Lookers’ inspiring women take the lead at Inspiring Automotive Women Awards 2022
25.10.2022
Lookers celebrates the success of its inspirational women who are officially recognised for their outstanding contribution
Four inspiring women at leading UK automotive retail and service group Lookers have been recognised for their commitment to promoting leadership, gender diversity and inclusion within the group and across the motoring industry.
In a tough competition Lookers secured four top accolades, with the winners nominated internally and externally from across its UK-wide team. The four award-winners were noted for their excellence in mentoring, encouraging inclusion, supporting colleagues and for making a difference to the business and its strong culture of diversity.
A record 280 nominations from more than 30 companies were made to the Automotive 30% Club for The Inspiring Automotive Women Awards, an annual gala event held in recognition of women’s contribution to success across the automotive industry.
Lookers’ four winners were Service Manager Leanne Chevannes from Stoke on Trent, Chelmsford-based Annalise Eldred, Head of Customer Contact Centres, and from Greater Manchester, Head of Compliance Samantha Reed and Group Customer Service and Complaint Resolution Manager Nikki Simms.
Julia Muir, Founder of the Automotive 30% Club, said:
“Our 2022 Automotive 30% Club Inspiring Automotive Women Award winners are an amazing group of women who have not only made a great contribution to the success of the business in their day jobs, but they have also been fabulous role models to colleagues and are lifting and motivating others as they have risen in their careers.
“As wonderful ambassadors and advocates for the sector, they have inspired the next generation of women to join the automotive industry and have promoted their companies as inclusive employers of choice. Today, we celebrate the brilliant women who are helping to change the game in automotive.”
Karen Prince, Lookers’ Director of Customer Engagement, said:
“Hard work, commitment, and perseverance are always rewarded, which is why I’m absolutely delighted to be congratulating these four inspirational, passionate, and dedicated women from across our UK team for the official recognition they have rightly received.
“Leanne, Samantha, Annalise and Nikki are already roundly respected and recognised for not only the contribution they make to our business success but for the leadership which they show in empowering their colleagues to be the best they can be, to being champions of diversity and equality and to helping us drive a culture of diversity which benefits every team member across the UK and Ireland.”
Lookers Chief Executive Officer, Mark Raban, a patron of the Automotive 30% Club, said:
“The automotive retail industry is changing fast, and Lookers, where our people are our greatest asset, is proud to be creating a more gender-balanced, contented workplace that accurately meets the needs of our business and our people.
“Lookers is a proud member and supporter of the Automotive 30% Club, which aims to have at least 30 percent of senior leadership positions in the automotive industry filled by women by 2030, and we’re making progress towards realising this ambition.
“Our newest group of inspiring women leaders who have been recognised for their contribution at this year’s awards are a real testament to what is being achieved and I’m hugely grateful for their incredible and inspiring contribution.”
With a team of more than 6,500 employees, 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.
Lookers confirmed as the not-so-new name for Taggarts in Scotland
17.10.2022
Leading motoring group Lookers Plc, which acquired car retailer Taggarts in 2003, is unifying its well-known Lookers brand to include Taggarts in Scotland.
Enveloping the familiar Scottish brand into the Lookers fold after almost 20 years of local sales and service, the two companies already share a combined history and heritage of more than 230 years.
Taggarts was established in 1896 to become one of the best-known names in the motor industry in Scotland. Lookers, established in 1903 is one of the UK’s leading automotive retail and service groups.
Aside from the introduction of new Lookers’ signage and branding at its Taggarts dealerships, new and existing customers will notice little else, with every visitor still met by the same friendly, experienced staff while continuing to enjoy a consistent, award-winning service.
The dealerships included in the subtle transformation include Taggarts Land Rover retailers at Kennishead Road and Maryhill Road in Glasgow, and at Windmillhill Street in Motherwell as well as Taggarts Jaguar and Volvo retailers, both located in Hillington, Glasgow.
Lookers already has an existing strong presence in Scotland which includes Lookers Volkswagen Van Centre in Bailieston, Glasgow and Lookers Audi in Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh, Hamilton and Ayr as part of a 150-strong network of dealerships in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The move does not affect any staff or plans for future growth and investment.
Duncan McPhee, Lookers Chief Operating Officer, who hails from Campbeltown in Argyll, said.
“Lookers continues to have strong presence in Scotland and Taggarts has been proudly part of our family for almost two decades. In that time, we’ve continued to invest in our premises and our colleagues to deliver an outstanding experience to our customers that befits the Lookers and Taggarts brands.
“To further strengthen and simplify our strong brand identity across the UK so that we’re always instantly recognisable to our customers wherever they are, we’re only changing the name above the door and moving forward as one strong brand.
“For almost 20 years, being part of Lookers has helped Taggarts to provide a great customer experience, value and choice to our customers across Scotland and that’s something that will never change. Every visitor to our retailers will continue to receive the same great service and be warmly welcomed by the same friendly faces who will always go the extra mile.”
With a team of more than 6,500 staff, 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.
LK Communications is Northern Ireland’s ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’
13.09.2022
LK Communications is Northern Ireland’s ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’
Holywood-based public relations consultancy LK Communications is celebrating a quadruple award win this week after officially securing Northern Ireland’s ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’ title at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Awards 2022.
Based in London, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 10,000 members.
In addition to winning ‘PR Consultancy of the Year’, LK Communications also secured two coveted Gold Awards and a Silver Award in three highly competitive categories at the annual awards ceremony which this year was held in the Merchant Hotel.
Securing two Gold awards for the region’s best Consumer Relations and Healthcare campaigns for its work with Lidl Northern Ireland, LK Communications also picked up a silver award in the Travel, Leisure and Tourism category for its work with Galgorm Collection.
Managing Director Nikki Larkin said:
“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have won PR Consultancy of the Year in Northern Ireland which is a big affirmation for our team and its commitment to consistently developing and delivering cutting edge, creative PR campaigns on behalf of our clients. I’m delighted that our work with Lidl Northern Ireland and Galgorm Collection has been recognised by the industry’s top professional body and I’m grateful for our clients’ support for the success we have achieved”.
Since it was established in 2005, LK Communications has won numerous accolades for its consumer and corporate communications work representing some of the UK and Ireland’s leading brands, including Lidl Northern Ireland, Lookers Plc and Charles Hurst, Visit Belfast, Galgorm Collection, Aflac NI, ABC Council, Gas Networks Ireland and Wirefox.
Lookers reopens all-new Nissan Chester dealership after major makeover
12.10.2022
Leading UK and Ireland motoring group Lookers Plc has relaunched its Nissan dealership in Chester after investing £750,000 to completely transform the site.
Lookers’ Nissan Chester is among the first several Nissan dealerships earmarked for fresh investment as part of the company’s plans to amplify the brand locally and revitalise its facilities for a first-rate customer experience.
The site at Chester’s Sealand Road has now been completely redesigned, enlarged and enhanced after a 12-week refurbishment to accommodate a range of next-generation Nissan cars and vans, including an expanding range of all-electric and hybrid models, and used vehicles.
Incorporating a new, larger sales floor, new digital innovations, additional office space, EV chargers, extra customer parking bays and a bright modern façade which includes Nissan’s new corporate brand identity featuring a distinctive, modern two-dimensional design.
Lookers said the new ultra-modern dealership was the perfect showcase for the just-arrived Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover range which is now available to order.
“Named among the most popular EV and commercial vehicle brand in the UK, we’re delighted to be making this significant investment in our local Chester site, in our staff, customers and the local economy to deliver a first-rate dealership that transforms the retail experience for everyone,” Lookers Nissan Chester general manager Dan Mann said.
“Our investment reaffirms our continued dedication to the Chester area, to our customers and staff and our commitment to the quality and innovation of Nissan and the range of best-selling vehicles it produces right here in Britain.”
The all-new site launch was celebrated with customers during a family fun day which included food, drinks and entertainment, tours and test drives – and an exclusive first look at the brand new Ariya which played a starring role and the all-day Saturday event.
Last year, Lookers also invested £750,000 in its Nissan dealership in Carlisle, future-proofing the site as part of plans to dramatically overhaul the new and used retail experience and aftersales offer and future-proof the site for a new era of all-electric driving.
Steve Eley, Lookers Nissan Franchise Director said:
“Nissan remains one of the UK and Ireland’s best-loved and fast-evolving brands which has an eye firmly fixed on a more sustainable future, which is why we are delighted to partner with Nissan as part of this latest investment in our dealership network.
“From the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai and Leaf, a wide range of commercial vehicles, to the hugely anticipated 100% electric Ariya range, Nissan is on a new and exciting journey which we are delighted to be part of and we look forward to accommodating customers old and new in a transformative space designed to inspire.”
Lookers Nissan Chester is open on 302 Sealand Road, Chester from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Founded in 1908, Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers and specialising in new and used electric car sales across a network of over 150 franchised locations.
Creative ad leader Ardmore grounds its net zero vision in industry first for Northern Ireland
12.10.2022
Creative ad leader Ardmore grounds its net zero vision in industry first for Northern Ireland
Ardmore gets its ACT together after signing with trio of local and international sustainability initiatives
Leading advertising agency Ardmore is on course for net zero status after becoming the first creative agency in Northern Ireland to sign with three leading national and international industry bodies focused on sustainable transformation.
Cementing a new partnership with Planet Mark, a globally-recognised certification for progress and excellence in sustainability, Ardmore is the first creative agency locally to join a list of more than 800 international organisations around the world committed to achieving net zero and driving positive environmental change within their respective industries.
Additionally Ardmore has become the first in its industry locally to enrol with UK ad agency trade body The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) on its Media Climate Charter, to lead on transitioning to a zero-carbon future. It has also affirmed its support to the Business in the Community (BITC) Climate Action Pledge which supports local companies in their pledge to track, cut and report greenhouse gas emissions.
As a result, Ardmore is now driving forward an industry-leading programme focused on implementing new sustainable practices, led by its newly established Ardmore Climate Target (ACT) Collective.
Ardmore Deputy Managing Director, Miriam Moertl said:
“As a global, award-winning marketing communications agency, we’re proud to be the first in Northern Ireland to step up and commit to a powerful new initiative which will drive progress towards net zero within our own industry and among the wider business community.
“Climate change is here and now and, increasingly, clients are coming to us for solutions to sustainably manage their communications. Recognising the important role we can play in tackling the issue, we established the Ardmore Climate Target (ACT) collective, and are delighted to have enrolled with three of the top national and international sustainability initiatives to continue our hard work to date in reducing our carbon footprint to date, and to reinforce our commitment to achieve net-zero status as quickly as possible.”
Under the ACT Collective, Ardmore has committed to transforming operations across three key areas: reducing its operational footprint to zero, educating and inspiring its teams to reduce and report personal emissions, and inspiring change amongst clients, suppliers and the wider community.
Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark, said;
“As the first creative communications agency in Northern Ireland to partner with Planet Mark, Ardmore has demonstrated a clear commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and making positive changes to tackle climate change. We’re delighted to broaden our scope of work with likeminded organisations in Northern Ireland and to reach a new industry here early. I hope that Ardmore’s impressive work to date and in the future in tackling climate change serves as a catalyst for others to sign up so that together we can work towards a better future.”
Through its partnership with Planet Mark, Ardmore completed an extensive and rigorous assessment process to measure its current climate impact analysing its social data across a wide range of areas – from energy efficient buildings to waste management and recycling, travel and transport and hybrid working practices – to produce an overall climate impact score, from which Ardmore’s new sustainability goal was set.
By undergoing this rigorous assessment, Ardmore has already helped to protect an acre of rainforest through Cool Earth, a charity taking action to keep millions of trees, preserve wildlife and maintain the balance of the earth’s climate.
Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI, said;
“Signing the Climate Action Pledge is an act of public accountability that proves to an organisation’s stakeholders, customers and employees that they are taking ambitious action on the climate crisis. To make a real difference, businesses need to collaborate and act now. We are delighted that Ardmore has joined our growing group of Northern Ireland organisations that have made a public declaration to take action urgently.”
Nigel Gwilliam, Director of Media Affairs, IPA, commented;
“We are delighted to have our longstanding member agency Ardmore pioneer support for the IPA Media Climate Charter in Northern Ireland. We believe the Charter is a critical first step towards transitioning the media agency industry to a zero-carbon future.”
Based in Holywood, County Down Ardmore is a Campaign UK Top 30 regional agency representing a range of premier clients including Network Rail, Stena Line, Lidl, Dale Farm, Phoenix Natural Gas, Power NI, Translink, and National Trust.
Ardmore has also been included in The Drum’s list of the UK’s Top 100 independent agencies and is a longstanding partner and shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc. (WPI), a global network of more than 70 independent agencies in over 40 countries.
More information on the Ardmore Climate Target (ACT) Collective is available at https://www.ardmore.co.uk/act/
Lookers completes epic Birmingham to Belfast charity bike ride
07.10.2022
Lookers’ colleagues from across the UK take part in nationwide cross-country cycle to raise £150,000 for UK charities
Teams from leading UK and Ireland motor retailer Lookers have completed a gruelling 650-kilometre bike across the UK to raise thousands of pounds for two leading charities.
The six-day cycle challenge, which saw 20 committed riders take to their bikes from Birmingham to Belfast, was carried out in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and suicide prevention charity Papyrus.
Setting off from Birmingham at Lookers Vauxhall Selly Oak on Sunday September 25, the first team of 10 Lookers colleagues travelled to Ambleside, Cumbria, taking in major towns and cities along the way, including Stafford, Crewe and Preston – in addition to stopping off at Lookers Group headquarters in Altrincham.
A second team of riders took the baton at Ambleside before taking on the second leg of the challenge through Carlisle, Dumfries and Ayr, with the cyclists finally crossing the finish line in Belfast at the headquarters of its Charles Hurst dealership on Friday September 30.
Duncan McPhee, Chief Operating Officer at Lookers, who was part of the finishing team, said:
“We were thrilled to cross the finish line when we got to Belfast after completing what was a tough, often challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience. Despite the extremes of weather, potholes, and all those hills, the team were phenomenal – and it wasn’t just the riders involved. All our colleagues right across the Lookers’ family were remarkable in their support throughout the cycle, from training to logistics, fundraising and refreshments while always sharing plenty of encouragement and moral support.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our support team of medics, mechanics and lead riders without whom this could not have happened.
“To say that I am exceptionally proud of what our team have achieved is an understatement and so I’d like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has supported this epic challenge.
“We are committed to supporting communities right across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and to raise £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Papyrus for the important work they do. It’s been our privilege to support them in their challenges as part of an experience few of us will ever forget.”
Macmillan Cancer Support, founded in 1911, provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. Papyrus is dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
To find out more about the Lookers charity cycle ride and to donate visit its JustGiving Page.
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat Crowned AA Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland 2022
29.09.2022
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat Crowned AA Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland 2022
Northern Ireland’s newest luxury hotel The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, part of Galgorm Collection, was named Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland 2022 at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards this week.
Coming back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London was hosted by Gabby Logan, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.
One of the industry’s most prestigious and highly anticipated events, the AA Hospitality Awards span 15 categories, honouring the best hotels, restaurants, and spas across the UK, and celebrating individuals with awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chefs’ Chef Award and more.
Opened in June 2020, the Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, a 33-bedroom boutique hotel and spa located in Templepatrick, has been dramatically transformed to include a £2 million Relaxation Burrow spa area which completed construction last year.
Perched by the edge of a stunning lake, the spa area offers total tranquillity, boasts unique attractions including Swedish sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, halotherapy salt chamber and Roman inspired bath and hot tubs, and has recently unveiled a range of bespoke spa treatments ranging from an IMAGE Skincare personalized facial, or a herbal green tea massage, to a full body ritual inclusive of skin exfoliation, scalp relaxation and leg energizer.
The Rabbit is also the first hotel in the island of Ireland to offer a heated lakeside beach complete with a Lake Bar, sunken lounge and plush cabanas for a laid back, luxurious experience. A Day Spa package with full spa access, lunch, and 60-minute spa treatment is launching on 1st October.
In addition to the accommodation, spa and bar and restaurant offering, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat also boasts a unique banqueting suite and wedding venue – The Loft – offering unabridged luxury in a magical setting, with high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers adorned with foliage, marble dining tables, dramatic fireplaces and a stunning romantic lake view from the spacious outdoor terrace.
Lynsey Gordon, General Manager at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat said:
“We are proud and honoured to be recognised by the AA at these most prestigious awards. This is a fantastic endorsement of all the hard work that has gone into the extensive redevelopment at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.
This award reinforces our unwaivering commitment to deliver an outstanding experience and recognises the talents, dedication and efforts of our team. We are incredibly grateful to all our guests for their support and we look forward to creating many more memory-making moments at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.”
Galgorm is renowned for creating world-class hospitality experiences throughout their award-winning properties in Northern Ireland. Galgorm has received numerous awards and accolades for their stellar service and offering, including receiving the Four AA Red Star Award for excellence in quality and hospitality last year, as well as previously holding the coveted title of Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year.
Since opening, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has been included in numerous prestigious listings including the Irish Independent’s #Indo50 Top 50 Hotels to visit on the island of Ireland.
For more information, please visit https://www.rabbithotel.com/ or follow @therabbit_hotel.
For further information about the AA Hospitality Awards 2022, please visit: https://aahospitalityawards.com
Lookers to open all-new BMW dealership in Crewe after £4.5m transformation
28.09.2022
Lookers Crewe BMW to create a new, state-of-the-art BMW retail and aftersales hub in the North West
Leading UK and Ireland motoring and aftersales group Lookers has confirmed plans for a major redesign and refurbishment of its BMW site in Crewe that will see the long-established dealership transformed into a major regional retail hub for the luxury German brand.
The £4.5 million redevelopment, which starts later this month, will create a new, state-of-the-art dealership before an official opening planned for March next year.
Lookers Crewe BMW, which is located at Weston Road, will be redesigned and enhanced to accommodate the brand’s next generation of cars and vans, including an expanding range of cutting-edge electric and hybrid models, and used vehicles.
Complete with EV chargers and a range of digital innovations, the six-month renovation will create an ultra-modern showroom, purposely built to showcase the premium BMW brand.
Head of Business at Lookers Crewe BMW Rob Gower said:
“Our extensive refurbishment plans create a unique opportunity to develop a new and outstanding state-of-the-art retail hub for customers and staff, transforming the site into a cutting-edge showroom which showcases the very best of this powerful luxury brand with facilities specifically tailored to every discerning BMW driver.
“This significant investment reflects our commitment to the community in Crewe the local economy and BMW MINI as our Brand Partner which will offer an exceptional experience for everyone. Our customers remain at the heart of all we do which is why we are excited to share this fantastic news.”
From Monday 26 September, Lookers will relocate its BMW Centre to the nearby Lookers MINI Crewe while construction and refurbishment takes place. Lookers MINI is located just two minutes away by car.
Duncan McPhee, Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer, added:
“I’m pleased to confirm a further investment in our dealership network which is great news for our customers and colleagues and signals our commitment to the BMW brand moving forward. It also reflects our commitment to continued growth and to strengthening our position as one of the UK’s leading automotive retailers.”
Lookers has already invested more than £11 million in its regional dealership network since early last year, including a £4.6 million investment at its Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Bishop’s Stortford, £3 million in its Volkswagen Teesside site and £2.1 million at Lookers Volkswagen Preston.
Lookers has also invested £750,000 in its Nissan Carlisle site and £500,000 opening a new multi-brand showroom for premium used cars in Newcastle.
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.
For more information visit www.lookers.co.uk/bmw/contact-us/lookers-bmw-crewe or call 01270 212 525.
8/10 students report improvement in confidence thanks to Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good programme
21.09.2022
8/10 students report improvement in confidence thanks to Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good programme
Olympic and Paralympic heroes and local sporting legends have teamed up with Lidl Northern Ireland to launch this year’s Sport for Good Schools Programme which, in partnership with children’s charity Youth Sport Trust, aims to promote positive mental health amongst secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland through sport.
The Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme is a mental health athlete mentorship programme with a dedicated focus on boosting young people’s social skills, self-esteem and body confidence through sports participation. The programme aims to address the needs of some 45% of young people here who said their mental health had deteriorated since the pandemic began.*
More than 5,200 secondary school pupils from across 25 schools located in every county participated in the 2021/22 programme with feedback survey results revealing that 83% of participants felt Lidl Northern Ireland’s programme boosted their overall confidence.
Additional programme benefits included improved resilience and enjoyment of exercise as well as increased confidence to participate in future sport. All teachers participating in the programme also confirmed their commitment to making improvements to their school’s mental health curriculum as a result of the programme.
The Sport for Good Schools Programme is championed by six-time Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Bethany Firth OBE, 2022 Commonwealth Games and European Championship 1,500 metre silver medalist, Ciara Mageean, and Olympic gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan. The programme sees a series of mental health workshops delivered by a squad of specially trained NI sports stars, including Michael McKillop MBE and Shirley McCay MBE, who are appointed as the programme’s athlete mentors by the Youth Sport Trust. The 2022/23 programme was officially launched today at a special event in Belfast.
Speaking at the launch of the 2022-23 programme, Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good ambassador, Ciara Mageean said:
“As a middle-distance runner competing at the highest level of international sport, I know how important it is to have a strong mindset and belief in myself to achieve my goals. It’s something I focus and work on every day. I’m proud to be an ambassador for Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good Schools Programme which is dedicated to supporting young people and improving mental health outcomes, particularly after the challenging times of the last few years.
I’m delighted to see the results of last year’s programme and to know that it really is having an impact on our young people and improving their mental health. Knowing that 80% of the students who were involved in the workshops have seen an improvement in their confidence demonstrates the true power of sport, and I’m proud to have been able to play my part in that.
I’m excited to launch the 2022-23 programme and to share with even more students across Northern Ireland the tools that sport participation can provide in improving overall wellbeing, building resilience, and managing mental health challenges, and to hopefully find the next generation of sporting stars.”
The 2022/23 Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme consists of a series of workshops designed to help young people explore the positive effect sport can have on their mental health now and into the future.
Jenny Rouse, Commercial and Fundraising Director at Youth Sport Trust said;
“We’re really thrilled to continue our partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland and launch our Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme for a second year. The results of our programme survey have been fantastic and it’s so inspiring to see how this has had a positive impact on the lives of so many young people in Northern Ireland.
“Designing and delivering initiatives like these, through our new Inspiring Changemakers, Building Belonging strategy, we are committed to supporting those most in need of the transformative power of sport and play. Young people are growing up in a world where digital technology is having an increasing impact on their lives and more children feel lonely and disconnected. It is vital we recognise how sport and physical activity can help them to feel a sense of belonging and manage their wellbeing.”
Since 2019, the Sport for Good programme has supported more than 120 sports clubs and schools across Northern Ireland and provided more than £320,000 in funding and equipment to encourage more children to connect with sport.
The Sport for Good Schools Programme is part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s longstanding ‘Community Works’ initiative which supports communities across Northern Ireland. First launched in 2014, the Community Works programme has engaged more than 750 community groups to date and raised more than £420,000 for charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Joe Mooney, Senior Partnerships Manager for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said;
“As part of our established Community Works initiative, the Sport for Good Schools Programme is designed to tackle the mental health challenges faced by our young people head on and we’re delighted to see the positive feedback in the programme evaluation which shows just how transformative the programme has been in its first year.
It is an honour to welcome back our programme ambassadors, Ciara, Bethany and Rhys who are wonderful role models for young people in Northern Ireland both through their sporting success and by sharing their own personal experiences of mental health issues and how they have used sport as an outlet to manage these challenges.
We’re committed to building on the work we have done so far to ensure more school students are motivated to harness the physical and mental health benefits of sport, and look forward to working with our ambassadors and with the Youth Sport Trust as we actively reach into local communities to support young people across the region in a practical and meaningful way.”
Lidl Northern Ireland shoppers can nominate their local secondary school to win a place on the Sport for Good programme, as well as £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment, by visiting their local Lidl store and making a purchase to receive a qualifying Lidl receipt containing a 10-digit code. Receipt codes must be submitted online along with the secondary school nomination for a chance to win. Entries can be made via the dedicated Sport for Good online entry form at lidl-ni.co.uk/lidl-community-works. The competition is open now until Sunday, October 16th.
For more information, please visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/lidl-community-works.
Award-winning Roam app extends rollout across Northern Ireland
07.09.2022
Award-winning Roam app extends rollout across Northern Ireland
Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI back Roam Local rollout plans with major Belfast launch after Bangor success
An award-winning smartphone app developed to drive high street footfall and endorsed by leading industry groups Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI has marked the start of a full rollout across Northern Ireland with a new launch in Belfast.
The Roam Local app, which has already been the recipient of a number of major awards including Best Local Travel App 2022 at the UK Enterprise Awards, celebrated its official launch at Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with a variety of city and industry stakeholders.
It will now be rolled out across Belfast and Northern Ireland following a successful pilot in Bangor earlier this year.
The innovative digital technology, which uses GPS coordinates to directly link consumers to local bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, offers and more, was established in Durham by former professional jump jockey Andrew Bartlett.
Helping users to access information on entertainment options, find new places to go and receive personalised offers and rewards, the app is designed to boost footfall and revenues by up to 30 percent in areas where it operates. It has been backed by Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster, Cathedral Quarter BID and Ards and North Down Borough Council among others.
Roam Local app founder Andrew Bartlett said:
“The majority of small and independent retail and hospitality businesses still emerging from the pandemic and facing into a cost-of-living crisis are in a fresh fight for footfall. Most simply don’t have the big marketing budgets which national or multinational chains enjoy to promote themselves to consumers, which is where Roam app can really make a difference.
“This free-to-download digital solution for consumers puts businesses back in the driving seat, enabling them to showcase the very best of themselves and their destination, keeping visitors regularly and innovatively engaged.”
Andrew Bartlett, from Darlington, launched Roam app in 2017, and it is now used by more than half a million people across the UK, and many more worldwide.
“I established Roam Local to help support and empower businesses to market themselves using a low, cost-effective solution that promotes their offer, attracts customers and delivers a real investment return. As SMEs continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, and are faced by rising costs, its need has never been greater,” Andrew added.
Bricks-and-mortar businesses, such as shops, cafes, bars and cultural venues, can tailor their listings with images and other information to show themselves off in the most effective way using the app. Through push notifications, it allows businesses to communicate directly to their customers any news, offers, events or loyalty rewards that they have available.
Four push notifications a month are included for free. However, businesses can purchase affordable bundles of extra notifications if they wish to communicate with their customers more frequently.
Welcoming Roam Local’s rollout across Northern Ireland, Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said:
“Businesses are facing a series of new crises. Rising energy bills and weakening consumer confidence means we need every tool in the box to help stimulate consumer demand and footfall on high streets, to support jobs and livelihoods and safeguard future investment. This new digital solution has proven to be a great local success to date and I hope that its growth in Northern Ireland will provide even more valuable support over the weeks and months ahead.”
Gareth Murphy, CEO of Vertigo Holdings, best known for the We Are Vertigo leisure business, and as a major investor in Belfast city centre’s hospitality sector, said:
“The Roam app is an exciting marketing tool for us to start a conversation with new and existing customers – from sharing our offers, our latest menus or more general news and information directly to their phones. Harnessing digital technology and continually finding new ways to engage our audience, and find new customers is key for our businesses and it will continue to be for many other businesses and organisations in Belfast and across Northern Ireland in the key months ahead.”
Roam Local is hosting a launch party event in Haymarket Belfast on Thursday 15 September. Those who download the app will receive free entry and exclusive deals on food and beverages. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roam-local-belfast-launch-tickets-402331132247