Author: Tina Calder

YMCA World General Secretary on hand as new strategy launched

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From left Brian Murtagh, YMCA’s World General Secretary, Carlos Sanvee and Jez Du Puy and Rebecca Byass at the launch of the new strategic plan for YMCA Ireland at Greenhill YMCA, Newcastle.

A sense of belonging local, national and global – the world needs the YMCA more than ever

YMCA’s World General Secretary, Carlos Sanvee, welcomed the new strategic plan for YMCA Ireland that will be based on four values of welcome, opportunity, wellbeing and peace and justice, at a series of events across Ireland with the message that the ‘world needs the YMCA more than ever’.

At events in Lurgan, Newcastle, and Dublin Mr Sanvee heard from young people who were key in developing the new strategy, which is founded on the World Movement Vision 2030 that foresees how the youth organisation will grow and develop in the decade ahead.

The plan outlines YMCA Ireland’s vision as a ‘world where young people, their families and community prosper in body, mind and spirit’,

John Peacock, National Director of YMCA Ireland said the organisation’s continuing vision of a world where young people, their families and communities flourish in body, mind and spirit was key to the plan that was developed with extensive consultation.

“We have spent the last two years consulting with young people, staff and voluntary trustees to agree on a vision, mission and values that will direct our work going forward,” he explained. 

“We have now developed a strategic plan that will put these into action to have an impact on the lives of young people, their families and communities”.

YMCA Ireland also worked with the World YMCA to make sure that the mission is in line with Vision 2030, the agreed vision of the YMCA global movement.

The presence of Mr Sanvee at the gathering was an endorsement of the plan, which looks to the local, national and global work of the YMCA across the world and connecting young people across the island.

The World National Secretary also attended the AGM of YMCA Ireland in addition to workshops and activities with young people in Lurgan and Greenhill YMCA Newcastle.

Cathal McCann, a young leader from YMCA Newcastle wrote for the strategic plan. 

“The YMCA has changed my life for the better, they supported me through the rain and helped me see the rainbow,” he said.

“YMCA are life changers and game changers for young people. I am excited for what the future holds for me in this amazing organisation.”

The World General Secretary said that the organisation is vital in an increasingly fragmented society.

“The world needs the YMCA more than ever,” said Mr Sanvee, adding: “Despite the threat of disconnection, YMCAs have connected and collaborated in unprecedented ways. We have adapted, connected and reset globally.

“Our vision, mission and goals have been co-created for greater global impact. Let’s step up, and into our future. Let’s allow young people to shape it. Now is the time for one vision. It’s time for our Vision 2030.”

Festive Christmas Market featuring over 20 local businesses set to take over Mallusk Enterprise Park on December 1

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Antrim business Hoddmimirs Wood Craft join the Mallusk Enterprise Park team to launch the Mallusk Christmas Market. Designed to support over 20 local businesses and 3 charities the Market takes place on 1 December 2022 from 5pm to 8pm

An indoor market of over 20 stalls is set to transform the local enterprise park at Mallusk with some yuletide cheer on Thursday 1 December, offering visitors the chance to pick up presents and festive fare and enjoy an evening out supporting the business community in the countdown to Christmas.

Hosted and supported by Local Enterprise Agency – Mallusk Enterprise Park, as part of their 30th birthday celebrations, the Christmas Market affords an opportunity for local enterprises to showcase their businesses and wares to the public.

The Market will see over 20 local independent businesses offering products ranging from crafts and novelties to Christmas gift ideas, with an outdoor food stall serving hot pizzas and the team at the enterprise park providing festive nibbles & drinks. There will also be live music by tenant of Mallusk Enterprise Park – Audio Level DJ store and folk band The Rogues.

A free Christmas Grotto experience is being delivered to 90 local kids on the night and 3 charities are being supported – from a raffle in aid of NI Children’s Hospice to the building of a festive food mountain of donations for Newtownabbey Food Bank and a mountain of toy donations for Cash for Kids NI – visitors and traders are being asked to play their part in helping the worthy causes by bringing donations on the night or sponsoring raffle prizes.

The Market will opens it’s doors at 5pm and kick off in artistic style with the announcement of the winners and runners up to a Children’s Art Competition for primary school kids in the local area – the original artworks of favourite local businesses and social enterprises will be on show, gallery style, in the brand new Enterprise Hub at the business park. 

CEO of Mallusk Enterprise Park, Emma Garrett said:

“We are very much looking forward to holding the inaugural Mallusk Christmas Market in the Enterprise Park. This event will kick off a year of celebrations to mark our landmark 30th Birthday.  Since 1992 we have strived to promote, support and develop enterprise and wealth creation within our local community through free advice, training and mentoring to individuals and small / micro businesses.  We look forward to welcoming members of the local community into the Park to show them the facilities we have on offer whilst they shop small and local with our wide range of market traders.”

Iain Patterson, Chairman Mallusk Enterprise Park added: “The team at Mallusk Enterprise Park have been working hard behind the scenes to make this event special in every way.  The Enterprise Park is very much part of the community in Newtownabbey; helping over 100 people every year to establish their own business and assisting many more to survive and even thrive during the last few challenging years of Covid.  We have been heartened by the kind and generous donations of local businesses to the raffle and the event itself.”

The Mallusk Enterprise Christmas Market takes place on Thursday 1 December from 5pm to 8pm, is free to attend and a list of traders and the entertainment line up can be found online at: at www.mallusk.org/events. The Santa’s Grotto experience is fully booked but a waiting list is in operation and can be joined via eventbrite.

Motorcycle Plus Show Announces Charity Partners

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Mayor’s charity, Helping Hand among three to benefit from bike show

The Motorcycle Plus Show has announced three charity partners that will benefit at its landmark event at Eikon Centre, Lisburn, on February 4-5, 2023.

360 Events, who are organising the packed weekend of motorsport, confirmed that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Mayoral charity, Helping Hand for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children will be one of the beneficiaries of the biggest motorcycle event in four years.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off-road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

Kenny Gardner of 360 Events said they were delighted to be able to support local charities at the Motorcycle Plus event. 

“The local charities we will be supporting are the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Mayor designated charity, Helping Hand, the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn and St John Ambulance service, Portadown Branch, which provides excellent medical cover at motorsport events throughout Northern Ireland.”

360 Events is a new group of motorcycling and motorsport enthusiasts and volunteers with many years of experience as competitors and officials in all branches of the sport.

The Motorcycle Plus Show has signed up the biggest motorcycle dealers in Northern Ireland to be there.

“Hurst Yamaha will have their 2023 range of road and off-road motorcycles on display and available to purchase,” explained Kenny. “Hurst BMW have also signed up and again will have the full range of new BMWs on display.

“As well as this, HTM will be there with the road and off-road Husquvarna and GasGas Machines. Along with other dealers, we have Crossan Motorcycles in attendance with their comprehensive range of Helmets and gear etc. including specialised bikes.”

As well as the dealers already signed up, some of the top teams from both the road and off-road sports will provide information on their activities for the 2023 season ahead.

Motorcycle sport governing bodies along with some of the clubs that promote some of the biggest motorcycle events in Ireland will be in attendance to promote their events.

Kenny, one of the organisers from 360 Events, explained The Motorcycle Plus Show has been specifically designed for motorsports enthusiasts.

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. 

“Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future,” he said. “As an innovation, there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines.

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path.

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line ups, both on and off-road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do.

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.” 

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019. 

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. 

All online bookings will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

More details on the prizes will be confirmed but there are vouchers to the value of £1000, £300, £100, 4 ball golf voucher, and money off ferry travel vouchers to be had from Hursts, Crossan’s, Norman Watt Motorcycles, Edenmore Golf Club and Nutt Travel.

“These are exciting times and another great reason to purchase tickets as Christmas presents for your biking loved ones and be in with a chance of picking up some excellent prizes,” Kenny concluded.

NI Company Everun To Build £50m In Renewable Assets Creating 25 New Specialised Jobs

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A renewable future is the only future for NI says local business

 

Northern Ireland renewables experts Everun are set to support investment in excess of £50m in wind and solar across the country over the next three years. The announcement comes as world leaders met at COP27 in Egypt last week.

Everun, which has been in operation since 2010, currently manages over £150m worth of renewable assets for clients across the Island of Ireland. 

In the last year the company has invested over £2m bringing their workforce to 45 staff as well as significantly investing in high value stock, expanding their premises and wider infrastructure. 

The company plans to invest a further £7.5m over the next three years to support the delivery of an additional £50m of renewable energy assets in Northern Ireland. That investment will also include creating a further 25 engineering and professional services jobs. 

Managing director Michael Thompson said: “As part of our continued investment in developing energy generating wind and solar projects we are delighted to be able to play our part in delivering the Northern Ireland target of 80% renewable energy use by 2030 and to be in the position to create a further 25 highly specialised jobs within the sector.

“As a renewable energy management company that manages wind and solar renewable energy sources, EV charging, smart motor systems, and renewable switchover we recognise that we have a responsibility in the private sector to invest heavily in supporting the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and Climate Change Bill.”

Mr Thompson says Northern Ireland as a whole has a long way to go to meet the 80% target. He added the potential to reach energy security is there but much work is still to be done by both government and the private sector.

“Northern Ireland has increased the amount of energy produced from renewables from near zero in 2010 to 45% this year,” he said.

“If Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and Ireland are to meet the targets set, the production of energy must be supported with the right assets and technology, as well as investment in wider infrastructure by the Government.

“We have large energy-hungry businesses in manufacturing with a need for reliable energy sources, and bespoke software enables us to provide that reliability and cost efficiency from renewables.”

Already managing more than 160 wind turbines, on single sites and wind farms, as well as multiple solar installations, Everun are also celebrating their expansion into the Republic of Ireland market this year.

Mr Thompson said that Northern Ireland is at least four years behind the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill includes a Climate Action Plan to be published at the end of the year following Royal Assent in June.

“The rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland has been expanding renewable generation with a range of support mechanisms – but Northern Ireland has lagged behind without a clear strategy from our Executive,” said Mr Thompson.

“That has consequences. Northern Ireland is being held back from an overall economic point of view due to the lack of investment in energy infrastructure and renewables.

“Our manufacturing sector is heavily reliant on huge energy usage, therefore the surging costs makes them less competitive leaving less profits for reinvestment.”

“We have to sort out issues such as planning and the electricity grid in order to achieve our targets which should include control of our own energy security. We should be ambitious enough to consider exporting power beyond NI, and then we can make our economy anything we want it to be.”

Mr Thompson added that with the right investment and determination the future can be exciting for the sector and the wider NI economy.

Huge Motorcycle Event Gearing Up For 2023 Return

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February feast for motorsports fans at Lisburn’s Eikon Centre

Northern Ireland’s Motorcycle show returns for the first time in four years on February 4-5, 2023, at the Eikon Centre in Lisburn, hosted by 360 Events in what promises to be a packed weekend for fans of motorsport.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

360 Events, a new group of motorcycling and motorsport enthusiasts and volunteers with many years’ experience as competitors and officials in all branches of the sport, are pleased to be re-launching the Northern Ireland Motorcycle Plus Show, according to Kenny Gardner of the organisation.

“We believe that after four years’ absence the public are ready for a winter Motorcycle Show once again to ‘launch’ their year in the great pastimes of motorcycling & motorsport, whether racing, touring or just enjoying riding bikes,” he said.

“The Motorcycle Plus Show is a great meeting place in the winter to plan your summer months ahead.

“We are delighted to be working with the Eikon Centre on our first show.

“Whilst we want to spice things up a little with the format, layouts and more, the end goal and delivery will remain the same in bringing the motorcycle and sport public together, create further interest for our motorcycle dealers, sporting clubs and anyone with a like-minded interest to what is a fantastic family pastime in whatever capacity its enjoyed.

“That is why we are calling the weekend the Northern Ireland Motorcycle Plus Show.”

Theresa Morrissey, Commercial and Financial Director at the Eikon Exhibition Centre said she was pleased 360 Events chose the venue.

She added: “The venue is delighted to welcome the Motorcycle Plus Show to our calendar of premier events for 2023.

“The Eikon Exhibition Centre, as Northern Ireland’s largest venue, is purpose-built for expos of this calibre and will provide 360 Events with the perfect home to grow their show.”

Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson, who attended the launch recently said:  “The presence of the Motorcycle Plus Show at the Eikon Centre in February 2023, is fantastic news for both the council area and my fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.  

“The Eikon Centre is accessible from Dublin, Belfast and further afield. In Northern Ireland we have plenty of skilled motorcyclists who compete in road races, championships or motocross. There are also groups from across the region and further afield who participate in regular ride outs.

“We are all looking forward to seeing what the show will offer from motorcycle and rider equipment and merchandise to guest speakers. The council is delighted to have supported this event through its tourism grants as it will bring many people to the city area.”

Kenny, one of the organisers from 360 Events, explained the organisers are planning a packed weekend.

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. 

“Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future.

“As an innovation there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines.

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path.

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line ups, both on and off road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do.

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.”

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. All online bookings will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

Northern Ireland’s first Enterprise Education conference set for Bangor

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From left Stephanie Campbell (SERC), Ken Webb (SERC), Aaron Furphy (GEN UK), Carol Fitzsimons (YENI), Aurla McLoughlin (SERC), Gordon Lyons (Department for the Economy), John Nugent (SERC) and Katie Matthews-Furphy (GEN UK).

Global Entrepreneurship Week UK to be celebrated with ground-breaking event

Northern Ireland’s first Enterprise Education conference will take place at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor on November 17 as part of the world-wide Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, bringing together entrepreneurs, enterprise educators, policy makers, and business supporters.

The Global Entrepreneurship Network UK, in partnership with Young Enterprise NI and the college, will host the free event designed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs across the country, share best practice and explore what the future of Enterprise Education in Northern Ireland could look like. 

Katie Matthews-Furphy, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Week UK and Northern Ireland National Director for the Global Entrepreneurship Network, said the conference will also connect attendees to other parts of the country.

“We are very excited to be working with YENI and SERC to deliver Northern Ireland’s first, dedicated Enterprise Education Conference,” she said. 

“We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and panellists, with a packed schedule and interesting content.

“The afternoon session will take a hybrid format, seeing us connecting in with satellite mini-conferences, in other locations across the UK and Europe.”

Among speakers will be Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise UK, Dr Emily Beaumont, President of Enterprise Educators UK, Dave Linton, Founder of Madlug, Carol Fitzsimons, Director of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise NI.

Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons, said “Global Entrepreneurship Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s commitment to developing entrepreneurship and our reputation for innovation”.

“Well-known past examples include the world-class innovation shown in our shipbuilding and linen industries, while today, Northern Ireland continues to innovate in sectors including cyber security, advanced manufacturing and financial technology (“fintech”).

“In line with the Department’s 10X Economic Vision for the region to embrace a decade of innovation, entrepreneurship is a key priority for Northern Ireland.

“We want to increase the number and ambition of enterprises driven by innovation, to support economic growth for all our people. Global Entrepreneurship Week will play an important role in helping to focus on the important role entrepreneurship has to play as we seek to realise the 10X Vision.”

GEN UK is part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, a global movement active in over 200 countries, and Ken Webb, Principal of SERC said “the college is delighted to host the Future of Enterprise Education Conference at the college’s SPACE theatre” in Bangor.

“By bringing together entrepreneurs, educators, ecosystem builders, policy makers, politicians, investors, and supporters, we can start to build a vibrant and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem for our local and global communities,” he explained. 

“We are looking forward to being part of the wider discussion on education and entrepreneurship, and how we can empower every individual to achieve their goals”.

Elaine Gold, Managing Director, GEN UK said the week of activities will mark a milestone for the initiative.

“2022 is the 15th Anniversary of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship.

“We look forward to meeting many entrepreneurs and supporters of the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem during the week.”

Tickets for the event are available here: https://www.worldlabs.org/opportunity/gew-uk-2022/event/gew-2022-the-future-of-entrepreneurship-education-in-ni 

To view all the events happening across the UK during GEW, visit www.gewuk.org

Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical Helping To Brighten Up Royal Avenue and parts of Cathedral Quarter

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This autumn Royal Avenue has been brightened up thanks to a joint project from Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical that features a combination of specially commissioned street art and a bespoke LED lighting scheme. 

Funded by Belfast City Council’s Community Cluster Grant Scheme, the theme for the project was ‘A year in the life of the Cathedral Quarter’ and the final works, by talented local artist James Ashe, feature a range of playful scenes and moments familiar from the Cathedral Quarter area.

Director of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, Susan Picken said: “We have been looking at ways of brightening up the area for some time and this project, with the support of Belfast City Council, will inject some much needed light and colour into the lower Royal Avenue area.

We hope that the fun and colourful mix of shutter art, lighting and window vinyls will brighten up the day of everyone who visits and works in the Cathedral Quarter”.  

In addition to bespoke LED light installations and shutter art, a series of specially designed window vinyls featuring iconic buildings from across Belfast have been installed in the windows of MACC Hair on Royal Avenue. 

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “It’s great to see Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter Area being enhanced through our Business Cluster and Community Grant Programme. We’re committed to stimulating footfall in city centre, boosting businesses and making the area more attractive and enjoyable to spend time in. 

“Cathedral Quarter Trust and the University of Atypical’s decision to commission Belfast based artist and illustrator James Ashe brings a real authenticity and energy to the project. 

“We’re looking forward to making city centre more accessible for those walking, wheeling and cycling, creating greener and more vibrant streets, making connections with surrounding communities and encouraging city centre living through A Bolder Vision for Belfast.”

Owner of MACC Hair, Ciaran Connolly, expressed his happiness with the project, explaining how he believes it to be a positive move for the area.

He said: “It’s always good to be updating the city centre. We’re in such a position that we would be missing out if not trying to utilise the area of the windows.

“When surroundings look good, it changes people’s attitudes. It changes their attitude and the way they look at things. That’s why we wanted to get involved.”

Ciaran, who was born in New Zealand, said the project has helped to instil a renewed sense of pride in the city.

He explained: “We’ve had a lot of people asking where we had it done, who the designer is. They’re a very proud city as well, like most cities and most people in cities, they’re very proud of where they’ve come from. It’s all to do with Belfast so they love it.

“I think it’s reminding people of Belfast and what’s around them.” 

Deirdre McKenna, Project Officer at the University of Atypical, who helped to bring this project to life, said: “The University of Atypical for arts and disability are delighted to have worked with Cathedral Quarter Trust and local businesses to enhance this colourful and historical area. We hope this project will animate our street and welcome our neighbours at Ulster University’s newly opened campus. 

“Following an open call for submissions of interest by artists, we were delighted to have co commissioned artist James Ashe to develop new artworks to enhance our neighbourhood alongside new programmable lighting to add a festive feeling year round.”

Lead artist James Ashe said he was delighted to have been selected for the project.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen, it’s a big step up as I’ve never had my work utilised in a public domain setting before. There’s going to be lots of colour and buzz whenever the work is finished”

“The commission came at a time where my work was still very uncertain…so it’s been very positive to see University of Atypical and Cathedral Quarter Trust put the arts at the forefront for their vision for Royal Avenue.”

Also joining in the project is Lebanese restaurant Deerah. Saeb Shaath, the manager, said he is thrilled to be taking part and believes that the entire project has helped enliven and brighten the area.

He said: “I think the design on our shutter is amazing; it will attract customers to us and help in creating a positive image for this part of Royal Avenue.

Current participating venues in the project are:

  • 105-107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF
  • Deerah, 107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF (before 11am)
  • 109-113 Royal Avenue – Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace
  • MACC Hair, 143 Royal Avenue, BT1 BT1 1FH
  • Plus more shutter art pieces will be popping up in various locations in Cathedral Quarter throughout the month of October 

Belfast Media Agency Excalibur Press Welcomes New Senior Developer To Marketing & Content Team

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Despite losing their offices in the Cathedral Buildings fire earlier this month Belfast based multidisciplinary marketing and media agency Excalibur Press have expanded their operations to include a new in-house website and software development department.

In the last number of years the company has become a key partner for many businesses, helping clients develop and tell stories through multidisciplinary content and marketing services across a wide range of channels both online and offline.

Senior developer Adam McBride has over a decade of experience helping businesses plan, create and maintain an online presence whilst offering a range of additional creative technology services such as app development, CRM system development and online learning platforms.

Through his own company Belfast Web, Adam also provides companies with secure website hosting and associated services.

Excalibur Press director Tina Calder said: “It’s been a tough month for us but in September we made the decision to invest in the future of our company and our clients by adding a hugely experienced senior developer to our team.

“Although we’re now based in temporary offices thanks to the generosity of fellow media agency Mammoth in the city centre we haven’t let that stall our plans for expansion.

“Having worked with Excalibur Press since its inception it was an obvious choice to bring Adam into the business when we decided to make an investment into this area of our work.

“His extensive experience, creative thought processes and ability to offer clients a wide range of services means I am very confident he will be able to build our web development and digital transformation department whilst keeping our clients at the heart of everything we do.

“Adam will now work over the next three years to build a team of staff and freelancers including developers, designers and other specialists who will be able to offer an end to end service for all our clients from small businesses to large corporations supporting them across all elements of their digital journey.”

Currently Excalibur Press are a full service agency offering everything from publicity management, marketing, crisis comms and PR through to content creation, digital media, social media, website development, search engine optimisation and copywriting.

Speaking of his appointment Adam said: “I am delighted to join the team at Excalibur Press having worked with the business for many years.

“I share Tina’s vision to add services and capacity to an already growing multidisciplinary team and to build towards becoming the go to agency for ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Northern Ireland as well as delivering a high quality service to large private and public sector organisations.

“Digital transformation can sound scary to any organisation, however, working with a specialist can help businesses to create, streamline and improve their processes and operations allowing them to become more efficient and profitable.

“Digital transformation for a small business could be as simple as setting up a mailing list, developing a landing page website or setting up and managing their social media. For a medium organisation it could be improving online payment systems, developing a CRM for their sales team or creating an app for their customers. Larger organisations may require everything from a members portal and online learning platform to overhauling their entire digital system.”

With clients ranging from Tourism NI, PAC Group, Mid & East Antrim Council, National World and Taste Causeway to Ryobi, Cathedral Quarter Trust, 4C UR Future and Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, Excalibur Press’ unique multidisciplinary ethos means businesses and organisations can contract out part or all of their marketing and media needs reducing the need for communicating with various third party contractors.

Tina added: “Our reputation for no-nonsense honesty with our clients has led many customers to rely on us to help build their own communication channels, including everything from full development of their websites and marketing materials to managing digital media channels and corporate copywriting.

“With all of our core services now being represented in-house within our staff team we are now able to offer clients a faster, more efficient service as well as being able to meet an increasing demand for our unique multidisciplinary ethos.”

For more information go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

More Than 100 Takeaways Close In Industry Crisis Says Industry Body

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In just three months Northern Ireland’s takeaway industry has seen more than 100 businesses close and hundreds lose jobs, according to the Takeaway Association.

Chief Executive of the trade body, Michael Henderson said the losses from July of this year were due to the tidal wave of increased costs ranging from Energy bills, food costs, VAT increase and reintroduction of the highest business rates in the UK.

“The latest unemployment raise is a stark reminder of the issues facing our small businesses during this cost of doing business crisis,” he explained. 

“We outlined in February that our industry was in crisis and support was needed to help save small businesses. 

“Unfortunately these warnings were ignored, and this has led us to the devastating amount of closures we see today.

“The loss of 100+ takeaways/cafes in recent months adds more pressure on the cost-of-living crisis for the employees recently made redundant.” 

Mr Henderson said his organisation is being contacted by distressed people.

“We are receiving heartbreaking calls every day from business owners across all backgrounds who are struggling and fighting to hold on to their business which they have worked tirelessly to create.”

The Takeaway Association believes that there is an urgent need for support as the industry stares into an abyss with more closures to come.

“As we enter probably the toughest winter in our lifetime, without urgent intervention from the government I fear the takeaway sector will be further decimated and we will be looking at additional 100 closures come January,” said Mr Henderson. 

“I’m calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to provide emergency support urgently.

“We need clarity on the energy support package for Northern Ireland Businesses, Reduction on VAT and Business rates relief “

Northern Ireland Takeaway Association alongside Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster & Chambers of Commerce have published a Cost of doing business action plan to the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government outlining what support is needed for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Henderson said that any business owner can get in touch with the organisation for support.

Takeaway/cafe owners who are struggling and wish to reach out to Northern Ireland Takeaway Association should call 07425846533 or email info@nitakeawayassociation.co.uk.

Local Artist Donates Painting To Cathedral Buildings Fire Fund After Husband Loses Studio

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A local artist has donated a large piece of artwork to be auctioned off for the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire last week.

Esther O’Kelly, whose husband Paul Kelly had his entire studio incinerated in the fire, said she was devastated to hear the news last Monday morning.

She said: “It was shocking to hear about Cathedral Buildings. I knew immediately that in losing his studio Paul, and all the other creative businesses, had lost so much more than hardware or materials but also the home that supports their creativity. 

“An artist’s studio is central to their practice and now another successful space in the city is gone.”

Last Monday (Oct 3) over 50 firefighters and eight fire trucks worked throughout the day to bring the blaze under control.

An 18 year old man has been charged with arson and remanded in custody.

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces have been plunged into turmoil as they attempt to rescue and rebuild their businesses.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

“The morning I called Esther, to tell her that Cathedral Buildings was burning down, she was finishing moving into a new studio –ironically to get some hard won long term stability” explained Paul. 

“Finding the right place in Belfast can be a challenge, Cathedral Buildings was an example of that working. 

“We both know that being in any part of the creative industry is more than just a job. You invest a lot of yourself and want to see this city benefit from that. 

“The small independent community of businesses that worked in Cathedral Buildings need help and support and for Esther to offer this painting in support of them feels right. 

“I hope it plays its part in keeping those creative people together in Cathedral Quarter, which really needs them.”

Esther has donated her 1x1m original painting on canvas Lost Sun to the campaign to get the tenants of Cathedral Buildings back on their feet.

It is one of a collection of vibrant and striking pieces representing the landscape around us.

She said: “The creative community in Belfast show up for each other. It feels natural for me to offer this painting in support. Lost Sun comes from that feeling of summer fading – losing something cherished and nourishing. 

“I hope it becomes a valued piece for someone and makes a small difference to the Cathedral Buildings tenants helping them move forward as a community.”

Paul was a tenant of Cathedral Buildings for eight years. The loss of his studio is more than just the physical space and items within it.

Much of what Paul lost in the fire will never be able to be replaced.

He said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

Bidding for Lost Sun ends at midnight on Friday 14th October. Currently sitting at £1400 to lodge your bid contact Esther via Instagram @estherokelly.

To support the crowdfunding campaign to help the tenants of Cathedral Buildings get back up and running go to https://igg.me/at/cqcollective 

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