Month: April 2025

Global female trailblazers in technology, innovation, and investment are set to take to the stage next month for the third annual TechFoundHer Summit.

The event will take place on May 14 at the Mansion House in Dublin with a series of Runway to Summit events happening in advance including a dynamic lunchtime Town Hall in Belfast on April 16.

Keynote speaker for the summit is Kelly Vero, the game developer behind Tomb Raider and Halo 3, and a pioneer in the metaverse, NFTs,  AI-led product design and a global voice for ethical innovation.

Kelly Vero’s new book Breaking Through Bytes profiles pioneering STEM women from ancient Egypt to the modern games industry.

Joining Kelly are a series of local and international investors, founders, and visionaries reshaping industries and investment models.

TechFoundHer founder Co Down businesswoman Mairin Murray said the event is a “powerful global gathering that’s flipping the script on who gets to lead in tech.”

She added: “This isn’t just another tech event, it’s a high-energy, purpose-driven gathering for women building and scaling tech solutions to solve real-world problems. 

“This year, the message is clear – the future of tech must be diverse, daring, and include women.

“This summit is about unleashing vision and imagination

“It’s for women who want to tackle real-world problems with powerful tech tools – and have some fun doing it.”

Also taking to the stage are international speakers and entrepreneur Lata Setty, a serial tech innovator turned investor and venture capitalist who leverages her expertise in science, tech, law and business to rocket fuel female founded startups. 

Former European boxing champion for GB turned tech founder Lesley Sackey will be speaking about how she’s building AI-powered platforms for survivors of domestic abuse.

While American investors and star of Show Her The Money Wendy Ryan will be discussing the importance of reshaping venture capital by backing women and BIPOC founders.

The summit will also see Irish tech leaders from across the island and beyond join the lineup including Dr Patricia Scanlon, Áine Kerr, Barbara McCarthy, Áine Denn, and Naomh McElhatton.

The event is expected to see over 300 women-led startups, funders and tech allies attend to join the conversation on everything from Tech Has No Gender (From Ada Lovelace to AI: inclusive innovation starts here), TechProduct Innovation (Go beyond the hype to get real-world strategies from global experts), Breaking Through (What it takes to grow your startup from kitchen table to IPO), Funding Forward (Demystifying the funding landscape, from angel to VC) and Women Innovators Rise (A spotlight on homegrown tech talent across the island).

With only 2% of global VC funding going to women, the summit will support attendees to spark connections, unlock funding pathways, and make women-led innovation visible and unstoppable.

Supported by Dublin City Council, it offers an opportunity for women across the tech ecosystem in Ireland to feel centred, supported and celebrated.

Mairin added: “The Summit is about inspiring women to step boldly forwards and use tech to solve big juicy real world challenges. 

It’s about motivating women to go for the moonshot  – and to realise that tech is the catalyst – it’s the easy bit once you are clear on your vision. Everyone can innovate with tech no matter their background or previous experience.

“The TechFoundHer Summit is not about tech – it’s about vision and imagination – it’s for those who want to solve big problems and improve our world. 

“Tech is your superpower to make it happen and scale your impact. It’s so powerful and it’s also lots of fun – but too often we’re told as women that tech is not for us -and we can feel like we don’t belong.

“It’s time to reimagine and redesign what tech innovation looks like and create a positive environment with the right tools, insights and role models – that’s where the magic happens. You don’t need to be a coder to start a tech company – tech is the easy bit once you have a roadmap and the right contacts.”

At this year’s TechFoundHer Summit in Dublin attendees will also meet the island-wide graduates of TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs – a programme designed to make tech accessible, impactful, and inclusive. 

Other key supporters of the 2025 Summit include U.S. Bank Europe as Network Sponsor and WITS (Women in Technology & Science Ireland) as Community Sponsor. 

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme, which nurtures early-stage women-led tech ventures across the island, was proudly supported by InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland) through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and included KPMG Ireland as the lead sponsor.

Leading up to the main summit there will be a series of Runway to Summit events taking place starting with a Belfast Town Hall at Microsoft HQ in City Quays on Wednesday April 16 from 1-2pm.

Hosted by Mairin it will shine a spotlight on women tech innovators from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

For more information go to techfoundher.com or book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Individuals from Newcomer Communities are being urged to take part in a Belfast City Council consultation, as the deadline to complete the survey has been extended and two additional in-person events will take place this week.

The Mind Tribe UK, who are leading the research, are encouraging anyone with lived experience or working with Newcomer Communities to either attend one of the consultation sessions or fill in the online survey before the extended deadline closes.

The Mind Tribe UK have been appointed by Belfast City Council to lead a new research and consultation project aimed at identifying the barriers faced by individuals from Newcomer Communities in accessing entrepreneurial support.

The project will involve 10 consultation events, a mix of virtual and face-to-face sessions, along with a digital survey engaging individuals from Newcomer Communities, enterprise support organisations, and community integration services to gather insights that will inform future support provision. The findings are then to be compiled into a final report with recommendations for Belfast City Council.

Katie Matthews Furphy, founder of The Mind Tribe UK, was awarded the contract due to her experience in business, mental health, inclusive training, and leadership. As an entrepreneur with lived experience as a disabled, female, in-migrant business owner with Travelling community heritage, she brings a unique perspective to the consultation process.

Speaking of the contract win she said: “I’m incredibly proud to be doing this work because inclusive economic growth is not just an aspiration – it’s a necessity for a thriving and diverse society. 

“Everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to explore their entrepreneurial potential and build a future for themselves, and through this research and consultation project we will explore entrepreneurial support pathways for Newcomer Communities, including Refugees, individuals seeking Asylum, and Migrants. 

“It’s fantastic to see Belfast City Council championing this kind of work, and I feel truly honoured to be delivering it.”

The consultation builds on the work of the Inclusive Enterprise Pathway, a programme designed and delivered by The Mind Tribe UK over the past 21 months. 

Commissioned by Belfast City Council, the pathway is the first dedicated council initiative in Northern Ireland specifically focused on supporting minority and marginalised groups who have been historically under-represented and under-supported within mainstream enterprise programmes.

“The Inclusive Enterprise Pathway is the first, dedicated council pathway in Northern Ireland specifically focused on supporting minority and marginalised groups who have been historically excluded from traditional entrepreneurial spaces and programmes, as well as under-represented, under-supported and under-funded within the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” explained Katie. 

“The pathway ensures that individuals who may experience additional barriers to enterprise can access the tailored support, develop the skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed in entrepreneurship.”

Recent data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) UK National Report 2024 highlights the significance of this work. 

It revealed “Immigrant and ethnic minorities are consistently the most entrepreneurial groups in UK society since the start of the new millennium”. 

However, the report also explained that volatility in immigrant Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rates is possibly subject to immigration policy and the female-to-male TEA ratio has widened, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the gap widened to 57%, compared to 72% in 2019. 

The report suggests this may be due to “employment dynamics in the wider economy, with many migrant women potentially more easily able to secure jobs in more female-dominated sectors, such as healthcare, that have had a very high demand for migrant workers in recent years.”

Belfast City Council’s decision to commission this research demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring that individuals from Newcomer Communities can access the entrepreneurial opportunities available in the city.

The consultation events will take place across Belfast and online, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of participants. A digital survey will also be available for those unable to attend these consultation events.

“We want to hear directly from those with lived experience,” said Katie. 

“Their voices are crucial in shaping recommendations that will lead to practical and effective support measures.”

Belfast City Council is encouraging individuals from Newcomer Communities, enterprise support organisations, and community groups to take part in the consultation.

The deadline for survey responses has now been extended. Two additional in-person consultation events have also been announced, offering more opportunities for people to share their views.

To fill in the survey or sign up for a consultation session, visit bit.ly/MindTribeConsultation

Private healthcare facility the Mid Ulster Clinic has become the first clinic in the UK and Ireland to offer the Capilo scalp and hair care range, a dermatologically certified treatment developed by Spanish brand Eva Professional and exclusively distributed by Antrim-based Savvy & Shine Professional Haircare.

The introduction of Capilo marks a significant step in providing specialist scalp treatments for clients experiencing issues such as hair thinning, dandruff, excessive oil production, and scalp sensitivity. 

The range combines natural active ingredients with scientifically formulated solutions, offering professional-grade care for those seeking targeted treatments.

Joanna Maxwell, owner of exclusive UK distributor Savvy & Shine, said: “We are pleased to introduce the Capilo range to our clients like the Mid Ulster Clinic. 

“Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for overall hair health, and Capilo provides evidence-based solutions tailored to individual needs. 

“Mid Ulster Clinic being the first clinic in the UK and Ireland to offer these products reinforces their commitment to high-quality, professional scalp care.”

The Capilo range has been introduced at Mid Ulster Clinic to meet growing demand for specialist scalp treatments. Clients attending the clinic can now benefit from expert scalp consultations and personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

Dr Declan Quinn, co-founder of Mid Ulster Clinic, said: “Scalp health is a key factor in maintaining healthy hair, yet it is often overlooked. 

“The Capilo range offers a professional, evidence-based solution to common scalp concerns, ensuring that clients receive effective and personalised treatments.”

Joanna also highlighted the importance of ensuring clients receive the right products for their specific needs. 

“Many people struggle with scalp concerns but are unsure which products are best suited to them” she said.

“Hair professionals know their clients best, but this technology allows them to go further. It offers a scientific way to support the recommendations they already provide, ensuring that clients get the most effective solutions for their specific needs.”

Savvy & Shine has been supplying professional haircare products since 2010, working with salons and hair professionals across the UK and Ireland. The company focuses on distributing high-quality, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious brands, ensuring that professionals have access to sustainable and effective haircare solutions.

“As a distributor, we are committed to ensuring that hair professionals and clients alike have access to the best products on the market,” said Joanna. 

Capilo offers a range of targeted treatments backed by dermatological research, giving professionals the tools they need to support their clients’ scalp health.”

For more information about Savvy & Shine’s full range of consumer and salon only products go to savvyandshine.com

To book a Capilo treatment or consultation at Mid Ulster Clinic go to midulsterclinic.com 

Ballymoney will come alive with carnival fun this April as the annual Spring Fair brings two days of free entertainment and lots of family-friendly activities to the town.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, the 2025 fair will be held on Friday 11th April – Saturday 12th April.

This year will be the biggest fair to date, so get your dancing shoes on and come along for an afternoon of music, craic and some of your favourite tunes from Fuse FM between 11-4pm each day.

Ireland’s answer to Garth Brooks, Jason Hughes will be entertaining the crowds with special guests, live on Friday 11th from 12.30pm to 3.30pm in Castlecroft Square.

Saturday 12th brings some local talent in the form of country music singer Sarah Carson and the fabulous Cherith McCook who will both entertain the crowds with their incredible voices!

A recent addition to the programme which is fast becoming a highlight of the Spring Fair is the Maypole dance displays, Join the fabulous Kelly Neill Dance Company for performances at 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday.

The Visitor Information Centre will also host a taste sampling session of local award-winning artisan products from 12 – 4pm over both days.

On Saturday the town centre will be closed to traffic and have an even bigger choice of activities this year due to the completion of the environmental improvement scheme in High Street, with a carousel, tag bunker and hook-a-duck game. While Main Street, will also be closed allowing for more carnival games and of course, Ballymoney Country market stalls

A Quiet Time Session will run from 11am – 12 noon on Saturday, providing an opportunity for individuals with additional needs to enjoy some of the activities on offer. Activities and entertainment commence from 12 noon across the town.

Ravara Obedience and Agility Club will be getting the pups off their feet and over obstacles in Taggarts Yard; why not watch the very clever dogs the club has trained or bring your own dog along if you think they can finish the obstacle tests!

The carnival parade will commence at 3.30pm on Saturday and will see a spring-themed spectacle of floats, children, music and colour. The parade will set off from the Town Hall, travel along both High Street and Main Street and then back up to the town hall.

Between The Ballymoney Country Market stalls, a wealth of independent boutiques and businesses in the town who will have special Spring Fair offers running, you’ll be able to shop local and treat yourself to something nice.

Don’t forget to be ready to find the special rocks hidden at various locations around the town. Ballymoney Rocks have a special treasure rock hunt, entry forms can be picked up from the Visitor Information Centre.

For more information about the event visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com and for updates follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

Sea swimming, stunning hike, expert tips on sleep, cosy room and amasing food all on offer!

Elephant Rock has designed an event for those seeking a break from their busy lives to enjoy nature, scenic walks, and new experiences, including a cold sea plunge.

The Elephant Rock Great Rock Reset package, taking place on April 26th, was created in collaboration with Revive North Coast and Tree and Tide. The retreat offers guests expert advice on how to recharge and revitalise. 

 

 “We spent a long time creating this package and put a lot of thought into every aspect of the trip”, explained Charlotte Dixon, Managing Director, Elephant Rock Hotel. “The Great Rock Reset includes an overnight in one of our stunning rooms, lunch on arrival, a delicious 2-course dinner and a hearty breakfast the next morning.”

“Activities include a guided hike of Binevenagh to the Devil’s Thumb, with panoramic views over Lough Foyle, the Roe Valley, Inishowen, and the West Coast of Scotland. There will also be an informative talk from Tree and Tide on the importance of sleep and how to achieve it,” said Charlotte.

The Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 revealed that the global wellness economy is worth 26% more than it was pre-pandemic – $6.3 trillion (£4.9 trillion/€5.8 trillion). This figure has grown from $4.6 trillion in 2020*.

Charlotte added: “Cold-water therapy is known to aid in recovery after exercise by reducing inflammation and soreness. Revive North Coast will lead a plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, right on our doorstep. They’ll share the best practices and safety tips for cold-water swimming, introduce breathing techniques, and highlight the many mental and physical benefits of this practice.”

This is an interactive weekend where all guests can enjoy the activities together.

“Our location is perfect for anyone wanting to escape their hectic lives, with captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean, stunning walks on blue-flag beaches and unforgettable places such as Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway right on our doorstep. However, a lot of our guests return time and time again because of the excellent service they enjoy – we do our best to make everyone feel like a member of the Elephant Rock family”, concluded Charlotte.

For more information on the Great Rock Reset package or to book visit https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk/ or call + 44 28 7087 8787.

 

The Ards International Guitar Festival rocks into Newtownards next week, bringing an exciting lineup that showcases both local and international guitar talent. From classical to rock, the diverse programme offers something for every music lover. Presented by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the festival runs from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 April.

Highlights of this year’s programme include viral guitar sensation Luca Stricagnoli, widely regarded as one of the most unique guitarists in the world. With nearly 30 years of music-making and global touring, Luca’s innovative style has redefined guitar playing. His groundbreaking inventions, such as the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, have pushed the boundaries of modern acoustic guitar. Luca will take the stage at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards, on Friday April 11, with support from John Tracey.

Renowned guitarist Gary Lucas, praised by Rolling Stone as “one of the best and most original guitarists in America,” will be performing at Ards Arts Centre on Friday 11 April. With a career that includes collaborations with legends like Lou Reed, Captain Beefheart and Jeff Buckley, Gary is known for his genre-defying performances on both acoustic and electric guitar. He will be joined by Irish singer Ellen Lyons to perform some of his most iconic works, including songs by Jeff Buckley and more.

Classical fans won’t want to miss the Eire Guitar Duo, a dynamic classical duo dedicated to expanding the classical guitar duo repertoire. Oscar Montague and Santiago Kodela will be performing at Ards Arts Centre on Saturday 12 April with support from the Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland.

With performances from The Rob Strong Band, Gary Lutton, Megan O’Neill, Amanda Agnew, Gráinne Hunt, Emma Langford, Craig Ogden and more, guitar fans are in for a treat with this year’s impressive line-up!

 

Speaking about the festival, Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented:

“This year’s festival is a superb line-up showcasing the best of local, national and international guitar talent in intimate venues in Newtownards. From blues and rock to classical and contemporary there’s something for everyone; I’d encourage everyone to grab a ticket while you can and enjoy the best of live guitar music!”

 

For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit: www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk                         

 

A ‘Musician in Residence’ has been bringing joy to patients and service users across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. 

Anne Harper is accomplished in a range of instruments including the clarinet, saxophone and harp and is also a trained storyteller. She has been recruited through Arts Care to deliver musical projects across wards, outpatients and day care settings. 

Arts Care is an arts, health and wellbeing charity which delivers a range of innovative projects into health, social and community care services, to enhance the experience of patients and service users. 

Over recent months, patients, staff and visitors have been treated to the soothing tones of Anne’s harp at Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospital Paediatric Outpatients Departments, Daisy Hill Coronary Care and Acute Medical Units, ENT and Urology at Craigavon Area Hospital and Lurgan Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit.  

She has also delivered musical workshops, including a Christmas tour for residents of Meadows Day Centre, Portadown, Clogher Day Centre, Orchard Day Centre, Newry, Crozier Lodge Day Centre (as part of the ‘Here & Now’ Project) and Linenbridge Day Centre, Banbridge. 

Anne says: “The harp has a longstanding association with healing and relaxation in Ireland and it is an honour to bring some of that magic into hospital and community settings. The workshops in the day centres focus on enhancing wellbeing, self-regulation and improving co-ordination, through music, singing, storytelling and simple percussion lessons. They are also just generally good fun and a different activity for service users to enjoy. 

“I am delighted that the Trust recognises the important role music can play in health and social care and look forward to bringing the benefits to as many people as possible across the area.”

Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing for the Southern Trust explains: 

“Research shows that music can reduce anxiety, improve mood, create connection and inspire memory. 

“Hospitals can be very busy and sometimes a stressful environment, so the mix of classical, traditional and modern music brings a calming balance for patients, visitors and staff. It is a welcome distraction for families in the waiting areas in paediatric outpatients and Anne generously takes time to show children the instruments and how to strum the harp. 

“In adult departments, the music helps to put patients at ease, perhaps those worried about their condition and it is very comforting entertainment for those with delirium or dementia. Day care staff and service users always look forward to Anne’s workshops which offer really enjoyable but stimulating activities which benefit them physically, cognitively and socially.

“Staff have been very supportive of how Anne’s work complements their care and enhances our service users’ experience.”