Belfast secures Top 10 place in Global Sustainability Index for 2024
GDS-Index results for 2024 recognises Belfast as the most sustainable visitor destination in the UK and Ireland and ranks alongside Sydney, Singapore, Oslo and Copenhagen in this year’s official Top 10.
Belfast’s drive to put sustainability at the forefront of tourism growth and development has secured the city 9th place amongst 100 international destinations in this year’s Global Destination Sustainability Index.
Through the collaborative efforts of Visit Belfast, Belfast City Council and a wide range of tourism industry partners, Belfast now ranks as the most sustainable visitor destination in the UK and on the island of Ireland, according to the GDS-Index, the leading destination-level performance measurement and benchmarking tool.
The GDS index is a third-party evaluation of the destination’s environmental, social, supplier and destination management performance across 77 indicators assessing policies and infrastructure, destination management and sustainability performance amongst the tourism supply-chain. It expanded the criteria this year to include regenerative tourism, circular economy practices and enhanced climate action.
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement, which compiles the annual results said: “These exceptional locations demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable tourism by effectively balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being” and acknowledged the cities’ “commitment to innovation, sustainability practices and forward-thinking policies”.
Congratulating Belfast on making the top 10 in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index, Chief Executive and Chief Changemaker at GDS-Index, Guy Bigwood, said:
“The GDS mission is to co-create sustainable strategies, mindsets and skill sets that will enable tourism and events destinations of the future to thrive, and society and nature to regenerate. Belfast have reflected our mission in their creativity, commitment and compassion to tackle some of the challenges faced by destinations today.
“Visit Belfast and Belfast City Council have used the Global Destination Sustainability Index to take action and have identified where the city, the tourism supply chain, and the destination marketing organisation are doing well as well, and where greater action is required.
“Working collaboratively with their partners, they have successfully implemented a robust multi-year action plan that is continuing to produce a measurable impact, cementing their place at number 9 in the index. Congratulations Belfast!”
Welcoming this year’s GDS-Index results, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray, said:
“Just over three years ago, Visit Belfast and Belfast City Council launched the world’s largest-ever green tourism city partnership. Today, more than 76% of Belfast’s hotel bedrooms are sustainability certified.
“Belfast ranking in the Top 10 of 100 international destinations in the GDS-Index represents another significant milestone for the city, underpinning our vision set out in the Belfast Resilience Strategy and Climate Plan.
“We want to see Belfast transition to an inclusive, zero-emissions and climate resilient economy within a generation. This ranking is very much thanks to our tourism and hospitality partners’ determination, and leadership from council and Visit Belfast, in supporting our mission to become an inclusive, carbon neutral city by 2050.
“Through The Belfast Agenda and The Bolder Vision for Belfast, we’re focused on working with our city partners to make our city centre greener, more connected, and more accessible by reducing car dominance and promoting active travel. I’m confident that the recent opening of the new Belfast Grand Central Station Transport Hub will make a significant positive contribution to achieving our goals for the city in the months and years ahead.”
Welcoming the announcement, Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive, Visit Belfast, said:
“As a key driver of our local economy, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs, tourism will continue to play a vital role in Belfast’s growth, vibrancy and regeneration for many decades ahead. Our vision is one of growth of sustainable and inclusive tourism, and we have been working tirelessly with our industry and stakeholders to play our part in creating a more sustainable city.
“Our performance in the GDS Index reflects the collaborative efforts of Visit Belfast, Belfast City Council and our tourism industry partners to accelerate action on sustainability. Our ranking as a Top 10 destination in the GDS Index is a huge boost for our international reputation as a leading sustainable destination to visit, meet and live in.”
In June 2021, Visit Belfast and Belfast City Council launched the world’s largest-ever green tourism city partnership. Today, more than 76% of the hotel bedrooms in Belfast are sustainability certified.
The city of Belfast is committed to continuing its approach to championing sustainability, pioneering impactful initiatives, inspiring sustainable choices amongst visitors and clients and telling Belfast’s sustainability story.
Platinum Financial Planning eyes expansion as it marks milestone
Belfast-based financial planners celebrate 20 years in business with new growth ambitions
Belfast-based financial planning and wealth management firm, Platinum Financial Planning Limited, is set to embark on a new and ambitious five-year growth strategy as it celebrates two decades in business.
Marking its 20th anniversary this month, the independent financial planning firm is already a leading adviser to several major public sector organisations but is now seeing increased demand from businesses and private sector individuals.
Platinum said that businesses and their owners are increasingly interested in specialist advice relating to profit extraction, employee benefits and business protection, or following a business sale, with enquiries in these areas jumping sharply in the last 18 months.
This aligns with a considerable increase in enquiries from individuals in the private sector looking for wealth management advice around their pensions, investments and estate planning, contributing to a 50 per cent uplift in turnover over the last five years.
The company, which now has a dedicated team of 18 financial planning and wealth management professionals, was founded in 2004 by Managing Director, Jonathan Scott.
Platinum remains an independent, privately-owned firm and recently received the coveted Top Rated Firm Award by VouchedFor, the UK’s leading review platform for financial advisers — one of only two firms in the city to achieve the accreditation.
Jonathan Scott said:
“The first 20 years of Platinum have been a story of continual organic growth and we’re now seeing an ever-increasing demand from clients looking for financial advice they can trust. With the constant legislative and regulatory changes in pensions, investments and tax, individuals and businesses face increasing complexity when managing their financial affairs. With fewer financial planning firms that remain independent, we are well placed to offer real value to clients who value experience, honesty and a personal approach.
“At the heart of everything we do lies our commitment to integrity and transparency. That’s how we started in 2004 and continues to be a key part of our core values today. Over the past two decades, our growth has been driven by building strong relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs and offering tailored solutions that deliver real results.”
Platinum is also the recommended financial planning firm for members of a number of leading public sector organisations and trade unions, including the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, Irish National Teachers Organisation and the Ulster Teachers’ Union. As part of their dedicated partner programme, the firm provides a range of services including financial education seminars and workshops to thousands of their members each year.
“The fact that we’re independent is really important to us and our clients,” Jonathan said.
“It means our clients can trust us to always provide advice that is in their best interests, based on their circumstances. Our ambition for the next five years is not just about expansion but continuing to provide the high level of service that our clients have come to expect.”
The firm marked its 20th anniversary with a special event at Cyprus Avenue in Belfast, bringing together clients, partners and other stakeholders. Headquartered in Belfast, Platinum also has a London office, allowing it to cater to clients across the UK. To find out more, visit www.platinumgroup.co.uk.
ENDS
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat Burrows into New Beginnings with a £2.5 Million Expansion
‘Best place to stay in Northern Ireland’ confirms December opening date for new accommodation which will create 14 new jobs
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in County Antrim has invested £2.5 million to expand its stylish guestrooms to enhance the property’s awarding winning facilities.
The boutique hotel, named as the ‘Best Place to Stay’ in Northern Ireland for 2024 by The Times and Sunday Times, unveiled the detailed internal and external plans for 17 new guestrooms, at an exclusive behind the scenes visit by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Councillor Neil Kelly.
The stylish new guestrooms, which are part of a new courtyard of accommodation, will blend seamlessly into the hotel’s picturesque grounds, complementing The Rabbit’s existing 33 guestrooms and offering an elevated guest experience that is sure to impress.
The opening of the 17 new bedrooms, scheduled to welcome their first guests from 6 December, will result in 14 additional jobs, bringing The Rabbit’s total workforce to 150.
Tiarnan O’Neill, Galgorm Collection Group Finance Director said: “It was a privilege to welcome The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly to be among the first to see the plans for the 17 new bedrooms currently in development at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.
“This £2.5 million investment underscores our commitment to continuously evolve and elevate our guest experience, while also creating valuable job opportunities for the local area. We’re proud to contribute to the regional economy and boost tourism in the area, attracting visitors from across the island and beyond to experience the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer.”
The bedrooms in the new-build accommodation extension will each come with all the luxurious amenities and mod-cons synonymous with stays at The Rabbit, including Dyson hairdryers, retro Swan kettles, Bluetooth speakers and for the one ‘Luxe’ room that complements the 16 other ‘Comfy’ rooms, an indulgent free-standing bath.
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, purchased in 2019 by Galgorm Collection, has to date received a £12 million facelift – including the addition of a spa, treatment rooms and wedding ceremony space, refurbishment of the bar and restaurant, enhancement of existing bedrooms, and an upgrade of wedding and event spaces.
The Mayor commented: “I warmly welcome the jobs announcement and accommodation expansion plans shared today by The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, which highlight their unwavering commitment to providing employment opportunities in our borough, and to elevating the hospitality experience for both visitors and locals alike.
“The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in the hospitality industry within Antrim and Newtownabbey, and we look forward to seeing the latest development come to completion in December.”
Perhaps best recognised by the iconic disco ball which hangs above its alluring Roman bath, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, situated just 20 minutes from Belfast and 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport, is perched over a stunning lake in the picturesque village of Templepatrick, and offers a range of unique spa amenities including the only man-made heated pebble beach on the island of Ireland, as well as a series of hot tubs, Swedish sauna, salt room, exclusive spa treatments and unique botanical bathing experiences.
Its restaurant has been officially recognised for its food and dining excellence, achieving an AA rosette for culinary excellence, whilst The Rabbit’s Spa was awarded Recommended Spa at the 2023 AA Hotel Spa Awards.
Lynsey Gordon, Associate Director at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, commented: “The hotel has been the subject of significant investment since its acquisition by Galgorm Collection in 2019 and we are incredibly proud of the dramatic transformation that has been realised across the site.
“The extensive redevelopment – a result of our team’s talents, dedication and efforts coupled with the unwavering support of our guests – has seen the hotel rightfully recognised both nationally and internationally as offering an outstanding experience to guests.
“As we continue to further progress our planned redevelopment works, we’re pleased to now be able to share our latest expansion plans which will significantly enhance this unique property. With proposals agreed and contractors on site, I’m delighted to confirm that our 17 new bedrooms will be finished by the start of December this year and we look forward to welcoming our first guests just in time for the busy festive season.”
The new accommodation at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat will be available to book from Friday 06 December. For more information please visit rabbithotel.com.
Mid-Ulster wellness business receives healthy boost from Go Succeed service
Balanced Life received assistance and grant through government-backed service
A Mid-Ulster entrepreneur is set to take her fledgling wellness business to the next level, moving into new permanent premises after receiving financial assistance through the government-backed Go Succeed enterprise support service.
Michaela Mills, who currently operates Balanced Life – which supplies a range of alternative wellness products including Irish Sea Moss gel – from the kitchen of her home in Lissan outside Cookstown, started the business after finding conventional remedies had failed to impact her own journey with ill health.
She said:
“Making the shift to natural health products has totally transformed my life, and through Balanced Life, I wanted to share that with the rest of the world.
“A natural health brand, we focus on wellness and wellness products like Irish Sea Moss gel and Celtic salt. My intention is to provide people with natural products that actually work and don't have the nasty side effects that conventional products sometimes can.”
Michaela set up the business, which sources moss harvested off the coast of Co Donegal. after realising the benefits of natural products on her own life, but said she owed the original inspiration to her mother.
“I previously had quite bad health, felt low in energy and was often sick. All this was being reflected in how I felt on the inside and how I looked on the outside. I spent a fortune on products to feel better and improve my skin, but nothing was helping.
“My mum was a real encouragement however, telling me that I should be trying to heal my body naturally, which is something she has always been passionate about.
“So I decided to go down the natural route and as I learned more about it, came across Irish Sea Moss. Before I would have dealt with brain fog and struggling to get through the day but within a few months, it was changing my life. I started taking it two and a half years ago and haven’t felt sick since.”
With a particular passion to improve women’s health, Michaela has expanded Balanced Life’s product range to include organic reusable sanitary pads and non-toxic laundry sheets.
Money received through the Go Succeed grant will help Michaela to purchase new equipment and set up in new premises, dedicated to driving the growth of the business over the coming months and years.
“I found out about Go Succeed through another entrepreneur friend, and was set up with some one-to-one mentorship which couldn't have been more helpful. I’m generally not a very organised person so I got help in how to organize my finances and ensure my business was in the best footing for growth.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Councillor Eugene McConnell, Chair Mid-Ulster District Council said:
"At Mid-Ulster District Council, we are delighted to see local entrepreneurs like Michaela Mills turning their passion into thriving businesses through the Go Succeed programme. Balanced Life is a fantastic example of how innovative ideas, coupled with the right support, can not only create new opportunities but also make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community. We congratulate Michaela on her success so far and look forward to seeing Balanced Life continue to grow and contribute to the local economy."
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
Aflac NI marks five years of innovation and growth in Belfast
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy joins global insurance leader as it reaches key local milestone
Aflac Northern Ireland, a subsidiary of Aflac Inc., a Fortune 500 company, has marked five years since it first opened its Global IT Cybersecurity Centre in Belfast, bringing good, high tech jobs to the region.
With the support of Invest Northern Ireland, the company was launched in October 2019 as part of a rapid expansion plan to grow its local base to more than 150 staff.
As part of the broader Aflac family, Aflac Northern Ireland provides solutions for the benefit of its US-based parent company’s global customers. In the US and Japan, where Aflac is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force, Aflac helps close the gap between what policyholder’s health insurance does and does not cover.
Marking the occasion, Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy was welcomed as part of a special visit by several senior US executives including Aflac US President Virgil Miller, who officially launched Aflac Northern Ireland in October 2019, and Audrey Boone Tillman, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Aflac Inc.
“I’m delighted that five years since its establishment, Aflac Northern Ireland continues to make a positive impact on the economy, to local communities and to the development of outstanding careers,” Aflac U.S. President Virgil R. Miller said.
”Our teams in Belfast have made a long and lasting impact on the success of our global operations by delivering cutting-edge solutions that lead the sector, supporting growth and jobs both here and at home.”
The award-winning company has become one of the city’s leading technology enterprises, firmly establishing itself as a key part of the city’s worldwide reputation as a global cybersecurity hub. It smashed its target to recruit 150 highly skilled IT staff two years ahead of schedule in 2023 and now employs a team of more than 170. Last year, Aflac Northern Ireland moved to an expansive 20,000 sq ft Grade A office space at Belfast’s City Quays 3, indicating significant growth and a long-term commitment to Belfast.
Led by Mark McCormack, appointed Managing Director in 2022, the Belfast-based company delivers world class digital services and cybersecurity solutions in a highly focused innovative and creative environment. Back in Belfast to mark the special occasion, honorary Belfast ambassador and former Managing Director Keith Farley was instrumental in Aflac’s decision to choose Belfast as its first and most important location outside the US from 15 competing destinations.
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, said: “The Financial Services sector is one of my seven priority sectors. It is now one of our largest employers, with room for growth. This expansion has been fuelled by an unbeatable combination of world-class talent and research excellence supported by government.
“Aflac is a shining light in the wider FinTech Sector ecosystem here, supporting over 170 good jobs which positively impact our economy, our communities, and the lives of the people they employ. I congratulate Aflac all on the success they have achieved to date and I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow and succeed for many years to come.”
Established in 1955, Aflac currently employs approximately 4,700 employees in the U.S. and 11,000 globally. In addition to being recognised as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America 20 consecutive years, the company has also been included on the Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023).
Aflac US President, Virgil Miller, added:
“The game-changing technology produced by Aflac here in Belfast is making an impact not just locally but right across the globe, transforming the customer experience for millions of our customers in the United States and Japan. Investing in talent, training and skills development has been a top priority for us and I’m delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with our teams who make such a positive impact on our organisation. I’m grateful to Minister Conor Murphy and to Invest Northern Ireland for their support and I look forward to sharing many more milestones in the years ahead.”
Aflac Northern Ireland is also a champion for and investor in local communities, including a long-term partnership with Children’s Cancer Unit Charity (CCUC), supporting the work of the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The company helps provide comfort to children diagnosed right across the region, including providing its award-winning My Special Aflac Duck®, a robotic medical device designed to help mitigate stress and anxiety during treatments, to children and families facing cancer.
Aflac NI’s relationship with CCUC and the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children has to date helped to raise more than £45,000 and the partnership has expanded the company’s primary philanthropic cause of supporting the treatment and research of childhood cancer and blood disorders here in Northern Ireland.
Aflac has also donated more than 31,000 of its My Special Aflac Ducks across the US, Japan and Northern Ireland. The robotic soft toy companions are designed to help children fighting cancer to communicate their feelings and prepare for surgery have been shown through an independent study conducted at 8 hospitals across the United States, to significantly reduce the stress and anxiety for children and their families.
Mark McCormack, Managing Director, Aflac Northern Ireland, said:
“We are extraordinarily proud that from a small start-up in 2019, Aflac Northern Ireland has evolved and matured quickly to become a major global tech leader and a major component of our society, particularly as it pertains to helping children and families. I’m delighted that we have exceeded our own high expectations for growth as an important part of the Aflac family and to renew our commitment to our teams, the city and region that we will continue to strive for excellence and industry leadership in the work we deliver while continuing to play our part in supporting the local economy and the communities in which we serve.”
Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac is one of the US’ best-known brands and the Aflac duck is a household icon.
We're Hiring!
Are you passionate about telling great stories, building relationships, and driving impactful communication strategies?
LK is seeking a dynamic PR Client Executive to join our award-winning team.
If you’re ready to make your mark and grow your career with us, we want to hear from you.
For the full job description, see below and apply by sending your CV along with your Monitoring Form to talent@ardmore.co.uk
Closing date Thursday 17th October 2024.
PR Client Executive
Reporting to: - Client Manager / Client 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 photocalls on behalf of LK Clients.
- Organising and attending events, including press conferences and promotions.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients, journalists, media and influencers.
- Daily and monthly monitoring and scanning of media, including online, print, broadcast, newswires, social media sites, blogs and social media sites, for opportunities for clients and competitor information.
- Analysing and evaluating media/influencer 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 Client 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 Client 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.
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| Skills | Excellent writing skills.
Creativity and imagination.
Strong attention to detail.
Good presentation skills.
IT literate in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
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Business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs.
The ability to think strategically and good analytical skills.
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| 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, passion, enthusiasm and the ability to cope well under pressure.
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| Other | The ability to travel to Clients sites and other locations.
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Hold a current & valid full UK driving licence with full access to a vehicle
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Additional information:
Closing date: the closing date for CVs is Thursday 17th October 2024. 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.
The Ardmore Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All appointments will be made on the basis of merit.
Go Succeed injects growth into local aesthetics business
The Aesthetics Guy NI establishes a thriving clinic after receiving continuous support from Go Succeed
A Newtownabbey-based entrepreneur has launched a new skincare and aesthetics business, after receiving assistance through Go Succeed, the government-backed business enterprise support service.
Chris Flanagan, with a background in biomedical science, established The Aesthetics Guy NI, an aesthetic clinic focused on facial and skin rejuvenating treatments such as advanced microneedling, chemical skin peels, natural lip augmentation, dermal fillers, and skin boosters for both the face and under-eye area, following his struggles with skin conditions during his teenage years.
He was able to bring his business idea to life through Go Succeed’s Start programme and continues to thrive through its Growth programme.
Chris’ love for skincare is a personal one, having suffered with stubborn acne which “wreaked havoc” not only his skin, but his mental health.
Fast forward to his thirties and Chris started his battle with rosacea which he cleared with “game changing” cosmeceutical skincare which he offers now at his clinic with the goal of helping others going through similar problems.
Now with a mission to help others, Chris turned to Go Succeed to make his plans a reality.
Chris said:
“My journey started with a simple email to the Go Succeed team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. They were incredibly helpful and advised me to start on their Start programme for new businesses. From there, I worked with a mentor, Louise, who was amazing. Once this programme was finished, we went onto their Growth programme.
“The programme really helped me with my online presence, teaching me the importance of social media and giving me more confidence to post on socials to widen my client base. My mentor Louise also helped me to create a social media calendar so I knew when and what to post throughout the year.”
“Additionally, the marketing and business plan were a big help through the Go Succeed programme. It made everything so much easier in terms of having someone to speak to about everything, someone who understood what your business goals are and what you are at now.”
“If you’re starting out in business or already have an established business which you are looking to grow, Go Succeed has definitely been really beneficial.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly said:
“At Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, we are very proud to host a local business which makes such a positive impact on people’s self-esteem and confidence.
“On behalf of the council I am delighted that our Go Succeed team has been able to support a local business right from conception through to success.
“Go Succeed was set up to support the growth plans of businesses at every stage of their growth journey. It is fantastic to see the tangible impact of that and we wish The Aesthetics Guy NI every success for the future.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
Leaf IT boosts Ulster Rugby’s cyber ‘defence’
Belfast-based IT firm completes major digital infrastructure upgrade at Kingspan Stadium
Ulster Rugby has successfully completed a significant project to boost its cyber defences in a partnership with leading Belfast-headquartered IT company Leaf IT.
The ‘network and security’ upgrade, delivered by Leaf IT, is part of a drive by the club to modernise the infrastructure that ensures the smooth running of Kingspan Stadium day-to-day, and on match night.
The investment allows for effective management of matchdays at the ground, bringing multiple partners and systems, including broadcasters, streaming services, CCTV, lighting, ticketing, hospitality, bar and restaurant facilities all onto one stable network.
Additionally, new firewall security and a series of fail-safes also ensures the likelihood of any outage on one of those systems is greatly reduced.
Leaf IT Chief Executive Steven Goldblatt said:
“We are proud to have a longstanding relationship with Ulster Rugby as their outsourced IT Cloud and Infrastructure partner.
“This latest project represents a major new element of that relationship, and we are proud to play a key role in literally keeping the lights on at Kingspan Stadium on matchdays.
“Getting rugby right on the pitch is one thing, but there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes, by numerous third parties, to produce a memorable matchday for fans.
“This upgrade to the network and security at Ulster Rugby’s home ground brings the stadium’s digital infrastructure right up to modern standards, ensuring it can cope with the ever-increasing demands placed upon it.”
Head of Operations and Recruitment at Ulster Rugby, Bryn Cunningham, said:
“We would like to thank Leaf IT for their continued support in ensuring that Kingspan Stadium is a world-class venue, which is able to play host to our Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s games, along with key domestic fixtures, with today’s announcement reflecting our ongoing investment in our home ground.
“It’s great to be able to work with a local business on this latest project, and I encourage any other businesses, or potential partners, across Ulster to get in touch directly if they would also like to play a role in the continued success of our club.”
In addition to the network and security upgrade, Leaf IT provides Ulster Rugby with IT support, cybersecurity services such as email filtering, disaster recovery solutions, and also the club’s Microsoft partner of choice supplying Microsoft Cloud services including Email, Intranet and Cloud Infrastructure.
Leaf IT, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary, has offices in Belfast and Dublin and boasts a mix of clients including George Best Belfast City Airport, MCS Group, Translink, Bank of Ireland, and construction consultants Mitchell McDermott. It also works closely with leading local charities Action Cancer, The Now Group and Autism NI, delivering a range of IT services.
The business was recently named Cybersecurity Partner of the Year by global software company ConnectWise, chosen from a pool of 44,000 partners.
New York to Newry – Local woman fulfils business dreams
Entrepreneur received assistance through Go Succeed enterprise support service
A Newry-based entrepreneur has realised her dream of returning from North America to set up her own physiotherapy and Pilates practice, after receiving help through the government backed Go Succeed service.
Catherine Elliott, originally from the United States, moved with her family to the Newry area at the age of 10 but left to pursue her career after university.
Catherine began her career in the NHS, completing her rotations before earning a master's degree in Advanced Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, which led her to New York City.
After spending over a decade working in the US, she has now returned to establish BT35 Physiotherapy & Pilates in Newry.
“I attended university in England and furthered my education with a master's in Advanced Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, during which I had the opportunity to work with Gateshead Thunder Rugby,” she said.
“I served as the director of the largest physiotherapy clinic in New York City, where I worked with professional athletes and collaborated with world-renowned doctors and surgeons.”
Now a parent with two young children, the time was right for Catherine to come ‘home’ to Newry.
“It was always my dream to set up my own practice. My children are still quite young so it felt right to make the move now. My parents have remained living in the Newry area so this really does feel like ‘home’ for me,” she said.
Catherine, whose business officially launched in August, received help through Go Succeed to set up her website and begin to market her offering.
She added:
“I’ve never run my own business before so the marketing side of things was something that I really needed help on, and Go Succeed has been fantastic.
“I was connected with a marketing firm that has assisted me with my digital presence, putting in place all the necessary groundwork so that I could start advertising and receiving bookings online.
“When I got my first booking for a private client, it was a ‘pinch me’ moment and provided a sense that all the hard work had been worth it.
“My services are available to a range of people, whether they’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to enhance their physical performance through physiotherapy, acupuncture, Pilates or manual therapy.
“My passion is to help people achieve optimal health and wellness as we work together to meet their health and fitness goals.”
BT35 Physiotherapy & Pilates is based at Thomas Davis GAC on the outskirts of Newry.
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said:
“I am delighted that Go Succeed has played its part in assisting Catherine establishing her business, I urge anyone with a business idea or if you are in business to engage with Go Succeed. Catherine’s journey demonstrates that Newry, Mourne and Down really is a great place to live and work.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
NI financial advisory firm HNH appoints new partner to support ambitious growth goals
Pam Gillies joins HNH’s 28-strong team to support growing local client base and new client acquisitions
Northern Ireland financial advisory company HNH has appointed Pam Gillies, one of the sector’s most respected and experienced business strategists, as Partner as it drives its local and regional growth ambitions across the UK and Ireland.
As HNH’s new Head of Strategic Planning and Business Advisory, Pam and the team will help clients navigate trading complexities successfully, seize new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
HNH is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful multi-disciplinary corporate finance advisory firms, providing industry-leading expertise in Deal Advisory, Strategic Business Planning, Transaction Services, Debt Advisory and Taxation Services.
In recent years, it has been responsible for guiding some of the region’s most successful deals, including acting as Lead Advisor to the shareholders of Robinson Services on their sale to Bidvest Noonan and advising Xperience Group on its investment from Bowmark Capital and supporting it through further strategic acquisitions.
In 2019, HNH opened its first office outside of Northern Ireland in Edinburgh, providing Scottish SMEs with access to senior corporate finance professionals and has further plans for expansion.
With a stellar career spanning more than 25 years, Pam has demonstrated an exceptional ability to help clients set clear corporate goals and objectives, and define and action successful strategic plans to deliver profitability and long-term growth.
“Joining HNH represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, dedicated to excellence, with a clear intent to lead the sector by providing best-in-class service for new and existing clients” Pam Gillies said, adding that “strategic business planning has never been more important to our clients and the local economy.”
“I very much look forward to leveraging my significant experience to drive strategic growth, while also maintaining a strong focus on financial discipline and operational excellence and to support the HNH team to realise our collective goal for growth.”
Welcoming Pam’s appointment, Wayne Horwood, Managing Partner and HNH founder, said:
“I’m delighted that Pam is joining us as Partner which marks a new and exciting chapter in our continued growth. With Pam leading our Strategic Planning and Business Advisory Services offering, we will be able to deliver even greater value to our clients, through a broader service offering.
“Pam's appointment reflects our commitment to ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of strategic support. As we continue to grow and evolve, Pam will play a pivotal role in shaping our future and in further driving the success of our clients.”
Eamonn Donaghy, Executive Chairman, HNH, added:
“Pam is a fantastic addition to the HNH senior leadership team and we are certain that her leadership and insight will greatly contribute to our mission and help us achieve our long-term growth plans.”