Author: Tina Calder

Belfast Agency Excalibur Press Appoints Managing Director To Lead Ongoing Growth And Development

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Excalibur Press chief vision officer Tina Calder and managing director Alexandra Feher

Belfast based communications company Excalibur Press have appointed Alexandra Feher to the role of managing director to support the company with their growth.

In eight years the business, set up by comms strategist and business mentor Tina Calder in 2017, 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.

According to chief vision officer Tina the new appointment signifies a new era for the business.

Alexandra, 30, who has been with the business for just under five years, started as a short-term contractor with general duties in marketing and communications. Having been promoted to head of content at the beginning of 2024 she has been instrumental in the restructure of the organisation over the last 10 months.

Speaking about the appointment Tina, who will now step away from the day to day running of the business, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to offer Alex the position she deserves within the business. She has been a key part of our survival journey over the last few years and has proven time and time again that she’s the woman for the job.

“Following the decimation of the business during Covid Alex was part of the new team who worked hard to bring us back to life when many businesses were going through significant difficulties.

“In October 2022 we were victims of the Cathedral Buildings arson attack and lost four offices, significant revenue and equipment. This pushed the business back into survival for the second time since Covid.

“Since then Alex has led the team through a difficult, but successful, regrowth period and I am delighted to be able to work with her to build on that success.”

Following a full restructure of the business Excalibur Press 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.

Alexandra will now lead an internal team of eight and a contractors and mentors network of over 25 managing day to day projects and workflows whilst Tina will move into strategic work for clients including fractional roles and consulting as well as delivering training, entrepreneur support programmes and mentoring.

Alexandra said: “It’s no secret the journey with Excalibur Press has been a bumpy one with many challenges along the way but throughout my time here I’ve been given the opportunity to craft a unique role that allows me to showcase and develop both my leadership skills and career goals.

“Excalibur Press is a fast-moving, vibrant business with a varied client base that gives the team a chance to learn and develop in many sectors and skills. Being part of that journey of course can be stressful but it’s also rewarding and exciting when you see the plans and new ideas come together.

“The world of agency life is changing, being ready and able to pivot quickly, efficiently and effectively is key to survival and I am delighted to say we have a team that allows us to do that.

“In the last few months we’ve been through a significant restructure and I’m excited to work with Tina and the team to announce our new plans for 2026 later this year.”

Alongside the restructure and appointment of Alexandra the Excalibur Press leadership team have reinforced their commitment to nurturing new talent and providing the next generation with much needed skills and experience through their work experience, internship and training schemes.

This announcement comes on the back of the company recently being awarded the Go Succeed Get Started In Business programme aimed at economically inactive individuals for six councils across Northern Ireland (Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Ards & North Down Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Mid Ulster District Council), the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council Go Succeed Digital Edge programme and being appointed to the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council ASK mentoring programme.

The company are already working with a number of large organisations and local councils on projects such as PR and comms for the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF), media and marketing training programme with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as well as marketing and business development consultation for Arts Care and website development for Seaview Stadium.

“Business is hard all round let’s not pretend it isn’t, I’ve been very open that my journey with Excalibur Press has been a difficult one having had to build the company to where we are today three times since its inception” said Tina, adding: “But, when you have family, staff, contractors, friends and partners like I have it’s easy to weather the storm, stay focused and stay resilient.

“I am excited to see what the new chapter of Excalibur Press will bring and to watch my staff grow and develop their departments. Personally, I’m also very excited to be able to focus my attention on our strategic vision and to support our clients at a strategic level whilst delivering my training and mentoring day to day.”

For more information about Excalibur Press go to excaliburpress.co.uk or email alexandra@excaliburpress.co.uk 

Charities Champion Inclusion And Opportunity Ahead Of Belfast Careers And Volunteer Fair

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With just days to go before The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 5th November, organisations working across disability, autism and inclusion are encouraging people to explore the life-changing opportunities available within Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector.

 

Among those leading the way are Positive Futures, National Autistic Society NI and Autism Initiatives, who are highlighting the importance of inclusion, accessibility and understanding in the workplace and beyond. The three organisations are featured together in a new photo with event organisers Richard Cherry and Chris Bunce, co-founders of Charity Jobs NI, ahead of the upcoming fair.

 

Positive Futures, a returning exhibitor, is a leading learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism charity that supports children and adults, and their families through innovative person-centred services, enabling them to achieve their dreams and transform their lives.

 

Chris Perry, Human Resources Director at Positive Futures, said the event provides an important platform for the sector to connect with people who want to make a difference.

 

“This event is your chance to meet the people behind the charities making a real difference to people’s lives and discover how you can be part of creating change.”

 

National Autistic Society NI, a new exhibitor this year, provides a range of support to Northern Ireland’s 35,000 autistic people and their families. The charity runs specialist services and programmes and campaigns to help create a society that works for autistic people. Paula McCann, Service Manager at National Autistic Society NI, said the fair is an opportunity for people to find a role that truly matters.

 

“If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make a difference – in others’ lives and your own – come and see what we have to offer. We have a range of rewarding opportunities available and we would love to chat with you about how you could be part of something meaningful.”

 

Autism Initiatives, a returning exhibitor, supports people with autism and their families across Northern Ireland, promoting inclusion, independence and understanding through tailored services, support and education. The organisation works to ensure that autistic people are heard, valued and supported in their communities.

 

They will be joined by Triangle Housing Association, which provides supported living opportunities that empower people to live more independently. Sharon McIlveen, Head of People and Learning at Triangle Housing Association, said their team is excited to meet attendees on the day.

 

“We have live opportunities and attendees are welcome to complete applications on the day with our team.”

 

Other organisations in the inclusion and care space taking part include Inspire Wellbeing, Caring Breaks, and Saint Vincent de Paul, highlighting how the third sector brings together charities across health, social care, and community support to improve lives across Northern Ireland.

 

They are among more than 25 organisations confirmed for the fair, representing a wide range of causes including youth and family services, environmental action, volunteering, animal welfare, and community development. The event provides a rare opportunity to meet directly with employers and charities offering both paid and volunteer roles in the third sector.

 

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the event celebrates the growing commitment to inclusion and equality across Northern Ireland’s charities.

 

“It is incredible to see so many organisations coming together to champion accessibility and opportunity. The commitment from charities across Northern Ireland to create inclusive workplaces is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see the connections and conversations that come out of this event.”

 

Free to attend and open to everyone, The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Wednesday 5th November from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

 

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair

Local Charities Highlight Health And Wellbeing Careers Ahead Of Belfast Fair

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With less than a week until The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 5th November, charities working across Northern Ireland’s health and care sectors are encouraging people to explore the rewarding opportunities available within the third sector.

Among those exhibiting are PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and Inspire Wellbeing, who will join Towell House Residential Care Home and Cancer Fund for Children in representing organisations that provide vital health and wellbeing support to individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland.

PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity, a new exhibitor this year, provides immediate, accessible and compassionate support to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or mental unwellness. The charity offers free, confidential counselling, befriending, crisis and bereavement support across Northern Ireland, with an open-door, no-appointment-needed service at its Belfast location for anyone in need of help or hope.

Renee Quinn, Executive Director at PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity said attending the fair is an opportunity to inspire more people to get involved in life-changing work.

“If you want to make a genuine impact in people’s lives, come and meet us. Whether you have personal experience, professional skills, or simply a desire to help others, there’s a place for you at PIPS Charity. Together, we can bring light to those facing darkness and build a more compassionate, suicide-free society.”

Inspire Wellbeing, a returning exhibitor, is an all-island charity and social enterprise whose aim is wellbeing for all. The organisation works alongside people living with mental ill health, learning disabilities, autism and addictions, ensuring they live with dignity and realise their full potential.

Becca Leslie, Recruitment Business Partner at Inspire Wellbeing, said the fair is a chance to meet people whose values align with the charity’s mission.

“Come and see us at the stand, bring your questions, ask about what a day in the role really looks like. At Inspire Wellbeing you’ll find roles where you’ll make a real difference, not just clock hours. If you’re someone who cares about people’s dignity, wants to be part of a team, and is ready for meaningful work, then this could be your place. Even if you’re just curious and exploring, pop by, let’s chat about how you could fit in and grow with us.”

Towell House Residential Care Home, a returning exhibitor, is a warm and welcoming haven in East Belfast dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred care for older people and those with physical disabilities. With compassion, respect and a vibrant community spirit, the charity creates a true home from home where every individual is supported to live with dignity, choice and wellbeing.

Sarah Brooker, Senior Diversional Therapist at Towell House, said the fair is an opportunity for people to find a truly meaningful role in care.

“If you’re considering attending the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair, go for it — it’s a brilliant chance to explore meaningful opportunities, meet inspiring organisations, and discover how your skills and passion can make a real impact. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, start a career in the charity sector, or simply learn more, this event is a gateway to purpose-driven work and community connection.”

They will be joined by Cancer Fund for Children, who represent the diverse range of organisations working to improve wellbeing across all stages of life, from elderly care to family support. Other health and care organisations signed up to the event include Caring Breaks, Saint Vincent de Paul, Triangle Housing Association and Extern, showcasing the range of opportunities available within this vital part of the third sector.

They are among more than 25 organisations taking part in the fair, representing every corner of the charity and voluntary landscape including animal welfare, disability support, community development, youth services, volunteering and environmental action. Together they highlight the variety of career and volunteering pathways open to anyone who wants to make a difference.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the growing number of exhibitors is a testament to the strength and spirit of Northern Ireland’s third sector.

“We are absolutely delighted to see so many organisations coming together for this fair. Each one represents the compassion, skill and commitment that keep our communities strong. With more than 25 exhibitors confirmed, this year’s event will be our biggest yet and we cannot wait to welcome people who are ready to find purpose in their work or volunteering.”

Free to attend and open to everyone, The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Wednesday 5th November from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair 

Charities Inspire Northern Ireland To Give Back Ahead Of Belfast Careers And Volunteer Fair

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With only days to go before The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 5th November, organisations across Northern Ireland are celebrating the power of community and volunteering by encouraging people to get involved, give back and make a difference.

Among those leading the way are The Conservation Volunteers, Volunteer Now and Cats Protection, who will represent the charities and community groups helping to build a stronger, more connected Northern Ireland.

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), a returning exhibitor, creates opportunities for people to care for their local environment while improving their own health and wellbeing. The charity runs conservation projects that bring communities together to enhance green spaces, wildlife habitats and public parks across Northern Ireland.

Ciara Diamond, Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Officer at The Conservation Volunteers, said the event is an important opportunity to connect with the local community.

“The fair is a great opportunity for us to engage with the community around us here in Northern Ireland, to spread the word about what we do and how people can get involved. It’s always a fun and engaging afternoon out, and a chance to learn about the opportunities that exist right on your doorstep.”

Cats Protection, a new exhibitor, supports cats and kittens across Northern Ireland through rehoming, education and volunteer engagement. Run by a dedicated team of cat lovers, the charity works to improve the lives of cats, offer advice and raise awareness of responsible ownership.

Jonny Wilson, Community Fundraising Volunteer Team Leader at Cats Protection, said the fair is an opportunity to meet people who share their passion.

“We’d love to meet you and chat about how you could volunteer with us in fundraising and cat welfare. It’s a great chance to find out more about what we do and how you can help make a difference for cats across Northern Ireland.”

Volunteer Now, a new exhibitor, will also take part in the fair, highlighting the breadth of volunteering opportunities available across the country. The organisation plays a vital role in connecting people with volunteer placements, training opportunities and community projects, helping individuals find ways to use their time and skills to support others.

They will be joined by RSPB Northern Ireland and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, both long-standing champions of community action and volunteering. Together, these organisations represent the many ways people across Northern Ireland are stepping up to create change, from environmental protection and animal welfare to faith-based outreach and neighbourhood support.

More than 25 exhibitors are confirmed for the event, covering causes across health, disability, youth work, community development, education and wellbeing. The fair offers jobseekers and volunteers a chance to meet directly with charities offering both paid and voluntary roles that have a lasting impact.

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said this final fair of the year captures the heart of what the sector stands for.

“Community and volunteering are at the centre of what makes Northern Ireland special. Every charity taking part in this event shows the incredible commitment people here have to helping others. With more than 25 organisations involved, the fair is about celebrating that spirit and giving everyone the chance to find their place in making a difference.”

Free to attend and open to everyone, The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Wednesday 5th November from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI to Host International Experts at Newry Conference on M.E. Research and Awareness

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Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland will host an important awareness and education event in Newry on Saturday, November 8, 2025, bringing together international experts, healthcare professionals and patients for an evening focused on replacing decades of misunderstanding with compassion, evidence and scientific progress.

The evening will be opened by Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, who will extend a civic welcome and acknowledge the importance of community and scientific collaboration in improving understanding of M.E.

The event, entitled M.E.: Challenging Misinformation – Championing Real Research, will take place from 7pm to 8:30pm at The Mourne Country Hotel, Newry. It will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from global leaders in M.E. research and engage in open discussion about the latest scientific developments and advocacy efforts.

Among the guest speakers is Dr David Tuller, DrPH, from the University of California, Berkeley. An investigative journalist and public health academic, Dr Tuller is known for his Trial By Error project, which has exposed flawed research and promoted integrity and respect in the study of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

Joining via live link will be Professor Chris Ponting from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the DecodeME study, the largest genetic study of M.E. ever undertaken. His team’s findings have provided biological evidence for the condition and renewed hope for effective testing and treatments.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI also played a key role in helping recruit participants from Northern Ireland for the DecodeME study, ensuring that local patients were represented in this landmark research.

Also speaking at the event will be Professor Tom Trinick, Medical Advisor to Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI and a respected consultant in metabolic and nutritional medicine. Professor Trinick has long advocated for evidence-based care and greater support for patients across Northern Ireland.

The Newry conference is part of Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI’s ongoing mission to raise awareness and improve understanding among healthcare professionals. M.E., Post-Covid M.E. and Fibromyalgia are closely overlapping conditions, with many patients facing misdiagnosis, disbelief and a lack of specialist care. For over a decade, the charity has campaigned for recognition of these serious, multi-system illnesses and for the biomedical research and services patients urgently need.

Founder of Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Joan McParland MBE, said: “For far too long, people with M.E. in Northern Ireland have been left without appropriate clinical support or specialist M.E. services.

“This event brings leading researchers and medical experts together to challenge outdated ideas and highlight the robust biomedical science that is transforming understanding of M.E. We hope it will inspire healthcare providers and decision-makers to recognise the urgent need for compassionate, evidence-based care here in Northern Ireland.”

Tickets for the event are FREE and available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/me-challenging-misinformation-championing-real-research-tickets-1842906596239 

One Week To Go Until Northern Ireland’s Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Returns To Belfast

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With just one week to go until Northern Ireland’s only charity careers and volunteer job fair returns to Belfast, organisers Charity Jobs NI have announced the latest line-up of exhibitors taking part in the Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair on Wednesday, November 5th at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre.

Free to attend, the event will bring together more than 25 charities, community organisations and social enterprises from across Northern Ireland, offering hundreds of paid and volunteer roles across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.

New exhibitors joining this year include Towell House Residential Home, National Autistic Society, Volunteer Now, Cats Protection, Barnardo’s, Girlguiding Ulster, Triangle Housing and PIPS Suicide Prevention.

They join returning organisations such as The Conservation Volunteers, Inspire Wellbeing, Autism Initiatives, MACS Supporting Children and Young People, Cancer Fund for Children, Positive Futures, Extern, Caring Breaks Limited, Saint Vincent de Paul, RSPB and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the event continues to grow in both scale and impact. “It has been fantastic to see how the fair has developed since our first event. Each time we bring together new organisations and hundreds of people ready to explore purposeful work and volunteering. It is about creating real opportunities that change lives for individuals, charities and communities across Northern Ireland.”

Among the new exhibitors this year is Towell House Residential Care Home. Senior Diversional Therapist Sarah Brooker said the event provides an important opportunity to meet people who want to make a difference.

“Exhibiting at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair is a powerful way to connect with passionate individuals, raise awareness of your organisation’s mission, and promote current opportunities to a motivated audience eager to make a difference.”

Returning exhibitor Inspire Wellbeing said the fair allows them to connect face-to-face with people who share their values. Recruitment Business Partner Becca Leslie said: “It gives us the chance to meet candidates face to face, show them the heart and soul behind our work, rather than just a job advert on a screen.

“It helps raise our profile as an employer that genuinely cares, showing the kind of culture we build at Inspire Wellbeing. We can connect directly with people who are passionate about social good and who’ll bring energy, fresh ideas and a values-led mindset to our team.”

The Spring 2025 event showcased more than 190 employment opportunities and 260 volunteer roles, generating over 450 application requests on the day and leading to new hires and volunteer placements across the third sector.

The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair runs from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday November 5th at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Attendance is free and walk-ins are welcome throughout the day.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part, go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

Jobseekers Encouraged To Consider Third Sector Employment At Charity Job Fair

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Jobseekers and volunteers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to explore meaningful careers and opportunities within the third sector at the upcoming Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, taking place on Wednesday, November 5, at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

The event, organised by Charity Jobs NI, brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises eager to meet people who want to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Free to attend, the fair celebrates careers, jobs and volunteering opportunities across the sector, giving attendees the chance to engage face to face with organisations recruiting for a variety of roles.

At the Spring 2025 event, more than 190 paid positions and 260 volunteer roles were promoted, generating over 450 application requests on the day. Exhibitors said there were meaningful conversations with candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, with many going on to secure new hires and volunteers as a direct result of the fair.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said: “The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is a chance for people to not only find a new role but to make a difference within charities, social enterprises and community organisations across Northern Ireland. It offers a rare opportunity for people to explore how they can use their skills to support causes that matter while developing a rewarding career.”

Chris added that exhibitors are excited to return for the winter event following the success of the spring fair. “For charities, it is a platform to meet new talent, share ideas and celebrate the work they do. It highlights Northern Ireland’s ambition and capacity to deliver impact beyond its size, and it shows the instinct here to give back, with people connecting their skills to causes on their own doorstep.”

This year’s fair will feature a mix of new and returning organisations, including Cats Protection, Towell House Residential Home, the National Autistic Society and Barnardo’s, alongside established exhibitors such as Inspire Wellbeing, Autism Initiatives, Cancer Fund for Children, Positive Futures, RSPB, Extern, Caring Breaks and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Launched in 2024, the fair has quickly established itself as a key date in Northern Ireland’s third sector calendar and remains the only event of its kind anywhere in the UK and Ireland. It provides a platform for organisations to connect directly with job seekers and volunteers who are actively looking for meaningful opportunities, while also raising awareness of the impact charities have across communities.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part, go to https://www.charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

North Belfast Childcare Charity Celebrates 10 Years With Family Fun Day

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Kelly Molloy, founder of Wee Chicks. Courtesy of Wee Chicks CIC

North Belfast childcare specialists Wee Chicks are celebrating 10 years serving the local community by inviting the community together for a fun-packed afternoon at their Autumn Craft & Wellbeing Fair.

The creche and afterschool care social enterprise and charity moved on to the site of Currie Primary at the bottom of the Limestone Road earlier this year.

And founder Kelly Molloy is keen to encourage families in the local community to pop in to see the facilities and meet their neighbours.

The 10th birthday celebrations will take place at the back of Currie Primary on October 29th from 4pm, for what Kelly and the team say will be an afternoon of laughter, fun and games.

Building on the Wee Chicks ethos of promoting and encouraging a positive mindset and community spirit, childcare expert Kelly said the event isn’t just celebrating the business’ success, but also the children and parents who have contributed to the success over the years.

“Our craft and wellbeing fair is about a community coming together to enjoy the fun, creativity and positivity of our children, parents and families,” she said.

“There will be local craft stalls showcasing handmade goods and creative businesses.”

As well as that, in keeping with the Wee Chicks ethos, there will be a wellbeing zone with mindfulness demos, holistic therapies, and parent wellbeing resources.

“We believe that we can all work together to support our children and families,” said Kelly. “Bringing together this birthday celebration is about giving back to the community.”

There will also be community information from local support groups, as well as children’s activities such as face painting, crafts and interactive play, as well as a community ballot.

“Everyone from the community right across North Belfast is welcome to join us. It will be a great opportunity to see the Wee Chicks facilities at the back of Currie Primary School.

“Of course, we’ll also have cake to celebrate 10 years with the North Belfast community,” said Kelly.

“It’s a milestone for our social enterprise. I hope everyone can come together to celebrate our commitment to positive support for children and families, and a chance to meet and chat to the Wee Chicks team.”

The Wee Chicks birthday celebration starts at 4pm on October 29 at Currie Primary School, Limestone Road, Belfast.

To find out more about Wee Chicks, go to weechicks.com.

New Global Platform For Women Entrepreneurs To Tackle Gender Gap In Tech

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“It’s no secret the odds are stacked against women starting tech companies. We’re tired waiting so we’re taking matters into our own hands”, that’s the message from Irish entrepreneur Máirín Murray who has developed a global platform to tackle the gap in female founded tech startups.

Co Down entrepreneur Máirín, founder of women‑in‑tech innovation company TechFoundHer, has announced the global launch of the TechFoundHer Collective, an online platform designed to accelerate women into tech entrepreneurship.

She explained the new membership programme will give women the practical support and backing to start, lead and scale tech companies, even if they have no coding background.

According to data commissioned by the Invest in Women Taskforce all-female founded businesses in Northern Ireland received just £2.5 million (2%) of the nation’s total equity funding in 2024, male teams received £93.7 million in investment which was nearly 80% of the total amount invested.

“We’re launching The Collective on National Women’s Enterprise Day because the numbers speak for themselves – the challenges are global – we all know about the approx 2% of VC funding going to women led enterprises but what’s needed is action” said Máirín.

Against that backdrop, The Collective is backed by a powerful network of global investors and tech leaders including Kelly Vero (CTO in Residence), Lata Setty (Global Investor in Residence), Naseem Sayani (VC in Residence), Wendy Ryan (Angel Investor in Residence), Rose Tighe (Product Innovator in Residence), Ntola Obazee (Chief Marketing Officer in Residence) and Aarthi Kumar (Chief Data & AI Strategist in Residence) among others.

“The gender stereotyping of what a tech founder looks like is real. Women innovating with tech are facing a multitude of challenges. From less funding and backers to fewer accelerator places” Dublin based entrepreneur, Máirín said, adding: “with higher barriers for women starting tech ventures we need new thinking and solutions.

“The TechFoundHer Collective is our answer, founder-led –  it’s a global network where women champion other women, share product and tech know-how and tap into investors who believe in them,” she explained. 

Membership of the TechFoundHer Collective will give participants early access to tools, webinars and expert support and connect members with investors and industry champions.

Game industry icon Kelly Vero, the CTO in Residence for The Collective, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TechFoundHer as CTO in Residence. I’ll be hosting Ask Me Anything sessions, this is a chance for members to ask me anything from building AI engines, designing games, creating clean tech stacks and surviving code chaos, to just staying sane while being the only woman in the room.”

TechFoundHer’s move comes as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports a rise in women’s start‑up activity, up from 6.1% in the early 2000s to 10.4% in 2021‑23, yet still underscores the fact that women remain under‑represented in high‑growth tech sectors and leadership roles.

International investor and legal expert Lata Setty, Global Investor in Residence at The Collective said: “As Global Investor in Residence, thrilled to join the TechFoundHer Collective. 

“Across the globe, women tech founders are crying out for a network that not only fuels innovation and collaboration, but also drives and measures progress. 

“The TechFoundHer Collective delivers that momentum and so much more – helping founders move faster, build smarter, scale quicker and contribute to global impact.”

From community build-a-longs hosted by founders, to hands-on workshops using disruptive tools like Lovable and Replit, The Collective is redefining what it means to build a startup in 2025 and beyond.

Early adopter, entrepreneur Susie Kilcoyne who is the founder of loyalty platform Locket, said: “With the Collective, you’re not going solo. You’re building alongside a crew of founders who are all figuring it out together. That’s what makes it powerful.”

For more information or to join The Collective go to techfound-her.mn.co.

Download App on Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/techfoundher-collective/id6745909124

Download App on Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.techfoundher&hl=en

 

Excalibur Press Announce Online Session Helping Organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Support Economically Inactive People Into Self-Employment

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Delivery man driving van with packages on the front seat. Happy mature courier in truck. Portrait of confident express courier driving his delivery van.

Excalibur Press is set to host an online session to help organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council better support economically inactive people through self-employment opportunities.

Taking place on Tuesday, October 21 from 2pm to 3pm via Zoom, Empowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business will introduce the Go Succeed: Get Started In Business programme, which is being delivered by Excalibur Press on behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Led by Excalibur Press Chief Vision Officer Tina Calder, the session is aimed at community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and other support services who work with individuals currently not in employment or unable to work, offering them an alternative route into economic activity through starting a business.

Tina said: “We’re passionate about helping those furthest from the labour market explore realistic and supported ways into self-employment. This session is a chance for organisations and groups across the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to learn how they can connect their service users with free support, mentoring and funding opportunities through the Go Succeed programme.”

The online event will cover key elements of the Get Started In Business programme, including access to service user drop-in clinics, dedicated workshops, and up to 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring tailored to the needs of those who are economically inactive.

Attendees will be given full details of the bespoke mentoring framework, how participants can apply for a £750 grant, and how Excalibur Press can collaborate with organisations to refer or support people into the programme.

There are 50 places available for the session, which is open to any organisation working with eligible individuals in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Tina added: “From helping you identify eligible participants to co-hosting events or simply giving you the tools to signpost people to us, this session will walk you through all the ways we can work together to help more people access this fully funded support.”

To sign up for Empowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business go to bit.ly/LCCC2110EPweb

To check if your service users or community members are eligible, go to bit.ly/EconomicallyInactive

If this date doesn’t suit you there is also an “all council” briefing session for the 6 council areas we are working with on this project (LCCC, NMDDC, ANDBC, MUDC, FODC, ABC) on Monday 13th October at 2pm. Email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk for registration link.

For more information about the event, programme or collaboration opportunities, email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk, contact Tina Calder at tina@excaliburpress.co.uk or call stakeholder liaison officer Carole King on 07841714056 or carole@excaliburpress.co.uk

To learn more about the Go Succeed programme, go to go-succeed.com

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