Month: September 2024

September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. 

Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents alike.

North Belfast childcare expert and owner of Wee Chicks CIC, Kelly Molloy, is armed with almost two decades’ worth of experience caring for kids and has shared some of her top tips on aiding the process.

Well-versed in overcoming the struggles associated with sending your little ones off on their own for the first time, Kelly has outlined the best way to ease the transition and set the stage for a positive start.

Calling on her years of experience owning Wee Chicks, Kelly states that maintaining a positive attitude will help your child settle and enjoy the start of their journey with education.

Kelly explained: “A child can read your energy – so if you feel calm and prepared, they will too.”

Here’s Kelly’s top tips to help your little one love their new school:

1. Pay a visit

“Working out your little ones’ schedule means your mind will be put at ease and you will be prepared to guide them through their day” explained Kelly.

“Take a look at the facilities, check out the environment and put yourself in their shoes, noting anything that your child might be interested in to mention to them on days when they feel overwhelmed. 

“Don’t be scared to ask lots of questions and always trust your instincts.”

2. It’s good to talk

Kelly said: “Communicate with your child about what will happen. This is a big change that needs to be normalised, even after the switch over has occurred. 

“Bring nursery life into everyday conversation and try to remove any fears your child raises with you, including updating them on how you’ll be spending the day too. 

“Make sure they know what they will be doing each day and what you will be doing while they are there – even if it is just cleaning the house.”

3. Stay positive

“Your attitude towards nursery school will influence your child’s feelings” said Kelly, adding: “The majority of the time, it’s the parents who are feeling nervous about the shift, so it’s important to reassure your child that this is going to be a fun, new experience. 

“Tell them it’s going to be very exciting. Explain that they are going to meet new friends, and they’re going to be able to play with great new toys.”

4. Establish a routine

Start adjusting your child’s daily routine to match the schedule they will follow at nursery school. 

Kelly explained: “This means they will know what is happening and it should reduce anxiety. So, have a good bedtime routine, make sure your child knows what to do in the morning and stick to this trend. 

“If they know what is about to happen, it will reassure them. It will also help them understand that you will come back at the end of the day.”

5. Special affirmations

“If your child is feeling anxious, you can give them small affirmations that they can repeat to themselves” said Kelly.

“I recommend telling them to say things like: ‘I’m going to have fun,’ and ‘I am going to be safe.’ This can be really helpful.”

6. Comfort items

Kelly said: “Your child is still very young and may need a little reminder of home with them during the transition period. That could be a special toy (ask at the nursery about their policy on this) or a picture. 

““You can draw a little heart on their hand with a pen and tell them to touch it if they are feeling sad. Or send a ‘pocket hug’ with them. This can be a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it that they can look at for reassurance.”

For more information go to weechicks.com

Manufacturing firms in Northern Ireland must embrace resilience and innovation to thrive in today’s challenging economic landscape, according to Alan Lowry, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) NI Policy Board. 

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12, Lowry emphasised the need for businesses to adapt to a changing environment.

Bringing learning, development and networking opportunities to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast this week, the forthcoming event will see sector leaders from across the UK, Ireland and wider world for the 5th annual instalment of the conference.

With only days to go before the TEC opens its doors to attendees at 9am, FSB Policy Chair Alan Lowry has offered business owners and industry professionals a rare glance at his tips on how companies can better themselves in the current climate.

Speaking on the difficulty that the manufacturing sector has faced recently, Alan said: “There’s no doubt about it that the last few years have been very challenging for manufacturing businesses in Northern Ireland, particularly small businesses. 

“All of the issues around Brexit, followed by Covid and a number of other issues about the cost of doing business have really made it very difficult. 

“Northern Ireland businesses are very resilient, so the good thing is that most of them have looked for workarounds to make them still be able to perform in the way they should be, but there’s definitely challenges for them all that we need to work through.”

Arguably one of the biggest challenges that has needed to be overcome in the last few years is that of the Windsor Framework, which caters largely to companies that are bringing up to £2 million worth of goods in, but the FSB are actively working to rectify the discrepancies so that the majority of businesses can benefit 

Alan said: “One of the biggest problems with the Windsor Framework and the Northern Ireland protocol is it has made it much easier for micro sized manufacturing businesses to do what they need to do to them and put them out again. 

“The problem is, most of our businesses are between two to 10 million in the manufacturing sector, and it’s been made more difficult for them. 

“All of our goods have to come through the railing, which means there’s additional paperwork, and it all gets held up. 

“What we’re doing at the FSB is really trying to lobby hard for these members of ours and other small and medium sized manufacturing businesses to make it easier for them to do this business.

“I think it’s really important that all the manufacturers make us aware of what the issues are. 

“We’ve been lobbying hard now for a number of years on the issues that have been brought to our attention, and we’ve had some really good success and without the rigorous implementation of the Windsor framework, yet we still have an opportunity to speak to the EU and see if we can change some of that mindset, some of that thinking, just to make it easier for non-manufacturers to thrive and many of them to survive as well in this current environment.”

September 12’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition programme boasts five stages, one of which centres on Sustainable and Renewable Energy plus ClimateTech.

One of Alan’s many passions, both related to and outside of work, is slowing down the effects of climate change, something he believes is possible despite the small scale that Northern Ireland has to work with.

Outlining how NI can be more climate conscious, he said: “There’s a real push to try and get people into more sustainable vehicles, electric vehicles, but we don’t have the infrastructure for it in Northern Ireland in the same way there would be in the Republic of Ireland or in mainland UK. 

“There’s also massive opportunities in wind technology, not just in wind farms, but even in smaller scale wind technology.

“We don’t get a lot of sunshine in Northern Ireland, but we do get a lot of wind, and that definitely needs to be something we need to be looking at to make sure we can work that alongside the action plan.”

As well as sharing his industry insights, Alan also expressed his delight at joining the prestige list of speakers for the Manufacturing Expo, saying: “I think one of the really good things about the show later this week is that it’s going to allow people to see how technology and working together in partnership can really unlock this.

“Bringing manufacturers along with technology and supply chain experts together is really going to unlock the opportunities for Northern manufacturers.

“I think this week’s going to be a great open forum where a lot of people are going to learn things that they didn’t even know existed.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition has revealed seven speakers who are set to appear on one of five stages during the September 12 event.

Centring on logistics and sustainability, the day-long feat provides delegates with a fantastic opportunity to network with other industry professionals, as well as learning from experienced experts through insightful displays of their career knowledge.

The fourth stage inside of the TEC Belfast will feature talks on two topics split across the day, with the morning seeing speeches on Robotics and Automation, whereas the afternoon will focus on IoT, Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation.

Seven excellent industry professionals have now been unveiled alongside the existing line-up, offering guests a plethora of opportunities to hear from highly skilled individuals who have successfully made a name for themselves in the industry.

Speaking on the event’s prominence in the community, Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, which organises the event, said: “The conference promises a dynamic program with free workshops, keynote speakers, and a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest technological solutions and business services. 

“This event is a golden opportunity for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry to gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover cutting edge advancements that are shaping the future.”

Kicking off the day with her opening remarks, Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multidisciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, will deliver a brief five minute overview of what can be expected from the day’s programme.

The seasoned publicist and content strategist will also commence her own talk on Using AI To Supercharge Your Manufacturing Firm’s Marketing Efforts, delving into the transformative power of AI in construction marketing whilst unveiling cutting-edge strategies for leveraging AI to elevate marketing.

The first announced speaker of the day for the fourth stage following Tina’s introduction will be Al Parra, who is set to talk about Factories of the Future, honing in on the democratisation of resource and opportunity as well as other pressing issues.

The Founder and Director of Bloqs actively campaigns for manufacturing interests and regularly speaks on the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of open access resource distribution, including sitting on the MakeUK All-Party Advisory Board.

Andrew Gough, Managing Director of GCD Technologies, will then take over the microphone for his speech on Using Digital Transformation To Stand Out From The Crowd, before the first panel session of the day on the stage.

Moderator Tina Calder will also lead the stage’s first panel, speaking with panellist Rod O’Doherty on Business Digital Transformation, before the Salar IT Ltd Director, completes the Robotics & Automation line-up on his own, showcasing his Digital Business Solutions: Keys to Successful Selection and Implementation speech to audiences ahead of the lunch & networking break.

Boasting experience with computer technology in various forms, Rod has specialised in the sector for the majority of his career and now works as an independent business IT consultant.

Following the 40-minute long halt, during which attendees can grab a bite to eat and mingle with like-minded event goers, the fourth stage will become a hub for all things IoT, Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation.

Moderator Tina Calder will then return for the stage’s second and final panel on Beyond Boundaries: Igniting the Manufacturing Revolution – Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Redefining Northern Ireland’s Future. 

Excalibur Press’ frontwoman will speak with panellists Mark Walmsley, Ian Gardner, Rhealyn Mugri and Eric Hewitson to provide audiences with an in-depth look at how business owners can push their business forward within the Northern Irish sector.

The first name announced for the afternoon’s programme is Lee Bristow, CEO of Risk Copilot Limited.

His talk Frameworks That Simplify AI Success (Human AI Alliance) will draw upon his more than two decades’ long experience in the field, explaining how organisations can leverage the artificial intelligence convergence to achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscapes.

In the afternoon Rhealyn Mugri, Digital Growth Strategist and Founder of The Digital Projects, will bring her insight on From Assembly Line to Search Engine: Leveraging SEO to Supercharge Your Manufacturing Brand to the fourth stage.

Rhealyn’s talk will share her top tips on helping businesses thrive online through data-driven strategies and customer-centric solutions.

Rounding off the seven announced speakers is Lagan Networks Ltd’s Commercial Director, Mark Walmsley, who champions his 25 years of commercial roles within engineering companies.

Mark’s speech, Establish Utilities Usage Baseline Data with Ease centres on case study examples of productive electrical cost reduction and net zero initiatives.

Bringing the event full circle, Tina Calder will be back on the fourth stage to close the event, reflecting on the beneficial talks provided by each guest speaker.

She said: “When it comes to standing out from the crowd in any industry, the adoption of new technologies is absolutely vital, especially in the fast-evolving manufacturing sector. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way and embracing innovation to drive growth and success.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to moderate and speak on this stage. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only share insights on how AI can revolutionise marketing strategies in manufacturing, but also to engage with some of the brightest minds who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sector. 

“Events like the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo help to foster the connections and spark the ideas that will shape the future of Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.”

The NI Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo is sponsored by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ulster University, and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register