loughran as its new centre manager. He brings almost two decades of experience in property, facilities and operational management to the role. Jane Millar has been appointed as chief operating officer by Progressive Building Society, recognising her 35 years’ sector experience across operations, lending, savings, governance and regulatory oversight.
Loftlines has appointed Lindsay MyersCarroll as assistant general manager as the new build-to-rent neighbourhood gears up to welcome its first residents from September. Bank of Ireland has appointed Prag Sharma as chief AI officer, taking up this role in October. Mr Sharma is an accomplished AI leader with deep technical knowledge and extensive global experience. Calor has appointed Sytze Nijman as chief executive. He joined Calor in September 2025 as chief operating officer, having previously served as chief operating officer of SunSource, a SHV Energy company.
Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced the appointment of Sarah Gibson as payroll administrator, further strengthening the firm’s growing business services team. After 22 years at Progressive Building Society, Kevin Flannery has been appointed head of sales. He will lead the sales strategy across Northern Ireland, supporting members, brokers and colleagues. Progressive Building Society has appointed Monique Silva as chief information and technology officer. Since joining in 2019, she has led major technology modernisation across cloud, digital channels, governance and responsible AI.
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1. Following a landmark week for Belfast city centre after the Fleadh, Retail NI is encouraging people to thank the local retailers, staff and high streets who helped welcome visitors by voting in the High Street Heroes Awards.
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2. Catalyst has announced SEAM, a new entrepreneurship festival for Northern Ireland, taking place on November 17 at Banana Block in Belfast, with Bank of Ireland as headline partner.
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3. The search is on to find Northern Ireland’s favourite local independent retailers, high streets, and retail teams, as Retail NI officially launches the High Street Hero Awards 2026. Pictured are Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Retail’s NI’s Glyn Roberts.
4. Invest Northern Ireland’s Business Innovation Grant is helping 160 SMEs and micro businesses to embrace innovation and boost productivity. Pictured are Alison Currie, Invest NI and Stuart Henry, Equipple.
5. Boots, has unveiled a new store at Belfast City Airport which has created 13 permanent jobs. Pictured are Andrew Worrall, regional airports manager, Julie Murphy, vice president, London and travel division at Boots and Caroline Rowan, head of commercial development.
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6. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited the recently refurbished Traffic Information and Control Centre (TICC) in Belfast.
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7. Belfast Chamber is hosting its annual Belfast Business Awards 2026, in partnership with Bank of Ireland. The event will take place at ICC Belfast on October 16.
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8. Pictured are comedian Dave Elliott with carpenter and content creator David Swann (The Carpentry Kid), at the launch of MacBlair’s How’s the Head campaign.
9. The Construction Industry Training Board NI, with the Department for Communities, The Heritage Council, National Museums NI and The King’s Foundation, has announced the award of £995,007 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a cross-border training scheme.
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10. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has encouraged people across Northern Ireland to take advantage of European Heritage Open Days, which will take place on September 12 and 13.
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11. Kane Group has announced the appointment of eight new directors in the business, recognising the significant contribution, leadership and commitment demonstrated in helping drive the continued growth and success of the business.
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12. Action Cancer chief executive Gareth Kirk, Musgrave Northern Ireland managing director Trevor Magill, and Action Cancer senior fundraising manager Lucy McCusker launch a new partnership with fintech charity Pennies.
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13. Bangor will once again become a hub for literature, creativity and conversation this autumn as Aspects Festival returns from September 23 to October 4, with a vibrant programme of author talks, poetry events, workshops, performances and an exhibition.
14. Construction has officially begun on a new 150-space onsite car park at Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Pictured are Sam Harding, managing director of Game of Thrones Studio Tour and Laura McCorry, chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland.
15. A recent survey by NI Chamber and Queen’s University show that the strain falls most heavily on the smallest firms. Pictured are Maureen O’Reilly, Richard Ramsey, and Suzanne Wylie.
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16. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has seen first-hand the improvements made following the completion of a number of regeneration projects in Larne town centre, delivered in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
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17. Drenagh Estate & Gardens in Limavady, with roots dating back to 1640, has transformed a former piggery into a boutique garden and lifestyle store, the latest step in a long-term strategy to secure the estate’s future through diversification.
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18. Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced the appointment of Sarah Gibson (centre) as payroll administrator, further strengthening the firm’s growing business services team. She’s pictured with Emma Scott and Stephen McConnell.
19. McKeever Hotels has unveiled plans for The Meridian, a cocktailled hospitality concept at Armagh City Hotel. Pictured are Henk Compier, Armagh City Hotel, Alan Stewart, McCue Fit-Out, Eddie McKeever, McKeever Hotels and Andrew O’Doherty, Drinksology.
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20. Hairstylist Louisa Murphy has been announced as the firsttime judge of this year’s Most Stylish competition, one of the centrepieces of the four-day Tramore August Racing Festival.
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21. Tourism NI has hosted an event in Belfast to profile the region’s tourism offering as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann takes place in the city. The Tourism NI Fleadh Brunch took place at The Bullitt Hotel.
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22. NI Water is investing £2.5m in a major upgrade at Cabragh Wastewater Treatment Works. Pictured are Connie Hamill, Tetra Tech, Kieran Madine, Avove Ireland, William Acheson, Andrew Milligan, Harry Evans, NI Water, and Stephen Deane, Deane Public Works.
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23. Translink has unveiled the new sculpture garden at Saltwater Square, following the recent completion of the new civic space outside Belfast Grand Central Station and marking a major milestone in the delivery of the station’s arts and heritage strategy.
24. The Downpatrick and County Down Railway has welcomed the publication of new guidance by the Office of Rail and Road and the Health and Safety Executive, clarifying the role of young volunteers at heritage railways.
25. Mallaghan has welcomed Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, to its headquarters in Dungannon. Pictured are Marty Kemp, First Lady of Georgia, Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia, Niall Mallaghan, director, Mallaghan, and Ronan Mallaghan, chief executive, Mallaghan
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26. Arbour Housing has completed its John Street apartment development in Londonderry. Pictured are Will Chambre, Arbour Housing, Mayor Grace Uí Niallais, Carita Coulter, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Eilis Donnelly, Brendan Loughran & Sons.
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27. The search is on for Northern Ireland’s next business giant as Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch returns for its third year running, giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete for up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.
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28. Belfast Harbour has announced that Bank of America has officially leased the remainder of available space in waterfront office development City Quays 3, as well a separate office in the City Quays 1 building.
29. Barista Bar has hosted its first mobile coffee trailer at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Pictured are Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale and Mark Stewart-Maunder with Brian Martin, Emma Higgins, Rachel Martin and Hannah Mehaffey from the Barista Bar team.
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30. Ulster Bank is supporting the construction of hundreds of new social rental properties in Northern Ireland by providing millions of pounds in social rental loans to the social housing sector here. Pictured are Kenton Hilman, Ulster Bank, and Alan Thomson, Radius.
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31. Former Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised volunteers, clinicians and emergency responders supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 during a visit to the central medical hub at Ulster University.
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32. Rebecca Lynch, Belfast City branch, with George Higginson, managing director, Everyday Banking, Bank of Ireland UK launching Speak Easy Cards which are now available to customers across Bank of Ireland’s branch network.
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33. Action Cancer treks and activities executive Kelsey O’Donnell is pictured with Joanne Reynolds, owner of Milk & Honey, ahead of this year’s Seven Peaks Challenge.
34. Celebrating 40 years in business is P McVey Building Systems founder Pat McVey and director Adrian McVey at Ballyscullion Park.
35. The iCare Charity has launched its 2026 charity raffle, Destination Anywhere, where every £10 ticket sold goes directly to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and Make-A-Wish Ireland.
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36. Lidl Northern Ireland has launched Lidl Foodies, a new free food nutrition education programme. Pictured are Caroline McKenna, Foodies ambassador, Eimear O’Sullivan, corporate affairs director Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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37. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is swinging into stores with a new Irwin’s Muffins promotion offering families the chance to win a trip to New York.
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38. Natural World Products, producer of New Leaf Peat-Free Compost, has teamed up with the GAA to support the participation of clubs across Northern Ireland in the Sporting Nature programme.
39. Hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will deliver significant economic, cultural and tourism benefits across Northern Ireland, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has said.
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40. NI Chamber has held its annual summer social at The Dark Horse in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Pictured are Eoin McMullan, Hill Vellacott and Suzanne Wylie, NI Chamber.
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Inside the National Museum of Scotland
TRAVEL
John Mulgrew pays a visit to Scotland’s historic city with family in tow for the first time, and takes on the food, drink and culture Edinburgh has to offer
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didn’t want to dredge up a tiresome trope that travelling with two young children is a considerably more exacting experience than the serenity of flying with just another adult. But it is a different experience. That early pint at the airport has to be tempered, and capped at one. You have infrastructure in tow. It’s not just throwing a couple of T-shirts, boxers, and phone charger in a backpack. But Edinburgh felt like a suitable jumping off point. For this two night stay we flew from Belfast City Airport with easyJet – taking advantage of the proximity of the short-term parking facility at the airport, which means the terminal is only as far away as it would be getting a lift or taxi. This is far from the first visit to this historic city. Edinburgh has plenty to keep you busy. There’s the history and heritage flowing out of the cobbled streets, the castle itself, and plenty of beautiful architecture peppered around the city. It’s on to the Rutland Hotel. We’re in one of the hotel’s extremely roomy apartments – just a few doors up from the main building. These are converted Georgian-era townhouses – beautiful inside with a large living area, kitchen, modern accoutrements, alongside a large bedroom and bathroom. Just around the corner from the hotel itself sits the huge Johnnie Walker Experience. You can book this for a variety of tours and tastings. But it’s also worth popping in if you’re after a bottle of something, as it stocks most of the wider Diageo range. There are however some great independent whisky shops to be found elsewhere in the city, such as The Whisky Shop and Royal Mile Whiskies. First stop is the National Museum of Scotland. It’s certainly worth your time. I’d
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Edinburgh: a perfect city of food, drink and culture for an inaugural family trip promised our three-year-old a full T-Rex skeleton, among other prehistoric entities. We’ve spent time in it as a couple on previous visits – probably slightly warmed through after a visit to the Bow Bar – and were able to take in many of the galleries and displays. But this was focused on the animals and engineering. There’s a stunning plethora of things to see here – keeping a small man, and a smaller one, content for an hour or two. Maintaining a schedule is something which becomes considerably more important with
a family. There’s no propping up the bar ad hoc. So, on to dinner. Kyloe sits atop the Huxley bistro – the latter which also serves breakfast for guests of the Rutland. The breakfast, by the way, is a welcome departure from the usual fare – a nduja hash the perfect balance of heat, fat, and crisp tuber. At Kyloe, you’re presented with some of the cuts and breeds available, while there’s also an extensive menu. A starter of beef tartare has that classic bovine punch with kick from the acidic
TRAVEL
Beef on show at Kyloe
Scallops and langoustine at Kyloe
The living area at one of The Rutland Hotel’s apartments
components, and richness from egg yolk. The chateaubriand has a little chew but boasts some clean, mineral beef flavour, while a starter of scallop and langoustine is a pretty collection of items from the sea. But its take on the blooming onion – a whole onion sliced to allow it to fan out, then coated in a seasoned dredge and deep-fried – is the standout of the evening. After a sleep – and an uncharacteristic lie-in – The Royal Yacht Brittania is situated in nearby Leith, a former ship used by the Royal Family. And while the day starts of with seemingly endless downpours, getting inside this historic ship feels like a welcome tonic. It’s definitely one for the historic buffs and monarchists, but there’s also the addition of a ‘count the toy corgis’ game which was sufficient to keep an almost three-year-old engaged for an hour or so. There’s also the option of afternoon tea and scones on board. Camera Obscura is somewhere else worth your time if you need a break from walking and taking in the hospitality. It’s focused around a host of illusions and tricks of the light, and works well for a young family.
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Heading back into the city, just pay close attention to maps when finding your way, and don’t do what I did and head towards the castle itself and find the only way down without going back on ourselves – with a pram and toddler – was to traverse Granny’s Green Steps. Lesson learned. Cold Town House is a modern micro-brewery with a couple of levels, including a popular rooftop bar and restaurant, however food is served across the venue. The nitro IPA is proof than its not just stouts which work well with the addition of smaller nitrogen bubbles. It’s almost like a chilled and crisp cask ale, with smooth mouthfeel backed up by some bitterness and those atypical tropical notes. The pizza is considerably better than it has to be in this busy area, which is often thronging with tourists. Crisp and well-risen, with little pock marks of char around the crust. Badger and Co is a quirky and casual bistro, which is also part of the Signature Group which also owns Kyloe, the Rutland Hotel, and Huxley restaurant. There’s a Wind in the Willows theme at play
here, but it never feels excessive or overbearing. An artichoke dish is clean and rich, while scallops are well-cooked and still a little translucent. The cheese course proves to be one of the highlights of the meal. A soft Scottish brie, Isle of Mull Cheddar, and blue cheese, served up with dainty little fruit loaf toasts, accoutrements, and a big whack of honeycomb. The Hanging Bat has long been a stop off amid a trip to the city – less so now with two boys in tow. But a brief foray into it once again proved fruitful – a massive 13% barleywine (served in considerably sensible third of a pint glass) – and a punchy IPA help absorb some of the sun outside. But the Blue Blazer, a short distance away, is the sort of thing I have in my mind’s eye when I’m after a decent boozer. It’s wooden-laden – not the flat pack kind – with history and depth. There’s a collection of decent cask on offer. It’s somewhere you could certainly spend an entire evening in its warm embrace. ■
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LIFESTYLE
IWC marks 50 years of a Gerald Genta sports watch icon IWC has updated and expanded its range of Ingenieur sports watches, including introducing its five-day power reserve, and flexing its horological muscles with a perpetual calendar reference. As it marks 50 years, John Mulgrew pays a visit to Lunn’s Jewellers to see what’s helped keep this Gerald Genta classic on the map
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erald Genta certainly got more than a few things right in his legacy as arguably horology’s greatest designer. The late Swiss designer’s legacy can be felt across watchmaking in 2026. The Royal Oak and Nautilus remain mainstays in the most prestigious watch collections, and on the wrists of the rich and famous. IWC’s Ingenieur is also part of that legacy – a watch which came out in 1976 when the
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integrated bracelet was a more prominent design cue. Genta gave it a unique and touch of five screws on the bezel. Integrated bracelets have certainly had a resurgence of late, led by Tissot bringing back a modern interpretation of its PRX – a model which has many variants, case sizes, materials, and has gone on to sell big numbers. The newest iteration of the Ingenieur takes the element of the original design, and some
The IWC Ingenieur in 40mm
from later models, and brings it up-to-date for the 21st century. The 40mm flagship model does its very best in making this something for most wrist sizes – hitting that sweet spot that many Swiss brands currently favour. While the lugs are short thanks to that integration, you get more heft on your wrist due to the raised bevel, the bracelet overhang, and chunky sloped crown guards – so I’d say it wears a little larger than say something like a
LIFESTYLE
The IWC Ingenieur in 35mm
comparable 40mm diver. It sits well on the wrist, in part thanks to that integrated bracelet, with brushing across the case, with polishing on the bevel edge, crown, and edges of the crown guard. There are several references in the 40mm case, including this aqua blue variant, which all boast a deep grid texture on the dial, which adds some depth, with the full IWC moniker below the 12, date window (which matches the dial), with the Ingenieur branding at 6. The bracelet is comfortable, bringing forth more brushing, but adding polished centre links and chamfers – bringing a little more reflectiveness and sheen, while there’s a comfortable butterfly clasp. Overall, it’s a balanced and very capable sports watch – bringing some of the design cues from the past, but upping the case size and aesthetics, including sporting a modern IWC calibre 32111 movement, which on the 40mm variant has a truly impressive five-day power reserve.
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The IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar
IWC has also released a 35mm reference. In terms of visually details, much is the same, but squeezed into a smaller case size, and the smaller IWC calibre 47110, which has a 42hour power reserve. The 35mm also sports an open caseback design. It’s a pretty thing to wear, but I’d say something for those with smaller wrists, after something light, or more subtle. There are many other references now
The newest iteration of the Ingenieur takes the element of the original design, and some from later models, and brings it up-to-date for the 21st century
available in the line-up, including a 42mm black ceramic iteration, alongside a heftier and considerably more complicated perpetual calendar. This is a chunky piece, thanks to those complications within, but still wears reasonably comfortably on my 7 1/4 inch wrist. The dial sports three subdials, including the week at the 9 position, date at 3, and year at the 6 – which also incorporates a moonphase. IWC has already showcased perpetual calendars in popular models, such as the Big Pilot. In this 41mm Ingenieur reference the calendar is controlled by the crown, and doesn’t require additional tools to set (the bane for those collectors with pockets deep enough). The dial on this particular reference is deep blue, with the same grid pattern found on the standard 41mm and 35mm models. ■
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TECHNOLOGY The MacBook Neo
The top laptops and other devices that students can rely on without paying premium prices Parents might not welcome the news, but some of this tech can make a meaningful difference, writes Adrian Weckler
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oing to college means a minimum of a reliable laptop, a phone, plus something to keep them powered up during the day. But if you’re away from home, it may also require extra stuff, such as a decent monitor or noisecancelling buds to block out suboptimal noise conditions wherever you’ve found lodgings. With students across the country now eyeing their first week back at colleges and universities, here’s a guide to some of the tech that can make a meaningful difference without paying overly-premium prices.
LAPTOPS Apple MacBook Neo It’s the quintessential college student laptop: fast enough to cut through project tasks,
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light enough to bring around and battery life that lasts at least 10 hours per charge. For all intents and purposes, this is a MacBook Air at little over half the price. It also comes in a few bright colours. Ever since Apple added a low-end, more affordable laptop to its stable, it has been a no-brainer for anyone other than those who need larger screens or very niche apps and programs that only certain Windows laptops can accommodate. The MacBook Neo is capable of supporting an external display, too, in case you need something bigger.
Despite having a medium-plus 14-inch screen, it weighs less than a kilogram (which is very light) and has an unbelievable battery charge of well over 20 hours per charge because of the efficiency of the Qualcomm chip. You also get a relatively high-end, gorgeous Oled display, as well as a fairly roomy 512GB of storage. The modest oomph of the chip itself is largely made up by the 16GB of RAM you get here. For the kind of stuff college students do on laptops, this is a really nice choice.
PHONES Asus Zenbook A14 If you need a Windows laptop, there’s a lot to be said for those that use Snapdragon X Plus chips under the hood. Asus’s Zenbook A14 is a case in point.
iPhone 17e While Samsung and Apple share similar market share in Ireland, it skews much more toward Apple at the college student age. Just like the MacBook Neo, the iPhone 17e is a lower-cost
TECHNOLOGY
Asus Zenbook A14
version of the standard iPhone that does most of what a regular iPhone 17 can do for less. The main compromise is having just one rear camera instead of two (like the iPhone 17) or even three (like the iPhone 17 Pro). Also, this is the joint-smallest iPhone in the range, with its 6.1-inch display smaller than the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 (and on par with last year’s iPhone 16). But it has MagSafe (magnetic wireless) charging and starts at 256GB of storage. Other good things about the iPhone 17e include its powerful chip, the same A19 model that’s in the pricier iPhone 17. Even though the graphics are slightly constrained compared to the pricier iPhones, apps, games and other uses are smooth and zippy. The stereo speakers on the phone are impressive for a mid-range phone, too. Nothing Phone 4a Pro This mid-range Android phone has one of the quirkiest, coolest designs around while still providing top-notch results. It has a nice big 6.8 inch display and its other main specifications (especially the camera and battery) are also at least as good, if not better, as those of any other mid-tier Android model it competes with. It has a nice metal unibody design that is unlike most other brands. Technically, this is also Nothing’s slimmest-ever phone at just under 8mm thick, despite having a pretty decent all-day 5,080mAh battery. It can charge at 50w and can also reverse-charge at 7.5w. From a durability perspective, this will also survive 20 minutes in the average toilet or sink without any damage, due to its upper/midlevel IP65 rating. For a mid-tier phone, the 4(a) Pro’s triple camera system is definitely above average. Unlike Samsung’s mid-range options, this gives
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you a separate optical 50-megapixel telephoto (3.5x) zoom lens that can theoretically be pushed to a fairly ludicrous 140x, digitally. The 6.8-inch, 144Hz, 1.5K screen on the 4(a) is absolutely great; you’d barely notice a difference between this and a flagship display. Peak brightness, for example, is a high-end 5,000 nits. Under the hood, the 4(a) Pro is absolutely sufficient, if not quite at the computational level of the top flagships. It has a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with a choice of either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. For a college phone, this is great.
NOISE-CANCELLING EARBUDS Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Noise-cancelling earbuds are a relatively new thing, but might be a godsend for students trying to concentrate in noisy places. If the aim is usable noise-cancelling buds, it’s worth looking at premium models as they’re the ones that cut out most external din. While Apple’s AirPods 4 (with noise-cancellation) or AirPods Pro 3 will naturally appeal to iPhone users, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a good choice for anyone with a Samsung or even Android device. You get good audio quality and decent active noise cancellation. You get more out of them if you have a Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
device, but there’s a nice Samsung Wearable app (available for all Android devices) that gives you access to premium controls. Water and dust protection improved from IP53 to IP57, meaning they can confidently survive 30 minutes submerged in water. You get three sets of rubber tips for the buds, at different sizes.
HEALTH Fitbit Air Fitbit (owned by Google) understands that fitness trackers with screens aren’t always cool, or even acceptable. But it saw the success of Whoop and decided to make a fitness band (for any type of smartphone) with no display that still tracked most everything you need to (very subtly) keep score with things you want. At a minimum, that’s sleep, steps and most daily activity. It can detect workouts (and start measuring them), as well as hosting an optical heart rate monitor, blood oxygen measurement and a skin temperature sensor. It also handily has a small vibration motor for various alarms, as well as a low battery alert. While it doesn’t have GPS itself, it will use your phone’s GPS and is water-resistant to 50 metres. The battery lasts around a week between charges.
POWER BANK Anker Nano 10K 30W power bank with built-in USB-C cable Rechargeable portable power banks sound great, but can be heavy bricks to carry around. This Anker model is a little smaller and lighter. It has 10,000mAh of battery reserve to charge everything a college student users, from phones, tablets and earbuds to full-sized laptops (even if 10,000mAh will only be a topup for some laptop models). One nice thing is that the 30-watt charging speed here is meaningfully fast, especially for larger gadgets. And the power bank itself can be recharged to 50pc in around 45 minutes. You get a single USB-C and a single USB-C port on the device. ■
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my day
UNCOVERING THE 9-5
Carol Fitzsimons MBE Chief executive, Young Enterprise Northern Ireland 7am My youngest is still at school, so unless I have to be up and out, I get breakfast time with family before heading into the office. We’ve one less school run this year as my eldest has started in a degree apprenticeship in civil engineering, so it’s great to see him up and out for the train, and off to work before me. 9.30am Ideally, I prefer to start the day in the office with the team. Young Enterprise (YE) lost all public funds three years ago and we’ve worked hard to pivot to a business-led funding model, innovating our delivery model to include a digital platform, as well as our better-known company programmes, with students running their own businesses. This has taken a lot of hard work from the leadership and delivery teams, and I’m really proud of what we’ve managed to achieve. It’s a relatively small team, so it’s really important we get time to communicate with one another and manage the changes to how we work. 11am There is a real seasonality to our work around the academic calendar, so at certain times it will be all about being out and about across Northern Ireland, meeting students, schools and business supporters at our Trade Fairs or events. At other times, the focus is internal, setting budgets, building relationships and pulling
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together proposals to gain funding to ensure we can continue our work. The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing the impact of our work on the children and young people we work with. The last few years, because of the massive impact of the funding loss, it’s been much more about making sure we’ve enough funds in place to continue the work of the charity. Where I can, I aim to get out to our student events, as it’s a great reminder of the purpose of the work and the reason we do it.
It’s a privilege to see the passion young people have for entrepreneurship, and to be part of their journey. The Northern Ireland entrepreneurship and business ecosystem is so supportive of our work and want to make sure students from all backgrounds get the best start in life. My afternoons are often spent engaging with our supporters, in meetings or calls, whether formally or socially. It’s important to spend time with these groups to understand the skills needs for the future workforce, to map into our work.
1pm I often used to skip lunch, particularly if I was out and about, but I’ve realised that making sure I keep fuelled is important to have the energy for the rest of the day. If I’m in the office, we’ll eat together as a team, then I try and get out for a quick walk and some daylight (if there is any) before the afternoon ahead.
6pm It’s either home time or going out time! At the start of the week, my evenings involve Scouting, running and Pilates. I’m a newcomer to running, starting a couple of years ago to increase fitness, get outside and manage the stresses of the job. It took a while to go from couch to 5k to ‘proper’ running, but I enjoy it now and it’s a regular part of my week. Thursdays are mostly ‘black tie’ or work events – always great to catch up with the network of YE supporters in a more informal way. There is a great business community in Northern Ireland and we are fortunate to be so well connected. ■
2pm I’m fortunate in my role to have a great network of supporters for Young Enterprise, meaning I get the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities across the business community.