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.”
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.