Aflac NI to put ‘tech crowd’ to test at charity quiz night
The Tech Crowd Quiz Night to support The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity
Bragging rights will be up for grabs as Aflac Northern Ireland launches the inaugural “Tech Crowd” Quiz Night designed to bring the local technology community together to help raise funds for charity. The inter-company event, to be held on 26th September from 7-10pm at the Black Box in Belfast, will feature teams of five facing off with each other in an interactive general knowledge speed quiz, featuring game show-style buzz in rounds and bonus points for the fastest answers. Money raised at the event will go towards Aflac NI’s charity partner The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity (CCUC).
The inaugural quiz night, which coincides with the international Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is part of a wider drive by Aflac NI, part of global insurance leader Aflac Inc., to raise money for the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit, the only facility in Northern Ireland that provides essential care for children diagnosed with cancer. Participants in the event will enjoy pizza and a drink on arrival, as they gain valuable networking opportunities. A charity raffle will also benefit children facing cancer and blood disorders in Northern Ireland.
Aflac NI VP and Managing Director Mark McCormack said:
“We are hoping this evening will be a huge success that will become an annual part of the charitable giving among Northern Ireland’s tech community, with hosts and beneficiaries rotating from company to company each year. The local ‘tech crowd’ is a close community and we are delighted to host this inaugural opportunity for that community to come together in a competitive but sociable environment, while also raising money for an incredible cause.
“As a company, we have a strong ethos that giving back to the community around us isn’t just nice to have, but is a core part of who we are.
“This year, we have a goal to raise at least £10,000 to support CCUC, an amazing local charity that does phenomenal work with children impacted by cancer and their families.”
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 raised helped to raise more than £45,000.
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.
In the U.S., since 1995, Aflac has contributed more than $183 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders causes 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 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. See more about My Special Aflac Duck here.
Jane Hoare, CEO at The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity added:
“Every year between 60 and 70 children in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. Each of them will visit the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children during their treatment journey. The support of Aflac NI and other benefactors has a direct and profound impact on the lives of these children and their families, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support during their toughest times."
For more information or register your team, or donate a raffle prize, contact QuizNight@Aflac.com.
Armagh confectionary brand ready to taste ‘s’more success’
S’more’a’licious received assistance through Go Succeed enterprise support service
A Co Armagh based confectionary brand is aiming to expand its presence in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and beyond after receiving one to one mentorship from Go Succeed, the free enterprise support service, delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
S’more’a’licious is an award-winning brand specialising in luxurious s’mores toasting kits, handcrafted gourmet marshmallows and marshmallow fluff, produced at its premises in rural Killylea, outside Armagh city.
Founder Laura Vogan, who set up the business from her home in 2020, already stocks retailers and delis across Northern Ireland and makes sales internationally online.
Receiving mentorship through Go Succeed, she is now set to realise her vision of expanding the company’s retail offering while also tapping further into the lucrative corporate gift market.
It is the latest development for the award-winning business which was established at one of the darkest periods of Laura’s life.
She explained:
“I set the business up not long after giving birth to our second child. I had actually been battling post-natal depression but following a suggestion from a friend, I found a passion for bringing joy to others by developing handmade s’more kits.
“Initially, I was producing the kits over the festive season but soon realised the demand was incredible and it quickly grew into a fully-fledged business.
“Our range has expanded along with the business and we now make all the marshmallows and marshmallow fluff ourselves, producing gourmet products that combine high-end luxury with sweet treats.”
Having already tasted early success securing retail listings in Great Britain, Laura is planning further expansion of the business beyond Northern Ireland, after being assigned a mentor through Go Succeed.
“I knew that I wanted to take S’more’a’licious to the next level, having grown it to this stage without any assistance,” she said.
“The mentorship received through Go Succeed has opened up so many doors, and signposted me towards other help and assistance that I didn’t know was available to me.
“As well as growing the number of stockists, the main area of growth moving forward will be in the corporate gift market and we’ve already worked with leading brands such as Facebook/Meta, Elizabeth Arden and Paypal to produce PR and employee gifts.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said:
“The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area is known for its incredible entrepreneurialism and Laura exemplifies that spirit.
“Having already grown her company from a passion project to a viable business in just a few short years, the time is right to take the next step.
“We are delighted to help Laura take that next step, through Go Succeed, and look forward to a bright future ahead for S’more’a’licious.”
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.
Entrepreneurs invited to make ‘Ultimate Pitch’ for business investment
Competition open to businesses across all council areas
Entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland are being given the chance to secure up to £5,000 in investment for their business idea with the launch of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.
The new ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition launched by the government-backed enterprise support service is open to individuals, businesses and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes and in every sector.
Local heats will take place across each of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, with entrants making the ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of judges. Local heat winners will progress to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Vice-Chair, Regeneration and Growth at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said:
“Go Succeed has already made an incredible impact on businesses and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland through our series of workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programmes, grants, and other services.
“It is clear that this region is a place rich with commercial ingenuity, new ways of thinking and unique business ideas, and that’s exactly what we want to celebrate with The Ultimate Pitch.
“Whether you have an idea for a brand new start-up; already have an existing business that is preparing to launch a new product or service; or you just need help unlocking the next stage of growth, we want to hear from you.”
In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, individual prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur.
As well as the financial award, winners will receive a package of support including marketing and other business support services.
The panel of judges will be drawn from across the business and civic communities.
Entrants have until 12th September to apply to the competition with local heats being held within council areas throughout October. Applicants will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on how make the ultimate pitch ahead of regional heats.
The final will take place in Innovation Factory, Belfast on 21st November.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. 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.
To find out more information about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view a full list of terms and conditions, and apply, visit www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.
Belfast design studio’s Titanic impact on corporate sustainability
Titanic Denim received assistance through the government-backed Go Succeed programme
A Belfast-based sustainable design studio has launched a new project converting used textiles destined for landfill into high-end corporate merchandise for leading companies.
The expansion for Titanic Denim comes after the business participated in the government-backed Go Succeed enterprise programme.
It is the latest venture for the multi award-winning company, founded over a decade ago by Marie Nancarrow with a vision to challenge fast fashion by transforming discarded jeans and other reclaimed denim garments into luxury items including tote and messenger bags.
Already, major businesses such as Smiley Monroe, Survitec and Heron Bros have worked with Titanic Denim through the ‘Rescued’ initiative to create bespoke corporate items including turning old lorry tarpaulin curtains into laptop folder and high-vis construction vests into drawstring bags for schools.
Marie said:
“Titanic Denim has always been about promoting sustainability and through our new initiative ‘Rescued’, we’re partnering with businesses across Northern Ireland to boost their sustainability too.
“For companies that have textile waste that might normally go to landfill, whether it is old uniforms, post-production material, discarded fabric or deadstock, we can give the material a new life by transforming it into merchandise or other new products that can be reused in the business.
“Businesses work with us so that they can really showcase their ESG credentials, address their indirect and scope three emissions, telling the world that they’re making an effort to reduce textile waste.
“We are also in the process of setting up a ‘Rescued’ digital hub where new clients that have any textile waste can register their interest to have it transformed into new corporate merchandise or products rather than it end up in landfill. I have also worked closely with International Synergies NI who deliver resource matching workshops and their support has been outstanding.
“None of this however, would have been possible without the support of Go Succeed through which I was assigned an amazing mentor and had access to masterclasses that have helped me focus on building and launching the Rescued proposition.”
The initiative is a natural development for multi award-winning Titanic Denim which grew from Marie’s desire to make a positive impact on the world through fashion.
She added:
“My background is in fashion and textiles but I was blown away when I discovered the devastation that fast fashion has on our planet and in some cases, the people who work in this industry.
“Denim is especially challenging and that prompted me more to find out more about the production of the fabric and how I could potentially make a difference, and Titanic Denim was born.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said:
“Belfast has always been home to new ideas and business ingenuity, and this latest initiative from Titanic Denim is a perfect indicator that innovation is alive and well in our city.
“Given our focus on supporting enterprise and business growth, we’re delighted to see the impact that Go Succeed is having on companies of all sizes across Belfast and beyond and send our congratulations to Marie Nancarrow. With Titanic Denim’s sustainable values and vision, her company’s success is doubly impressive.”
Marie added:
“Go Succeed has opened doors that area already taking my business to the next level.
“It was given a newfound confidence to move forward, and given me many opportunities to meet with new clients, that will grow with the business.”
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.
JN Wine uncorks growth plans after being named Northern Ireland’s best wine merchant for 30th time
--Co Down merchant also named the best small independent merchant in the UK--
Leading merchant JN Wine is set to embark on a major growth plan across Ireland and beyond after being named Northern Ireland’s best wine retailer for a record-breaking 30th time and the leading small independent merchant in the UK.
Headquartered in Crossgar, JN Wine, was named the Best Regional Retailer Northern Ireland and Single Site Retailer of the Year, awarded to the small leading independent merchant, at the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards at The Oval cricket ground in London.
James Nicholson, who founded the business almost 50 years ago and has been operating island-wide since 1996, now has his sights set on expansion following the accolades.
“It is a tremendous honour to come out on top yet again at the IWC Awards, having first been named best Northern Ireland retailer as far back as 1991,” he said.
“Winning the national award against competition from every corner of the UK, and the regional award for the 30th time is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our staff over many years. Thanks to them, our customers know of our commitment to providing the very highest class of service as well as the finest quality in world wines.”
The awards are just the latest for the almost 50-year-old business which was also named best regional wine retailer in Northern Ireland at the Decanter Retailer Awards in 2022 and 2023.
JN Wine already has an outlet in London, known as Highbury Vintners, and supplies leading wine shops, bars and restaurants across the island of Ireland, but plans are already well advanced to extend its footprint further.
James said:
“Firmly established in Northern Ireland and London, the time is now right to expand further outside of the UK with growth plans now under way in the Republic of Ireland and Portugal in the next 12 months.”
“The retail offering in the Republic will complement our already successful wholesale and mail order business there, mirroring our Crossgar operation south of the border”.
“Our outlet in wine-loving Portugal will also bring us even closer to the heart of some of the best wine-growing regions anywhere in the world. New post-Brexit rules now mean we are also enjoying new opportunities and a competitive advantage”.
The IWC Industry Awards' judging process is considered among the most thorough, rigorous, and esteemed processes in the wine industry.
The panel includes some of the UK’s best known wine experts including Helen McGinn, TV personality and the award-winning author of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club.
JN Wine, which was founded in 1977, specialises in quality wines sourced from family and artisan wineries around the world, and remains committed to a long-standing focus on sourcing sustainable and organically certified wines.
As well as supplying restaurants and hotels across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK, JN Wine also provides a home delivery service for wine lovers through its website.
From Bali to Ballymena World Luxury Awards selects Galgorm as host
Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned luxury hotel and wellness destination, has been chosen to host one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality award ceremonies, the World Luxury Awards 2024.
The glittering grand gala is set to attract over 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries across the globe, along with international media.
Galgorm is privileged to have been selected as the European host venue for the Awards on 19 October 2024, with a second ceremony taking place in Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali on 16 October.
This is only the second time the awards have been held in the UK or Ireland with organisers choosing to return once more to the Galgorm venue after it successfully hosted the event in 2018.
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to see the return of the World Luxury Awards to Galgorm Resort this year following the success of the event in 2018.
“Having the opportunity to welcome more than 200 luxury hospitality owners to Northern Ireland allows the destination to truly showcase internationally its sustainable, inclusive and innovative year-round, world-class tourism offering.”
Established in 2006, the Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for the luxury hospitality sector worldwide. Covering hotel, spa, restaurant and travel categories, they stand to reward and congratulate those which have excelled in their offering as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Accolades are presented to winners on a country, regional, continent and global basis.
Speaking about the honour of hosting the ceremony, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Managing Director said; “This is truly a wonderful glamorous event celebrating best in class for the sector and we are very proud that the World Luxury Awards team have selected our venue as one of the two host locations this year.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry to Northern Ireland and Galgorm.
“We are fully committed to enhancing the tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland by delivering world-class facilities and providing an unrivalled customer experience to attract large events such as the World Luxury Awards. With the support of our loyal suppliers and partners we are excited to showcase our amazing produce, service and entertainment offering and we will ensure every guest receives an exceptional Northern Irish experience during their visit.”
Joanna Macdonald, Events Manager from the World Luxury Awards said:
“We are so excited to return to Galgorm in 2024 as our host for the Awards. We know that a magnificent event is guaranteed at this sensational, venue and we have no doubt each guest will receive a true, warm Irish welcome.
“Hosting an event of this stature is no small feat, every detail needs to be considered and every task and request undertaken with care. We chose Galgorm because we knew their highly professional team will deliver on our requirements and we know that the evening will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.”
The Awards are now open for entries @ www.theworldluxuryawards.com with voting season running from the 2 August – 23 August. Winners to be announced at the glittery awards on Saturday 19th October 2024, Galgorm Resort
Social Enterprise NOW Group names Lidl Northern Ireland ‘Academy Partner of the Year’
Leading social enterprise NOW Group has named Lidl Northern Ireland as its ‘Academy Partner of the Year’ in recognition of its work in supporting people with autism and learning difficulties into retail careers.
Just a year after the Belfast-based social enterprise teamed up with Lidl Northern Ireland to launch its pioneering Retail Skills Academy, the first of its kind with a local supermarket retailer, 12 participants have completed the groundbreaking employability programme, with half of graduates already securing permanent employment. Adding to its 1,300-strong regional workforce, Lidl Northern Ireland awarded two graduates with a permanent position at the region’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer.
The fresh partnership between NOW Group and Lidl Northern Ireland was announced last June as part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion after previously implementing a number of dedicated in-store customer initiatives including autism-friendly evenings and becoming Northern Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly supermarket in 2021.
NOW Group’s dedicated Skills Academies, launched in 2018, span a variety of sectors including Catering, Hospitality, Tourism, Cleaning, Digital, Warehousing and Business Administration. With the aim of meeting rising demand for jobs in these sectors, NOW Group Academies work to ensure participants have the chance to gain skills and employment, matching training needs to areas of high job opportunities.
Through the Retail Skills Academy, developed and designed by NOW Group in conjunction with Lidl Northern Ireland, students combine 15 weeks of classroom learning, which sees successful candidates graduate with GCSE-equivalent certification OCN NI Level 1 Award in Retail Business, with real world experience through in-store retail placements of up to 40 hours across the retailer’s network of 41 stores in Northern Ireland.
Sean Hanna, Director of Services at NOW Group, said:
“After a fantastic first year working with Lidl Northern Ireland, we’re thrilled to confirm Lidl Northern Ireland as our Academy Partner of the Year 2024. The Retail Skills Academy is a pioneering initiative which supports participants as they gain hands-on experience and learn industry-specific skills, at the same time as encouraging independence, resilience and employability.
“Having partnered previously with Lidl Northern Ireland through our pioneering ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Card, which is used by people with learning disabilities and autism to allow others to know in a discreet way that they need some extra patience using shops, services and public transport, we are delighted by the early results, impact and feedback from our combined Skills Academy,” Sean Hanna said.
“As the region’s only certified Top Employer, Lidl Northern Ireland has proven itself through its Retail Skills Academy as a strong strategic partner in helping us deliver this progressive programme as we work to support people with autism and learning difficulties as they make their way into employment. We’d like to congratulate the team on their hard work and huge success in being named our Academy Partner of the Year 2024.”
Ivan Ryan, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director, said:
“As a certified Top Employer for the last four years running, accessibility and diversity are key cornerstones of Lidl Northern Ireland’s People Strategy. Our Retail Skills Academy has got off to a great start since our launch in June 2023, and we’re delighted to be named NOW Group’s Academy Partner of the Year.
“Our first 12 participants came through the programme with great results and we’re looking forward to building on our early success with more students in the months and years ahead.
“Lidl Northern Ireland is perfectly positioned to support academy students as they work towards a fulfilling career in the retail industry through best-in-class training and mentorship in an inclusive environment, and we’re looking forward to great things to come as our partnership with NOW Group and the Retail Skills Academy goes from strength to strength.”
Bonnie Shaw, from County Down, who took part in the programme and is currently working as a Customer Assistant in the Lidl Connswater store, said:
“Getting involved in the Retail Skills Academy with support from Lidl Northern Ireland and NOW Group has been a fantastic experience. It’s helped to boost my confidence, develop my skills and encourage me to achieve more. I love coming to work, meeting with colleagues and helping all our local shoppers – the future is bright.”
In 2023, Lidl Northern Ireland was recognised as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for the fourth year in a row. The only retailer in the region to receive the accreditation, Lidl Northern Ireland was recognised for its dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices, particularly around diversity and inclusion.
Lidl Northern Ireland is the highest paying supermarket in the region, providing a range of additional benefits that includes paid maternity, paternity and fertility leave, while it was the first major local company to off compassionate leave for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, as well as providing special support for those impacted by menopause.
For more information on working with Lidl Northern Ireland visit https://jobs.lidl-ni.co.uk/. For more information on the employability and training schemes available with the NOW Group, please visit www.nowgroup.org.
Bradley Art Prize shines a light on Northern Ireland artistic talent as 2024 competition winners are announced
Young artists from Ulster University and Glenola Collegiate in Bangor among winners in the prestigious competition
The winners of the prestigious 2024 Bradley Art Prize have been revealed.
The competition, led by acclaimed Belfast artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Telecoms and IT solutions provider Radius Connect, is designed to give young creatives a chance to showcase their work alongside some of the most respected names in the local arts sector.
Open to entrants across three age categories from 14 to 18, 19 to 23 and 23 years plus, almost 200 artists entered, with up to four submissions per entry.
Ulster University student Holly Hooks, winner in the 19 – 23 category, took the overall prize while 16-year-old Erin McDaid from Bangor won the 14 – 18 title. Bradley Brimacombe, 25, also from Bangor, took the top spot in the new Over 23 category.
The winners of each category have been chosen by an esteemed panel of judges, including Terry and his wife Ashley Forsythe, Director NI Executive Brussels, Aodhan Connolly, CEO at Titanic Belfast Judith Owens MBE and James Devlin from Radius Connect.
Winners and runners up in the competition, also supported by Bradbury Art, Titanic Belfast and the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels, will have their work displayed at Titanic Belfast alongside Terry’s ‘Dockers & Dolls’ exhibition across the summer and share in a total prize pot worth more than £5,000 in cash and art materials for themselves and their schools and colleges.
Terry said: “We have been blown away once again by the extraordinary calibre of the work presented. The technical ability, creativity and professional approach of the artists who have engaged with the competition has been out of this world, making our job as judges an incredibly tough one. We were really pleased with the launch of our new Over 23s category, which received a strong number of entries.
“And overall we’re thrilled with the impact and interest the Bradley Art Prize has had over the past two years and would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved, including those who entered, as well as the schools and universities which provided support to this extremely capable and talented cohort of young artists.
“I am passionate about supporting up and coming artists in Northern Ireland and am delighted to share their work alongside my own. Congratulations to all who entered.”
Overall winner Holly Hooks, who lives in Belfast, impressed the judges with her piece ‘Colour Beyond The Male Surface. Fellow University of Ulster student Tara Drew, also 19, who lives in Newtownabbey, was named runner-up in the 19 – 23 category for her work ‘Emotions’.
Erin McDaid, 16, who goes to Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor, was named winner of the 14 – 18 group for her piece, ‘Distorted’, with Jenna Ferguson, 17, who attends St Dominic’s Grammar in Belfast, selected as runner up for her work ‘Daydreams’.
Bradley Brimacombe was confirmed as winner in the Over 23 category for his piece ‘Love Me Until I’m Me Again’, with Nichola Bloomfield-Hood, 61, from Newtownabbey, placed as runner-up for ‘Tattoo’.
Five artists have also been shortlisted for a ‘People’s Choice Award’, which will go to a public vote at Titanic Belfast alongside winners and runners up, with visitors invited to choose their favourite to win a cash prize of £250.
These include Sofia Hunter, 18, from Antrim, Joy Mawson, 18, from Banbridge, Zara Craig, 16, from Ballyclare, and Jiale Chen, 17, from Antrim, from the 14 – 18 category, with 56-year-old Patricia Mooney from Belfast, from the Over 23s category.
James Devlin, Head of Enterprise Sales at Radius Connect, which sponsored the Bradley Art Prize competition, said:
“This has been another fantastic year for the Bradley Art Prize, and as sponsors of the competition we are delighted to have been involved in the initiative once again, providing aspiring artists with a platform to showcase their work, and encourage them to pursue a career in the creative industries.
“This exhibition, carefully curated by Terry Bradley and his team, is an amazing opportunity to shine a light on the artistic achievements of our talented young people and give them a taste of what a future in the arts sector could look like. I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who took part, and wish them success in the future as their artistic journey continues.”
The 11 artists joined Terry Bradley at Titanic Belfast as he launched his latest exhibition on Wednesday (June 26th), Dockers & Dolls, with winning, runner-up and shortlisted artwork to be showcased alongside Terry’s pieces throughout the summer.
A further exhibition will follow at the Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square, Belfast, as well as in the Northern Ireland Executive office in Brussels.
The free exhibition opened to the public from Monday 1st July for two months in the iconic venue’s Andrew’s Gallery. The exhibition includes a full immersive video experience to take visitors inside the mind and art of Terry Bradley while honouring the hard-working men and women who worked in the area’s docks, linen mills and factories. The darkness into light theme represents Terry’s journey with mental health and growing up during The Troubles.
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Belfast celebrates double win at prestigious micebook awards
Visit Belfast and ICC Belfast have hit the top spot in two major categories at this year’s micebook awards 2024, recognising their commitment to delivering world-class events with excellence, innovation and impact.
Visit Belfast secured the ‘Best Convention Bureau’ title at the annual awards in London for a second consecutive year in an international competition that selects the best in class across the world of conferences and events.
In a major boost for the city, ICC Belfast was also a top winner, securing the ‘Best UK Events Venue’ title, reflecting its team’s approach to delivering an exceptional experience for delegates in world class surroundings.
The Destination Marketing Management Organisation (DMMO) for the Belfast City Region, which marks its 25th anniversary milestone next year, beat Vienna’s Convention Bureau to win the coveted title that recognises Visit Belfast’s leadership and innovation in supporting outstanding events which provide a clear focus on sustainability, legacy and impact.
ICC Belfast triumphed at the micebook awards, beating ACC Liverpool, Church House Westminster and Farnborough International, to be recognised as the UK’s best events venue.
ICC Belfast has also been shortlisted for ‘Best Convention Centre’ at next month’s Conference & Events Awards 2024, lining up against some of the world’s largest convention centres including ExCel London, ACC Liverpool and ICC Birmingham to take the top prize.
Steve Daniels, Chairman of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, said, “As chairman of BWUH Ltd. we are delighted to receive this award that recognises ICC Belfast as a state-of-the-art international conference venue. This further strengthens the position of Belfast as a city that is primed for business events. That message is important as we continue to build on our reputation as a conferencing destination. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their ongoing commitments to our venue. They continue to recognise that our contribution is about more than simply winning awards, but winning for the region, economically, socially and culturally.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Micky Murray, welcomed the latest awards:
“Tourism is a key pillar in Belfast’s economic development and business tourism is a vital, growing area which delivers millions of pounds to the local and regional economy and directly supports a vibrant hospitality sector and thousands of jobs,” he said.
“International awards are important to our city’s ability to sell itself, as well as an opportunity to highlight our credentials in delivering excellence, driving innovation and becoming more sustainable. I’m delighted that Visit Belfast and ICC Belfast have proven their ability to lead from the front on a global stage yet again. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Belfast’s profile as a leading international conference destination has grown dramatically in recent years.
Last year, Belfast was officially named as the world’s best conference and events destination at the annual C&IT Awards gala in London for the fifth time in six years, securing a record-breaking position that underlines the city’s strengths as a major international draw for business delegates and event organisers.
C&IT’s Best Conference Destination 2023 award recognised Visit Belfast and the city’s tourism industry for its consistent, collaborative efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of conference and event organisers to deliver a world class experience for thousands of delegates every year while ICC’s ‘Best Venue - UK’ award by C&IT recognised its contribution to the city’s thriving business conference sector as well as how the team has successfully delivered on its values as a venue that celebrates diversity and champions inclusivity.
Visit Belfast was also awarded ‘UK Best Destination Team of the Year’ at the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) Awards 2023, securing the top industry title in a highly competitive shortlist that included Conference Leeds, Meet in Wales and Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau.
Rachael McGuickin, Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation at Visit Belfast, said:
“Business tourism generates £30 million for our local economy every year and represents a significant, growing part of the city’s vibrant tourism economy that directly supports a range of venues, hotels, bars, restaurants and transport providers across the supply chain. They also provide knowledge, wealth and connections to support the development of our regional economy and underpin Belfast’s reputation as a leading international hub for innovation, academic excellence and business success.
“Industry recognition for our success is important – it not only rewards the collective efforts made by our teams but assists in marketing ourselves to win new business and achieve further growth.”
A new Integrated Strategy for Business Events in Northern Ireland was launched in March 2022 which seeks to double the number of international conferences hosted annually and attract three times the number of delegates from the UK and Ireland by 2030.
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said:
“I would like to congratulate both Visit Belfast and ICC Belfast on their success at the recent micebook Awards.
“This is a recognition of what Belfast has to offer as an outstanding, unique and authentic destination for business meetings and events.
“Business events don’t only contribute to the city’s visitor economy, they also support knowledge exchange, foreign direct investment and bring social benefit to our local communities.
“These awards will no doubt ensure that Belfast and the wider region will continue to be a destination of choice for business events in the future.”
Established in 1999 as the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB), Visit Belfast is a not-for-profit public, private and community partnership focused on driving city and regional tourism growth through business events, leisure breaks and cruise.
ICC Belfast is Northern Ireland's only purpose-built international convention centre boasting over two decades of experience in delivering world-class events, offering 7000m² of flexible space for conferences and events catering for up to 5,000 delegates.
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Lidl Northern Ireland gives a £2m ‘Kickstart’ to local producers as fresh batch of suppliers are picked for development programme
13 artisan suppliers picked for this year’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme which will showcase 33 new products instore this September
Lidl Northern Ireland is set to give a ‘Kickstart’ to a new batch of 13 local producers from across the region who successfully earned a place on the retailer’s coveted Kickstart Supplier Development Programme – an initiative that the retailer has invested more than £2 million in to support 29 local agri-food producers and facilitate export of home-grown produce through Lidl’s international store network, boosting local businesses.
Following a competitive Dragon’s Den style pitch process to find this year’s most innovative products, 13 suppliers across five counties were handpicked for the programme after an intensive application process which saw producers put through their paces with a business pitch to Lidl’s buying team and a taste test to select the best in category.
Successful producers will now see their artisan offerings, spanning 33 new products, on sale on Lidl’s shelves across its 220 stores across the island of Ireland from September 19th for a limited time, while stocks last.
From delicious overnight oats to farm shop meals and mouth-watering hot sauces, this year’s assortment will have something for everyone, with a focus on protein packed products and showcasing the fruits of Northern Ireland’s apple orchards, with cider, gin and spiced apple punch all in this year’s mix.
Now in its seventh year, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart programme is backed by the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association (NIFDA) and aims to support small and medium-sized local producers to boost their brand, enhance their supply and reach new customer audiences.
Before the products hit the shelves, this six-month development programme offers suppliers dedicated business support from Lidl Northern Ireland’s in-house experts, advancing their product, brand and business with practical guidance on how to scale production, drive production efficiency, as well as product development and packaging support, allowing them to optimise on-shelf opportunities in the Autumn and scale for success.
Since launching the programme in the region in 2018, Lidl Northern Ireland has showcased over 50 innovative home-grown products, offering small and medium sized producers the opportunity to reach over 2 million weekly Lidl customers across the island of Ireland and get a foot up in breaking into the competitive supermarket retail sector.
Kate O’Driscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland, said:
“Northern Ireland is a region famed for its food and drink and every year I’m impressed by the innovation, quality and craftsmanship that suppliers clearly pour into their products. The standard is always incredibly high and this year was no exception.
After a competitive application process, I’m delighted to add 13 local suppliers to our Kickstart programme this year and bring 33 new, locally made products to shoppers across the region.
What makes Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart programme so impactful is that we can immediately facilitate export opportunities for all successful suppliers that make it onto the programme. Not only do they have the opportunity to sell their products locally within our regional network of 41 stores, but also within our 179 stores located in the Republic of Ireland, reaching more than 2 million weekly shoppers which is a huge boost for small businesses.
We’ve also worked with Kickstart suppliers to further grow their reach through our wider store network, including supplying our Lidl GB stores with Hellbent’s deliciously tasty Shakalaka Boerewors, bringing a taste of home to even more audiences.
As a retailer committed to sourcing locally and supporting our agri-food industry, we are proud to champion quality products at great value, delivering on our ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ promise for our customers.”
This year’s intake will see products from Bertie’s Bakery, Blackfire Food, Cloughbane Farm Foods, Mrs K Global, Green Fingers Family, Lecale Harvest, Long Meadow Cider, Rosie’s Bakes, SLICED, Armagh Cider Company, Strangford Coffee Roastery, Sweet Robyn’s and Woodlab Distillery hit Lidl Northern Ireland stores this autumn.
Michael Bell, Executive Director, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) said:
“We are delighted to team up with Lidl Northern Ireland to launch its successful Kickstart programme, and to welcome 13 incredible producers from Northern Ireland on board as they embrace this fantastic opportunity to promote their products.
“Securing a place on the programme is a huge achievement for local SME producers, often providing them with a game-changing break into the competitive grocery market along with ongoing business support as they work to fulfill their potential.
“Food and drink is Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing almost £6 billion in value to the region and accounting for more than 20% of total manufacturing employment. It’s a huge driver of economic growth and further underscores the need for initiatives such as Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart programme to further grow our agri-food industry and cultivate home-grown suppliers.”
The Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is just one of the many ways in which the retailer supports the local economy.
In 2023, Lidl Northern Ireland significantly boosted the local agri-food industry, procuring £455 million across the region, representing a 30% rise, year on year. Of this, 80% percent of the goods are shipped outside Northern Ireland, using Lidl’s expansive international store network.
As the retailer marked its 25th anniversary in the region last month, a major economic report revealed that it contributed a record £360 million into the local economy in 2023 – doubling its annual economic contribution over the past five years – and supported almost 7,000 jobs right across the region.
For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, visit lidl-ni.co.uk/kickstart