GIVE YOUR PARTNER THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME WITH HASTINGS HOTELS

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LASTING memories are the ultimate present and Hastings Hotels is encouraging people to spend quality time with their partner and gift an experience to remember this Christmas.

 

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels has a fabulous array of gift experiences for couples to enjoy and has put together some festive inspiration:

 

  • Treat that special someone to a romantic overnight stay in one of the six luxurious hotels from as little as £120 for two people – book a city break in Belfast to take in a theatre date night or the bustling nightlife and stay at Europa Hotel, Grand Central Hotel or Stormont Hotel; escape to enjoy the ultimate 5-star luxury at the  Culloden Estate & Spa;  spend the afternoon exploring the Walled City and stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry or get cosy and enjoy a break along the scenic Antrim coast at Ballygally Castle.
  • After Christmas, there is no better time to relax and enjoy some quality time together than an afternoon being pampered. The Spa at Culloden is an oasis of tranquillity with relaxation rooms, swimming pool, heat experiences and an extensive selection of ESPA treatments including the Sequoia Couples Serenity package which includes a back, neck and shoulder massage, marma points to the feet & a lower leg massage, personalised facial and scalp treatment.
  • Indulge your senses and enjoy a romantic meal for two with menus carefully designed by the chefs at Hastings Hotels using the very best of local, seasonal produce.
  • Treating your loved one to Afternoon Tea is a decadent way to enjoy quality time together. Enjoy cups of the finest steaming tea or coffee, finger sandwiches and an array of delectable treats! For the most exquisite Afternoon Tea, visit the Observatory on the 23rd floor of the 5-star Grand Central Hotel where you can enjoy the best views of Belfast and beyond.
  • And if that special person in your life likes to choose their own present – a Hastings Hotels Monetary Gift Card is ideal! It can be used in the six hotels, magnificent spa and any of the group’s restaurants or bars. It’s the ideal gift that lets people choose the perfect present – be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from just £20!

 

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com/Christmasgifts or call 028 9047 1066.

TechFoundHer Enters Growth Phase as Applications Open for New All-Island WeBuild Programme

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Women entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland are invited to apply for three new
programmes designed to help them grow, innovate and scale their businesses.
Launched by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, the programmes will be delivered under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.. Pictured (L-R) are Roisin McDermott, Women in Business NI; Denise McQuaid, AwakenHub; Mary Gormley, Invest Northern Ireland; Emma Early Murphy, Network Ireland; Elaine Patterson, InterTradeIreland; Máirín Murray,
TechFoundHer and Sarah Mallon, Enterprise Ireland.

Women in Tech organisation TechFoundHer is calling on women across the island to apply for WeBuild, a new all-island programme upskilling entrepreneurs to accelerate their tech-driven solutions and progress tech-enabled ventures.

TechFoundHer, which has built strong momentum since launching in 2024, marks a major milestone in its growth with the opening of applications for WeBuild.

The WeBuild programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. The delivery partner for WeBuild is TechFoundHer.

WeBuild is a tech programme created to support women entrepreneurs in advancing tech-driven and tech-enabled business ideas, with a strong emphasis on innovation, AI capability development and building resilient, future-ready enterprises. 

The programme will provide hands-on, practical support for founders ready to move from early ideas to credible, investor ready technology products, offering expert mentorship, peer networks and guidance on designing, testing and building technology.

Speaking about the opportunity, CEO and Founder Máirín Murray said: “This is a break-through moment for TechFoundHer and also women tech founders across the island. The tools, the timing and the opportunity have aligned.

“You do not have to be a coder to build a credible tech product anymore. With GenAI and no-code tools, women can design, test and launch faster than ever, but WeBuild goes deeper. It is about building credibility with strong ideas, strong roadmaps and ventures that investors and customers take seriously.

“If you are ready to accelerate your product and turn insight into impact, this is where it happens. The old tech playbook is being torn up and WeBuild is where women are writing the new one.”

Entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr, who is a workshop facilitator, said the programme has the potential to reshape the landscape for women building tech.

“I am delighted to champion TechFoundHer as it enters this bold new phase with the WeBuild programme. This has the potential to be a real game changer for women tech innovators by creating the space, networks and industry insight needed to turn powerful ideas into scalable impact. When women come together to learn, build and back each other, extraordinary things happen.”

Running over a four month hybrid schedule, the programme includes a 12 week sprint, in person labs in Dublin and Belfast, and an intensive two day Build Lab where founders use GenAI and no-code tools to rapidly test and strengthen their products.

Support for WeBuild is further strengthened through collaboration with KPMG Ireland, which has a strong track record in advancing women in technology and innovation. Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director and Lead for Technology Enablement at KPMG, commented:

“WeBuild is a valuable opportunity for women tech founders to gain practical, AI-focused skills that accelerate real progress. We’re pleased to contribute our expertise to this important work.”

WeBuild is one of three new programmes under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. Together with WeGrow delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland, and WeScale delivered by AwakenHub, these initiatives will support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey from early innovation to international expansion.

Additional support for participants will come from members of the WeBuild faculty, including experienced tech entrepreneur Áine Denn who will contribute practical product and strategy expertise throughout the programme.

“Being part of the WeBuild faculty is a chance to back founders with practical, high quality support. I am committed to sharing proven approaches that strengthen clarity, confidence and momentum for women driving ambitious companies forward.” she said.

To give women founders a taste of the WeBuild programme, TechFoundHer will also host two festive Build Club sessions. The Belfast session will take place at Catalyst on 3rd December, followed by a Dublin session at Huckletree on 8th December. Both community events will offer practical no-code and GenAI insights along with guidance on the WeBuild application process.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Tuesday 9th December at 12pm. Women founders can apply now and find the full programme information at: intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship

Santa Sundays Bring Festive Magic to 2Taps — Supporting Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice

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Belfast’s favourite festive family tradition is back as Santa Sundays at 2Taps return to bring holiday cheer, delicious food, and heart-warming community spirit to the city. Running each Sunday until 21 December, Santa will make special Sunday visits to 2Taps, giving families the chance to celebrate the season together while supporting a vital local charity.

Every Sunday, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person and post their Christmas lists straight to the North Pole using the magical 2Taps Santa Post Box. In a meaningful gesture of festive goodwill, 2Taps has pledged to donate £5 to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice for every letter posted, helping to support the essential care provided to children and families.

To make the celebrations even more special, children eat free during Santa Sundays (one child per adult), allowing families to enjoy a stress-free festive outing. Parents can relax and indulge in 2Taps full tapas and drinks menu including the renowned Sunday Roast or special Christmas Menu with a Spanish twist, freshly prepared by the restaurant’s talented kitchen team. The cosy festive atmosphere will be enhanced by live music from Joe Kennedy, performing from 2pm to 5pm, creating the perfect backdrop for a joyful family afternoon.

Jarron O’Neill Watson of 2Taps expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s festive programme, highlighting both the joy it brings to families and the importance of supporting local charitable work. He said: “Christmas is such a special time of year for celebrating children, and Santa Sundays are one of our favourite traditions at 2Taps. As parents ourselves, my sister and I wanted to create something truly magical for families while also giving back to a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice does vital and inspiring work, and we are proud to support them at this time of year.”

The festive initiative is expected to draw families from across Belfast and beyond, with visitors returning year after year to enjoy the warm atmosphere, delicious food, and memorable experiences that 2Taps is known for. From the twinkling lights and festive décor to the excitement on children’s faces as they hand their letters to Santa, the event promises a magical afternoon for all ages.

Santa Sundays aim to bring the community together, offering families a place to create cherished holiday memories while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s enjoying a comforting Sunday roast, indulging in your favourite tapas, listening to live seasonal tunes, or watching children light up as they meet Santa, 2Taps is set to be one of the most magical places to spend a Sunday this Christmas season.

Santa Sundays are expected to be extremely popular, so book your table today at www.2taps-winebar.com/christmas and keep up to date with 2Taps special menu offerings by following along on social media.

T.P. Flanagan and Seamus Heaney on display at Ulster University for Art Unwrapped 2025

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Ulster University is delighted to announce the eighth annual Art Unwrapped exhibition, a treasured holiday tradition showcasing rarely seen artworks gifted to the city of Belfast from the national collection.

Launched at an event with Belfast Lord Mayor at the Belfast campus on the afternoon of 27 November, this year the university will be exhibiting two inspiring artworks by Enniskillen born T.P Flanagan and a poem written for him by the celebrated Irish poet Seamus Heaney.

Exhibition Details

  • Dates: 28 November 2025 to 22 December 2025
  • Location: Art Gallery, McCracken Building (Block BC),Ulster University Belfast Campus, 2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP
  • Admission: Free, with guided interpretive tours led by Fine Art Students of Belfast School of Art. Walk-ins are welcome during our opening hours. Tickets available via Eventbrite   

Art Unwrapped 2025 invites Northern Ireland residents and visitors to immerse themselves in two breathtaking artworks by T.P Flanagan Autumn Lough, 1961  and Weir on the Blackwater River, County Cork, 1993  from the collection of the Ulster Museum will be showcased in an intimate gallery setting, where attendees will explore the paintings’ rich context and underlying themes, guided by students of Fine Art from the Belfast School of Art. In a unique addition, this year’s exhibition will also feature “Bogland” a poem composed by Seamus Heaney for the artist.

This initiative, a collaboration between Ulster University, Belfast City Council, and National Museums NI, has brought iconic art pieces closer to the public for the past seven years. Previous years have seen artworks like Gerard Dillon’s “Innishlacken Couple”, Jack Butler Yeats’ “On Through the Silent Lands” and a collection featuring Margaret Clarke and Catherine McWilliams come to the university for the Christmas period.

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, says they look forward to sharing another Italian art moment with the public:

“Art Unwrapped has become a much-loved festive tradition for National Museums NI. Every year it provides a special opportunity to see a painting from the national art collection at the Ulster Museum somewhere unique and unexpected. This initiative highlights the power of working in partnership to do something different and make art more accessible to wider audiences.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly said:

“Art Unwrapped is a special Christmas gift to the city. Belfast City Council is delighted to have collaborated with National Museums NI and Ulster University for the eighth consecutive year on this innovative project because it’s raising both the profile and our appreciation of the visual arts. It’s fantastic to see Art Unwrapped grow in popularity and reach year on year – and it’s another great reason to visit and enjoy the city centre over the festive period. The schools outreach element is a particularly welcome way of inspiring our young people to explore their talent and passion for art and creativity.”

Professor Cathy-Gormley Heenan, University Provost at Ulster University said:

“Art Unwrapped is not just an exhibition but a celebration of art and culture during the festive season. The vision of Professor Rafaella Folli in Ulster, we are proud to continue this tradition, now in its eighth year, offering a unique opportunity for the local community to engage with and appreciate significant works of art, like these wonderful T.P Flanagan pieces we have been generously gifted this year by Ulster Museum. We welcome everyone to our campus to come appreciate these impressive works of art.”

With student-led tours and school outreach programmes designed to inspire and educate the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts, Art Unwrapped is more than just an art exhibition.  Ulster University invites the public to experience these pieces up close and personal this festive season.

For more information, visit: www.ulster.ac.uk/artunwrapped

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 1 – 7 December.

 

  1. Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, County Antrim, 28 November – 30 December. Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening festive wonderland once again. Among the highlights is the debut of the Enchanted Tree Choir, a new attraction that will see the trees of the forest brought to life. With an expanded funfair, Enchanted Grotto, Festive Food Fayre and Twinkling Light Trail, the resident fairies have made it an experience to remember. Bookings will be available every 30 minutes from 16:30-19:30.
  2. A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 28 November – 23 December. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of their Magical Christmas Experience. Meet your Elf guide, visit the Enchanted Forest, Elves Workshop, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen before meeting Father Christmas on a journey to the North Pole.
  3. Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 29 November – 4 January. This festive season, step into a world of Christmas magic as The Snowman™ and The Snowdog come to life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Wander through 100 acres of wintry wonder on a charming outdoor trail featuring beautifully hand-painted Snowdogs. Discover sculptures and one iconic Snowman™, inspired by the beloved animated film. Make your day even more special and explore the castle’s beautifully decorated rooms filled with festive cheer.
  4. Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh, 1 December – 4 January. Step into the nearby woodland for Elf Escape, Heroes vs Villains on an elf-tastic quest (£4pp) or visit Mrs Claus’s Cottage for a special storytime. Marble Arch Caves are offering Guided Cave Tours of the subterranean underworld from 1-23 December (10:00 to 15:30) and for those home for the holidays from 27-31 December, running from 11:00 to 15:00.
  5. Christmas at W5, Belfast, 29 November – 23 December. From magical storytelling sessions and indoor snowball fights to festive quizzes and creative crafts, there’s something to fill every heart with holiday cheer at W5. Make your way to Santa’s Workshop in AMAZE, where cheerful elves will reveal the Naughty or Nice List before guiding families to a glowing grotto for a special one-on-one moment with Santa himself, complete with a gift and photo opportunity to treasure.
  6. Christmas Wonderland, Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 29-30 November; 5-7, 11-14, 16-23 December. The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through the enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, hop on the Jungle Express and get transported through the magical forest, with the good company of Buddy The Join in on the all singing, all dancing Stage Show, adventure activities, toasted marshmallows with the Elves and visit the woodland farm.
  7. Santa Trail, Glenpark Estate, County Tyrone, 5-22 December. Step into a winter wonderland where sparkling lights, festive music, and the scent of Christmas fill the air. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto and some Christmas creatures on the farm, enjoy shortbread and hot chocolate for all the family followed by the essential ride on the festive tractor with crafts and surprises for the kids.
  8. Lisburn Twilight Market, County Antrim, 5 December. The market will be filled with the sounds, sights and tastes of Christmas. Enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat from one of the award-winning vendors. Stroll among the bustling mix of artists, crafters, health and beauty and homeware providers. Santa himself just might find time in his busy schedule to pop along for a chat or bring his elves for some Christmas crafting!
  9. Deck the Doors wreath making workshop, Long Meadow Cider, Portadown, County Armagh, 6 December. Get into the festive spirit at Bramley Barn with a creative Christmas wreath-making workshop. Guided step-by-step, you’ll learn how to design and build your own beautiful wreath from scratch using a mix of seasonal foliage, dried flowers, seed heads, berries, ribbons, and more. With all tools and materials provided, you’ll have everything you need to craft a unique piece that will brighten your home throughout the festive season. Sip on warm spiced apple juice or a glass of cider and enjoy seasonal nibbles as you create!
  10. North Coast and Glens Christmas Market, County Antrim, 5 December. Naturally North Coast & Glens (NNCG) are an award-winning, community market celebrating the best of our local food, culture, heritage, and traditions. Special Christmas Markets will be held in Ballymoney on December 5th and Roe Valley on December 6th from 11am.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week/weekend across NI

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Antrim

Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Event is Back!

Expect bigger and brighter lights, more exciting sites and four additional nights.

From 28 November until 30 December, Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening, festive wonderland once again. The resident fairies have a few new ideas of how to make Enchanted Winter Garden more magical than ever before. But the true magic? You’ll have to come and see for yourself.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Be our guest this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre’s furry-tale pantomime spectacular, ‘Beauty and The Beast’. Prepare yourself for a tale as old as time, but told in a way you won’t have seen the like of before!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The mischievous and brave Jack Frost, must join forces with a team of extraordinary friends to protect the season from the forces of darkness. Alongside his enchanted friends—his loyal guardian Saint Nicholas, Jon the talking snowman, Hoot the owl, and Neve the snow angel, Jack embarks on a thrilling quest. The Mac, Belfast.

Find out more HERE

Down

Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 20 talented local artists and crafters at Made in AND : Pop Up Christmas Shop!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

As part of Share Sessions fundraising live shows, Share Discovery Village presents Thunder Rolls – Garth Brooks Tribute!

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Limavady Drama Club in collaboration with Chloe Riley Drama, is thrilled to announce its forthcoming musical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ by L.Frank Baum. Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Experience the ultimate Christmas celebration this holiday season with Santa’s SuperShow Live in STRABANE!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s SuperShow is coming to town this winter! Join in with Santa Claus and his favourite friends, as they save Christmas!

Find out more HERE

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 24 – 30 November

 

  1. Armagh Georgian Weekend, Armagh, County Armagh, 27 – 30 November. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century. Armagh Georgian Festival promises to be a weekend which brings the city’s Georgian history and stories to life, where you can uncover some of our city’s hidden gems and take part in a range of activities and experiences.
  2. Friendship Four at The SSE Arena, Belfast, 28 – 29 November. Set to take place at The SSE Arena, the Rochester Institute of Technology, Sacred Heart University, Miami University, and Union College will go head-to-head for the coveted Belpot Trophy, which was last won by Boston University in 2024. For local ice hockey and sports fans, the tournament provides a rare opportunity to see four top U.S. college teams go head-to-head in the heart of Belfast.
  3. Thanksgiving at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 29 – 30 November. Join the Partridges of Slippery Rock in the Folk Park’s Western Pennsylvania Log House as they prepare their turkey dinner and eagerly await the return of their only son, Joseph, an infantryman in the Union Army. This performance will take place several times throughout the day, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to catch it. Sample traditional Thanksgiving food like Succotash, try your hand at American games and enjoy toe-tappin’ live music.
  4. Christmas at The Ballance House, Glenavy, County Antrim, 29 November. Lots of festive fun and flavour awaits you – visit Santa & his elf in the Parlour by lamplight and a warming turf fire. There’ll be plenty of free Christmas fun in their kids barn with take-away crafting decorations. Start your Christmas shopping in their craft market and enjoy soup and mince pies in the tea barn. Plus, the special musical guest is Kellswater Band, while a piper will start the Christmas Fair.
  5. Ballycastle Christmas Market at The Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 30 November (and 14 December). A fabulous festive fanfare is in store for all. The market will be festooned with artisan treats galore, quirky gift ideas, sumptuous, handcrafted treats, and much more. The market will be filled to bursting with eclectic treasures, delicious seasonal temptations and quirky handcrafted gifts from the very finest artisans.
  6. Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 29 November – 23 December. It’s a real code red. Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Your out-of-this-world adventure will include admission to a full-dome show in the dome theatre, help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show, along with a visit to see Santa, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
  7. Christmas at W5, Belfast, 29 November – 23 December. Step into a world of wonder as the spirit of the season takes over every corner of W5. From magical storytelling sessions and indoor snowball fights to festive quizzes and creative crafts, there’s something to fill every heart with holiday cheer.
  8. Christmas Art & Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 30 November. Meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces. From textiles to ceramics, paintings to prints, and plenty more in between, it’s the perfect opportunity to find unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts.
  9. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 29 – 30 November and 5 –7, 11-14, 16 – 23 December. The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through their enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
  10. The Spirit of Christmas Lunch Experience at The Boatyard Distillery, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 26 November – 19 December. Treat your colleagues, friends, or family to a festive experience that’s fun, indulgent, and perfectly timed for busy schedules. Their Christmas distillery soirée offers a sophisticated, stress-free way to celebrate the season, all in just three hours.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, County Londonderry

 

Embrace the crisp air and golden hues of the season with the Lodge Hotel’s Autumn Escape Getaway, from £115 per room (based on two adults sharing). Stay in one of their comfortable rooms and enjoy a bed and breakfast package designed to make your stay feel like a true seasonal treat. As part of your escape, you’ll receive a £15 dining credit per adult to use in their restaurant. Offer valid until 15 December. Visit www.thelodgehotel.com for more information. Ts and Cs apply.

Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ballygally, County Antrim

 

Relax and rejuvenate this winter with Ballygally Castle’s whiskey retreat package. From £125 per person, sink into your own slice of coastal calm. Unwind in the privacy of your charming room, complete with Netflix, and savour a complimentary miniature of McConnell’s Irish Whiskey while enjoying popcorn to share. Awake the next morning and enjoy a full Irish breakfast. Offer available until 31st December 2025. Visit https://www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/offers/ for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

Mums at Work Elevate Your Business Event Returns to Belfast’s Merchant Hotel

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The Mums At Work Elevate Your Business event will return to Belfast this Thursday.

Following on from the success of their annual conference at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena in March the Belfast event will once again highlight and celebrate the incredible work of businesswomen across Northern Ireland.

The Elevate your Business showcase was designed with working women in mind to enable them to make valuable local connections in business, increasing their brand visibility and opening doors for growth and referrals.

The Belfast instalment will take place in the Rita Duffy Suite at the Merchant Hotel on Thursday November 20 from 6:30pm.

Mums at Work was founded by Sinead Norton, a mother of seven and a passionate entrepreneur who wanted to create a network of women in business to form a supportive and uplifting community across all industries.

Sinead tragically lost her battle to Pancreatic cancer in November 2023, but left a powerful legacy behind. This has been carried on by her daughter, Danielle Norton, who has taken the helm of Mums at Work to continue providing businesswomen across Northern Ireland the opportunity to connect with each other and strengthen their community.

This year, the event will host a range of inspiring speakers from across Northern Ireland, including Sarah Lacey, founder of Nourish and Nurture, and Claire Boyle, founder of Groom the Groom.

Sarah will be sharing practical tips to manage stress and wellbeing in her talk, The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Stress-Busting Strategies for Success.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health and recently awarded Highly Commended for Excellence in Female Healthcare at the Private Healthcare Excellence Awards, she brings both lived experience and expertise to the stage.

Claire is a multi award winning businesswoman who has years of experience in male grooming and is the winner of several awards such as Men’s Stylist of the Year, 5-Star Barbers status, Male Grooming Venue of the Year, and a Mighty Women NI Award.

In her talk, Claire will talk about her entrepreneurial journey and will delve into how she built two thriving businesses while also balancing motherhood. 

She will also speak about the support that the Mums at Work Network provides, and how it helped her through one of the toughest periods of her life.

Speaking of the significance of Mums At Work and its respective gatherings Danielle said: “The purpose of the Elevate Your Business events is for women to have a chance to meet other women who are looking to grow their businesses. 

“It is a welcoming and supportive environment for women to feel comfortable and gain confidence. We hope the attendees will make new connections, receive referrals and increase their brand visibility. 

“We also hope they leave feeling inspired and motivated by our speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

For more information, to book a ticket or a stand at the Elevate Your Business event on November 20 go to eventbrite.co.uk

Belfast Agency Excalibur Press Strengthens Commitment To Accessibility & Neuroinclusion With JAM Card Certification

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(L-R) From left Excalibur Press staff Tina Calder (chief vision officer), Carole King (client liaison and business development), Alex Feher (managing director), Adam McBride (senior developer and digital transformation specialist), Lyndsey Hodgkinson (social media and video coordinator), Carly Curley (office manager) and Niamh Cooper (publicity and publishing assistant).

Belfast based communications company Excalibur Press have cemented their commitment to inclusion, accessibility and neuroinclusion by completing a company wide JAM (Just A Minute) Card certification.

The training, as part of the Belfast Business Promise programme, reinforces the ongoing work by the company to embrace and promote inclusion in their daily operations.

For Excalibur Press founder and Chief Vision Officer, Tina Calder it was a personal mission.

“Accessibility and neuroinclusion is massively important here at Excalibur Press,” she said.  

“Inclusivity isn’t a tick box exercise that you do and forget, it must be ingrained in the very fabric of your culture and team.

“As someone with ADHD and chronic pain conditions and who has staff, family, clients and friends with disability and neurodiversity I think it’s important for us, as a business, to show people that we are an empathetic and caring team.”

The Excalibur Press team’s ongoing commitment and passion for inclusivity is what drove them to seek out the training.

“Doing business should never be at the expense of being a good human, I don’t care what anyone says and, ultimately, no doubt I’ll pay the price for being so staunchly rigid on this but our values of integrity, honesty, respect, teamwork, creativity, innovation, education and inclusivity aren’t just fancy words in our handbook; they are the very fabric of who we are, what we stand for and why we do what we do every day.

“Like any business we understand there are limitations to what we can do within our available finance, resources and capacity, however, the Belfast Business Promise programme at Belfast City Council has made this achievement possible for our team and we’re immensely proud to now be JAM Card certificate holders.

“All businesses should strive for inclusivity where they can. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Continual improvement is important and being mindful of the needs of those around you.

“Neurodivergent and disabled people should not be expected to always ‘fit’ into an able-bodied, neurotypical world. As citizens, entrepreneurs, colleagues, family and friends we have a responsibility to reach out and be better.”

Tina said she’s proud her team is as committed to the company’s values and ethos of the training as she is.

“They weren’t just willing to embrace the JAM Card and its philosophy, they were motivated by our values and mission and, because of that, I’m proud to call them my team.

“Embracing accessibility and neuroinclusion isn’t just about ticking the boxes here, for us it’s the right thing to do and I personally believe it should be non-negotiable in business.”

Set up in 2017, Excalibur Press has grown from a solopreneur led journalism and media services business to a full multidisciplinary media, marketing and consulting firm with seven departments and a six-figure turnover.

Recently the business conducted a full restructure promoting Alexandra Feher to the newly created managing director role. The company now offers clients a holistic service offering covering everything from generalised marketing such as social media, PR, website development, video production, copywriting, crisis comms, research, event management and digital transformation to training, mentoring and consulting services such as entrepreneurial programme delivery and design, community outreach, business mentoring and media production and publishing.

Speaking of the JAM Card participation Alexandra said: “I am delighted to have overseen this initiative as one of my first projects as managing director at Excalibur Press. I believe it shows our clients, colleagues and community exactly who we are and what we’re about.

“In a time-starved economic landscape it’s easy to deprioritise things like training, continual development, accessibility and working on improving your services. 

“Very often we get caught in the hamster wheel of delivery and when working at capacity it can be hard to set aside time for things like the Belfast Business Promise and JAM Card.

“However, as a business that is no stranger to challenges, my team embraced this with positivity and we’re all proud to be able to display the JAM Card sign at our events and training.

“Not only did the team learn from the process but the getting our photos with our certificates and taking time out to discuss the process was a welcome break and opportunity to discuss issues such as accessibility, disability, neurodiversity and more.” 

The Belfast Business Promise contains eight pledges, driven by a commitment to making a better Belfast and shaping a better city for everyone.

For more information about Excalibur Press go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

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