Author: Tina Calder

A whole host of family fun activities is set to take place at Belfast’s City Hall on Saturday 12th July as part of this year’s Orangefest celebrations.

Running from 10am to 3.30pm, Orangefest 2025 has been designed to complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne, offering a packed programme of family-friendly events and entertainment in the heart of the city.

Established in 2007, Orangefest continues to enhance the well-known Twelfth parades with a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities for all ages.

This year’s festival features a vibrant international food market organised by Food NI on the East Lawn of City Hall, showcasing the very best in local and international cuisine, alongside live cooking demonstrations.

Adding to the buzz will be award-winning street theatre and performers from Circusful, bringing stilt walkers, mono wheel acrobatics, drummers from around the world, clowns, and circus skills to entertain both children and adults throughout the day.

Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie said the team behind Orangefest are “proud to be bringing back a day of celebration, community and culture for 2025.”

He said: “This year, we once again want to encourage families, visitors and locals to stay and enjoy the city centre. Orangefest is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports both cultural expression and local business.

“Many city centre retailers have committed to staying open from 1pm to 5pm, and we would urge those attending to support local traders and enjoy what Belfast has to offer.”

In addition to the family activities, guided tours of Belfast City Hall will be available throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s heritage and iconic architecture.

A short remembrance service and wreath-laying will take place at 10.30am at the Belfast War Memorial to honour the fallen of the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, coinciding with the parade passing City Hall.

Street dressings and display banners by Image Zoo will add further colour to the city centre, creating a vibrant visual backdrop to the celebrations.

Mr Beattie added: “Orangefest enhances the globally recognised Belfast 12th which is considered one of the largest events in Europe. 

“As part of our new three-year plan to create a year-round cultural engagement programme the activities at City Hall not only highlights the cultural significance of the day but also promotes unity and economic growth.

“Through Orangefest, we aim to remove barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a positive and inclusive environment for all citizens and visitors.”

For more information go to belfastorangefest.com 

Shelley Cowan knows all too well the challenges that come with trying to find accessible accommodation in Northern Ireland. After spending more than a decade as a wheelchair user due to severe ME and complex health needs, she experienced first-hand the difficulties of navigating the hospitality sector when mobility is restricted.

With support from the now-completed Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service , Shelley turned her experiences and academic research into a business. She launched Access Avenue, a consultancy aimed at improving accessibility across the hospitality industry. The company supports hotels and accommodation providers to make practical changes that allow people with disabilities to travel, stay, and participate more fully in everyday life.

Shelley, who lives in Enniskillen, took part in the Explore Enterprise Support Service in 2024 through the Fermanagh Enterprise. The programme was delivered by Enterprise Northern Ireland in partnership with The King’s Trust NI, and received 1.8m funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It offered tailored support for people who were economically inactive, helping them to explore employment or self-employment through mentoring, skills development, and business guidance.

Speaking about her background, Shelley explained that her decision to start Access Avenue was rooted in both lived experience and academic research. “It’s a combination of nearly 30 years lived experience as a disabled person who required a wheelchair and dire statistics following a Masters degree. I felt major changes are needed in society to help those with mobility issues, particularly within the hospitality industry.”

The issue, according to Shelley, is more widespread than many realise. Her own research revealed that there are only 17 fully accessible hotels in the UK, and none in Northern Ireland. “There are more pet-friendly hotels than fully accessible ones,” she said. “The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

She added, “Guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

Shelley came across the Explore Enterprise service  on social media and was drawn in by the promise of mentorship and guidance. At the time, she was searching for someone to help point her in the right direction for her business idea, which she acknowledged was operating in a unique area.

“I was needing someone to point me in the right direction as the area of work I’m involved in is quite unique,” she explained.

As part of the service , Shelley engaged in one-to-one meetings with business mentors to shape and refine her plans. She said, “I had one to one meetings with mentors for business advice and direction. We discussed my business plan at length and I was guided to funding opportunities.”

She also attended a number of in-person and online workshops, something she hadn’t expected to be such a central part of the experience. “The service is beneficial to all businesses as all topics are discussed,” she said. “I did not realise how many workshops were available.”

The skills Shelley developed through the service  covered a wide range of business areas, including social media and digital content. “Business development skills, social media tips and search engine optimisation and creating high-quality, relevant content,” she said, listing what she had gained.

Shelley had never been in formal employment due to her disability. Her entrepreneurial journey aligned directly with the aims of the Explore Enterprise Service , which was designed to support people into economic activity through enterprise.

Since launching Access Avenue in 2024, she has developed an industry-focused initiative called #AccommodationForAll, backed by a hotel accessibility grading classification system. This system provides a framework for hospitality venues to understand and improve their accessibility features. It takes into account the needs of guests who use mobility aids or require specialist equipment.

She said, “I started my business Access Avenue last June and I’m developing a web app.”

The idea is simple. By working directly with hospitality venues to assess their properties, Shelley can recommend practical, often low-cost changes that would make a significant difference for guests with disabilities. In turn, venues can tap into what is known as the “purple pound,” referring to the spending power of disabled people and their households. This is currently estimated at £274 billion annually in the UK, with £12 billion of that attributed to accessible tourism.

“There is a misconception that disabled people don’t go on holidays and this is not true,” she said. “People with mobility issues tend to be loyal customers if the product is right. They also bring carers with them, so you get extra guests. They are also able to stay midweek and off season. One hotel that went fully accessible last year made an extra £217,000 revenue in their first quarter of trading after the changes were made.”

Access Avenue’s customer base includes hotels and hospitality venues across the UK and Ireland. Shelley’s ambition is to grow the business and roll out a recognised industry standard for accessible accommodation.

“This is a vast market both north and south of the border and relates to accommodation and hospitality venues no matter the size,” she said.

As well as supporting hotels, Shelley is committed to wider societal change. She is the founder of JustUs, a not-for-profit organisation that provides activities and events for adults with disabilities in rural areas, aiming to prevent social isolation.

Shelley sees her business and campaigning work as part of a larger mission. “Access Avenue inspires others with disabilities to be included in society,” she said. “I want to empower others to have equal opportunities and experiences in life.”

With a clear growth plan, strong personal motivation, and a timely business proposition, Shelley credits the Explore Enterprise Support Service with providing the tools and guidance she needed to turn her vision into a functioning enterprise.

“The amount of advice and services that were offered was incredible and if there was ever a question they didn’t know the answer to, they found someone who did,” she said.

Her advice to others thinking about starting their own business is clear. “If you’ve got that feeling in your gut, don’t ignore it because you don’t need all the answers to start, you just need to take the first step. The help from the Explore Enterprise Support Service is fantastic and there’s someone there who wants to see you succeed.”

To find out more about Enterprise Northern Ireland and its programmes, visit www.enterpriseni.com.

By Mark Johnston, Johnston Financial Solutions

 

The recently published Northern Ireland SME Access to Finance Report 2025, developed by the British Business Bank in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland, offers a detailed picture of how small and medium-sized businesses are managing, seeking and accessing finance. 

With 1,014 responses gathered across all council areas, it provides a statistically significant view of the challenges, confidence levels and financial behaviours of Northern Irish SMEs.

At Johnston Financial Solutions, our day-to-day work puts us in direct contact with business owners who are navigating this landscape in real time. 

This report not only reinforces what we see on the ground but also offers insights that are critical for future planning and support. 

Here’s what stands out and what it means for Northern Ireland SMEs:

Finance remains essential but not evenly accessed

More than half (57%) of smaller businesses in Northern Ireland reported using some form of external finance in late 2024. Covid-19 loans remain the most used product, still active in 24% of businesses. 

Traditional tools like credit cards (17%) and overdrafts (12%) also remain common, largely due to ease of access.

However, this use is not consistent across all regions. Businesses in the North East/East and South are statistically less likely to be using finance, both reporting only 53% uptake. 

In contrast, Mid Ulster continues to show the highest reliance on pandemic-era support, with 42% of businesses still using Covid loans.

What this means for SMEs: Finance is still a cornerstone for business continuity and growth, but gaps in awareness and accessibility remain. 

Businesses in rural or coastal areas are more likely to be unaware of available options, particularly as physical access to banks continues to decline. 

This highlights the importance of proactive, impartial brokerage to ensure all businesses can identify and secure the finance best suited to their needs.

Barriers to finance are significant but solvable

One in five businesses (21%) experienced barriers to accessing finance. The most commonly cited reasons were concerns about the ability to obtain or repay finance (41%) and a lack of awareness or availability of options (27%). Time-consuming application processes and poor relationships with providers were also featured.

These figures are in line with 2023, suggesting little progress has been made in addressing these underlying issues. Notably, businesses in Mid Ulster reported a higher rate of difficulty (33%), while those in the South fared better (18%).

What this means for SMEs: There is still a clear need for better financial education and more visible support. 

Many business owners continue to be unaware of what’s available or believe they won’t qualify. This leads to underutilisation of suitable products. 

At Johnston Financial, we regularly support businesses that have assumed they won’t be eligible for funding – only to discover there are accessible, affordable solutions once they’re guided through the process.

Debt is manageable for most but caution is needed

The vast majority (91%) of businesses using debt finance said their current levels were manageable. This indicates that while many SMEs have taken on debt, especially through pandemic-related schemes, most feel they are in control of their repayments.

That said, this figure masks the reality that not all businesses may be accessing the most suitable type of finance. The over-reliance on credit cards and overdrafts, for instance, may expose SMEs to higher costs or restrictive terms.

What this means for SMEs: While businesses may feel comfortable with their current debt, it is important to review existing arrangements and consider alternatives that could offer more stability, flexibility or cost savings. 

An independent broker can play a valuable role in helping businesses restructure or refinance with more suitable products.

Demand for finance is growing

Nearly half of all businesses (48%) said they expect to need additional finance in the next year. In Belfast, that figure rises to 60%. Most businesses (74%) expect to need less than £50,000, while 18% anticipate needing between £50,000 and £250,000.

Planned uses include working capital (59%) and capital investment (58%), with smaller numbers considering investment in innovation or sustainability. Confidence in securing finance is also rising, with 61% of businesses saying they feel confident – up from 51% the year before.

What this means for SMEs: The appetite for growth is back on the rise. As demand increases, it’s important to ensure businesses are well prepared. 

Clear financial documentation, up-to-date business plans, and realistic forecasting can make a major difference to application success rates. 

Preparing early gives businesses the best chance to access the right type of funding at the right time.

Grant awareness is high but over-relied upon

Grants and business loans were equally the most cited forms of finance businesses planned to apply for next, each mentioned by 45% of those expecting to need additional funding. Businesses in Belfast, the North East/East and the South were particularly likely to seek grants.

While grants can be an excellent funding source, the report suggests they may be over-relied upon. There’s a risk that businesses are holding out for funding that may be limited, competitive or unsuitable for their particular growth plans.

What this means for SMEs: Grants should form part of a wider financial strategy rather than be seen as the only solution. 

Being open to repayable finance, including asset finance or unsecured loans, can help businesses act faster and more strategically. 

Exploring blended finance options is one way to maintain agility while still taking advantage of available support.

Location continues to shape opportunity

Access to finance remains uneven across regions. Businesses in urban hubs like Belfast and Derry tend to benefit from stronger networks, better access to support services, and greater awareness of available options. Rural areas, on the other hand, face clear disadvantages.

What this means for SMEs: Being based outside a major city doesn’t mean support is out of reach – but it often requires more active seeking of information and the right partners. 

Growth optimism is rising

Encouragingly, 61% of businesses across Northern Ireland expect growth in the next 12 months, up from 54% the previous year. 

This puts NI ahead of Scotland and Wales in terms of business optimism. Only 7% of SMEs anticipate contraction, and just 5% believe they are at risk of closure.

What this means for SMEs: While the environment remains challenging, especially with cost pressures and ongoing economic uncertainty, many businesses are looking ahead with renewed optimism. 

The ability to secure finance is a key part of unlocking that potential, but only if business owners take early, informed action.

The insights in this report mirror what we’re hearing every day from business owners across the region. 

Finance is a critical tool – but only when it’s understood, accessible, and well matched to the needs of the business.

At Johnston Financial, we help Northern Ireland businesses make sense of the options, identify the right solutions, and put strong financial foundations in place. 

If you’re one of the 48% of SMEs planning to seek funding this year, now is the time to take stock and prepare.

We’re here to help you do that. You can book a free, no-obligation consultation with us to explore your options and start your funding journey with clarity and confidence at johnstonfinancialsolutions.co.uk or call 07803 312 874.

 

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Johnston Financial Solutions is an independent commercial finance broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland hosted a World M.E. Day awareness event at Stormont this week (Tuesday 13 May) welcoming patients, carers, healthcare professionals and elected representatives for an afternoon focused on increasing understanding of the condition.

The event at Parliament Buildings was hosted by Robbie Butler MLA and attended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt who pledged to “do what I can” to support the continued work by professionals and organisations like Hope 4 ME & Fibro to improve M.E. healthcare services in Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I welcomed the opportunity to attend the World M.E. Day awareness event and to listen to the contributions from the various speakers. My officials recently met with Hope 4 ME & Fibro and I value ongoing engagement to improve access to services for those with M.E.”

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI was established in 2011 by Joan McParland MBE following her own experience of becoming severely ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis M.E. after a viral infection. At the height of her illness, she was bedbound for just under a decade and reliant on her family for care. 

Speaking after the event Joan said she was delighted to see so much support for the event.

She added: “It is encouraging to see so much support from across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland.

“A recent study published by the University of Edinburgh has indicated there are estimated to be 12,500 adults and children with M.E. including post-Covid M.E in Northern Ireland.

“At our awareness event in Stormont this week we were delighted to be able to welcome contributions from Professor Tom Trinick OBE, who recently retired from the NHS, and is triple accredited in General Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, and Chemical Pathology as well as Tara Anderson who presented findings from the first Northern Ireland-based academic study into the use of virtual reality as an educational tool for healthcare professionals. Published in BMC Medical Education in 2024, the study explored how immersive learning can increase knowledge and empathy in clinical settings.

“Attendees and MLAs also had the opportunity to experience the award-winning short film Discover M.E. – Hidden Lives Virtually Uncovered, a six-minute animated VR production narrated by local patients and carers that provides insight into the day-to-day reality of living with M.E.”

As part of the event, elected representatives had the opportunity to engage directly with patients, carers and families. A visual display housed in an ambulance at the front of Stormont focused on severe M.E. and offered a clear and accessible view of the devastating impact the condition can have on all aspects of life.

Robbie Butler MLA who hosted the invitation only event at Stormont also showed his support to the charity by raising awareness of the condition during World M.E. Day on Monday in the Chamber.

He said: “I want to talk about the ongoing, often physical, suffering of those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), this complex and debilitating neurological condition affects thousands of people across Northern Ireland. 

“M.E. can leave individuals house bound or bedroom bound for years, it causes profound pain, cognitive dysfunction and hypersensitivity to light and sound. 

“For over 14 years, Hope 4 M.E. & Fibro Northern Ireland has worked to fill this gap through their advocacy, education and efforts, they have kept M.E. on the public health agenda. 

“I have been proud to support and work alongside the group over the years, recognising the essential advocacy they provide for a community too often overlooked.” 

The event also marked the 25th anniversary of ME Research UK, a charity funding biomedical research into M.E. since 2000. Their participation underscored the importance of scientific evidence in shifting perceptions of the condition and informing future service development.

Also in attendance at the Stormont information event were MLAs Alan Chambers, Danny Donnelly, Peter McReyolds, Liz Kimmins, Jonathan Buckley, Paula Bradshaw, Peter Martin and Joanne Bunting.

Entirely volunteer-led, Hope 4 ME & Fibro has organised 17 medical conferences since their inception in 2011, bringing international researchers and clinicians to Northern Ireland to speak directly to local audiences. It also provides regular educational webinars for health professionals and students and continues to push for greater clinical recognition of both conditions.

The organisation has also contributed to research, supported awareness initiatives such as Light Up The Night and World M.E. Day campaigns, and offers ongoing peer support to a community often marginalised by mainstream services.

To learn more about the work of Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland, go to hope4mefibro.org