Northern Ireland loves DIY and more younger people are in on the act, new research shows
Survey commissioned by Lidl Northern Ireland shows 71% of those completing DIY do so to save money, with others doing so for enjoyment and to get the job done quickly. Supermarket retailer unveils new ‘Parkside’ range of affordable DIY tools for indoor and outdoor use to help more households to get stuck in
Northern Ireland is a nation of dedicated DIY home and garden improvers – and a younger generation are increasingly up to the task, according to independent research commissioned by Lidl Northern Ireland*.
The survey results coincide with the launch of Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer’s new ‘Parkside’ range of value DIY and gardening tools and equipment.
The survey of 1,100 local adults shows that a staggering 87% of households carry out DIY projects, with a sizeable majority (62%) frequently undertaking a home-based improvement project at least every two to three months – with most completing at least five DIY tasks a year.
The average spend on DIY and garden tools among all respondents was £190 a year, equating to around £150 million a year for every household in Northern Ireland**.
Around three quarters (71%) of those polled who carry out DIY tasks said they did so to “save money” while 42% of these took to the tools because they enjoyed it. With a “sense of accomplishment” also a reason for 38% of those polled, a significant 40% said the cost of hiring in help was too expensive and that they would rather get it done themselves than having to wait (31%.)
Of those polled who engaged in DIY projects, men were also more likely to own up to being the household DIY taskmaster at 80% compared with 53% of women, the survey from Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer showed.
The region’s younger generation also showed its enthusiasm for DIY throughout the home and garden, with 75% of those aged between 18 and 34 admitting to getting in on the act at least every three months.
Gordon Cruickshanks, Sales Operations Director for Lidl Northern Ireland, commented;
“When it comes to DIY at home and in the garden, our survey shows that people in Northern Ireland aren’t afraid of getting stuck in themselves to get the job done, to regularly invest in their home out of enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment while also saving hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds in the process.
“From painting, decorating, mowing the lawn or digging the garden, our survey confirms that Northern Ireland is clearly a nation of DIY enthusiasts and that for a modest annual investment in the right equipment to do the job, such as our new range of Parkside tools for indoor and outdoor use, so much can be quickly and affordably achieved.”
The Lidl Northern Ireland research also showed that almost nine out of 10 people (89%) polled had access to a garden, where 81% spent time at least once a week.
More women than men – 32% compared with 25% – were also more likely to head into the garden every day.
It was also clear that householders in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area were the region’s biggest garden lovers, with around half (48%) spending time daily in the garden compared with a 32% average across Northern Ireland. Fermanagh and Omagh also came out as the biggest spender on DIY and garden tools at an average £330 a year against a £190 average for the whole of Northern Ireland.
New to Lidl Northern Ireland for summer/autumn 2023 is a value range of ‘Parkside’ tools, covering every aspect of home and garden improvement to help more households to get stuck in. If you need equipment catered to maintenance projects throughout the home, you can get your hands on the 3-in-1 Multifunction Sander (£22.99), 4V Cordless Screwdriver (£19.99), or Welding Helmet (£34.99).
Or if you’re after a selection of tools that can assist with your painting and decorating, why not pick up the 20V Cordless Hot Glue Gun (£17.99), Spray Paint Assortment (£2.99) and Paint Brush Set (£2.99). For devices to help with the upkeep of your garden, check out the Pruning Saw (£6.99), Extendable Hedge Shears (£17.99) and Electric Leaf Blower (£59.99).
Lidl Northern Ireland’s Parkside range is available in all Lidl Northern Ireland stores while stocks last.
For more information visit https://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/ or to view the Parkside range of DIY tools for the home and garden, visit https://www.lidl.ie/parkside
*Research conducted by Social Market Research on behalf of Lidl Northern Ireland. Representative sample of 1,100 adults from across Northern Ireland. Research conducted via online survey between 24 June and 03 July 2023. The survey was conducted in accordance with IS020252.
**Based on data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency 2021.
Lookers to create new £3.25m Nissan dealership in Newcastle
Lookers gets planning go-ahead to power on with full Nissan site redevelopment at Portland Road
Lookers is investing a further £3.25 million in its nationwide network of Nissan dealerships with the addition of a bright, modern landmark dealership at Portland Road in Newcastle which will open in spring next year.
One of the UK’s leading automotive and service groups, Lookers only opened the doors on a new £1 million Nissan dealership at Gateshead earlier this year following similar transformations in Chester and Carlisle in 2022.
Plans for the new state-of-the-art Nissan dealership at Portland Road, which will see the existing 30-year-old facility replaced to accommodate a striking new showroom, spacious workshops and enhanced customer facilities including a dedicated handover bay, more parking and additional EV charging points, have been green light by Newcastle City Council.
The final refurbishment is expected to be officially unveiled to customers in spring 2024, though the dealership remains open throughout the build, with all normal services still available on site.
The new showroom will accommodate seven new Nissan models, including the new all-electric Nissan ARIYA, featuring cutting-edge design and powerful electric mobility, the British-built Qashqai – officially the UK’s most popular new car last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Representing a major local investment, the new dealership at Portland Road in the Shieldfield district of Newcastle upon Tyne, will be similar in size to the existing dealership at 2,578 sq. metres on a site of 5,446 sq. metres and will accommodate 65 staff – including three new hires.
Lookers’ Franchise Director, Steve Eley, said:
“Backed by fresh investment, cutting-edge design and a focus on sustainability in an all-electric driving future, our new Nissan dealership at Portland Road will deliver world class facilities for customers and staff and will act as a standout showcase for this leading brand’s growing portfolio of award-winning cars and approved used vehicles.”
The single-storey design incorporates a showroom including car display areas, a meet-and-greet space, sales and aftersales areas, office accommodation and a luxurious customer lounge, while staff will enjoy a new workshop and a dedicated canteen.
Externally, the plans approved also include car demo areas and a used vehicle display area as part of a redevelopment that aligns with the futuristic and sustainable design aspirations and will incorporate the manufacturer’s new two-dimensional logo. Duncan McPhee, Lookers Group Chief Operations Officer, said:
“We’re delighted to further invest in our longstanding and successful partnership with Nissan and provide our customers with best-in-class customer facilities which befit this future-focused and hugely popular brand.
Lookers has represented Nissan at Portland Road for more than 15 years and we’re excited to embark on a new investment journey signalling growth and additional jobs in a real vote of confidence in the local community and wider region.”
Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers across a network of over 150 franchised locations, and has a team of more than 6,500 staff.
Northern Ireland dads have been putting their shopping skills to the ultimate test in the Lidl trolley dash challenge
Northern Ireland dads have been putting their shopping skills to the ultimate test in the Lidl trolley dash challenge.
Six lucky participants have won an entirely free grocery shop courtesy of Lidl Northern Ireland, after taking part in a ‘supermarket sweep’ style competition in their local store.
In honour of Father’s Day 2023, the retailer ran a campaign asking families to nominate the father figure in their life to be named Lidl Northern Ireland’s ‘Dad of the Year’.
Across the region, a total of six people were selected giving them the opportunity to take part in their very own ‘Daddy Dash: David Long, in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim; Brian McAlinden, in Lurgan, Co Armagh; Stephen Begley, in Magherafelt, Co Derry-Londonderry and Darren Bonner, in Omagh, Co Tyrone. More details about how they did in the two-minute timer challenge in the captions below. The the final two trolley dashes took place on Saturday 29th July and were a huge success, for Co Fermanagh and Co Down.
‘Dad of the Year’ takes on Lidl Northern Ireland’s ‘Daddy Dash’ winning entire grocery shop for free
Northern Ireland dads have been putting their shopping skills to the ultimate test in the Lidl trolley dash challenge.
Six lucky participants have won an entirely free grocery shop courtesy of Lidl Northern Ireland, after taking part in a ‘supermarket sweep’ style competition in their local store.
In honour of Father’s Day 2023, the retailer ran a campaign asking families to nominate the father figure in their life to be named Lidl Northern Ireland’s ‘Dad of the Year’.
Across the region, a total of six people were selected giving them the opportunity to take part in their very own ‘Daddy Dash: David Long, in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim; Brian McAlinden, in Lurgan, Co Armagh; Stephen Begley, in Magherafelt, Co Derry-Londonderry and Darren Bonner, in Omagh, Co Tyrone. More details about how they did in the two-minute timer challenge in the captions below.The the final two trolley dashes took place on Saturday 29th July and were a huge success, for Co Fermanagh and Co Down.
Visit Belfast takes world’s ‘best convention bureau’ title at micebook awards 2023
Visit Belfast is recognised for sustainable tourism approach and client support
Visit Belfast has been named ‘Best Convention Bureau’ at this year’s micebook awards, further strengthening its ‘best in the world’ status as a global business leader hosting national and international conferences and events.
Organised annually by micebook, a major industry network for the events sector worldwide, the awards recognise global leaders, teams, brands and destinations in the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of high quality events and experiences.
Held in London’s Dorchester Hotel this year, Belfast’s dedicated Destination Marketing Management Organisation secured the ‘Best Convention Bureau’ global award in a hotly-contested category and among a record number of entries. Vienna’s Convention Bureau was runner up, achieving highly acclaimed status.
ICC Belfast, Northern Ireland’s international award-winning convention bureau was also acknowledged at this year’s event and was shortlisted in the ‘Best Events Venue’ category. ICC Belfast was also recently acknowledged as a finalist in the ‘Best Large-Scale Event Venue’ category at the Conference and Events Awards 2023.
At this year’s micebook awards, judges cited Visit Belfast social impact project, Changing the Menu. For Good, as a standout initiative – in addition to the sheer breadth of conference and support options available to event organisers to allow them to make a positive impact on their guests and local communities. Launched in 2022, Changing The Menu. For Good, is a pioneering project by Visit Belfast and the industry to raise funds and supplies for those experiencing food poverty in the city.
Rachael McGuickin, Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation at Visit Belfast, said:
“Winning at world industry awards illustrates our dedication to building a sustainable future for Belfast and the industry, as well as going above and beyond for every client. Working with our partners, the team continually strive to position Belfast as a premier tourist and events destination, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for event organisers and delegates.
By attracting conferences and events to Belfast, we not only boost our thriving tourism and hospitality industry, but also make significant contributions to the development of our knowledge economy. This allows us to continue to showcase the city and Northern Ireland as an outstanding place in which to live, visit, work, study and invest.”
Visit Belfast is the official destination marketing and management organisation for the Belfast City Region, dedicated to promoting Belfast as a tourist destination for business, leisure and cruise visitors. Tourism NI, Invest NI and Belfast City Council are also key supporters and funders of business tourism into Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Julia Corkey, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall said:
“Best Event Venue titles are coveted within the industry so for ICC Belfast to be acknowledged strengthens our position as a world-class venue. As Visit Belfast’s win conveys, Belfast is a city primed for business. And that remains a crucial message as we continue to work with partners to secure high-profile, national and international conferences and conventions.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Visit Belfast and Tourism NI as we collectively attract international business, and contribute to Belfast and Northern Ireland economically, socially and culturally. After all, when we win, everybody wins.”
In April, Visit Belfast said its plans were on track to deliver around £120 million to the local economy this year through its sales, marketing and visitor servicing activity, marking a fresh growth milestone in the organisation’s near 25-year history.
Last year, Visit Belfast’s combined marketing, visitor servicing and business development activities delivered an above-target £111 million for the local economy, which included welcoming 60 new conferences, 131 cruise ships with 250,000 visitors and handling 578,000 visitor enquiries. This year the city is set to welcome at least 79 major conferences and a record 170 ships will visit the city this year carrying 362,000 passengers and crew.
Established in 1999 as the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) - a year after the Good Friday Agreement was signed – 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.
Young artistic talent shines through as prestigious Bradley Art Prize winners are revealed
Aspiring young artists from Ulster University and Friends School in Lisburn come out on top from over 300 entries submitted
The winners of Northern Ireland’s inaugural Bradley Art Prize competition – a new initiative led by renowned artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Radius Connect – have been revealed.
The competition, which was launched in November last year, was open to young people across two age group categories, from 14 to 18 and from 19 to 23, and designed to provide young creatives with a platform to showcase their work with some of the most prolific names in the local arts scene.
Judges, who were bowled over by the unprecedented number of entries and exceptional talent on display, included Terry Bradley and wife Ashley, Hollywood film producer Martin Brennan, NI Executive Brussels Director Aodhán Connolly, and Bradley Art Prize sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Regional Director for Ireland at Radius Connect.
Alongside a total of around £4,000 in cash and art materials for the top winners and their schools and colleges, the winning artist in each category – and the runners-up – will have their work framed and proudly displayed at a special week-long exhibition at the Terry Bradley gallery in Victoria Square Belfast, launching on 24th August.
The artists also had their artwork on display at the launch night of Exodus, an exhibition at Titanic Belfast featuring the works of Terry Bradley, which opened on Saturday 1 July, and at the office of the NI Executive Office in Brussels.
Terry Bradley, who began his stellar, self-taught art career at the age of 14, said:
“From its inception, we wanted this competition to provide a unique platform and showcase for creative flair, thought and inspiration – and we’ve been floored not only by the demand to enter but by the quality of work, the technical ability and composition shown and by the professionalism which our young people have demonstrated in their love of art.
We are absolutely delighted that the inaugural Bradley Art Prize has resonated with our brightest, youngest aspiring talent and are grateful to everyone who entered and for the schools and universities which provided support, to help determine the top two winners in each category. Many congratulations to everyone who took part.”
The major art initiative was designed to encourage more young people to consider turning their love of art into a long-term career, offering local artists the chance to display their work internationally.
In the older 19-23 age group category, Holly-Mae Greer, a First-Class Honours graduate in Fine Art and part-time care worker in Newtownards, was confirmed the category winner for her contemporary ‘Noodle Bar’ canvas, earning her the right to showcase her stunning work in the Terry Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square and at the office of the NI Executive office in Brussels. Holly-Mae was also confirmed as the overall Bradley Art Prize winner and as such has been commissioned to create a bespoke piece of artwork for Titanic Belfast.
Niamh Mooney, also from Ulster University, was the runner-up chosen in the 19-23 age category, in recognition of her thoughtful artwork entitled ‘Sisters’.
In the younger 14-18 category, Sophie Hewitt was confirmed as winner for her detailed painting ‘Jenny’ and was awarded a prize alongside fellow classmate and runner-up Erin MeGrath who caught the imagination of the judges for her emotive painting entitled ‘Trapped Within Myself’ which she completed last year. Both aspiring artists attend Friends School in Lisburn.
Niamh’s, Sophie’s and Erin’s paintings will also feature at the Terry Bradley gallery in Victoria Square and in the office of the NI Executive Office in Brussels.
Artists shortlisted prior to the winners’ announcement in both categories included Charlie Beimers from Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, Sofia Wilcock from Regent House in Newtownards and Georgia Butterly, also from Friends School in Lisburn. Loren Allen from Comber and Mamie McGinn, a student at Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, were also nominated as finalists.
The artwork from the five shortlisted artists is currently being exhibited at the Terry Bradley Exodus exhibition at Titanic Belfast as part of a competition for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ – where visitors can vote for their favourite shortlisted artist to win a cash prize of £250.
Stephen McQuoid, Radius Connect Director Ireland, which sponsored the Bradley Art Prize competition, said:
“On behalf of all the judges, we’re delighted to have been involved in an initiative which has delivered an outstanding platform for young creative talent, to promote thought, innovation and thinking in an area that means so much to so many.
This competition, expertly curated by Terry Bradley and the team, has helped to ensure that the efforts of our best and brightest talent will come to the fore. I congratulate everyone who entered for their outstanding artistic achievements and hope that this initiative will drive them on to even greater success and even international acclaim.”
Titanic Belfast has partnered with Terry Bradley Art on an exciting exhibition this summer where the artwork of the shortlisted artists for the Bradley Art Prize is being showcased alongside Bradley’s own works which reveal a long tradition of painting the dockers and working men of Belfast, while also incorporating some of the rich maritime history of the city, his iconic female pieces and his work relating to mental health awareness.
The exhibition opened on 1 July and runs until 10 September at The Andrews Gallery which is located inside Titanic Belfast.
Voting opens for Retail NI High Street Hero Awards 2023
Public are encouraged to cast their retail favourites online before deadline of Monday 31 July to help secure local winners!
Nominations for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, powered by Retail NI, are now open until Saturday 31 July and locals from across the Belfast City Council area are being encouraged to vote for their favourite online to help them win a coveted award.
A record 10,000 votes from across Northern Ireland were registered in last year’s competition which saw Newtownards and Coleraine named joint winners of the prestigious High Street of the Year award.
Online voting is now officially under way for 13 categories, including two new categories for this year – Best Green Retailer and Best Generalist Retailer – so there’s plenty of chances to ensure retailers in every town and village get recognised in what promises to be the biggest and best annual retail initiative yet.
Winners are determined solely by public nominations which must be made online by Monday 31 July 2023. For more information on how to cast your vote, visit www.RetailNI.com/High-Street-Heroes.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said: “The awards are open to local retailers right across Northern Ireland and will identify those local independent retailers who are taking a lead. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest or a fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your top favourites in Belfast City Council area now.”
Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector.”
Retail NI, which represents the independent retail and wholesale sector in Northern Ireland, launched the High Street Heroes NI campaign to recognise and reward local retailers and their impact on local communities – 70p in every £1 spent with a local independent retailer is ploughed back into local the economy, supporting local producers, suppliers and staff.
The hugely successful High Street Hero NI awards is a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported by Camelot, Roam, Strategic Power Connect and Belfast Live. Shortlisted nominees will be announced in early August.
Welcoming this year’s awards and encouraging local residents to get involved, Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council, Cllr Ryan Murphy, said,
“Our high streets are a key part of Belfast’s neighbourhoods and are vital for doing business, shopping and socialising. An intrinsic part of everyday life, small, independent businesses like butchers, coffee shops and fashion stores contribute not just to jobs and the wider economy, but to bringing people together and developing strong and thriving local communities.
“This is a great opportunity for residents to shine a spotlight on those people and businesses who make a valuable contribution to the vitality of their area. I would encourage everyone to get involved in the competition and to vote early and for as many categories as you can.”
Retail NI was established in 2000 and is the only business organisation which represents the independent retail sector in Northern Ireland at every level of government. Its 1,800-strong membership includes wholesalers, independent retailers of all kinds, suppliers to the sector and affiliated chambers of commerce and local traders’ groups. For further information contact info@retailni.com.
Locum pharmacy pay rates rise by a fifth amid growing workloads and pressures
Research by Locate a Locum shows around 40 percent of locums earn more than £40 per hour
Average UK pay rates for locum pharmacists grew by almost a fifth to almost £39 an hour in the last year, reflecting continued rising demand for flexible, trained professionals among thousands of community pharmacies.
According to a detailed rates analysis compiled by award-winning online shift booking platform Locate a Locum, which connects locum pharmacists with pharmacies right across the country, the UK’s average locum rate rose by 19 percent to £38.74 per hour in the 12 months ending 31 March compared with the previous year.
Though wide regional variations persist – average locum pharmacy rates in Wales are up almost 50 percent on the year to £42.91 per hour compared with £28.11 per hour in Northern Ireland – the report underlined an increasing reliance on community pharmacies in a relatively turbulent, challenging market in all regions. The average locum rate in Scotland is the highest of all UK regions at £46.03 per hour.
Of the 160,000 shifts analysed, the research showed that around 40 percent of all locums earned between £40 and £50 per hour – around eight percent received more than £50 per hour.
The regional variations underline market complexities, local challenges and widespread NHS pressures, according to Locate a Locum CEO Jonathon Clarke.
“Community pharmacies continue to experience an unsettled period, with increased prescribing pressures as they continue to support the NHS services – which is against a backdrop of reduced funding, drug shortages and store closures,” Jonathon said.
These market forces are increasing the reliance on locums to deliver services and ensure that pharmacies remain operational.”
Pressures on NHS services are well-documented, with years of underinvestment, severe staffing shortages and high demand putting additional demands on local community pharmacists. The fall in the number of full-time GPs, with more leaving the profession than entering it, is also forcing more people to rely on the advice and expertise of their local phamacists.
Moreover, ongoing corporate restructuring – as well as planned closures in some areas, combined with new powers planned in England enabling pharmacists to take on routine tests previously administered by GPs, are also seen to be adding to the pressures being faced in the sector.
Research published earlier this year by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) revealed 76% of 2,000 pharmacy team members surveyed said their pharmacies were experiencing staff shortages and that worryingly, some 19% of pharmacy owners also said their pharmacy had been forced to close temporarily because of such shortages, rising costs and increased workloads.
Locate a Locum does not set rates – the platform assists in recording the rate agreed directly between the pharmacy and the locum at the time which reflects the prevailing market conditions and immediate market demand.
“The decision on locum rates is ultimately that of the locum and the pharmacy. To improve shift fill rates for pharmacies, we have seen the impact of opening locum negotiation, which in turn reduces the need for emergency cover,” Jonathon said. “Another consideration is to look at your locums’ skill base and plan your rota so that you can utilise these skills to deliver value-added services.”
For locums, the Locate a Locum platform provides assurance that the rate set accurately reflects local demand. Specific skills, experience and accreditations demanded are also seen as factors which enable some locums to achieve higher rates.
Staffing and locum costs are becoming more significant on the balance sheet and locum management is becoming pivotal to ensuring operational success and greater efficiencies.
Locum a Locum’s award-winning management platform helps locum pharmacy workers book flexible shifts in pharmacies across the UK in less than one minute, supporting thousands of businesses and building professional careers.
NOW Group and Lidl Northern Ireland launch new Retail Skills Academy to support people with autism and learning difficulties into retail careers
Top employer Lidl Northern Ireland and leading social enterprise NOW Group today launched a pioneering employability programme – the first of its kind with the supermarket retailer - to support people with learning difficulties and autism into a retail career.
The announcement is the latest move by the retailer in demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion as part of its award-winning and globally recognised People Strategy. Lidl has also supported the autism community over the past number of years, having already implemented a number of dedicated in-store customer initiatives including autism-friendly evenings and becoming the first JAM Card friendly supermarket in Northern Ireland in 2021.
The newly launched Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) approved Retail Skills Academy with Lidl Northern Ireland will support NOW Group participants in “host” stores across the region, to gain new skills and on-the-job training with Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer.
Launched in 2018, NOW Group’s dedicated Skills Academies span key industries including Tourism, Catering, Hospitality, Cleaning, Digital, Warehousing, and Business Administration, to meet growing demand for jobs in these sectors and to ensure participants have the opportunity to gain skills and employment in jobs for the future, matching training needs to areas of high job opportunities.
Combining theoretical classroom learning over 15 weeks, which sees successful candidates graduate with OCN NI Level 1 Award in Retail Business - an equivalent GCSE-level qualification - with real world experience provided by Lidl Northern Ireland, students will benefit from an in-store retail placement of up to 40 hours, across its network of 41 stores in Northern Ireland.
Sean Hanna, Director of Services at NOW Group, commented;
“The new Retail Skills Academy is a pioneering initiative which allows participants to experience a real working environment and gain knowledge of industry specific skills, whilst also encouraging their independence, resilience and enhancing employment opportunities.
“We’re delighted to expand our Skills Academy offering into the retail sector and to extend our existing partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland. As a certified Top Employer, Lidl Northern Ireland is an ideal strategic partner to help us deliver this first-of-its-kind programme to support more people living with autism and learning difficulties into a pathway to employment.
“Our dedicated Skills Academies are focused on providing our participants with training into jobs of the future, so we’re delighted to partner with a company which, as market leader, truly represents a dynamic industry with huge potential in terms of life-long careers and opportunity.”
Participants will benefit from access to a dedicated Lidl Northern Ireland mentor who will support their training and professional development. Students will also have the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills through in-store placements across customer service, health and safety, sales and merchandising, distribution and monitoring and problem-solving within retail business.
Conor Boyle, Regional Managing Director at Lidl Northern Ireland, said:
“As a certified Top Employer by the Top Employer’s Institute, and Business Eye’s Employer of the Year in Northern Ireland, we place accessibility and diversity at the heart of our People Strategy. I’m thrilled to launch this new Retail Skills Academy programme and build upon our established relationship with NOW Group to further support people living with autism and learning difficulties.
“We continually strive to create an exceptional place to work and to build a suite of industry-leading career development opportunities, and the new Retail Skills Academy further demonstrates our commitment to enabling equal employment opportunities for all.
“Lidl Northern Ireland is perfectly positioned to support academy students to thrive in this exciting and hugely rewarding industry by providing comprehensive on-the-ground training and mentoring in an inclusive environment. We’re excited to meet the students and see what fresh perspectives they will bring to our stores whilst supporting more people into employment within the retail industry.”
Lidl Northern Ireland’s latest, innovative employability programme announcement comes just a few months after the retailer confirmed the creation of 200 new local jobs and pay increases worth £3 million for all employees.
Named Employer of the Year at the Business Eye Awards 2022 and a certified Top Employer for 2023 by the Top Employers Institute for the third year running, Lidl Northern Ireland has developed a number of industry-leading career development schemes including its Leadership Academy and Manager Development Programme.
For more information on 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 nowgroup.org
Ardmore Group establishes strategic advisory and consultancy business
Former Stormont Minister and Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton to head up a new strategy and advisory firm designed to help business and government work better together
Integrated marketing, public relations and eCommerce group Ardmore has launched a new, standalone consultancy as part of its core services.
The group, which incorporates creative advertising company Ardmore, public relations specialists LK Communications and eCommerce industry leader Built for Growth (BFG) Digital, and employs over 80 staff, said the new business will support companies and government as part of a partnership approach to advance and progress shared agendas in an increasingly complex, challenging world.
The new business, Confluence Consulting, will operate within the Ardmore Group of companies, supporting existing and new clients, and will be led by former Economy, Finance and Health Minister Simon Hamilton, who will be departing from his role as Belfast Chamber Chief Executive after almost four years.
After graduating with degrees in history, politics and law from Queen’s University of Belfast, Simon started his career at global business consultancy PwC in Belfast. Simon began his political career in 2005 and served as Minister of Finance, Minister of Health and Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive before joining Belfast Chamber in 2019.
He has been widely acclaimed for his work successfully influencing policy makers and championing and supporting the needs of business throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Ardmore Group Chief Executive Officer John Keane said:
“In a rapidly changing, challenging and often confusing world, businesses – and government – need powerful, impactful engagement, greater understanding and more meaningful partnerships to tackle issues and to find solutions that drive economic growth and investment, and support positive societal development.
Our new consultancy division, Confluence, which I’m delighted is spearheaded by one of the region’s most experienced and insightful leaders in business and politics, Simon Hamilton, will be a powerful linchpin, platform and conduit between business and government that will drive positive, impactful change and progress.”
Confluence Consulting Head, Simon Hamilton, said:
“At times, politics and business can seem like they operate in entirely different worlds, but what I've realised during my over 20 years working in both, is that industry needs to interact closely with government and that success in our society is frequently constructed upon foundations built by both the public and private sectors.
Despite that important interface, business and government can struggle to work together effectively to achieve our shared aims. Confluence Consulting is about working with leaders in the public, private and third sectors to help them work better together.
I am delighted to be able to combine my experience in government and business and channel that into working with Confluence’s clients to define, inform, and strengthen decision-making. Ultimately, it will improve the understanding between businesses and their stakeholders and help organisations seamlessly navigate their way to rebuilding, recovering and preparing for emerging challenges.
Northern Ireland feels like it is on the cusp of an exciting period. We have issues to overcome, but there is renewed international interest in our region as well as new economic opportunities. Confluence is passionate about realising this potential and I look forward to working with our clients to achieve that common goal.
Ardmore is one of the UK and Ireland’s top, multi award-winning integrated creative agencies, committed to enhancing reputations, improving bottom lines and sparking behaviour change that drives results through strategic advertising, media, social and digital marketing and design.
Campaign magazine placed Ardmore as one of the top UK creative agencies in 2022.
Founded in 2005, CIPR Northern Ireland ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’ LK Communications, is a multi-award-winning strategic communications, media relations and content management specialist delivering high impact results for a range of businesses, industries and professional services organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
BFG Digital, UK eCommerce Agency of the Year, was founded in 2000 as Export Technologies, and has grown to become one of the north's top digital marketing agencies, representing more than 50 high-profile clients and brands in the UK and Ireland.
With an 80-strong team, the Ardmore Group of companies is a recognised industry leader and represents some of the UK and Ireland’s largest public and private sector organisations and brands including Belfast City Council, Dale Farm, eir evo, Gas Networks Ireland, Lidl, Lookers Plc, The Northern Ireland Executive Office, Network Rail, Phoenix Energy, Stena Line, Translink and Visit Belfast.
The Group is also a longstanding partner and shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc (WPI), a global network of 83 independent agencies in 44 countries, who collaborate and work together as one to harness their creativity, local expertise and diversified capabilities to deliver meaningful campaigns for a range of international brands.