Aspiring chefs to step up to the plate with launch of new NI Chef Academy
15.08.2022
Aspiring chefs to step up to the plate with launch of new NI Chef Academy
NI Hospitality School extends partnership with three of the region’s top hotels to facilitate new training academy with guaranteed employment for six newly qualified chefs
Aspiring chefs are being called to step up to the plate and enroll on a brand-new training course, launched today by the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, offering students the chance to gain a chef qualification and secure guaranteed employment with one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels.
The brand-new Chef Academy will see six successful candidates selected to undertake a year-long scholarship delivered through on-the-job training at one of Northern Ireland’s top hotels; Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Resort or Tullyglass House Hotel, where they will ultimately secure guaranteed employment.
Successful candidates will gain a nationally recognised qualification (FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef – Northern Ireland), delivered by training partner South Eastern Regional College (SERC). The course involves not just classroom learning, but on the job training with our highly skilled kitchen brigade as well as unique experiences with our local food producers.
Representing an investment in year one of nearly £250,000 the new academy aims to recruit six locally based chef apprentices for its first intake in September, with applications now open.
The announcement follows the launch of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School last April, part funded by Ballymena-based charity The Gallaher Trust. To date, the school has already supported 24 students in gaining full-time employment with partnering hotels through its dedicated Bar Academy.
The launch of its new Chef Academy is the latest development in the school’s ambitious plans to support the hospitality sector locally and provide a pathway to employment for those seeking a career in the industry. Each year, the NI Hospitality School aims to facilitate employment for six chefs and 24 bartenders in a £685,000 annual investment, providing a significant boost to local employment.
Lauren McAteer from The Gallaher Trust said:
“Since the NI Hospitality School was launched last year, we’ve been delighted to see the response from young people keen to get a foot on the hospitality ladder, as well as from those looking to make the move to a new career within the hospitality sector.
We’re very pleased that the school offers students a dedicated education centre which is focused on providing first-class training and development; as well as real-world experience of a busy kitchen environment and learning from the very best across three of Northern Ireland’s top hotels. For us, the fact that the school facilitates employment for all of the graduates is the ultimate goal and one that makes these courses so attractive to students.
The Gallaher Trust is delighted to continue our partnership with the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and looks forward to welcoming a new batch of qualified chefs, particularly at a time when the hospitality industry is facing recruitment challenges. This will no doubt add great value to Galgorm, Adair Arms Hotel and Tullyglass House Hotel.
The launch of the new Chef Academy complements the School’s dedicated Bar Academy and further underscores their commitment to firmly establish the NI Hospitality School as a centre for excellence. Well done to all those involved.”
Thomas Turley, South Eastern Regional College Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering, said:
“I’m delighted to work with the Northern Ireland Hospitality School to launch a brand-new Chef Academy dedicated to nurturing a new generation of culinary talent.
The new course is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a chef to gain experience in a busy kitchen working under the supervision of passionate chefs at the top of their game, all whilst gaining a nationally recognised fully-funded qualification and securing guaranteed employment at the end of the 12-month programme.
Apprentices can enjoy a competitive benefits package including an attractive hourly rate above the recommended National Living Wage and receive a mix of on and off-the-job training with ongoing mentorship support. The blended learning approach also includes off-site training, with chef apprentices offered the opportunity to learn about sourcing, meeting some of the region’s top food suppliers and even getting to cook alongside a leading chef for a high profile dinner event.
The quality of the programme is second to none and offers aspiring chefs a real foot in the door to a fantastic new career alongside top employers. With no formal entry requirements, the course is accessible to everyone that can demonstrate a passion for cooking and a real drive to build their career as a chef. With just six coveted places up for grabs, I would encourage anyone interested to step up to the plate and apply today.”
Applications close on 29th August 2022, with successful candidates enrolled from mid-September.
For more information, or to apply, please visit nihospitalityschool.com
Shore Road is awash with shoppers as Lidl Northern Ireland opens highly anticipated new store
21.07.2022
Shore Road is awash with shoppers as Lidl Northern Ireland opens highly anticipated new store
Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing retailer makes a splash with opening of new multi-million-pound Belfast store and adds 11 new jobs for local community
Lidl Northern Ireland, the region’s fastest-growing supermarket, made a splash at Belfast’s Shore Road today with the official opening of its new, dramatically transformed store which gives customers more space to shop an expanded product range, delivering even more ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ savings for the local area.
The highly anticipated store opening brings Lidl Northern Ireland back to the prime retail site after nine months of construction work to facilitate the creation of a stunning, larger new supermarket with glass-fronted glazing, landscaping, more car parking and improvements to its access from Shore Road.
The store was officially opened this morning by representatives from social enterprise and development trust the Ashton Centre and suicide prevention charity PIPs who both received cheque donations from Lidl Northern Ireland to celebrate the new store launch.
Occupying an entire site size of 10,250 sq. metres, including a retail sales floor of 1,420 sq. metres, the new store on the Shore Road has been built to Lidl Northern Ireland’s exacting standards and award-winning ‘concept’ design which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency with a range of environmentally friendly features including an ISO 50001-certified Energy Management System, solar panels and 2 EV car charging stations in its 126-space car park.
The new state-of-the-art concept store represents an investment by Lidl Northern Ireland of £4 million into the local community. An extra 11 new local jobs have been added to the existing workforce of 22 to accommodate a much larger retail operation.
Lidl Shore Road Store Manager Ben Crawford said:
“Since planning permission was granted in October last year, we’ve been working at pace to deliver a fresh new store for shoppers and also enhance the facilities and façade of the site. I’m delighted to finally open the doors to the new Lidl Shore Road store and welcome shoppers to enjoy an unrivalled in-store experience. We’re also pleased to welcome an additional 11 new members of staff to our existing team and grow our workforce locally.
Lidl Northern Ireland has been a staple in the local community for nearly 20 years and Lidl’s investment into this site is yet another demonstration of how the company is committed to delivering for the local community.
After a six-month store closure to facilitate construction work, it’s great to be fully open and to see so many shoppers out in force today to get a taste of the new Lidl Shore Road store and our extensive product range which is known for its great quality and low prices. We look forward to welcoming many more new and loyal customers through our doors over the summer and beyond.”
Today’s store opening marks the completion of the third store delivered as part of a wider £32 million investment promise announced in 2021 to create five new stores within the Belfast City Region
Last year, two new stores opened at Holywood Exchange and Hillview Retail Park, whilst two further stores are earmarked for completion at Castlereagh Road in east Belfast, along with the first ever Lidl store planned for south Belfast at Boucher Road, adjacent to the iconic National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
The string of new Belfast stores is just part of the retailer’s plan to dramatically enhance its service provision across Northern Ireland, with ambitions to expand its 41-strong store network to 50 by 2030.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
Trinseo Opens New Global Business Services Hub in Dublin’s Docklands
22.06.2022
Trinseo Opens New Global Business Services Hub in Dublin’s Docklands
Global specialty-material and sustainable-solutions provider, Trinseo, welcomed Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, to officially open new office
Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a global specialty-material and sustainable-solutions provider, today opened its new Global Business Services (GBS) office in Dublin City Centre, welcoming representatives from leading local businesses and organisations, staff and partners to an official unveiling ceremony attended by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD.
Residing across two floors at 76 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in the city’s Docklands, Trinseo’s new GBS is in one of the most attractive waterfront properties in the South Docklands within the newly developed office building.
Frank Bozich, Trinseo President & CEO, said:
“Trinseo’s move to establish a significant base in Ireland is a huge step forward as we continue to transform into a higher-growth, higher-margin and less-cyclical specialty materials and sustainable solutions provider to better serve our customers worldwide.
We’re delighted to be in Ireland and open our offices in Dublin. We’re proud to become part of a rich community of high-calibre, high-growth companies in a dynamic and vibrant city business hub which is home to some of the world’s biggest companies.”
Established in 2010, Trinseo has grown to become a leading global specialty-materials solutions provider with a focus on delivering innovative, sustainable and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies.
Last October, the company announced its plans to establish its new Global Business Services function in Dublin City Centre and launched a major recruitment initiative to fill more than 100 highly skilled roles across many facets of finance, procurement, cash collections and IT.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said:
“Congratulations to the Trinseo team and the very best of luck with this new office. I’m glad to see you will still be promoting a flexible working environment, for the more than 120 new staff you’ve hired since deciding to invest here. It’s a great vote of confidence in Dublin City and underlines our attractiveness as a base. It’s a pleasure to be here in person to warmly welcome the new team as they embark on their new careers. The very best of luck with this expansion.”
Speaking at the new office opening, Lori Wilcox, Global Business Services Leader said:
“Since announcing our arrival in Ireland last year, we have been focused on building a stellar team of diverse and talented people for our Global Business Services function who share in our vision for the future, our values and our culture. Our ambition is to cement Trinseo as a great place to work locally. We want to grow our team with us and enable them to enjoy a rewarding career with a global company.
The new office is a fantastic multifunctional space where staff can connect and collaborate as part of our flexible ways of working and I’m delighted to welcome everyone here today.
It’s an exciting time for Trinseo, and we’re proud to become part of the City of Dublin.”
Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland said:
“Trinseo was attracted to Ireland due to the country’s international reputation as a location where companies can quickly establish their operations – this is evidenced by the fact that the company has added 120 talented people to its team here in less than a year. I would like to wish Trinseo continued success and our ongoing support as they further develop their business from Ireland.”
Bangor scores a Northern Ireland first with new tech designed to electrify the High Street
16.06.2022
Bangor scores a Northern Ireland first with new tech designed to electrify the High Street
New award-winning ‘Roam’ app launched in Bangor ahead of borough-wide and Northern Ireland rollout
An award-winning smartphone platform designed to drive interest, footfall and spend to local high streets and town centres has been launched in Northern Ireland’s newest city, Bangor, ahead of an immediate rollout across the borough’s key towns.
Designed to put consumers and businesses in control, Roam Local is a social media-style platform designed to connect communities, enhance safety and well-being, and support local business.
Powered by GPS, the revolutionary business platform empowers users to do everything from tracking down local retail and hospitality business to making plans, recommending their favourite businesses to friends, and creating safe groups to commute, shop and play safely.
Helping to build loyalty and encourage repeat visits, Roam Local users will get to see the very best of business and experiences available in towns across the borough from Holywood and Ards to Comber and Donaghadee through notifications generated by their favourite “Hotspots”, as identified by the app.
Already available in Co Durham, where entrepreneur founder, former professional jump jockey Andrew Bartlett grew up, as well as the Tees Valley, Yorkshire and other parts of England, Roam Local has more than 500,000 subscribers to date, as well as the backing of leading councils, chambers of commerce and business improvement districts.
With support from Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Ards and North Down Borough Council, Bangor was chosen for Roam Local’s initial NI rollout because of its potential to quickly revive its hospitality and retail economy in the wake of the pandemic.
It’s hoped the app will act as a digital catalyst to support the city’s ambitious £124 million regeneration plans.
Roam Local founder Andrew Bartlett said:
“Any shop, café, pub, restaurant or venue, in any location, is already listed on the platform, and any business can enhance their profile and promote themselves on Roam using the digital marketing tools to engage with the local community, business travellers and tourists alike.
“Roam Local is most effective when a location’s businesses and other stakeholders come together to celebrate what’s on offer – and I’m delighted that Roam can contribute to the great efforts being made in Bangor.”
Proven to boost local business footfall and revenues by up to 30% where it operates, the Roam Local app, which allows users to access information on entertainment options, find new places to go and receive personalised offers and rewards, has already won several awards including Best Local Travel App 2022 at the UK Enterprise Awards, and Tech Product of The Year Award at the 2021 Restaurant and Takeaway expo, Europe’s largest hospitality event.
Andrew said:
“This dynamic and award-winning platform helps consumers to find what they want when they need it and allows businesses to market and communicate to them directly, rewarding loyalty and ensuring they keep coming back for more.
“It really is a remarkable digital marketing solution that helps to connect consumers and businesses as one community.”
Roam Local pulls in information on all hotspots, including opening times, images and maps on places of public interest including bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, gyms and heritage and culture to help people plan a day or night out.
It also allows individuals to share their location with secure groups of friends or colleagues so they can stay together and plan their trips, and by understanding behavioural anomalies amongst friends, the app can send out safety alerts to the rest of a group if someone strays away or gets lost.
Welcoming the Bangor launch, Retail NI chief executive, Glyn Roberts, said:
“The pandemic has shown us that there is a new appreciation for thriving local neighbourhoods, high streets and town and city centres and the role that ‘bricks and mortar’ businesses play in making a destination worth living in or visiting.
“Bangor is beginning to blossom and I’m confident that digital technology such as the exciting Roam Local app, will be the way forward to help connect businesses looking to market themselves with existing and new customers keen to find out more about what their community has to offer.”
Bangor Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Thompson said the launch of the Roam Local app in Bangor was a testament to the strength and resilience of the local hospitality and retail sector and to its promising future ahead.
“We’re looking forward to the rollout which will support our continued local revival by providing a cost-effective way for businesses to promote their products and services to a growing local and engaged audience.
“By working together, we can help businesses sign up to the Roam platform, encourage local people and visitors to download the app and shine a light on the many great shops, cafés and other businesses that operate across Bangor.”
The app is freely available to download on both iOS and Android devices and businesses keen to sign up can visit roam-local.co.uk.
Claiming his Roam Local app listing, Ken Sharp, owner of the Salty Dog hotel and restaurant in Bangor, said:
“The Roam app has the power to help Bangor’s transformation by empowering local businesses to better promote themselves. It’s a great marketing tool for us to keep in touch with our customers and update them regularly on all our news, menus and activity. I recommend other businesses sign up too so that together we can harness its potential for everyone’s benefit.”
A dedicated Roam Local office has been established in Bangor to help businesses and consumers find out more at the former Danske Bank premises at 77, The Old Market Place, Main Street Bangor BT20 5AP.
Lidl Northern Ireland’s buzzing about biodiversity with launch of new pollinator gardens at stores across the region
15.06.2022
Lidl Northern Ireland’s buzzing about biodiversity with launch of new pollinator gardens at stores across the region
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the installation of five new pollinator gardens at its stores across Antrim, Ballymoney, Lisburn and Magherafelt, as well as the retailer’s regional distribution centre in Nutts Corner, as part of its commitment to increasing biodiversity awareness and reaching its ambitious environmental targets.
With a focus on optimising green spaces around the store for pollination promotion, the newly installed pollinator gardens are blooming with the addition of new wildflowers, insect hotels and informative signage to educate visitors on biodiversity whilst providing a haven for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hoverflies to flourish.
In conjunction with the goals within its comprehensive sustainability strategy, ‘A Better Tomorrow,’ Lidl Northern Ireland has continually demonstrated its leadership in the biodiversity field. Working towards the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of native ecosystem, the retailer has been a member of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan since 2018.
The five new gardens form part of the retailer’s wider project to install 20 gardens at stores across the island of Ireland.
To celebrate the launch of the new pollinator stores, thousands of pollinator-friendly bulbs are now available for customers to purchase and create their very own pollinator-friendly corner in their garden.
Commenting on the initiative Aoife Clarke, Head of Communications and CSR for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said;
“As Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket, it is vital that we play our part to ensure the growth and spread of our native biodiversity, and, consequently, the survival of our bee population. Bees and pollinating insects such as butterflies are crucial for our food ecosystem and we continue to advance our efforts in sustainability and biodiversity by introducing the new pollinator gardens at a number of stores across the region.
“As part of the launch of the new pollinator stores, we are delighted to offer a selection of pollinator-friendly bulbs and plants for our customers’ gardens. We can’t wait to see the bumble bee havens they create.”
Bulbs and plants available now in Lidl Northern Ireland stores start from just £1.49 and range from French Lavender and Potted Sunflowers to Tomato and Pepper Plants and Climbing Jasmine.
Grahams Bakery and Lidl Northern Ireland are a batch made in heaven with new £2.5 million supply deal
07.06.2022
Grahams Bakery and Lidl Northern Ireland are a batch made in heaven with new £2.5 million supply deal
Dromore-based Grahams Bakery whips up sweet deal with Lidl to supply award-winning cake range to 215 stores across the island of Ireland
Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer Lidl Northern Ireland has whipped up a sweet deal with award-winning Grahams Bakery to supply a range of cakes and baked treats to 215 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.
Under the new supply deal, worth more than £2.5 million annually, the family-run bakery will bring the taste of its home-baked goods to Lidl Northern Ireland’s much-loved confectionary aisle with 8 brand new products from delectable swiss rolls to mini rocky roads.
Now in its third generation of family baking expertise, the company is led by Timothy, Esther and Lois Graham and operates from state-of-the-art premises in Dromore, County Down.
From humble beginnings crafting its expert techniques and taste in the family kitchen, Grahams Bakery has grown exponentially since it was established in 1956 by May and Dennis Graham. Awarded two coveted ‘Great Taste’ awards for its Irish biscuit range, Grahams baked goods are made with only the finest ingredients using delicate hand techniques to create the perfect indulgent treat bursting with flavour and steeped in authentic homemade heritage.
Ciara Moran, Buyer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“At Lidl Northern Ireland we really value our local supplier partnerships and we’re proud to work with an ever-growing network of more than over 50 local artisan food and drink producers to provide shoppers with an expanded choice of quality, homegrown produce.
We’re delighted to expand our much-loved confectionary range with this new partnership. Grahams Bakery is one of the region’s most successful independent family bakeries and we’re confident that our new products will be a real hit with shoppers.”
Timothy Graham, Business Development Manager at Grahams Bakery, said:
“At Grahams Bakery, baking is truly in our genes. Our family business first began with my granny May almost 70 years ago, when she added a few leftover buns she had made for church to the window of her sweet shop. The rest, as they say, is history.
We’ve since grown from a small bakeshop in her home, delivering a small number of cakes, pastries and biscuits to the local town, to a thriving bakery offering more than 20 different products made with the same love and care my grandmother put into them all those years ago.
As we continue to carry on my grandmother’s legacy, we’re thrilled to secure a new deal with Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket to further expand the business. The support from Lidl Northern Ireland means we can share our range of delicious family recipes with a growing number of customers across the island of Ireland.”
The supply deal is the latest move by Lidl Northern Ireland to support local food suppliers.
Last month, Lidl Northern Ireland announced an annual supply deal worth £340,000 with Holywood, County Down-based spicy meat maker Hellbent to supply its succulent Chakalaka Boerewors to all Lidl stores within the island of Ireland.
In 2021, Lidl Northern Ireland struck a deal worth £11 million with Newtownards-based fresh food producer Willowbrook Foods, to supply 24 new lines of fresh convenience foods including ready meals, stir fry and deli salads, across its network of 210 stores across the island of Ireland. Other supplier deals signed in 2021 included a contract worth £500,000 annually with Country Antrim coffee roasters SlumberJack Coffee, and a significant £24 million deal with Fermanagh-based bakery, Crust & Crumb, for an expanded pizza line.
The Grahams Bakery range will be available across all 41 Lidl Northern Ireland stores in the coming weeks.
For more information visit lidl-ni.co.uk
Wirefox acquires historic Bushmills Inn Hotel
25.05.2022
Wirefox acquires historic Bushmills Inn Hotel
Wirefox, a Holywood-based investment company, has acquired The Bushmills Inn Hotel and restaurant, through its Marram Hotel Partners entity.
The property was acquired from owners Alan and Zoe Dunlop for an undisclosed sum.
A former coaching inn, dating back to 1608, which in more recent years has been extensively restored and extended, this historic property is seen as one of Northern Ireland’s best-known tourism assets.
Located on Dunluce Road in Bushmills, County Antrim, the property is located within the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens, an area of outstanding beauty just 2.5 miles from the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the village that is home to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, between the Giant’s Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club, the award-winning four star Bushmills Inn boutique hotel encompasses more than 40 rooms and suites and a popular restaurant, bar and loft.
The property will continue to operate in its current form with the existing team in situ.
Kathryn Robinson, Investment Director at Wirefox, said:
“We are delighted to welcome this fantastic team and impressive property to our growing portfolio of interests and look forward to acting as custodian of such an iconic asset in the months and years ahead.
“The Bushmills Inn Hotel is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known luxury hotel destinations, renowned for its warm hospitality and award-winning restaurant. The hotel is in an enviable location and surrounded by many of Northern Ireland’s most important tourism assets.”
Wirefox was advised by Belfast-based Davidson McDonnell Solicitors in relation to the acquisition.
Welcoming confirmation of the sale, Alan Dunlop, who has been managing director of The Bushmills Inn Hotel for more than three decades, said:
“The Bushmills Inn Hotel has played an important role in Northern Ireland’s tourism development for generations and we’re proud of the role we have played in supporting its success and in creating value, jobs and economic wealth for the community and region.
“We’re really pleased that, at this juncture, we are transferring ownership to leading investment company Wirefox. We are delighted by the exciting, visionary plans it has for its future which will ensure it will remain a major tourism focal point for the region to be enjoyed by visitors for many years ahead.”
Last year, Wirefox acquired one of the UK’s most famous hotels – The Scores Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, a historic 36-room establishment with a bar and restaurant – next to the oldest golf course in the world. Wirefox is undertaking an extensive 18-month refurbishment and repositioning to enhance the property. The hotel plans to employ approximately 70 local staff members when it reopens.
Wirefox is currently in the final stages of completing a major development of The Paper Exchange, a 200,000 sq. ft Grade A professional office and mixed-use development in Belfast city centre, revitalising the former Oxford and Gloucester buildings at 46-63 Chichester Street, adjacent to Victoria Square shopping centre, just south of Belfast City Hall.
Founded in 2014, Wirefox is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful real estate investment and development companies focused on driving asset value and creating long term capital value.
eir evo unveils new Northern Ireland drive for growth
25.05.2022
eir evo unveils new Northern Ireland drive for growth
Leading telecoms and IT provider eir evo has embarked on a new drive for growth in Northern Ireland as part of an ambitious strategy that brings its island-wide experience and powerful technical know-how to new and existing customers.
Formerly known as eir Business Northern Ireland locally, the company rebranded to eir evo last year following its successful merger with Evros Technology Group to form a unique partnership offering complete end-to-end solutions across telecoms and IT services.
Based in Belfast, the company, which has been growing for over 15 years, is now on a new growth trajectory. The growth plans are founded upon a promise to ‘level up’ the playing field for businesses with a compelling range of solutions, competitively priced and with strong service commitments, that will drive a new wave of innovation and productivity for future-focused organisations.
With an unrivalled network and a legacy of proven excellence in customer care, eir evo is now powering up to deliver an expanded offering for enterprise and public sector customers and is launching a brand-new portfolio for SMEs, with ambitions to be the number one challenger brand locally, servicing all businesses large and small.
Cementing a new 20-year commitment to the region, eir evo has already invested over £10 million in the last 18 months building its state-of-the-art network which completed construction earlier this month.
The company outlined its growth strategy this week to key business and government stakeholders as part of a flagship event that affirmed the key role technology will play in powering Northern Ireland’s economic potential.
Led by eir evo, the event ‘Northern Ireland’s Digital Future: Success Factors for Growth’ featured contributions from a range of influential business leaders in Northern Ireland including Steve Harper, Executive Director of International Business at Invest NI, Deborah Colville, City Innovation Manager & Head of Smart Belfast, Gareth Hagan, Deputy CEO, OCO Global and Tim Brundle, Director of Research & Impact at Ulster University and was attended by representatives from leading local businesses and organisations.
Philip O’Meara, eir evo Regional Director for Northern Ireland, said:
“Businesses across Northern Ireland are facing unprecedented pressure to innovate by embracing dynamic technologies in order to drive growth, productivity and value. Going digital is no longer a choice, it is a necessity and technology is essential to drive growth. eir evo has an unrivalled portfolio of services which leverages the latest innovations across cloud, cyber security, networking, infrastructure, connectivity and more.
“With an expanded new team in Northern Ireland, eir evo is perfectly placed to serve businesses which quite rightly demand the best advice and partnership to deliver on their goals. Having the right infrastructure in place is an essential platform for growth across Northern Ireland. At eir evo, we are committed to long-term development in the region, investing in our people, in our portfolio evolution and in the network to provide a premium service to our customers.”
eir evo has one of the most extensive partnership networks of globally recognised technology brands, achieving premium partner status with Microsoft, Cisco, HPE, Dell, Citrix, Palo Alto and Fortinet to name a few.
Since its rebrand to eir evo last November, the company has already made a multi-million pound investment in the brand, adding 17 new staff positions to its customer-facing team based in Belfast, and delivering an expanded portfolio of voice and data services to meet growing business needs.
This week eir evo launched a new business-to-business broadband service in Northern Ireland. Competitively priced at £20 per month for the first 12 months and £40 per month to 24 months, eir evo’s super-fast giga-fibre broadband package offers download speeds up to 900Mbps, empowering all businesses to speed towards digital transformation with a trusted partner.
“Focused on new tech start-ups, SMEs and entrepreneurs, our new business broadband service is one of the most competitive in Northern Ireland, supported by a leading customer service that matches customer needs. With a strengthened, competitive offer backed by local knowledge, insight and expertise, eir evo is investing millions of pounds to ensure local businesses can be the best they can be and that our amplified presence in the market will be transformative for the economy,” Philip said.
For more information, please visit www.eirevo.co.uk
We’re hiring…
28.04.2022
If you’re creative, driven and media savvy and want to work alongside the brightest minds in PR, advertising, design, social &, digital, we’d love to hear from you. Say hello@lkcommunications.co.uk
Closing date Friday 13th May 2022.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: – Client Executive
Reporting to: – Senior Client Team
Location: – Pavilions Office Park, Holywood
Main Function of Role: – Provide assistance and support to client managers/directors
and the agency’s PR clients, ensuring quality of output and client satisfaction
Key Responsibilities
- Providing ongoing support to Senior Client Executive/Client Managers/Directors on key client accounts (including consumer and corporate focussed-PR) simultaneously.
- Daily monitoring and horizon scanning of media, including online, print, broadcast, newswires, social media sites and blogs, for potential opportunities or issues for clients and competitor information.
- Analysing and evaluating media coverage, including daily and monthly preparation of client coverage files and evaluation reports.
- Creating weekly and monthly client status reports for Client Managers and Directors.
- Assisting in the management of PR photography & client photocalls, including sourcing & purchasing of relevant props.
- Researching, writing, proofing and distributing original and creative content to targeted media.
- Spotting and capitalising on media and influencer opportunities.
- General office administration, including creation of job reports, purchase orders and reordering of stationery and supplies as required.
- Working productively in a team environment with a spirit of collaboration and jumping in to help at all levels of tasks.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients, journalists and media.
- Supporting the Client Managers and Directors in developing new business pitches & presentations.
- Being proactive, flexible and have the ability to deal with new challenges as they arise.
- Being committed to confidentiality, total discretion and integrity.
- Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Managers & Directors of LK Communications.
Personnel Specification
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Qualifications | A third level education | A third level qualification in CAM, PR, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline. |
| Experience | One year’s experience in a similar role within a Communications or PR Agency or in-house.
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| Skills | Good business awareness and knowledge of current affairs.
Excellent writing skills.
Creativity and imagination.
Strong attention to detail.
Good presentation skills.
IT literate in Word, Excel and presentation software including PowerPoint.
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The ability to think strategically and good analytical skills.
|
| Characteristics | Ability to build strong rapport, relationships internally and externally.
Confidence.
Instinctive.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task/work on more than one project at a time.
Flexible approach to work.
Self starter, with determination, enthusiasm and the ability to cope well under pressure.
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| Other | Hold a current & valid full UK driving licence with full access to a vehicle.
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Employee Benefits
The employee benefits on offer at LK Communications include:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working
- Continuous professional development, onboarding & training
- Buddying & mentoring system
- Enhanced paid leave starting from 20 days per annum, 11 statutory holidays + day of your birthday
- Paid membership of CIPR & PRCA
- Mental health and wellbeing platform
- Access to private healthcare
- Company pension scheme
- Year-round calendar of fun team building initiatives
Ardmore acquires Belfast eCommerce specialist BFG Digital
26.04.2022
Ardmore acquires Belfast eCommerce specialist BFG Digital
Leading creative advertising and marketing agency Ardmore has acquired award-winning eCommerce consultancy and digital marketing specialist Built For Growth Digital (BFG Digital).
Based at the Catalyst innovation hub in Belfast with 20 staff, BFG Digital was founded in 2000 as Export Technologies and has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s top digital marketing agencies, representing more than 50 high-profile clients and brands in the UK and Ireland companies including Ann’s Cottage, Camping World, Newbridge Silverware and DV8 Fashion.
Since its inception, BFG Digital has helped its clients generate over £1.5 billion in online sales.
Based in Holywood, County Down with a team of more than 60 staff, Ardmore is a global industry leader in behaviour change, tourism and transport, food, fashion and FMCG, and 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, Progressive Building Society, Destination British Columbia and National Trust.
The partnership means the two companies can better capitalise on the fast-growing demand for high performance eCommerce solutions which rapidly accelerated throughout the pandemic as more businesses embraced online channels to reach their customers remotely.
The deal also sees the two companies partner with a world class eCommerce platform provided by Catalyst-based IRP Commerce. This partnership creates the capacity to support global growth ambitions for merchant clients – Ardmore is already a longstanding partner and shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc. (WPI), a global network of more than 70 independent agencies in over 40 countries.