Lookers embarks on £1.8m transformation plan for Kia Chester
Redevelopment set for completion later this year as site remains open to customers
Lookers has embarked on a significant £1.8 million transformation of its Kia Chester site as the company, one of the UK’s leading automotive and aftersales service groups, continues to boost its nationwide network of dealerships.
The redevelopment, which will be completed later this year, will see a full state-of-the-art internal refit, as well as the introduction of a brand-new indoor handover bay and exterior integrated valet bay.
Built to exacting and sustainable specifications and packed with modern designs and digital innovations, the Sealand Road site will be a powerful showcase of Kia’s expanding range of electric and hybrid models, along with a wide selection of quality used cars.
Incorporating the new Kia brand concept, the transformed site will reflect Lookers’ committed focus on sustainability and quality customer service provision, with four new rapid electric vehicle charge points added, as well as a stylish and comfortable customer zone, a service reception and a dynamic, tech-laden display zone for seven new cars.
Scott Innes, General Manager at Lookers Kia Chester, said:
“This significant redevelopment affords us the opportunity to create a once-in-a-generation, modern retail facility for our customers, allowing us to uniquely showcase Kia’s expanding and award-winning range of vehicles in world class surroundings.
“Lookers’ investment reflects our commitment to the local community and economy in Chester, as well as our long-established and successful brand partnership with Kia.
“We’re incredibly excited to be embarking on this transformation and look forward to sharing a new and compelling retail experience with all our customers soon.”
Duncan McPhee, Chief Operating Officer at Lookers, added:
“Lookers’ relationship with Kia is one we value strongly so we’re delighted to announce that work is now well under way in what will be an exciting transformation for this prominent and well-located Chester site.
“Kia is an outstanding, ambitious franchise to work with and we’re confident this transformation will provide an excellent retail and service offering for our customers and staff.”
With construction currently under way the Kia Chester dealership will continue to operate as usual, with customers still comfortably accommodated on site.
Kia is one of the UK’s Top 10 best-selling car brands, with a record-breaking 100,000 sales recorded in 2022, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Electrification has been key to Kia brand’s success, with the brand nearing half of all sales consisting of hybrid or electric models.
Last year also saw the introduction of new models including next-generation versions of the popular Kia Sportage and Kia Niro. Kia’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid models are designed to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise or even produce zero emissions. These include the fully electric and technology packed EV6 and the all-new Niro EV.
Founded in Manchester in 1908, Lookers represents more than 30 leading car manufacturers in more than 150 dealerships, employing 6,500 people across the UK and Ireland.
Campaign magazine places Ardmore in prestigious Top 30 agency list
Ardmore advertising and marketing agency is the only Northern Ireland entrant in prestigious Top 30 list of UK regional agencies
Campaign magazine has placed Ardmore in its top creative agencies for 2022 in its latest list of the best UK marketing and advertising businesses.
The magazine – a bible for the global ad industry – also confirmed that multi-award-winning Ardmore was the only agency in the Northern Ireland region to appear for a second year running.
Campaign magazine compiles the prestigious list of creative businesses according to exclusive Nielson billings figures, to shine a global spotlight on the Top 30 UK Regional Agencies. Since the agency first appeared in the coveted list in 2019, Ardmore has risen seven places to sit proudly at position 21 for 2022.
Ardmore is a recognised global industry leader in behaviour change, recruitment marketing, tourism and transport, food, retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), representing a range of premier clients including Belfast City Council, Brand USA, Dale Farm, Destination British Columbia, eir evo, Lidl, Lowden Guitars, Lunn’s Jewellers, MCS Group, National Trust, Network Rail, Phoenix Natural Gas, Progressive Building Society, Rushmere, Starplan Furniture, Stena Line, The Executive Office and Translink.
The Ardmore Group - comprised of advertising agency Ardmore, public relations agency LK Communications, and eCommerce specialists Built for Growth (BFG) Digital - offers local, national and international brands a truly integrated communications service spanning strategy, design, film, digital, media, PR, reputation management and eCommerce marketing, all coordinated and delivered under one roof by more than 80 marketing and communications experts.
Ardmore Chief Executive Officer, John Keane, said:
“To have consecutively appeared in Campaign’s list of Top 30 UK Regional Agencies is an incredible achievement for our team and demonstrates our commitment to growth across the Ardmore group. We have incredible talent here in Northern Ireland to rival any global agency and are pleased to be standing shoulder to shoulder with the very finest in the marketing and communications industry across the UK.
“The talent and expertise of our team, coupled with the insight we have from our international networks and partnerships, is what makes us so unique. It’s also what allows us to provide a world class service for our diverse range of clients in Northern Ireland and across Europe.”
Ardmore’s listing in Campaign Magazine’s Top 30 UK Regional Agencies is the latest in a number of accolades from the Ardmore Group. In 2022, BFG Digital won UK eCommerce Agency of the Year and earlier this month was awarded eCommerce Project of the Year at the prestigious Digital DNA Awards, whilst LK Communications was recently named PR Consultancy of the Year at the Pride Awards from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Ardmore has also just been shortlisted for Media Agency of the Year and Best Long Term Media Strategy, in The Media Awards.
In 2022 Ardmore announced its plans to work towards net zero status, after cementing a new partnership with Planet Mark, a globally-recognised certification for progress and excellence in sustainability. The agency has been a member of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising for over 20 years and 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.
Volunteer Now launches new campaign to celebrate and inspire more volunteers ahead of Volunteers’ Week 2023
With just over two months to go until Volunteers’ Week 2023, taking place 1-7 June, Volunteer Now is calling on communities and businesses to give volunteering a go and be the change that we want to see as it gears up for this year’s Volunteer’s Week festivities.
Now in its 39th year, Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which sees charities, voluntary groups, social organisations, and volunteers themselves come together to recognise the incredible impact that volunteering has in communities around the UK.
With the theme set for this year’s week-long celebration - ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ – volunteer organisations across the UK will aim to highlight diversity in volunteering and demonstrate the many ways everyone can get involved with volunteering.
Each year, the annual celebrations recognise and reward the work and efforts of volunteers who are active at the heart of every community, whilst acknowledging their important contribution to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole.
As with previous years, hundreds of events, both online and in-person, will take place across the UK and Northern Ireland to celebrate Volunteers’ Week and the huge range of ways in which volunteers give their time. From volunteer recruitment events to open days, celebrations to recognition events, there are many ways for everyone to take part and come together for this year’s campaign.
Ahead of the celebrations, Volunteer Now, the lead organisation for volunteering in Northern Ireland, is calling out for new volunteer recruits and encouraging everyone to give volunteering a go this spring.
Denise Hayward, Chief Executive at Volunteer Now commented:
“Volunteers have continued to give so much time, energy, commitment and skills to the communities and organisations that they have supported however it is now more important than ever that we encourage more people to give a little bit of time to the wonderful organisations that make such a positive difference to our Northern Ireland community. It is fitting that Volunteers Week 2023 will give everyone the opportunity to Celebrate the ongoing commitment but also to encourage more people to say that all important ‘yes’.”
With around 282,000 formal volunteers carrying out work with designated organisations and 470,000 informal volunteers, volunteering plays a significant role across the region.
Each year, volunteers across Northern Ireland carry out work worth more than half a billion pounds and contribute £504 million to the local economy. Voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland do work worth more than half a billion pounds a year.
For more information on how to get involved, please visit volunteernow.co.uk and follow #VolunteersWeek and @volunteernow1
Armagh launches dynamic new tourism campaign for spring 2023
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council has launched a fresh and dynamic campaign to drive visitors to Armagh and the wider borough this spring to enjoy its history, heritage and culture portrayed through an established jam-packed spring events programme, visitor attractions and an unrivalled hospitality offer.
Following the sell-out success of Armagh’s flagship Home of St. Patrick Festival, which ran over nine days until 19 March, the reinvigoratingly fresh spring programme aims to generate demand amongst audiences across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and further afield, driving visitor bookings for short breaks, day trips and longer stays to the fast-growing visitor destination by showcasing the best it has to offer for every traveller and budget.
Recognising the potential of its outstanding tourism assets, the council is committed to building on its world class heritage, culture and hospitality experience, as well as its natural beauty.
With a complementary tourism offer which takes in the iconic and historic Armagh City, abundant apple orchards, thriving artisan cider farms, a unique linen heritage, top class arts and visitor attractions and award-winning chefs, restaurants, cafes and bars, the borough is also widely recognised for the quality and provenance of its food produce for which it has earned the right to be known as Northern Ireland’s official Food Heartland.
The new ‘Spring into Armagh’ promotional campaign will demonstrate Armagh’s unrivalled appeal as a must-visit destination and showcase its unique assets through a digital-led campaign comprising social media, e-marketing, digital advertising, partnership promotions and a range of Out of Home advertising over the coming weeks.
Supported by council cooperative funding from Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Armagh’s spring offering complements its wider ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ campaign which focus on promoting the borough’s most important and vibrant tourism destinations, including the world-renowned Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Paul Greenfield said:
“The entire borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon offers our overseas visitors a wide range of compelling reasons to visit – from the historic, Georgian city of Armagh and its rich orchard countryside – to superb food, hospitality and events, as well as the new world-class attraction that is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour just outside Banbridge. More recently, Armagh City has gained great international acclaim for its tourism credentials, which are up there with some of the best cities in the world. Steeped in history with abundant apple orchards, thriving artisan cider farms, top class arts and visitor attractions, Armagh has a world of experience to offer visitors from near and far.
“Not only that, but the borough is home to stunning scenery and award-winning chefs, restaurants, cafes and bars. We’re a powerhouse for tourism and I’m delighted to launch this new campaign to promote our borough by doing what we do best – providing memorable and unique visitor experiences, showcasing our culture and stories, celebrating local food and orchard produce and delivering world class signature events to a domestic, national and international audience.”
Visitors can get involved with the campaign by sharing social media posts using the campaign hashtags #VisitArmagh and #EmbraceAGiantSpirit as well as tagging @visitarmagh
For more inspiration on what to see and do in Armagh and beyond this spring, jump into www.visitarmagh.com.
Tarasis Enterprises sets new growth goals with £10m investment and plan for 300 new jobs
Award-winning entrepreneur Mairead Mackle builds on £10m investment in housing and renewables sectors to power new five-year growth plan
Tarasis Enterprises, comprised of four key business divisions focused on healthcare, support services, housing and renewables, was officially launched under a new brand identity today (Wednesday 22nd March 2023), streamlining operations to meet new five-year growth goals.
With offices in Belfast, Dublin, Sligo and Armagh, the 28-year-old company, which has invested more than £10 million in the housing and renewables sector over the last number of years, also announced plans to invest a further £10 million across all its divisions.
Confirming its significant scale-up plans for five years of growth at its headquarters at Callan House, the company said it will create more than 300 new jobs across its businesses on the island of Ireland as part of its five-year growth strategy.
In 2021, Tarasis Enterprises generated revenues of more than £30 million across its island-wide operations, up from £26 million in the previous year.
Its longstanding and successful charitable programmes iCare and Evolve will now sit under Tarasis Foundation as part of the strategic reorganisation, consolidating its collective philanthropic programmes to drive its “business for good” mission.
The company said the new Tarasis Enterprises brand, which incorporates Tarasis Healthcare, Tarasis Support Services, Tarasis Housing and Tarasis Renewables, creates a powerful new visual identity for a future-focused alliance of divisions.
Founder and CEO of Tarasis Enterprises, Mairead Mackle MBE, said:
“Following a strategic review of our operations, we decided to streamline, consolidate and renew our key business divisions under the Tarasis Enterprises brand which unifies our experience and allows our compelling offer to stand out as part of our exciting growth ambitions.
With new goals and investment, Tarasis Enterprises is perfectly placed to continue building real value for its growing client base and for its dedicated teams which deliver on our mission to provide innovative solutions, whilst also building on our established partnerships across the island of Ireland.”
Established in 1995 and strategically led by an agile and values-based multi-disciplinary leadership team, the vision for Tarasis Enterprises is to always think “beyond business”, creating sustainable, innovative solutions for the future of living that tackle real social and environmental issues including social care, healthcare, homelessness and energy.
“With new investment, new jobs and new approaches, we plan to make a real and positive impact on the many pertinent social issues and crisis of our time which include housing, social care and climate change,” Mairead said.
Mairead Mackle received an MBE in the New Year Honours list last year for her contribution to economic development. In 2019, Mairead was recognised as NatWest Entrepreneur of the Year.
Galgorm Collection celebrates prestigious awards for culinary excellence across its restaurants
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, is the latest property to secure AA 4 Star Silver rating and secure prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence
Northern Ireland’s newest boutique hotel, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, part of Galgorm Collection, has achieved AA 4-Star Silver status and been awarded a prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2023.
The latest accolade for Galgorm Collection sees the group awarded AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence across its entire portfolio of hotel restaurants including Fratelli Ristorante at Galgorm, Hunter’s Bar at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick - currently AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland - and now its newest offering, the restaurant at The Old Inn.
Its new AA 4-Star Silver status was awarded based on the property’s superior level of high standards across hospitality, service and cleanliness, as well as the quality of its food and dining offering.
The award follows a multi-million-pound investment into refurbishing the historic property to Galgorm Collection’s exacting standards, including a full revamp of the 1614 bar, 120-seater restaurant, lobby and selected guest rooms. The hotel also opened its showstopping outdoor Treetop Spa to guests in December 2022.
Led by Executive Chef Gavin Murphy, the restaurant at The Old Inn has been establishing itself as a premier gourmet destination since undergoing refurbishment last year and its new AA Rosette award firmly cements the venue in the top 10% of culinary establishments throughout the UK.
Judged independently by an AA Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, the award is bestowed to the very best restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, using good quality ingredients and demonstrating understanding and skill in cooking and presentation.
Inspired by locally sourced, seasonal produce, Executive Chef Gavin Murphy has created an exquisite menu at the award-winning Old Inn Restaurant that marries homely classics with modern dining. From French-inspired dishes, to seafood, salads and new Afternoon Tea and £16.14 lunch menu offering, guests can enjoy a range of quality dining experiences in plush surroundings.
Commenting on the award, The Old Inn Restaurant Executive Chef Gavin Murphy said:
“This s a huge achievement for the team here at The Old Inn - it means so much to us all. As Executive Chef, I have the honour of working with a dedicated team that is passionate about the work they do - from creating exciting fresh menus using locally sourced seasonal produce to delivering the highest standard of service in the restaurant. This award is a testament to their continuous drive to always going above and beyond and we look forward to the journey and hard work ahead needed to gain our second AA Rosette.”
Galgorm Collection Managing Director Colin Johnston said:
“We’re very proud to receive the AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence for The Old Inn, bringing the historic property in line with our other award-winning restaurants. This is a fantastic endorsement of all the hard work that has gone into the extensive redevelopment at The Old Inn and by our Executive Chef Gavin Murphy who has developed a superb menu using the best quality, locally sourced food for an exquisite dining experience that really sets us apart. As Northern Ireland’s most exciting new hotel and restaurant offering, we’re committed to taking this iconic property forward into a new era for tourism and hospitality and that’s very much reflected in our enhanced new guest experience. We look forward to welcoming even more guests to enjoy all that The Old Inn has to offer.”
Since being acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2021, The Old Inn has achieved listing within Ireland’s Blue Book 2023 and was also named in the Irish Independent’s ‘FAB 50’ Top Stays in Ireland 2022. The new AA 4 Star Silver rating and AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence are the latest accolades in recognition of the historic property’s unrivalled guest experience across its accommodation, spa and gastronomic offering.
For further information on award-winning dining experiences at The Old Inn, or to book, please visit: https://www.theoldinn.com/the-restaurant.html.
Green light for first Lidl Northern Ireland store in south Belfast
Planning approved for new concept store at Boucher Road, extending Lidl’s presence across all four corners of the city
Lidl Northern Ireland, the region’s fastest-growing supermarket, has been given the green light to construct a new state-of-the-art store at Boucher Road, bringing the retailer’s high quality, low price offering to residents in south Belfast for the first time.
Belfast City Council granted planning permission this week for the new store after an extensive local consultation with stakeholders and the wider community, as well as onsite engagement with elected representatives, which was positively received.
The application was further supported by local residents who requested urgent approval of the plans by council to ensure access to this essential shopping facility as soon as possible.
Located in the heart of the bustling Boucher Road retail area close to the M1 towards Tates Avenue, the new development sits on a site of 9,792 square metres and will include a 1,425 square metre Lidl store as well as a drive-thru café measuring 566 square metres.
The new development will create around 35 permanent retail jobs and support a further 200 jobs during the construction phase.The Boucher Road store will become the retailer’s ninth in the Belfast city area and is the final development in a £32 million project announced in November 2020 to create five new stores in the Greater Belfast region at Castlereagh Road, Crumlin Road, Holywood Exchange, Shore Road and Boucher Road.
Chris Speers, Property Director at Lidl Northern Ireland, said:
“Boucher Road is a strategically important location for us, expanding our reach into the south Belfast area for the first time and bringing a multi-million pound investment and new jobs to the local area. A key commuter belt and prime retail shopping area, the new store at Boucher Road is well positioned to serve local residents, shoppers, commuters and visitors alike.
We’re delighted to have received such warm support from the local community who have been prolific in their support of the build and recognise the benefits this will bring residents, providing a new shopping facility at a critical time of need.
By expanding our footprint into south Belfast, we will be serving thousands of people in new communities in and around the city with the highest quality products at the best prices on the market.”
The new Lidl Northern Ireland store reflects the retailer’s established ‘concept’ design, which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. A modern fit-out provides a high-quality shopping experience, with wide aisles, longer till points, enhanced restrooms and employee facilities. The site will also include a 148-space car park, including electric vehicle charging points.
With 41 stores across the region at present, Lidl Northern Ireland is committed to delivering on its ambition to open 50 stores by the end of the decade.
Confirmed as Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket by Kantar, with 12.6% market share growth over the last two years and holding a 7% market share of the region’s overall grocery market, Lidl contributes around £180 million a year to the local economy and sustains around 3,500 jobs.
Last year, a new impact report found that Lidl Northern Ireland ploughed a record £347 million into the agri-food industry here in the last financial year ending February 2022 and supported 60 local producers to success. Of that £347 million, £298 million worth of goods procured locally were exported globally through Lidl’s expansive store network, reaching new customer bases across Europe from Great Britain and Ireland as far as Romania, Greece, Cyprus and even to the USA.
The company employs more than 1,500 staff across its 41-strong store network and Regional Distribution Centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim, and in January announced its recruitment of an additional 200 employees this year.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
St Paul’s pupils break down stigma around mental health with Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme
Olympic hockey star Eugene Magee partners with Lidl Northern Ireland and Youth Sport Trust to deliver mental health workshops to pupils in St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook
Secondary school pupils across the country are benefitting from the Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme, a dedicated mental health athlete mentorship programme delivered by Lidl Northern Ireland as part of the retailer’s established ‘Sport for Good’ campaign which aims to tackle youth mental health head on.
The programme, developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, first launched in 2021 and has since supported more than 5,200 secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland. Survey feedback from last year’s programme revealed that 83% of participants felt Lidl Northern Ireland’s programme boosted their overall confidence and 100% of teachers committed to changing the mental health support programmes in their schools as a result.
Sporting heroes from across Northern Ireland have been specially trained by Youth Sport Trust to deliver workshops that help students to proactively manage their mental health, as they progress into adulthood, through the vehicle of sport and physical activity. The mentors provide students with the tools and encouragement they need to support themselves and their peers in school, at home and in their wider communities.
This week, students at St. Paul’s High School, Bessbrook received their first workshop in the dedicated series of mental health mentorship workshops, delivered by Olympian and men’s field hockey international Eugene Magee.
Hailing from Ballela in Co Down, Eugene made his debut representing Ireland in 2005 and retired from an astounding career international hockey with 295 caps – earning him the title of Irish Hockey’s most capped men’s player. Now, Eugene is passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to pupils across the county as part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s flagship Community Works initiative, Sport for Good.
Commenting on the programme, Eugene Magee said:
“When I was a pupil, my passion for sport and being part of a team really helped me through a lot of the challenges that many students face. Whether I was dealing with the pressure of exams or issues in my personal life, sport was always an escape for me.
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good initiative has been a very exciting opportunity for me, especially now that I’ve retired from hockey as it gives me the chance to get back out into the community to show young adults that there is more to sport than the physical benefits.
From working as part of a team, gaining confidence in your abilities and building resilience when things don’t go to plan on game day, these are vital skills that will transfer to their everyday lives.”
Established in 2019, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good initiative has supported more than 100 schools and sports clubs, providing over £320,000 in funding to encourage more young people into sport.
Earlier this year, the retailer announced 25 winning schools - hailing from every county across the region – who were selected for the Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme following a call out for competition entries in October last year and nominated by local shoppers. Each winning school also received £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
The sessions are being led by a stellar line up of leading local athletes including four-time Paralympic athletics champion Michael McKillop, Olympic steeplechase athlete Kerry O’Flaherty, and Olympic hockey heroes Shirley McCay and Eugene Magee.
Jarlath Burns, Principal of St. Paul’s High School, Bessbrook said:
“Sport is a significant part of our school identity here at St. Paul’s and we’re very lucky that our pupils are always keen to get involved – either by playing or by supporting the teams. For those who aren’t athletic, this programme has provided a different perspective in showing pupils that you don’t have to be good at traditional sports to get active – you can always go for a walk, run or swim to avail of the benefits that sport participation can have on your physical and mental health.
“The Sport for Good Mental Health Athlete Mentorship workshops have done a fantastic job in breaking down the stigmas associated with mental health and have provided our students with invaluable life tools to manage challenges they may face as they grow and develop and shown them how sport can play a big role in that.
“Led by some of the region’s top sporting heroes, we’ve been really impressed at the calibre of mentors. It was a delight to see our pupils really engage with Eugene, who has been a true inspiration to them all.
“On behalf of the entire school community, we would like to express our thanks to the parents and local Lidl shoppers who voted for St. Paul’s High School. I would also like to thank Lidl Northern Ireland and Youth Sport Trust for investing in our community and to their mentor Eugene for delivering this vital programme to help support our pupils with skills for life.”
For more information, please visit lidl-ni.co.uk/lidl-community-works
New judges in the frame as Bradley Art Prize competition deadline looms
Young artists have just five weeks to put finishing touches to their masterpieces in nationwide competition to drive fresh talent and creativity
Young artists across Northern Ireland have just five weeks to put the finishing touches to their creative masterpieces and enter the inaugural Bradley Art Prize – a new art initiative led by renowned artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Radius Connect which aims to support fresh artistic ideas and talent.
With an unprecedented number of submissions already received the stellar panel of judges has also been expanded to meet demand for the competition, which closes on 31 March.
New judges include renowned award-winning tattoo artist Gigi McQueen and Bradley Art Prize sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Regional Director for Ireland at Radius Connect. They join an existing line-up of famed artists and critiques including Terry Bradley and wife Ashley, Hollywood film producer Martin Brennan and NI Executive Brussels Director Aodhán Connolly.
Launched in November, the inaugural Bradley Art Prize is open to young people across two age categories, from 14 to 18 and from 19 to 23 years and provides young creatives with a platform to showcase their work with some of the most prolific names in the local arts scene.
Alongside around a total of £4,000 in cash and art materials for the top winners and their schools or colleges, two winning artists will have their work framed and proudly displayed in the newly opened Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square, Belfast, for a week-long exhibition, including a launch night for friends and family in August.
The winning artwork will then be showcased at the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels’ European Quarter as part of a major initiative 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.
New judge and sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Radius Connect Director Ireland, said:
“With a longstanding heritage in Northern Ireland, Radius Connect is committed to supporting innovation and ambition, encouraging the next generation of leaders. I’m delighted to partner with Northern Ireland’s most revered artist Terry Bradley on this ground-breaking initiative for young artists and to bring my business experience and expertise to the judging panel.
We’ve been blown away by the interest and number of entries for this competition, which presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring artists to publicly showcase their art and work directly with Terry and the judges for an unrivalled career kick-start. Northern Ireland is known for its inspiring creative talent and I’ve no doubt this competition will uncover our artists of the future. I would encourage all young artists interested in promoting their work with Terry to take the opportunity to enter the Bradley Art Prize before 31 March. Good luck to all entrants!”
Terry Bradley, who began his stellar, self-taught art career at the age of 14, said:
“I wanted to create an opportunity for young people who may not see an obvious career path in art. This prize will hopefully inspire and encourage those who have talent and want to find a way to make art part of their future. This inaugural Terry Bradley Art Prize has been carefully designed to show more young people what it’s like to be a professional artist and how to build a long lasting career in an area that needs confidence and passion to succeed, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Aspiring artists can enter the Bradley Art Prize by submitting up to four high-resolution images of original artwork along with a personal statement by 31 March 2023. Shortlisted artists will be announced in early June, with the winners selected at the end of the month.
For more information and to submit an entry visit www.bradleyartprize.com
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.