We're Hiring! PR Client Executive
Reporting to: - PR Account Manager / PR Account Director
Location: - Pavilions Office Park, Holywood
Hours: - 9.00am to 5.30pm
Main Function of Role: - Provide assistance and support to consumer and corporate PR clients, ensuring quality of output and client satisfaction
Key Responsibilities
- Providing ongoing support to several client accounts (including consumer and corporate focussed-PR) simultaneously.
- Assisting with day-to-day execution of client campaigns and programmes and contributing to client meetings, including taking minutes.
- Working as part of an account management team to develop client proposals and implement the PR activity.
- Assisting in the management of PR photography and photo calls on behalf of LK Clients.
- Organising and attending events, including press conferences and promotions.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients, journalists and media.
- Daily and monthly monitoring and scanning of media, including online, print, broadcast, newswires, social media sites and blogs, for opportunities for clients and competitor information.
- Analysing and evaluating media coverage, including daily and monthly preparation of client clipping files and evaluation reports.
- Researching, writing and distributing original and creative press releases to targeted media.
- Spotting and capitalising on media and influencer opportunities.
- Creating weekly and monthly client status reports for Account Managers and Directors.
- Working collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of collaboration and jumping in to help at all levels of tasks.
- Being proactive, flexible and have the ability to deal with new challenges as they arise.
- Supporting the Account Managers and Directors in developing new business proposals and pitches / presentations.
- Being committed to confidentiality, total discretion and integrity.
- Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Managers & Directors of LK Communications.
Personnel Specification
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Qualifications | A third level qualification in CAM, PR, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline. | |
| Experience | One year’s experience in a similar role within a Communications or PR Agency or in-house. | |
| Skills | Excellent writing skills.
Creativity and imagination. Strong attention to detail. Good presentation skills. IT literate in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. |
Business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs.
The ability to think strategically and good analytical skills. |
| Characteristics | Ability to build strong rapport / relationships internally and externally.
Confidence. Initiative. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work on more than one project at a time. Flexible approach to work, determination, enthusiasm and the ability to cope well under pressure. |
|
| Other | The ability to travel to Clients sites and other locations. | Hold a current & valid full UK driving licence with full access to a vehicle |
Additional information:
Closing date: the closing date for CVs is Monday 14th April 2025. Late CVs will not be considered. Email your CV along with your Monitoring Form to talent@ardmore.co.uk
Shortlisting: only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria will be shortlisted. The panel reserves the right to apply all or part of the desirable criteria at the shortlisting stage.
Reserve list: a reserve list of candidates may be maintained for the purpose of any similar vacancies (temporary or permanent) that may arise within 12 months of this recruitment process.
Employment offer: any employment offer is subject to satisfactory completion of two employment references, proof of right to work in the UK and proof of any required qualifications.
Ardmore is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All appointments will be made on the basis of merit.
Galgorm Collection unveils £20m investment and new Roe Valley Resort brand in major transformation plans
Roe Park Resort evolves into Roe Valley Resort as redevelopment works commence
Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hospitality group, has announced the start of a bold new era for one of its landmark properties, unveiling the first of four £5 million investment programmes in Roe Valley Resort.
This marks the start of an ambitious transformation plan to elevate the guest experience and redefine luxury at the newly-rebranded resort.
Nestled beside the breathtaking Roe Valley Country Park, Roe Valley Resort is set to become the ultimate escape for families and for those seeking a destination with a difference.
The first £5 million investment gets under way this year in two phases.
From June, younger guests can look forward to an array of thrilling new features that are packed with adventure. From a giant-sized Helter Skelter and soft play area to a brand-new kids' park, arcade, and thrilling pool slides, the resort is introducing next-level entertainment for younger visitors which can be accessed by both hotel residents and day visitors.
Culinary enthusiasts will also be in for a treat this June as Galgorm Collection brings its acclaimed Italian restaurant, Fratelli, to the North West for the first time. Designed as a welcoming space for both locals and resort guests, Fratelli will offer a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where children can enjoy making their own pizzas, adding a fun and interactive dining experience.
Later this year, in the second-phase investment, for those seeking even more indulgent relaxation, Roe Valley Resort will unveil a stunning new bar and adult-only spa, providing a tranquil escape for guests which will be open in time for Christmas.
Golf lovers can also anticipate enhancements to the award-winning PGA-standard 18-hole golf course later this year, reinforcing Roe Valley Resort's status as one of the island’s top golfing destinations.
This exciting redevelopment follows Galgorm Collection’s landmark £28 million acquisition of Roe Valley Resort and Galgorm Castle Estate last November. The group has committed a multi-million-pound investment programme over the next five years to elevate both properties to new heights.
Welcoming the plans, Colin Johnston, Managing Director, Galgorm Collection, said:
“Roe Valley Resort has long been a cherished destination, known for its stunning setting, warm hospitality, and exceptional golf and spa experiences. This investment allows us to build on that legacy, enhancing the resort’s unique charm while introducing exciting new features that will appeal to loyal guests, the local community, and new visitors alike.”
"Our vision is to elevate Roe Valley Resort as one of Northern Ireland’s most sought-after destinations, offering even more for guests to experience and enjoy. We look forward to unveiling these exciting developments while ensuring the resort continues to provide the outstanding service and character it is known for.”
Steeped in history, Roe Valley Resort occupies a 150-acre estate that was once home to an 18th-century manor house and the first hydroelectric power station in Ireland.
While the original manor house has been meticulously restored, the resort today boasts 118 beautifully appointed bedrooms, an award-winning 18-hole parkland golf course, a driving range, spa, restaurant, stylish bar, and range of conference and banqueting spaces. Additionally, the resort offers three residences for guests seeking a more private retreat.
Perfectly positioned on the edge of Limavady town, Roe Valley Resort offers easy access to some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. Framed by the majestic Sperrin Mountains to the south and the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the north, the region boasts wide sandy beaches, rolling green valleys, and scenic hiking trails, making it an unparalleled escape for adventure and relaxation.
With Roe Valley Resort entering a thrilling new chapter, guests can expect an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation like never before.
We're Hiring! Junior PR Client Executive (one year placement)
Reporting to: - PR Client Manager / PR Client Director
Location: - Pavilions Office Park, Holywood
Hours: - 9.00am to 5.30pm
Main Function of Role: - Provide administrative assistance and support to consumer and corporate PR clients, ensuring quality of output and client satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide ongoing administrative support to Client Managers/Directors on specific PR and event management accounts.
- Scanning of daily and monthly media titles for relevant client/competitor information.
- Daily media monitoring for clients including horizon scanning and proactively flagging potential issues or breaking stories.
- Monthly preparation of client clipping files and development of accurate evaluation reports for clients on an ad hoc basis.
- General PR office administration, job reports and reordering of stationery and supplies as required.
- Maintain strict financial procedures in relation to the processing of invoices and payments.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues, clients and suppliers.
- Assist on PR photo-shoots on behalf of clients and PR photography.
- Participate fully in team brainstorms and meetings and bring new thinking and creativity to discussions.
- Write, edit and proof copy relevant for a variety of mediums including website copy, social media posts, press releases, blogs and presentations.
- Attendance at PR events and support of Client Director in relation to the successful planning and delivery of a busy event schedule.
- To be responsible for the use of research, collation of relevant intelligence and interpretation of statistical data.
- To support the Client Managers and Directors in preparing client and new business presentations.
- To be proactive, flexible and have the ability to deal with new challenges as they arise.
- To be committed to confidentiality, total discretion and integrity.
- To be committed to the ethos, aims and objectives of the Agency.
- To carry out any other duties as may be required by the Managers and Directors of LK Communications.
Personnel Specification
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Qualifications | Working towards a degree in PR & Comms, Communication, Advertising & Marketing or similar. | |
| Experience | One year’s experience in a similar role within a Communications or PR Agency or in-house. | |
| Skills | Excellent writing skills.
Creativity and imagination. Strong attention to detail. Good presentation skills. IT literate in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. |
Business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs.
The ability to think strategically and good analytical skills.
|
| Characteristics | Ability to build strong rapport / relationships internally and externally.
Confidence. Initiative. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work on more than one project at a time. Flexible approach to work, determination, enthusiasm and the ability to cope well under pressure. |
|
| Other | The ability to travel to Clients sites and other locations. | Hold a current & valid full UK driving licence with full access to a vehicle |
Additional information:
Closing date: the closing date for CVs is Monday 31st March 2025 at 5pm. Late CVs will not be considered. Email your CV along with your Monitoring Form to talent@ardmore.co.uk
Shortlisting: only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria will be shortlisted. The panel reserves the right to apply all or part of the desirable criteria at the shortlisting stage.
Reserve list: a reserve list of candidates may be maintained for the purpose of any similar vacancies (temporary or permanent) that may arise within 12 months of this recruitment process.
Employment offer: any employment offer is subject to satisfactory completion of two employment references, proof of right to work in the UK and proof of any required qualifications.
Ardmore is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All appointments will be made on the basis of merit.
Irish FA announces plans for National Football Centre
Groundbreaking partnership secured with Galgorm to locate state-of-the-art football centre in Ballymena
The Irish Football Association today confirmed details of its plans to create a new state-of-the-art, multi-million pound National Football Centre as part of a significant strategic investment which will inspire a new generation to reach their full potential.
Located on a 50-acre site opposite the renowned Galgorm near Ballymena, the new facility expects to feature world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities, fully realising the association’s ambition to create a project that will become the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s football community, supporting both elite and grassroots players.
A range of potential opportunities were explored across the country and, following a comprehensive review of all the options, Galgorm was chosen as the most compelling, best-fit opportunity to develop the facility.
Confirmation of the plans represent the Irish FA’s long-standing strategic priority to create a facility that will nurture elite talent, support youth development and bolster team performance. It is also designed to serve Northern Ireland’s international squads whilst aiming to support the charitable and community activities of the Irish FA Foundation, and marks a bold investment in the future of the game.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood underscored the project’s far-reaching impact:
He said: "Realising this project will significantly benefit our teams and players, creating an impressive football campus and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We anticipate the National Football Centre being a bespoke, world-class facility with a distinct Northern Ireland identity, serving players of all ages, both male and female, while also benefiting the local community and grassroots football.”
The collaboration with Galgorm reflects a shared vision of excellence and innovation.
Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm, emphasised the significance of the partnership.
He said: “This exciting announcement marks the partnership of two major global brands which are united by a shared commitment to excellence and to supporting our communities.
“We’re immensely proud to be playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Northern Ireland, supporting the success of our national teams while fostering growth at every level of the game.”
The facility will complement the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast, creating a dual campus set-up to strengthen Northern Ireland’s football infrastructure.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson highlighted the meticulous planning behind the initiative.
He explained: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Projects like this don’t happen overnight, and this is the result of significant strategic thinking.
“We have been able to amass capital funding over a long period to make this vision a reality, and we look forward to working with our partners at Galgorm in the coming years.”
The centre is designed to inspire the next generation of footballers, providing a platform for excellence at every level of the game.
Aaron Hughes, the Irish FA’s Technical Director, reinforced its role in competitive development.
He said: "Facilities are crucial to our ongoing development as a football nation. This partnership provides an excellent opportunity to gain a competitive edge in preparation, planning and development at all levels."
The project has also received resounding support from Northern Ireland’s senior international managers.
Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager, said: “This new national football centre will help the current international teams prepare for games better than ever.
“It will also inspire our future international stars on their journey in football from a young age. High quality pitches where coaches and players can work are essential for creating a high performance environment and strong identity across all age groups."
Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager, added: "This initiative reaffirms our commitment to developing top tier facilities and resources for our players. It strengthens our culture of excellence and high performance."
With the design phase under way, the Irish FA is working to secure statutory permissions and initiate procurement and construction. It is anticipated that the centre will open its doors in 2028, marking a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s football legacy.
Belfast empowers city’s food and drink champions in major showcase event
Top chefs Anna Haugh, Paul Rankin and Stevie McCarry join more than 120 of the city’s culinary leaders in Belfast Food & Drink Network event to shape the industry’s future
More than 120 of Belfast’s restaurateurs, chefs and food and drink specialists gathered in Belfast on Tuesday to explore ‘the future of food and drink’ as part of a major workshop designed to power new opportunities in the city’s thriving culinary industry.
Organised by the industry-led Belfast Food & Drink Collective, supported by Belfast City Council and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), Irish chef, restaurateur and TV personality Anna Haugh was joined by food industry stalwart Paul Rankin in a top tier panel designed to inspire the city’s food and drink champions with new ideas and insights.
Hosted by Northern Ireland food ambassador Joris Minne, the panel of experts also included Sunday Times restaurant critic and journalist Patrick Hanlon, sustainable seafood champion Stevie McCarry from Coleraine’s award-winning restaurant and shop Lir, kitchen sustainability advocate and culinary director of FoodSpace Conor Spacey, Flout Pizza owner Peter Thompson and Belfast Stories’ programme director Wendy Langham and Eimear Henry.
Designed to give Belfast a fresh edge by promoting best practice, collaboration and sustainability, the Belfast Food & Drink Collective works to promote the city’s world class culinary reputation through training, networking events and partnerships to support the industry’s growing economic and cultural impact.
The event – the first in a special series to take place this spring - was hosted at leading Belfast cookery school and restaurant Waterman in the city’s Cathedral Quarter.
Belfast City Deputy Lord Mayor, Andrew McCormick, said:
“Delivered by Belfast’s Food and Drink Collective, this full-capacity event represented a major a platform for chefs, producers and industry leaders to connect, share insights and drive innovation. Belfast City council is proud to support the Collective and its ambitions for the future growth of the city. I’m also grateful for the support provided by DAERA and the NI Regional Food Programme for their continued support and to everyone’s dedication to making Belfast a top-tier food destination.”
Established in 2023, the Belfast Food & Drink Collective is the city’s champion for promoting the role and importance of healthy and sustainable food – fresh, local, seasonal – amongst the public, policymakers and institutions, supporting Belfast’s aim to be a sustainable tourist destination, reducing food miles and attracting tourists that will spend more and stay longer.
Belfast Food and Drink Tourism Co-Chair, Paul Kane, said:
“Belfast’s food and drink industry enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality, choice and value and we are consistently overwhelmed by the sector’s industry leaders for their passion and enthusiasm to look forward, to innovate and to embrace sustainability practices right across their businesses. A key economic driver for the city, this thriving industry helps to promote Belfast as a world class tourism destination, and I’m delighted by this success of this exciting future-focused event.”
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, said:
“I wish to thank Belfast Food & Drink Collective for organising the event and for the opportunity to again profile our quality food from Northern Ireland. The event closely aligns with the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework, which I recently launched after securing Executive agreement. The Framework recognises the interconnectedness between food, health, the economy and the environment.
The successes from this initiative and the Belfast Food & Drink Collective will have a long-term benefit to the wider agri-food industry, not only here in Belfast but across the whole of Northern Ireland. I am passionate about the quality of our food and committed to working in partnership with others as we strive to deliver vision, strategic priorities and decision-making principles of the Food Strategy Framework together”.
The event was also supported by Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
The next free event – Future-Proofing Your Business: Practical Sustainability for Food & Drink – with sustainability expert Tina O’Dwyer, takes place on Tuesday 25th March 2025 at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Co Antrim company finds route to success through digital transformation
Driftwood CNC Services received support through Digital Transformation Flexible Fund and Go Succeed
Bespoke joinery company Driftwood CNC Services is mapping a route to expansion thanks to support from its local council.
The Dunloy-based business is forecasting significant growth in 2025 following an investment in new state-of-the-art edge finishing equipment that will allow it to keep up with rising demand from commercial and private customers.
The expansion for the company, which creates unique joinery and furniture using advanced CNC router technology, has been aided by grants from business support service Go Succeed and the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF).
It comes as the Go Succeed and DTFF launch a new partnership to help more entrepreneurs access digital transformation funding.
Michael Doherty, Owner, Driftwood CNC Services said:
“It was actually through a programme of mentorship with Go Succeed last year that we identified the possibility of expansion through the grant schemes, including the DTFF.
“The money we have received has helped to purchase upgraded equipment for our main workshop that will significantly speed up processing times, allowing us to provide unique pieces to more customers, and faster.
“We have also invested in a range of portable handheld cutting and finishing devices to use on site allowing us to achieve the same quality of woodwork and joinery that we can in the workshop, anywhere across the country.”
Driftwood CNC Services supplies unique pieces for businesses and people’s homes, working across shop and hospitality fit-out, office and industrial installations, creating bespoke panelling, cabinet doors, wardrobes, and beyond.
Michael added:
“This is a growing industry as more people seek unique solutions that will set their homes or businesses apart. By embracing more advanced technology, coupled with the grants, we are now in the best shape ever to service that market.”
With the next funding call for the DTFF set to open in March, Go Succeed has partnered with the fund to offer specialist assistance to those considering an application.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said:
“Through the implementation of digital transformation, businesses can truly unlock their growth potential whether that’s by streamlining and automating processes, or investing in new digital products and services that enhance their offering to customers.
“For those that are considering embarking on a digital transformation journey for the first time, or are seeking help applying to the DTFF, Go Succeed is now offering specialist digital mentoring support.
“With the services available throughout all 11 council areas in the North of Ireland, our aim is to help businesses supercharge their growth by embracing the power of digital transformation.”
The DTFF, which is designed to help small and micro businesses accelerate their digital transformation ambitions, provides grants between £5,000 and £20,000.
It supports a range of innovative technologies including smart environments and the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and analytics, immersive technologies, AI, and more.
To find out more about the support available, visit https://go-succeed.com/digitaltransformationsupport/.
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.