Upstream secures £150m funding for local businesses after successful MBO
Upstream assumes full local ownership and wins backing from Pollen Street Capital to help power local businesses
Belfast-headquartered asset-based lending (ABL) specialist, Upstream, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) of the business, bringing it back into full local ownership.
The MBO team, led by original Upstream founder, Judith Totten MBE, has secured an agreement to buy the business back from the US securitisation fund, which acquired Upstream in June 2021.
Founded in June 2011 as a boutique SME funding provider, Upstream has evolved into a specialist leading structured ABL lender, challenging the mainstream market with a comprehensive and tailored offering for SME and mid-corporate business owners.
The business has successfully scaled tenfold post-Covid, and this new step assures that this rapid growth trajectory, and evolution, will continue with a focus on acquisition and product diversification across the UK and Ireland.
Pollen Street Capital has provided a new £150 million facility to accelerate the ambitious and sustainable expansion of the business.
Led by industry experts with deep sector experience, Upstream has a dedicated team of receivables and structured ABL specialists, a cohort which will grow further this year and into 2025, creating new employment opportunities within its growing team.
Upstream has built a reputation for flexibility and agility in providing tailored solutions to business owners.
The company guarantees local businesses access to an autonomous, local decision-maker which understands the importance of swift and clear feedback, coupled with guidance and direction in structuring the most appropriate funding facility.
Upstream Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Judith Totten, said:
“This significant new partnership with Pollen Street Capital will give us the bandwidth and fire power to support more ambitious entrepreneurs, with a much broader service offering.
This MBO brings the Upstream business back under the full control of the local team, positioning us for growth through acquisition and diversification into new markets and services across the working capital, structured ABL and receivables spectrum. We remain sector agnostic but now have the capital for larger structured finance deals and a full ABL suite of facilities, securing our place as the ‘go to’ for growth funding.
Amid economic headwinds and with traditional lenders adopting a more cautious approach, our relationship with Pollen Street Capital could not come at a better time.
Supported by Pollen Street, we look forward to growing our footprint – and our team – across the UK and Ireland to help our clients achieve economic excellence. Our clear strategy now is to drive for scale.
Pollen Street Capital’s partnership ethos aligns with our goal to support ambitious and visionary business owners.”
Connor Marshall-Mckie, Investment Director at Pollen Street Capital, said:
"We are excited to work with Judith and the Upstream team on this new facility. Upstream have delivered impressive growth and strong performance in their structured ABL product, a perfect fit for our senior asset-backed credit strategy. We look forward to working with the team further scaling the business across the UK and Ireland.”
Upstream Operations Director, Bill Hichens, adds:
“The timing of this announcement could not be better. The SME and mid-corporate funding landscape has changed dramatically, accelerated by global economic instability.
Businesses now require multi-layered funding approaches to maximise growth potential.”
HNH Partners makes extra room for growth with new Edinburgh headquarters
Top advisory firm grows its Edinburgh footprint amid rising business demand
Leading financial advisory firm HNH Partners is targeting double-digit growth in 2025 with a move to a new larger Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh, as it responds to rising demand from businesses across the region.
The move to 66 Hanover Street marks a new milestone for the award-winning company, which has 30 staff across its flagship offices in Edinburgh and Belfast, and has increased its headcount in Scotland by around 50 per cent over the past year.
Providing industry-leading expertise in Deal Advisory, Strategic Business Planning, Transaction Services, Debt Advisory and Taxation Services, HNH Partners is experiencing exponential growth across all service lines.
Neal Allen, Partner and Head of Deal Advisory at HNH Partners in Scotland, said:
“Following a record year with a steady increase in both the volume and size of deals that our advisers have worked on, we anticipate 2025 will be our busiest yet.
The move to our new headquarters is not only a celebration of our recent successes, but a strategic investment in the future, giving us room to grow our team yet further as we continue to recruit across all levels.
Our modern office environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the financial advisory sector, providing enhanced services that continue to place our clients at the centre.”
Advisers at HNH Partners, ranked among the Top 10 busiest financial advisers in Scotland by Experian in its most recent UK and Ireland M&A Review, worked on numerous multi-million-pound deals in 2024, and on some of the most high-profile transactions in the region over recent years.
This has included advising Scotland’s largest window and door company Sidey Solutions on its sale to Swedish giant Inwido AB, and Livingstone-based electronics manufacturer CB Technology on its acquisition by Elite Electronic Systems in Northern Ireland.
Neal added:
“The significant demand for our expertise is a testament to the trust our clients place in us. Our new headquarters in Scotland will not only support our current growth but will also enable us to capture emerging opportunities in an increasingly dynamic market.
Supporting entrepreneurs, business of all sizes and their shareholders, as well as financial institutions and private equity houses, our focus is on helping them realise their growth potential.
Working across all sectors, as diverse as technology, energy, manufacturing, engineering, and beyond, we have built a multi-disciplinary team that has the tools and expertise to advise companies of every hue providing unrivalled support as they navigate complex financial landscapes.”
Last year, HNH Partners launched a new brand as part of an ambitious growth strategy across the UK and Ireland amid several high-profile appointments and revealed a new corporate identity. This included former Deloitte director Roger Mayor – a specialist in corporate finance – who joined the firm’s team in Edinburgh, alongside partners Neal Allen and Harry Linklater.
The new offices at Hanover Street are part of that wider strategy as it seeks to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to its clients and reflect its commitment to investing in the future and ensuring it remains well-positioned to support the evolving needs of businesses across Scotland and beyond.
Visit Belfast unveils powerful new brand position for city’s rich food and drink offer
Visit Belfast has officially unveiled its new food and drink brand position, designed to enhance the city’s vibrant gastronomic tourism offering to appeal to more visitors.
The launch event, held at the award-winning Waterman restaurant in Belfast, brought together over 50 representatives from the local food and drink industry to demonstrate how the new brand and strategy will showcase Belfast’s rich and diverse food scene, from restaurants and food markets to distillery tours and exciting tasting experiences.
The new brand positioning will support Visit Belfast in its mission to drive tourism spend which is a key theme in Visit Belfast’s New Horizon Strategy 2024-2027.
The strategy aims to differentiate Belfast as a premier culinary destination, leveraging the city’s unique flavours and gastronomic offerings – including two Michelin-starred restaurants, numerous Bib Gourmand awards, and a wealth of independent eateries - as an essential part of the Belfast visitor experience, an important part of Brand Belfast and a vital ingredient to attracting and retaining visitors to Belfast to enjoy more, explore more and stay longer.
Welcoming the initiative, Councillor Micky Murray, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said:
" Food and drink experiences are a vital ingredient in attracting visitors to our city - for business events, leisure experiences and events and festivals. On average, food and drink accounts for approximately 35% of total visitor expenditure and supports over 19,000 jobs in the tourism sector. Visitors who are motivated by food tend to stay longer and spend more, enriching both our economy and our community.
“By celebrating the richness of our local produce, we are enhancing our gastronomic identity and positioning Belfast as a premier destination for food and drink throughout the UK and Ireland.”
Anne McMullan, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications at Visit Belfast, added:
"Our new Belfast Food and Drink branding proposition aligns with Belfast City Council’s ‘Make Yourself at Home’ strategy, which emphasises the vital role of food and drink in driving visitor spend. A key theme in Visit Belfast’s New Horizon Strategy 2024-2027 is showcasing our uniquely local culinary scene— including restaurants, food markets, distilleries, and tasting experiences — that set Belfast apart as a food destination.
“Our culinary offerings are central to Brand Belfast, and I look forward to seeing this new positioning rolled out across our marketing activity, reflecting our vibrant culture, heritage, and the expertise of our home-grown talent including some incredibly skilled producers, chefs, and distillers."
The strategy's launch marks an exciting new chapter in Belfast’s tourism, elevating the city’s reputation as a culinary destination that offers diverse and exceptional food experiences. As the new branding begins to roll out across Visit Belfast’s marketing campaigns, the ambition will be to share the true flavours of Belfast with visitors from around the world.
Visit Belfast is a public/private sector partnership funded and supported by Belfast City Council, Tourism NI, strategic and corporate partners Diageo NI, Translink, Belfast One, Value Cabs, ICC Belfast, Hastings Hotels, Titanic Belfast and Victoria Square, and 500 industry partners. It is the official destination marketing management organisation (DMMO) for the Belfast city region, dedicated to promoting Belfast as a city break, conference and cruise ship destination.
Global Auto Holdings Limited appoints Alex Smith as Chair of Lookers Limited
Alex Smith joins Lookers Limited as Chair as well as Global Auto Holdings Limited’s Executive Committee with responsibility for European operations.
Further appointments complete leadership and governance teams at Lookers.
Global Auto Holdings Limited (“GAHL”) has appointed Alex Smith, one of the UK’s most influential and experienced automotive leaders, to the role of Chair of Lookers Limited (“Lookers”), one of the UK’s largest auto retail groups. Mr. Smith will also become a Board Member of Wismo Group (formerly K.W. Bruun Import) which GAHL acquired in 2024.
Alex Smith joins GAHL following six years as Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK where he was responsible for more than one in every five new cars and light commercial vehicles sold nationwide. Smith also served as a Vice President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and is a former Managing Director of Nissan Motor Great Britain.
Mr. Smith will join Mr. James Brearley in leading Lookers along with the balance of the recently appointed new executive team charged with continuing the transformation and substantive progress that has been made since Lookers was acquired by GAHL in 2023.
GAHL comments:
“The Lookers team, led by James Brearley, has made significant progress in transforming the business into a customer centric, high performing auto retailer that strives to be a strong partner to our respective manufacturer stakeholders and customers. We are extremely pleased to add someone of Alex’s calibre to the Lookers leadership team. We believe his deep automotive expertise, track record of industry leading results and overall strategic capabilities will greatly benefit both Lookers as well as GAHL’s European operations as we continue to pursue operational excellence and growth.
Alex’s appointment to Chair of Lookers completes the first phase of the transformation of Lookers that began with our acquisition of the business in 2023. We are extremely confident that the newly constituted executive team will continue to prioritize our customers and OEM partner relationships while also driving sustainable growth in the business moving forward.”
Welcoming his appointment, Mr. Smith said:
“In an industry experiencing profound change and simultaneous opportunity, I’m absolutely delighted to join Global Auto Holdings to work with dedicated and experienced leadership teams with demonstrable track records in retail, automotive and financial services to drive the Group’s growth ambitions in the UK and Europe.
“I’m especially excited by the talent depth across the Group and by the strength of the brands which GAHL proudly represents. I look forward to working with every colleague to deliver for our OEM partners and customers in this transformative period for us all.
The appointments are subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
The Lookers’ Executive Committee includes:
Alex Smith, Chair, who enjoyed a 15-year career at Volkswagen Group UK, including six years as Group Managing Director. Alex was also Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB.
James Brearley, Managing Director. One of the retail motor industry’s most respected and experienced business leaders, the former head of Inchcape’s UK retail business and Chief Operating Officer with Peter Vardy, James was appointed by Lookers in July 2024 and leads the Company’s operations which have been positively transformed since his appointment.
Owen McLellan, Chief Financial Officer. Formerly Managing Director of Company Shop Group and held several senior roles during a 10-year tenure at leading UK retailer Morrisons.
Duncan Gray, Chief Information Officer, who has more than 20 years of retail and financial services experience at board level within House of Fraser, Premium Credit, Selfridges Group and BCA.
Chris Whitaker, Chief People Officer, joined Lookers Plc in 2020 from leading IT services company KCOM where he was Group HR Director and has over 25 years of people leadership experience.
Oona Cassidy, General Counsel. Oona joined Lookers Plc in 2022 with over 15 years of experience in financial services, in national law firms and subsequently having held senior legal roles within the regulated businesses at the Co-op Group.
In addition to their roles with Lookers, Mr. Smith and Mr. Brearley have also been appointed to GAHL’s Global Executive Committee.
Senior promotions at HNH amid growing demand
Leading business advisory firm HNH has made a number of senior promotions in its Belfast office following a sustained period of growth across all service lines.
In the Deal Advisory team, Chris Hylands has been appointed as Director while Lucas Batchelor and Chris Hayes have been promoted to Associate Directors.
HNH, which is ranked by Experian among the Top 10 most active financial advisers on Mergers and Acquisitions in Northern Ireland and Scotland, provides market-leading advice to a growing number of clients across both jurisdictions.
HNH Managing Partner Wayne Horwood said:
“We are pleased to announce three senior promotions in our Deal Advisory Team, as we experience exponential growth in demand for our services from SMEs and business owners across the UK and Ireland.
Already among the most active advisory teams operating locally, our senior team has been growing in strength in recent months with appointments of Roger Mayor in Edinburgh and Pam Gillies in Belfast as Partners in 2024, with some further recruits starting with us in January.
These promotions represent another important step in delivering on our ambition growth plans, matching an increase in demand from businesses, many of them seeking to make a transaction or seek investment for the first time.
Each with strategically focused sector expertise, they will help drive new business in key areas of growth from energy and renewables, financial planning and analysis to family businesses.”
Chris Hylands’ focus will be on providing M&A lead advisory services to HNH clients across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain with a particular emphasis on SMEs.
Lucas Batchelor will continue to advise clients through their M&A and capital raising activities, utilising his expertise in financial analysis and presentation of data, to drive value for clients, while continuing to lead the Financial Planning and Analysis service offering at HNH.
Chris Hayes will bring his extensive experience advising businesses in the energy and renewables sector to assist HNH as it deals with a growing volume of transactions involving the development of renewable assets, climate tech, energy transition and circular economy businesses.
Rushmere draws record footfall after multimillion-pound reboot, 13 new stores and major rebrand
Northern Ireland’s largest shopping complex eyes 10m visitors next year amid resurgent demand in ‘bricks and mortar’ retail
Northern Ireland’s largest retail complex, Rushmere Shopping Centre, welcomed a record number of shoppers last month (November) and expects 10 million visitors through the doors in 2025 following a multimillion-pound transformation and the addition of 13 new stores.
Footfall in November was up more than 30 percent on last year, fuelled by a resurgence in demand from consumers craving a premium onsite retail experience and an unrivalled, expansive choice of big-name brands, Rushmere said.
Rushmere, which was acquired early last year by Killahoey Limited, a joint venture between Northern Ireland based companies Sheephaven and May Street Capital, has witnessed a remarkable turnaround this year – surpassing pre-pandemic footfall rates despite a challenging retail environment and economic uncertainty.
Rushmere, which is based in Craigavon near Portadown and located just 30 minutes from Belfast, said its investment strategy had breathed new life in the traditional shopping experience, underscoring the resilience of ‘bricks and mortar’ retail.
The newly rebranded centre, anchored by several big-name brands including Primark, Dunnes and JD Sports recently completed its largest-ever investment programme which includes a striking new façade, reinvigorated interior spaces with limestone floors, luxurious washroom facilities and common areas with additional seating – all carefully designed to enhance its appeal to a new generation of shoppers.
It has also added a record number of new tenants with 13 new stores operating – including six at the former Sainsbury’s unit – including Mango, Rituals, Schuh, Søstrene Grene, Mountain Warehouse, Café Nero and Warren James, while JD Sports and Superdrug have doubled in size. Major book retailer Waterstones and home and lifestyle retailer Miniso opened late last year.
Rushmere is now host to more than 70 major local, national and international brands.
Leading UK leisure operator PureGym will open a new site at the centre later this month and plans for a new Lidl Northern Ireland store have been submitted ahead of an expected opening in 2025.
More than £10 million has been invested in the centre this year. At least £10 million more has been ploughed into Rushmere by its newest new tenants.
Rushmere Shopping Centre Manager, Martin Walsh, said:
“Rushmere has never been as popular and our investment in new stores and in enhancing the centre’s appeal is proving a big hit, proving that with the right environment and retail mix, visitors prefer to shop in physical stores and not just online.
Supported by the unprecedented popularity of our new range of unique first-of-their kind Santa experiences, striking festive decorations and first-time Twilight Market, we’re delighted that November has proven to be our busiest month yet and we’re looking forward to topping off a phenomenally successful year of record-breaking growth.
With many new stores and top tier brands added and a dramatically enhanced shopping experience now on offer, drawing more visitors from near and far, Rushmere is back on track.”
Rushmere, which spans over 350,000 sq. ft and over 480,000 when combined with the retail park now employs a record 1,400 number of staff across the centre and its adjacent retail park which also includes Currys PC World, Harry Corry and Pets at Home.
“We’re almost completely occupied while we have been contacted by a number of prospective top retail tenants, attracted by the investment and future vision for the complex,” Martin added.
“Our investment, focus and ambition has transformed Rushmere into Northern Ireland’s top shopping destination and we’re looking forward to even more growth in 2025 as we look to increase visitor numbers to 10 million a year in 2025, driving even greater economic impact in the area. We’re grateful for the fantastic support and feedback from shoppers and existing and new tenants and we’re even more delighted by the feedback.
“In particular, our customers have been fantastic as we completed what was a challenging project given the high footfall location.
“Though wider economic challenges prevail, our tenants are thriving in a newly repurposed and enhanced centre that delivers exceptional customer choice and an enjoyable experience, and we expect our visitors to continue voting with their feet with what we now provide. This is just the start and we’ve many more exciting plans afoot.”
Rushmere’s owners recently submitted a £1.7 million planning application to create a new access road into the centre and retail park which is designed to transform traffic flow in the area which will go ahead in 2025 subject to approval.
Rushmere is one of Northern Ireland’s first purpose-built shopping centres, opening its doors in 1976 with stores including Crazy Prices. It will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2027.
Aflac Northern Ireland raises £70,000 for children’s cancer care
Milestone reached as part of Aflac NI’s extensive 2024 CSR programme
Aflac Northern Ireland is pleased to have raised more than £70,000 for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity (CCUC) which supports the work of the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Part of global insurance giant Aflac Inc., the Northern Ireland team reached the milestone following a series of fundraising events throughout 2024 including the inaugural NI Tech Crowd Quiz Night, launched by the company in September.
Aflac NI’s partnership with CCUC has expanded the global company’s primary philanthropic cause of supporting the treatment and research of childhood cancer and blood disorders.
In the U.S., since 1995, Aflac has contributed more than $185 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders and has provided significant resources in Japan as well, including the funding of Parents’ Houses that provide places for families to stay while undergoing treatments.
Aflac NI brought its awarding-winning My Special Aflac Duck® to Northern Ireland for the first time in 2021, providing the robotic medical play companions designed to help children facing cancer treatment and blood disorders to communicate their feelings and prepare for treatments. The ducks are given to children with cancer, free of charge, across the region.
An independent study conducted at eight hospitals across the United States has shown that these companions, 33,000 of which have been distributed globally, significantly reduce stress and anxiety for children and their families.
Aflac Northern Ireland hosted a special social event in their award-winning offices earlier this year for children and their families, providing space for respite in a relaxed setting. And each Christmas, Aflac NI employees give their time to the community, volunteering at the Children’s Cancer Unit ward to help make a brighter holiday season for patients, families and healthcare workers.
Mark McCormack, Vice-President and Managing Director, Aflac NI said:
“Supporting children and families affected by cancer is deeply embedded in Aflac’s culture globally, and we’re proud to embrace and extend this mission locally through our partnership with CCUC. The funds raised will help improve the care and support available to these children and their families, making a tangible difference to their lives.
“Our team has shown extraordinary dedication, not only through fundraising but also by giving their time and energy to support the vital work of CCUC. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and driving even greater impact in the years to come.”
Jane Hoare, CEO of The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, added:
“The services that we deliver, both to children and young people living with cancer, and their families, as well as the teams within the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children who treat them, simply would not be possible without the support of partners such as Aflac.
“We truly appreciate the fantastic efforts of all staff at Aflac in Belfast and the wider company, and thank them for their incredible commitment to this cause. It is making such a huge difference to the lives of the families we support and to the work and facilities within the Unit.”
The CCUC partnership is just one element of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme at Aflac NI, which recently won the Community (CSR) Award at the Business Eye Awards 2024.
This year, its staff have volunteered for more than 20 local charities supporting causes including hospice services, mental health and animal welfare.
Meanwhile, Aflac NI employees, each of whom are supported and encouraged to dedicate one working day of the year to a cause of their choice, have amassed 900 hours of voluntary service throughout 2024.
Mark added:
“At Aflac NI, we believe that corporate social responsibility goes beyond fundraising. It’s a core part of our strategy and is about creating meaningful partnerships, volunteering our time, and ensuring our efforts leave a lasting impact on the community around us.”
Aflac NI alongside Aflac in the US have also partnered with CCUC and the Queen’s School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast to develop a learning programme focused on childhood cancer nursing.
It includes a scholarship to travel to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia in the U.S., a global leader in childhood cancer, haematology, and blood and marrow transplant programmes. The facility provides care for more than 2,500 children with cancer each year and a further 5,000 children with sickle cell disease, haemophilia and other life-threatening blood disorders.
Aflac, which is the leading provider of supplemental health insurance products in the U.S., employs more than 170 specialist technology staff in Belfast, where it began operations in 2019.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA welcomed to Visit Belfast’s December Board
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy MLA was welcomed to Visit Belfast’s December Board to hear about how Visit Belfast’s New Horizons Strategy 2024-27 plans to drive tourism growth in the city and support regional success.
Minister Murphy was met by Visit Belfast’s Acting Chair, Michael Robinson, CEO, Gerry Lennon, along with the Board, where the city’s official destination marketing and management organisation presented plans for the next chapter of its New Horizon’s Strategy, which aims to deliver an additional 20% uplift in economic impact, generating £424 million for the local economy throughout its three years.
The New Horizons Strategy aligns with the Department's Economic Strategy and vision for tourism in acting as a gateway to the whole of the north and comes as Visit Belfast celebrates its 25th year of successfully supporting tourism in the city region.
Hospitality in good health as Galgorm Collection and Duality Healthcare partner on innovative staff healthcare initiative in £250,000 investment
Industry leader invests in employee wellbeing with Duality’s new corporate healthcare initiative
Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, has announced the launch of a corporate healthcare membership scheme for its team, delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland’s leading private primary care provider Duality Healthcare, and representing a significant investment by Galgorm Collection of £250,000 over the next five years.
The innovate initiative delivered for Galgorm Collection by Duality Healthcare, and which provides individuals, families and businesses with a host of healthcare services including instant access to private GP care across Northern Ireland, is part of Galgorm Collection’s ongoing efforts to enhance benefits and support for its team. It will provide convenient and confidential healthcare to help employees with their health and wellbeing needs.
Demonstrating its commitment to employee care, Galgorm Collection is offering Duality’s corporate healthcare offering to all personnel with over one year of service across all the hospitality group’s properties, including Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Parisien, Fratelli Belfast, and the newly acquired Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort.
John McEvoy, Executive Chairman of Duality Healthcare, commented;
"We’re thrilled to partner with Galgorm Collection to deliver this tailored corporate healthcare offering, ensuring that employees have timely access to medical care and advice. The service offers flexible appointments, including virtual consultations and in-person visits, an annual medical, and a host of other vital healthcare services, giving staff the convenience and discretion to address their healthcare needs without delay.
Our corporate healthcare memberships include comprehensive support for preventative health measures, chronic condition management, and personalised medical advice, ensuring that employees across all industries receive truly proactive care.
This initiative underscores Galgorm Collection’s forward-thinking and compassionate approach to supporting employee health and wellbeing in the workplace and sets an inspiring example for all businesses across Northern Ireland to provide much-needed primary healthcare cover for their employees, and we look forward to working with them as they roll out the programme across all their properties."
The new Duality Healthcare initiative at Galgorm Collection adds to the suite of industry-leading benefits already offered to its staff. Employees with over one year of service also receive comprehensive private healthcare through Vitality Health, alongside free confidential counselling services provided by Spectrum Life, to support mental health and wellbeing.
Employees also enjoy an increased holiday allowance after a year of service, as well as complimentary access to Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village, discounts on a range of spa treatments, golf memberships at Galgorm Golf Club, free dining opportunities with a paying guest at several of the Collection’s restaurants, and access to fitness suite facilities.
Additionally the Collection rewards and recognises its team members through an Employee of the Week scheme, a referral incentive bonus if their recommended candidate is hired, and a complimentary stay voucher upon successful completion of their probation period.
Galgorm Collection is committed to fostering career growth and professional development, offering in-house and external training in areas such as Mental Health, First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Wines and Spirits, and also runs several apprenticeship schemes in partnership with Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College.
Laura Millar, Associate Director of Human Resources at Galgorm Collection, said;
“At Galgorm Collection, we place the highest value on our team members, and this investment in their wellbeing reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for our staff.
By partnering with Duality Healthcare’s award-winning team, we’re ensuring that our employees can access professional medical advice and support when they need it most - across any of Duality Healthcare’s clinics in Northern Ireland.
This is just one of the many ways we aim to set the standard for employee benefits and support in the hospitality industry, and to foster a workplace culture that prioritises health, happiness and personal development.
We believe that by taking care of our people, we empower them to deliver the outstanding service and experiences that our guests have come to expect from Galgorm Collection.”
With a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, Galgorm Collection continues to lead the way in creating a positive and supportive working environment. The launch of this innovative corporate healthcare offering for its staff is the latest milestone in the commitment Galgorm Collection made in 2021 to roll out an enhanced programme of progressive benefits for its team members.
In 2023 the hospitality business was the first on the island of Ireland to achieve Great Place to Work certification, based on exceptional employee experiences.
For more information about career opportunities at Galgorm Collection, visit https://www.galgormcollection.com/work-with-us.html
Charles Hurst celebrates Belfast team success in Ferrari Challenge UK racing series
Backed by Charles Hurst Ferrari, Gilbert Yates and Andrew Morrow rise to the top in major UK racing series in 2024
Charles Hurst Ferrari has topped off a record-breaking season of success in the renowned Ferrari Challenge racing season, celebrating the stellar efforts of local racing enthusiasts Gilbert Yates and Andrew Morrow who powered their way to the top of the leaderboard in the latest UK series.
Gilbert was crowned Trofeo Pirelli champion after winning the UK event following a thrilling final round of racing at Silverstone after a season-long battle with teammate Andrew.
Since 2019, the prestigious single-marque motorsport Ferrari Challenge UK championship has been contested at some of the UK’s most iconic tracks, from Silverstone to Brands Hatch, and pits the wits of hundreds of drivers competing to win in this gripping, top-level challenge.
Celebrating its most successful season to date, Charles Hurst Ferrari marked the trophy-winning talents of Gilbert Yates and Andrew Morrow at a special open event in its state-of-the-art Ferrari showroom in Belfast.
This prestigious racing series, known for its intense competition and thrilling action, saw two of its valued clients take the track by storm, showcasing their skill, dedication and passion for Ferrari in a nail-biting finish.
Racing for Charles Hurst, championship leader Gilbert Yates clinched the Trofeo Pirelli title in the Ferrari Challenge UK, securing victory at Silverstone's final round to close off the season after setting a remarkable lap time of 2:04 minutes to claim pole position – just ahead of local teammate and defending champion Andrew Morrow who secured a stunning second place.
Jeff McCartney, Group Operations Director at Charles Hurst, congratulated the winning pair on their fresh success.
“What Gilbert and Andrew have achieved in the latest Ferrari Challenge UK series is nothing short of incredible. This prestigious, high-octane racing series attracts the best drivers from across the UK and their victories highlight just what can be achieved with precision, performance and a real passion for the Ferrari brand,” Jeff said.
On behalf of Team Charles Hurst, we’re delighted for Gilbert and Andrew and congratulate them on their outstanding success and we look forward to supporting them further in 2025.”
A major backer of the Ferrari Challenge UK and European series, Charles Hurst is the official Ferrari dealer for the island of Ireland and backs participating clients to prepare and compete, delivering unrivalled expertise, advice and on-the-ground support.
Gilbert Yates, founder and managing director of Healthcare Ireland, who has been racing for several years, said:
“Winning at Silverstone is a big highlight of my year and I’m grateful for the support of Ferrari and Charles Hurst for getting behind me and powering me on. The ethos around Ferrari and the family environment is exceptional. Right across the series, from hospitality to management structure and development programmes, it really is on another level.
Charles Hurst has been exceptional. It’s a real team and they make the difference. With world class service, a professional approach, delivering real resources and support - they sort it.”
Andrew Morrow, who only came to the Ferrari Challenge in 2022 before winning the UK title in 2023 and runner up in 2022, has also celebrated a European win in Hungary, said:
“I’ve enjoyed plenty of highlights and I’m looking forward to progressing further in Europe. It’s been an incredible couple of years. Charles Hurst helped me get my first big break and they have played a huge role in my success, supporting me at every event and keeping my Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo in tip top condition and race-ready.
We’ve all got to know one another well. It’s like one big family and I’m grateful for the support.”
Part of Charles Hurst Group, a Northern Ireland Top 100 company, Charles Hurst Ferrari is the only official Ferrari dealer on the island of Ireland, offering new and approved pre-owned Ferraris in its state-of-the-art showroom and service centre which is powered by an expertly Ferrari-trained local team.
Located in one of the largest car retail sites in Europe at Belfast’s Boucher Road spanning 40 acres, Charles Hurst’s Specialist Car Division offers an unrivalled range of some of the world’s most luxurious, most-wanted brands including Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin with dedicated factory-trained technicians for each marque. It also offers classic marques including Bentley, Jaguar and Lexus, delivering exceptional customer service in state-of-the-art facilities.
Charles Hurst is the only official dealer for Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley and Aston Martin in Ireland and recently opened Northern Ireland’s only Lotus showroom after partnering with the leading performance car maker.