Retail NI launches new supply chain forum to support local producers
New forum launched at Retail NI’s first in-focus Supplier Showcase event backed by Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP
Retail NI has launched a new Supply Chain Forum to connect and promote trading opportunities with local producers, manufacturers and suppliers with its independent retail and wholesale members.
The new Supply Chain Forum was officially launched at Retail NI’s Supplier Showcase event, which took place on Thursday 23 February at PwC, Belfast.
Supported by key partners United Wines, McCausland Car Parks and Voice for Locals, the event aimed to promote and celebrate the huge contribution local producers, manufacturers and suppliers make to its members and the wider local economy.
Attended by more than 150 members, stakeholders and industry representatives, delegates had the opportunity to meet with over 33 local suppliers exhibiting their products and services and hear from Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, with a special address from Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP.
Commenting on the success of the event, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP said:
“Northern Ireland’s amazing local produce is creating opportunities for growth for NI manufacturers and producers, playing a key role in boosting its economy.
“Thanks to Retail NI's showcase, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of these fantastic local suppliers, discussing some of the opportunities and challenges that they are facing.
“Local business is right at the heart of NI's potential, and the government will ensure NI continues to be a great place to do business."
Launched as the first in a planned series of in-focus events hosted by Retail NI this year, the new showcase series is an important and valuable platform for members to help grow and move their businesses forward.
Lidl Northern Ireland solves problem of missed deliveries in new partnership with OOHPod parcel lockers
New OOHPods in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores across the region offer shoppers the convenience of picking up their online purchases at same time as their weekly shop
Lidl Northern Ireland has joined forces with an innovative ‘out of home’ self-service parcel locker provider to make its parcel lockers available to customers across the region, offering them the convenience of picking up or returning their online purchases, at the same time as their regular shop.
The strategic partnership with parcel locker company OOHPod, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and will see Lidl roll out the lockers to stores across the region in the months ahead, simplifying online shopping for customers.
The lockers are open 24/7, providing shoppers with added peace of mind by offering the option to have their purchases dropped safely and securely ‘out of home’ to avoid the risk of missed deliveries.
Avril O’Hehir, Chief Administration Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said;
“We’re pleased to be the first-to-market retailer with this innovative service offered by OOHPod. With simplicity and convenience at the heart of both our business models, OOHPod’s parcel lockers will offer safe storage at the point of delivery across our local store network, making Lidl Northern Ireland a one-stop shop for all of your shopping needs.
“We are committed to building sustainable relationships with market leaders across industries that will have a positive impact, and we’re excited with what this new development will bring in the years to come.”
OOHPod is the brainchild of parcel delivery specialist John Tuohy, who launched the service in the Republic of Ireland in 2021, in a bid to provide shoppers with more flexibility in how they receive their online goods.
Customers using the OOHPod service can have their parcels delivered by any online store or carrier to their favourite Lidl Northern Ireland store where OOHPod self-service lockers are available. Major courier UPS is fully integrated with OOHPod allowing customers to pick up and drop off UPS parcels by selecting the service through the UPS website.
John Tuohy, CEO of OOHPod, commented;
“OOHPod parcel lockers are designed with convenience and security in mind, and unlike other providers, our open network model means consumers can shop anywhere and have their parcels delivered straight to an OOHPod locker, no matter who the delivery provider is.
“We are delighted to have partnered with Lidl Northern Ireland to bring the OOHPod service to stores across the region and to offer customers more choice with a seamless click and collect service.
“Picking up a parcel from one of our parcel lockers at Lidl Northern Ireland means their package is kept safe until they are ready to pick it up – and can do their weekly grocery shop at the same time.”
OOHPod parcel lockers are currently in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores in Castlereagh, Newtownards, Shore Road Belfast and Lisburn, with additional lockers being rolled out at further sites across the region.
With a number of payment options to choose from, customers can opt to “pay as you go” by registering a payment method and only pay each time a parcel arrives. For regular customers there are two discounted subscription bundles available. For just £7.50 per month Standard Subscription, customers can have three uses of a locker for a 48-hour period each time. A £17 per month Premium Monthly subscription gives 10 uses of a locker per month of 48 hours each time per use.
To register for the service or find more information please visit www.oohpod.com
Ooh La La! The Ultimate Bottomless Brunch arrives in Belfast
French-inspired city favourite Parisien brings the je ne sais quoi to Sunday brunching
Belfast’s chicest restaurant Parisien is launching a new ultimate Bottomless Brunch to add to its unrivalled city centre dining experience.
Launching on Sunday 5 March, diners can enjoy a luxurious brunch accompanied by a range of bottomless drinks and cocktails for just £45 per person every Sunday from 10am-2pm.
Guests can feast on the finest brunch dishes with a classic French twist, Parisien style, and sip on expertly made drinks in decadent, plush surroundings of the main restaurant, or dine al-fresco and enjoy panoramic views of Belfast City Hall and the bustling city scape from its all-weather terrace.
Choose from a range of sumptuous dishes including smashed avocado and whipped feta, shakshuka baked eggs, creamy mushrooms on toast, eggs royale or a traditional cooked breakfast all washed down with a delectable assortment of bottomless drinks and cocktails. Opt for a classic cocktail including bramble, mimosa, cosmopolitan or a Bloody Mary, sip on a glass of fizz or wine or keep things simple with a range of bottled beer.
Parisien’s Bottomless Brunch is the newest addition to the iconic restaurant’s gastro offering, alongside its popular afternoon tea, café menu and a la carte menu served from Thursday – Sunday.
For more information, visit: https://www.cafeparisienbelfast.com/bottomless-brunch.html
Lidl Northern Ireland Announces Region-wide Roll Out of ‘Waste Not’ Fruit and Veg Boxes
New food waste initiative set to save more than 222,000kg of food waste per year whilst offering even more savings to shoppers
Lidl Northern Ireland has become the first supermarket retailer in the region to implement a rollout of a major new initiative aimed at reducing food waste and bringing shoppers even more savings at the tills.
Lidl Northern Ireland’s Waste Not boxes, priced at just £2.50, will contain at least 5kg of mixed fruit and vegetables which are perfectly good to eat but have been separated from other products which have become slightly damaged and removed from multipacks.
The retailer’s Waste Not boxes are the ideal solution for those looking to achieve a balance of eating a healthy diet while also saving money, with the approximate full retail value of the produce in the boxes totaling £5-£7.
The fruit and veg boxes from Lidl Northern Ireland will be picked and packed daily by the retailer’s dedicated in-store Green Leaders, who conduct freshness checks on fresh produce four times a day. Boxes will be available to customers daily until stocks last every day, at which point, any leftover boxes will be given to local good causes through Lidl Northern Ireland’s surplus food redistribution partnership with FoodCloud.
The initiative was announced today after a successful trial period, which launched in September 2022, saw more than 3,700 Waste Not boxes sold and prevented 18,500kg of food going to waste. It is estimated that the region-wide rollout will save a further 222,000kg of food waste per year.
Robert Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said;
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s new Waste Not Fruit and Veg Boxes initiative is a great way for customers to eat healthily at an affordable price. Crucially, the initiative plays a significant role in our overarching sustainability strategy and helps protect the planet and our local communities by helping combat the important issue of fresh food going to landfill.
“We have a dedicated team of Green Leaders who will ensure that the fruit and veg that make it to the boxes are of the highest quality that customers have come to expect when shopping with Lidl Northern Ireland, and we look forward to seeing more shoppers benefit from this scheme which has already been so well received.”
The initiative is the latest move by the retailer to further its ambitious sustainability strategy and is an extension of Lidl Northern Ireland’s established Waste Not initiative which reduces food waste across its store network by around 137,500kg annually.
Launched in 2019, the scheme offers customers a significant price reduction on a range of chilled food products that have reached their best before date but are still perfectly fresh and fine to eat.
Lidl Northern Ireland has been working with FoodCloud since 2017 and through this partnership has redistributed the equivalent of over 3.5 million meals to charities across the region.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
Armagh’s ‘Home of St Patrick’ Festival Returns
Armagh, the real home of St Patrick, announces eight-day programme of events running from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 March
Armagh City, the home of St Patrick, is celebrating his life and legacy as part of an eight-day festival of events that gets underway on Saturday 11 March.
Held in the ecclesiastical capital, this year’s cultural offering combines an exciting programme of traditional live music, art, poetry, theatre, film and dance and takes in many of the city’s iconic Georgian streets and venues.
Established as one of the UK and Ireland’s most authentic events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and the world, Armagh was Patrick’s chosen place where he began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.
Ireland’s oldest city, famed for its history, heritage and stunning Georgian façades, will this year host a range of enthralling activities for individuals, families and groups alike - including live music, dance, poetry workshops, film screenings and compelling walking tours as well as the annual St Patrick Lecture and St Patrick’s Eve Vigil.
Welcoming the launch of this year’s festival, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Paul Greenfield, said:
“Famed for its Christian heritage, landscapes, its Georgian past, iconic cathedrals and a year-round programme of award-winning festivals, the Home of St Patrick Festival is an important addition to the city’s annual calendar of standout events and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to join in on the celebrations this year.
“The eight-day programme takes in many key landmarks and venues throughout our Cathedral City and two special family fun days, guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.”
Armagh’s iconic The Market Place Theatre plays an important part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name acts in music, theatre and comedy.
As part of this year’s stellar line up of events, acclaimed tribute band, Celtic Soul will return to the Market Place Theatre with a special tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest musical talents, Sir Van Morrison. Also playing tribute to some of the greats with a traditional roundup of ‘Songs of Home’, Malachi Cush will take to the stage alongside musical sensation Niamh McGlinchey and Karl McGuckin to transport guests on a journey through the tremendous Irish songbook.
There’s plenty for kids of all ages too, including the big family fun day and concert taking place on Thursday 16th March in The Shambles Yard, Armagh. Taking place from 5.30 to 8.30, the thrilling showcase will feature a lively set from Celtic Trad Rock Band “More Power to Your Elbow” and locally born and trained, singer / flautist Rioghnach Connolly, who now performs globally, accompanied by Irish dance performances from local dance schools - this will no doubt be a headline event of this year’s programme. On St Patrick’s Day itself, the community parade, a celebration of our patron saint will weave through the city centre from 2.30pm with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy. On Saturday 18th March, Banbridge’s gorgeous Solitude Park will be the place to be to enjoy live music, face-painters, fair rides and more.
For more information on the range of in-person and online events, and to book tickets, jump into visitarmagh.com/stpatrick
Retail NI launches first showcase event to promote local suppliers
Retail NI, which represents the independent retail and wholesale sector in Northern Ireland, will host its first ever Supplier Showcase event next month to promote and celebrate the huge contribution local producers, manufacturers and suppliers make to its members and the wider local economy.
Supported by key partners United Wines, McCausland Car Parks and Voice for Locals, the event will take place on Thursday 23 February from 4-6pm at the prestigious new PwC building in Merchant Square, Belfast.
Launched as the first in a planned series of in-focus events hosted by Retail NI this year, the inaugural Supplier Showcase is set to welcome more than 150 members, stakeholders and industry representatives.
Attendees will hear from special guest speaker, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP and have the opportunity to meet with more than 30 local suppliers exhibiting their products and services.
Commenting ahead of the event, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP said:
“Independent retail is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s economy and it’s important that we do everything we can to support and promote local businesses. I’m delighted to support Retail NI in its first Supplier Showcase to promote and celebrate Northern Ireland’s excellent local producers and manufacturers. I look forward to meeting with businesses and industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as the government continues to promote Northern Ireland as a great place to do business.”
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said:
“I’m delighted to announce the launch of Retail NI’s first dedicated showcase event which shines a spotlight on the enormous contribution that local businesses make in supplying goods and services to our retail and wholesale members.
“Our supplier members are hugely important to us, and Retail NI has assisted dozens of key suppliers and producers with their route to market and helped them to substantially grow their business through dedicated, focused initiatives. I’m pleased that this new showcase event will further deliver for our network of supplier members, giving them the opportunity to raise their profile and demonstrate their value whilst making new industry connections and exploring potential new sales opportunities.
As the first in a series of planned events, our new showcase series is an important and valuable platform for our members to help grow and move their businesses forward.”
New all-electric car ORA Funky Cat is coming to Charles Hurst Belfast as first GWM ORA retailer in Northern Ireland
The new GWM ORA showroom will open exclusively at Charles Hurst in March at its 40-acre Boucher Road complex
Charles Hurst, Northern Ireland’s biggest car retailer, has today confirmed a new partnership with pioneering electric car brand GWM ORA.
As the first Dealer Group in Northern Ireland to team up with the GWM ORA brand, Charles Hurst will initially offer exclusive stock of the brand’s new all-electric car, ORA Funky Cat, to customers across Northern Ireland. Charles Hurst will open a state-of-the-art GWM ORA showroom at its Boucher Road site this spring.
Charles Hurst is the third dealership within parent company Lookers’ network to take on the new brand, with Lookers sites in Wolverhampton and Braintree kickstarting sales last year.
Jeff McCartney, Group Operations Director at Charles Hurst, said:
“The ORA Funky Cat First Edition is a game-changer for the EV market, and we’re thrilled to become the first dealership in Northern Ireland with the chance to showcase it.
“Our state-of-the art dealership here in Belfast offers the very best in class for the EV market from electric vehicle charging and access to trained electric vehicle specialists who are on hand for free, expert advice as well as excellent aftersales services for all our customers.
“The ORA Funky Cat brings a fantastic new development to the world of electric driving, and we’re delighted to be among the first in the UK and Ireland to showcase its arrival.”
Customers will be able to book a test drive and place orders for their ORA Funky Cat at the Charles Hurst GWM ORA showroom from Monday March 6.
Jeff McCartney added:
“This is an exciting time for the EV market, and we’re looking forward to helping even more of our customers make the all-important step towards electric driving. The ORA Funky Cat is a great way to start that journey.”
The ORA Funky Cat First Edition is a high-spec launch vehicle, available with a 48kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 193 miles.
Among the car’s impressive features are wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, voice recognition, reversing camera, LED headlights and 18” alloy wheels.
The ORA Funky Cat also features comprehensive charging capability with Type 2 single-phase AC and three-phase AC charging as standard. It will also feature DC rapid charging and come equipped with a CCS socket as standard.
Home charging will take around five to six hours, based on 15% - 80% charge status, with time cut drastically to around three to four hours when moving up to three-phase AC on-street charging. In addition, rapid charging will take users around 43 minutes.
The Funky Cat First Edition will be available in a choice of four colours, with the vehicle presented as standard with a Nebula green exterior paint finish and a black interior.
The car will be backed by a comprehensive five-year vehicle, unlimited mileage warranty with cover on the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles. Service intervals are scheduled every two years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.
A Top 100 NI company for several decades, Charles Hurst operates across eight sites in Northern Ireland and two in the Republic of Ireland, representing more than 20 of the world’s top global car manufacturers, including leading premium and luxury brands.
Hubflow targets global expansion after successful London rollout
31.01.2023
Hubflow targets global expansion after successful London rollout
Belfast start-up Hubflow plans 100 new London locations and sets sights on global expansion over next five years
Workspace innovator Hubflow is spearheading a rapid expansion of its bespoke office network across London as part of a major launch to take its successful brand and model to cities across the world.
The pioneering office space trailblazer has already successfully launched a suite of at-capacity office locations in the UK capital after bringing its bespoke serviced offices to the former Rolls Royce headquarters just minutes from London Victoria station and to Midtown Holborn.
It now plans to open 100 new London locations as part of a targeted five-year campaign which it calls its ‘HH’ strategy (Hundred Hubflows).
Sporting heroes get in the game to deliver Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good Schools Programme mental health workshops
25 winning schools across Northern Ireland secure coveted place on retailer’s established Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme delivered by the region’s sporting legends
Lidl Northern Ireland has selected 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme this academic year as part of the retailer’s award-winning Sport for Good initiative, with each school also scoring £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
This week, the retailer announced 25 winning schools – hailing from towns from all across the region – who were selected for the programme following a call out for competition entries in October and were nominated by local shoppers.
A team of Northern Ireland’s best-known athletes have been selected and specially trained by the Youth Sport Trust, the UK’s leading charity improving young people’s education and development through sport and play, to run a series of workshops targeted at secondary school pupils, with a focus on boosting young people’s social skills, self-esteem and body confidence through sports participation.
Representing a strong cross-section of sport and boasting an impressive array of achievements, the stellar line up of NI sports stars delivering this year’s mental health workshops include four-time Paralympic athletics champion Michael McKillop MBE, Olympic steeplechase athlete, Kerry O’Flaherty, Olympic hockey heroes, Shirley McCay MBE and Eugene Magee, Northern Ireland netball international and Armagh ladies' Gaelic footballer, Caroline O’Hanlon, and female rugby union international and Olympian, Ashleigh Baxter.
Wirefox acquires prime Belfast city centre office building
20.12.2022
Wirefox acquires prime Belfast city centre office building
Leading investment firm Wirefox confirms acquisition of ‘35DP’ ahead of The Paper Exchange launch in early 2023
Leading investment and development company Wirefox has acquired 35-47 Donegall Place in Belfast city centre for an undisclosed sum.
The former bank building, known as 35DP, is a prominent five-story retail and Grade A office space, encompassing 80,000 sq ft, which fronts on to both Donegall Place and Fountain Street, and is located just seconds from Belfast City Hall.
Consisting of three retail units on the ground floor, including flagship store Boots which has occupied the building for 55 years, and four upper floors of distinctive, flexible and modern air-conditioned office accommodation, the property recently benefited from an extensive repositioning and refurbishment by GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out ahead of its sale.
Main tenant Boots signed a new 10-year lease for the building in 2020.
Wirefox said its ownership of 35DP will complement its new state-of-the-art Grade A professional office development known as The Paper Exchange on nearby Chichester Street.
Work started on the landmark 11-story 200,000 sq. ft building, which has been designed by Wirefox and TODD Architects, in February 2020 and is due to be completed early in the New Year. Around 150,000 sq. ft of the mixed-use scheme is office accommodation.
Both 35DP and The Paper Exchange are being marketed for lease by Savills and Colliers International in Belfast.