Author: Tina Calder

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI Welcomes Landmark Genetic Proof of Biological Cause for M.E.

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A Northern Ireland charity has welcomed the results of the world’s largest genetic study into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), which has confirmed a biological basis for the condition.

The study, which includes participants from Northern Ireland, was led by the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer.

The DecodeME study analysed the DNA of over 15,000 people diagnosed with M.E./CFS. The researchers identified eight genetic signals across the genome. These genetic differences, many of which are linked to the immune and nervous systems, provide long-awaited scientific proof that M.E. is not psychological but a serious, multi-system physical illness.

Founder of Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Joan McParland MBE, said: “We’re proud that patients in Northern Ireland contributed to this vital research. DecodeME has given scientific proof of what patients have known for decades, that ME is a serious, biological illness.”

The findings follow a series of significant developments for M.E. advocacy in Northern Ireland, including growing political support for specialist services and renewed public awareness campaigns. In May, 21 MLAs co-signed a letter to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The letter urged the Department of Health to adopt the My Full Reality: Delivery Plan for ME/CFS as a framework for local service provision.

Joan McParland added: “The science is clear. The need is urgent. This is a public health failure. 

“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.

“We urge the Department of Health and our elected representatives to respond to this evidence and finally deliver the services people with M.E. desperately need.”

Despite the number of people in Northern Ireland living with M.E. increasing from 7,500 to 12,500 in recent years Joan explained there is still no clinical lead, no specialist services and no commissioned care pathways for M.E. patients in the region.

Professor Tom Trinnick OBE, who retired as Clinical Director of Laboratory Medicine at South Eastern Trust in recent years welcomed the news.

Also a medical advisor for Hope 4 ME & Fibro, he said: “The groundbreaking DecodeME study of the genetics of patients with ME/CFS shows significant genetic differences in patient DNA compared to the general population.

“This will shape future research and focus treatment for this disabling chronic condition. These patients are very poorly served at present, often struggling with minimal or no support. This needs to change.”

DecodeME’s discovery reinforces the call for immediate investment in proper clinical care, professional education, and research across all regions. It also builds on recent awareness efforts by Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI. These include their World M.E. Day event at Stormont, which was attended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and a cross-party group of MLAs.

Joan McParland said: “The discovery of genetic differences by one of the UK’s most respected research institutions is a game-changer. 

“This must put an end to outdated misconceptions and lead to proper medical education, specialist clinics, and funded research, including here in Northern Ireland.”

DecodeME is funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Further analysis is ongoing. The current results offer vital biological clues into M.E.’s cause and progression, particularly in relation to immune response and chronic pain.

More information about the DecodeME findings can be found at decodeme.org.uk/initial-dna-results

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

Ulster American to Make East Belfast Debut in New Sanctuary Theatre Production

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Bright Umbrella Theatre Company is set to bring the provocative, award-winning play Ulster American to Belfast audiences this summer in a new production directed by company founder and artistic director Trevor Gill.

Written by David Ireland, Ulster American was first performed in 2018 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it won the prestigious Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award. The play has since gained a reputation for its bold, darkly comic exploration of identity, nationalism, and the uncomfortable tensions between art and politics. This latest production by Bright Umbrella marks the first time the show will be professionally staged in East Belfast.

The production will run from Tuesday, August 26 to Saturday, September 6, 2025 at The Sanctuary Theatre, Castlereagh Street, East Belfast, with performances each evening at 7pm. A matinee performance will take place at 2pm on Saturday, September 6.

Speaking about the decision to stage the play in the east of the city, director Trevor Gill said: “It is a pleasure to stage Ulster American by David Ireland in East Belfast, where he is from. 

“We have a very strong and experienced cast well capable of delivering what is a challenging script. David Ireland’s work is a carefully crafted mixture of satire, shock and black humour. We can guarantee a memorable night at the theatre.”

The play centres around an American film star, an English director, and a Northern Irish playwright who come together to discuss an upcoming production. As rehearsals begin, differences in politics, perspective, and personal agendas quickly spiral into chaos. 

Known for its sharp wit and unflinching commentary, the script challenges audiences to confront assumptions about power, privilege, and the narratives we tell ourselves.

Ulster American deals with themes such as cultural identity, liberal posturing, misogyny, and consent. It is a satire that critiques the abuse of power in creative spaces, the commodification of identity, and the performance of progressive values in the arts. It contains very strong language, graphic violence, and references to sexual assault.

Bright Umbrella Theatre Company, based at The Sanctuary Theatre, presents its own productions alongside visiting theatre, poetry, comedy and music. The company has consistently aimed to bring challenging, high-quality productions to local audiences, with a focus on socially relevant themes and educational outreach.

In recent years, Bright Umbrella has gained attention for its bold programming choices, including its reinterpretations of classical works with a strong emphasis on making theatre available and relevant to the surrounding community.

The company also supports a range of community engagement initiatives, including creative learning programmes and post-show discussions.

Trevor added: “We are not interested in theatre that plays it safe. This production is about holding up a mirror and asking difficult questions. It’s about making space for uncomfortable truths to be heard.”

The production, which is part-funded by Belfast City Council, will feature a cast of three, with full casting details to be announced in the coming weeks. Set design, lighting, and visual elements are currently in development to suit the venue’s close and atmospheric setting.

Tickets for Ulster American at The Sanctuary Theatre are on sale now at brightumbrella.co.uk

Northern Ireland Catering Company Table Turns BBQ Service into a Full Guest Experience

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A Belfast-based event catering business has seen demand surge for its outdoor BBQ offering, with its Trailblazer trailer now a standout feature at weddings, private parties and corporate events across Northern Ireland.

Table, run by local caterer Krystal Mohn, has placed charcoal BBQ catering at the centre of its operations. It offers what clients describe as a relaxed and sociable alternative to formal dining. Originally introduced as a supplementary option, the charcoal BBQ style has now become one of the company’s most requested services during peak season.

The business, which caters for weddings, family events, retreats, tour groups and corporate clients, travels across the country with its distinctive Trailblazer BBQ trailer. The trailer, which operates as both kitchen and serving station, offers cooked-on-site menus that focus on flavour, quality ingredients and genuine hospitality.

Krystal Mohn said: “Over time, the BBQ has become a central part of what we offer, from weddings and corporate events to private celebrations. It suits people who want something delicious and relaxed without the formality of a sit-down meal. We’ve done everything from back garden birthdays to full wedding receptions and day-two parties across the country, and it tends to suit all kinds of gatherings.”

Available all year round, the service is especially popular from spring through autumn for outdoor celebrations and festival-style events. During the colder months, it takes on a different feel, more like a winter market, with warming aromas and hot food served straight from the grill. The trailer is run as an open kitchen, inviting guests to see, smell and hear the food being cooked, sparking conversation and creating a natural focal point at any event.

Krystal explained: “The Trailblazer BBQ trailer isn’t just where the food comes from, it becomes part of the day. It naturally draws people in. There’s something about the smell of it, the sound of it, and seeing the food being cooked. It just adds to the whole experience. It’s not a burger van or a stage piece, just a working BBQ kitchen that adds atmosphere without taking over.”

Menus are based around freshly cooked meats, served in bakery-fresh brioche rolls with vibrant salads and seasonal grilled sides. Meat is sourced from McKee’s Farm Shop outside Newtownards, with a focus on flavour and freshness.

Typical BBQ menus feature marinated chicken, pork sausages and steak burgers. In winter, the offering shifts to include gratin potatoes, grilled vegetables and other hearty additions.

Festive bookings are limited and typically reserved for clients seeking something a little different. The setup lends itself to cosy gatherings, with hot food served in the open air and menus designed to suit the season. The BBQ menu still works brilliantly in winter, offering something warm, social and easy to enjoy even when the temperature drops.

One of the features that has made Table’s BBQ offering so popular is the level of attention given to dietary requirements. From the planning stage through to service on the day, Krystal and her team take steps to ensure guests with special diets are not treated as an afterthought.

Krystal said: “We’re known for looking after special diets, and it’s something we take seriously. We ask the right questions, plan ahead and keep meals separate wherever possible so guests can eat with confidence. Everyone should feel included and valued. That’s a big part of what we’re about.”

“While we can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free setup due to the mobile nature of our business, we always do our best to minimise risk. Menus are kept focused and well planned, and dietary needs are handled discreetly and with care so no one feels like a hassle.”

Table’s BBQ service is used for a wide range of events, from garden receptions in Belfast to coastal weddings, corporate away days, marquee weddings and family reunions, offering flexible outdoor catering across Northern Ireland. The trailer setup allows the team to operate in a variety of locations, with quick set-up and pack-down times making it suitable for both private homes and outdoor venues.

It’s also ideal for venues without kitchen facilities, including marquee weddings and remote sites where full catering might otherwise be a challenge.

The trailer is also a versatile option for all-day events, breakfast services or street food-style menus. For some corporate teambuilding days, the Table team has served breakfast on-site, followed by a lunchtime BBQ. Popular breakfast options include sausage and bacon baps or their signature breakfast hash. Street food favourites like burritos are also part of what we offer, keeping it flavour-packed.

“We started offering BBQs because we wanted to create something more relaxed. It’s delicious food, cooked fresh, with a bit of atmosphere. People really respond to that. It brings everyone together and feels a bit more special without being over the top,” said Krystal.

“Every guest should feel considered and confident in what they’re being offered, never like an afterthought.”

The company has also developed relationships with tour operators and local venues, delivering BBQs for visiting groups who want to enjoy locally sourced food in a laid-back, welcoming setting. Krystal said the casual style of catering works well for both local and international visitors who are looking for something different to formal dining.

“The BBQ trailer really reflects what we’re all about at Table. Delicious food, genuine hospitality and a relaxed, welcoming feel. Whether we’re cooking in a back garden, at a stunning venue or up along the North Coast, we want guests to feel looked after and leave well fed.”

To enquire or find out more, visit www.tablefood.co.uk or follow @tablefood.co on Instagram.

Orangefest Brings Family Fun and Culture to Belfast City Hall

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A full day of entertainment, colour and celebration is set to take place at Belfast City Hall today (12th July) as Orangefest returns with a packed schedule of family-friendly activities.

Running from 10am to 3.30pm, this year’s Orangefest will once again complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne with music, performances, food and vibrant festivities at the heart of the city centre.

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

Marking a significant milestone in this year’s proceedings, the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast will celebrate 50 years of parading alongside the Millar Memorial Flute Band. As the official County Band, the Millar Memorial is a highly respected melody flute band known for its international appearances and performances at events such as the Belfast Tattoo.

Events in the City Hall grounds will begin early, with Millar Memorial leading the parade into City Hall from approximately 10.20am for a short remembrance service and wreath-laying at the cenotaph to honour the fallen of the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the City Hall grounds will transform into a family-friendly hub of entertainment, including a wide range of walkabout performers, live circus acts and face painting.

Live street theatre will be delivered by Circusful, featuring stilt walkers, unicyclists, acrobats, jugglers and walkabout characters. Visitors can look forward to shows from MacFactor and FizzWizzPop, alongside drop-in circus skills and a community drumming workshop.

Food NI will be on-site throughout the day hosting cooking demonstrations in the Theatre Kitchen. Demos will include traditional Northern Irish favourites such as stout wheaten bread, soda bread and scones, with free public samples available after each session.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide selection of food trucks, local produce stalls and refreshments across the event site.

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.

This year, Orangefest is also delighted to welcome visiting dignitaries from Scotland, including the Grand Master of Scotland, the Grand Mistress of Scotland, and four County Grand Masters from across Glasgow, Central, East and West Scotland. The Scottish delegation will join the morning programme, arriving in time for formal proceedings at Belfast City Hall.

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.”

Retailers across the city centre have confirmed they will remain open from 1pm to 5pm, encouraging spectators and visitors to enjoy shopping and hospitality while attending the day’s events. The return leg of the main Twelfth parade is expected to reach the city centre by approximately 5pm.

For those travelling to Barnett Demesne (“the field”) it will also play host to a day of family fun with free entry to a range of attractions including children’s activities, live entertainment, food and refreshment vans, stalls and platform proceedings. The 2025 guest speaker at Barnett Demesne is Gavin Robinson MP.

Orangefest is delivered in collaboration with the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast and is designed to promote inclusion, community and culture as part of Northern Ireland’s largest annual public celebration. This year’s event at City Hall is supported by Belfast City Council.

For more information go to belfastorangefest.com 

Orangefest Celebrations Return To Belfast City Hall On July 12

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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 

Department For Communities Backs Return Of Orangefest Programme In Belfast

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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed funding to support the reigniting of the cultural organisation Orangefest.

Belfast Orangefest, first established by the County Grand Lodge of Belfast in 2007, was originally designed to modernise the Twelfth of July celebrations to make them more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to contemporary Belfast. 

However, in recent years the committee at Orangefest have developed a wider strategy of activities which will see the Orangefest brand being used throughout the year for education, celebration and commemoration events.

“Belfast Orangefest…A New Beginning”, the project funded by the Department for Communities is supporting the organisation to identify funding streams, outreach opportunities and partnerships as well as provide critical funds for day to day infrastructure and operations.

The funding is just the beginning of a new three-year plan by Orangefest to create a year-round cultural engagement programme.

Minister Lyons said: “I am pleased to confirm funding of more than £40,000 from my department for the 2025 Orangefest. 

“Orange celebrations are one of the largest, long-standing events of their kind in Belfast, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the world. 

“This support will enable Orangefest to engage with other bodies to make this year’s Twelfth of July celebrations an even more inclusive and family friendly event.” 

This year, thanks to funding from Belfast City Council, Orangefest will deliver a programme of family entertainment at Belfast City Hall from 10am to 3.30pm.

The rejuvenation of Belfast Orangefest is led by a dedicated Board of Directors, who are working towards increasing city centre footfall, supporting tourism growth, developing a wider community engagement programme and strengthening inter-community relations.

Orangefest director Spencer Beattie said: “This new funding marks an important step forward for Belfast Orangefest. 

“It gives us the opportunity to work behind the scenes to secure the necessary funding and partnerships to not only to reinvigorate the Twelfth of July celebrations, but also to deliver a year-round programme that reflects the heritage, culture and diversity of our city. 

“We’re committed to building meaningful connections with communities right across Belfast and creating opportunities for learning, participation and shared celebration.”

A key aim of the Orangefest directors is to contribute to Belfast’s evolving cultural landscape by offering opportunities for regeneration, leadership, skills development and inclusive participation. 

This announcement of funding to support the growth and development of Orangefest reaffirms the organisation’s role in promoting understanding of the Orange tradition while opening doors for wider cultural exchange and collaboration across Belfast’s communities.

For more information go to belfastorangefest.com

Northern Ireland Author Patience Bradley Launches Debut Children’s Book

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Patience Bradley, Author

Princess Mary’s Journey to Find True Love tells the heartfelt true story of one dog’s journey to find her forever home

Author Patience Bradley has launched her debut children’s book, Princess Mary’s Journey to Find True Love.

The book tells the story of a small pedigree dog named Princess Mary, who embarks on an epic journey from Poland to Northern Ireland in search of her one true love. 

Told entirely from the perspective of the dog herself, the story captures the highs and lows of her travels, the friendships she makes along the way, and her unwavering belief that love is waiting for her at the end of the road.

Speaking at the launch event in Holywood library recently, Patience said: “I wrote this story with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

“When Princess Mary came into my life, she gave me something to focus on. She brought joy back into my home.”

The event was an emotional occasion for the author, who chose the date in memory of her late husband – Ivor, a great supporter of her work as an author. It was on his birthday that she officially shared Princess Mary’s story with the public.

Throughout the book, edited by Niamh Cooper and published by Excalibur Press, the little dog Princess Mary reflects on her travels through different homes and countries, meeting new dogs and people, facing fears, and learning about kindness, loyalty and self-worth. The character’s voice is filled with optimism and emotional insight, offering young readers a moving and empowering story of resilience and love.

Patience explained: “I wanted to write a story that had heart, something that children and adults alike could relate to. 

“This little dog has taught me more about courage and loyalty than I ever thought possible.”

Princess Mary’s Journey to Find True Love is a beautifully written and deeply personal tale that gives voice to the experience of a dog who knows she is destined for something special. The book also gently encourages children to reflect on what it means to belong, to face change bravely, and to believe in the power of love.

The launch included a reading from the book and a discussion about the journey that inspired it. Attendees heard how Princess Mary’s real-life travels across Europe were marked by separation, uncertainty, and ultimately, a joyful reunion that changed Patience’s life.

Speaking of the book publisher Tina Calder of Excalibur Press said: “Patience’s ability to get inside the mind of her little dogs is a sight to behold and you can hear this throughout the book where she gives the audience a unique insight into what it must be like for a dog to make the hard journey across Europe to their forever home.

“This is the third book we have published for Patience at Excalibur Press following on from her biography Where Do You Go To My Lovely and her self-help book The Housework Workout.

“I have no doubt this book will be just as popular as the others.

“Editor Niamh Cooper, a recent addition to the Excalibur Press team, did a fantastic job in editing the book, sourcing the imagery and preparing it for publication. She should be very proud of her first editor’s credit.”

The book is now available to purchase on Amazon and through the Excalibur Press website at excaliburpress.co.uk

From Newsroom To Nightmare – New Zombie Novel Races Into Print

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Journalist turned author, Jonathan Traynor, has launched his third book, Race The Undead, with much of the post-apocalyptic tale centred in his home town of Ballymena.

In the book, an epidemic has swept the world, leaving most of the population dead or as zombies, as a group of survivors seek sanctuary against the odds.

Jonathan explained it is a horror tale that focuses on a cast of characters that each have very different character traits.

 “Inspiration for the story came some time ago when walking my dog past the motte and bailey in Ballymena, and wondering about the Norman earl standing atop it in the 12th century,” he said. “I wondered what a modern-day leader would think standing atop this impressive feature, and what would be the worst circumstances they could face?”

The book features areas throughout mid and east Antrim, as the rag-tag bunch of survivors racing to sanctuary and a military desperate to stop them.

“The people in the book react in different ways to the dire situation they face,” the writer explained. “Some emerge as leaders, some resort to darkness, and some take their role to the extreme.”

Featuring a climactic dash to reach Ballycastle and the offer of refuge in Iceland, a military leader has orders to prevent them reaching the seaside harbour.

Published by Excalibur Press, Race The Undead is Jonathan’s third book, following his debut collection of short stories in 2017, Watching the Watched.

Publisher Tina Calder said: “Having worked with Jonathan for many years, I’ve always admired his ability to truly understand his audience. 

“Whether through journalism, storytelling, or now this gripping post-apocalyptic adventure. Race The Undead is a bold and fast-paced read that showcases not only his talent as a writer, but also his deep understanding of character and place. 

“At Excalibur Press we’re delighted to publish his third book and know it will resonate with readers who appreciate smart, immersive storytelling with heart.”

After a career in journalism and public relations that spans more than three decades Jonathan has plans to publish two more books in 2025.

“They say there is a book in everyone. I’m never going to be Stephen King, but I hope my tales will entertain many readers.”

Race The Undead is available now at excaliburpress.co.uk and available on Amazon.

Businesswoman Tackling Hotel Accessibility With Help From Explore Enterprise

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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.

Limavady Health Coach Launches Wellness Business with Explore Enterprise Support

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A Limavady-based entrepreneur has built a wellness business rooted in Mediterranean-inspired principles after receiving tailored support from the now-completed Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service, a government-funded initiative delivered by Enterprise NI in partnership with the Kings Trust.

Natalie McGee, originally from Holland and now living in Limavady with her husband and two children, launched her business, Saluté, offering health coaching and holistic facials focused on nurturing the whole person. Her services are designed to support clients’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Her journey into entrepreneurship followed several personal challenges. These included adapting to life in Northern Ireland, learning a new language, stepping away from a previous career, and navigating postnatal health issues. These experiences ultimately inspired her to explore holistic health and, over time, support others going through similar struggles.

Natalie explained: “Coming to NI to live, I gave up my career, settled in a new country, learned the language and after having my children, I experienced my own struggles with postnatal health, the hormonal rollercoaster, sleepless nights, and the feeling of not being myself. It was a challenging time, I found it difficult to reach out but this time also became my biggest inspiration.”

What began as informal conversations with other women and community talks developed into a more serious business idea. Encouragement from those around her helped her realise the potential to turn her passion into a career.

“The name of my business, Saluté (Italian for ‘health’), reflects a core value I hold dear. It represents a holistic, Mediterranean-inspired approach to achieving optimal well-being. It’s about nurturing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit,” she said.

The business combines Natalie’s two decades of experience as a facialist, which began in Holland, with her interest in nutrition, movement, and emotional wellbeing. She offers services that address both internal and external health, aiming to support long-term improvements through practical, individualised care.

“I’ve seen firsthand how digestive issues can lead to skin problems, how stress can manifest as breakouts, and how hormonal imbalances can affect skin texture and tone. That’s why my health coaching practice goes hand-in-hand with my facials,” she added.

While the idea for a business had been growing, Natalie admitted she wasn’t sure how to move forward. As someone who didn’t grow up in Northern Ireland, she lacked connections and knowledge of local support structures. That changed when she was introduced to Alice Quinn at Roe Valley Enterprises, who was delivering the Explore Enterprise Support Service in the area.

“I had often thought about what I could do with myself when my children started to grow up, but with not being from Northern Ireland, not knowing where to start never mind how it would work the key turning point in my entrepreneurial journey was an introduction to Alice Quinn at Roe Valley Enterprises in Limavady,” she said.

The Explore Enterprise Support Service received 1.8m funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and was designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and economically inactive individuals. It helped participants develop their business ideas and skills. Delivered by Enterprise NI through a network of Local Enterprise Agencies and the Kings Trust , the programme provided mentoring, training, and practical workshops to help people take their first steps into self-employment.

Natalie credited the programme, and the mentorship of Alice Quinn, with giving her the direction and confidence she needed to establish a viable business model that worked around her lifestyle.

“Seeking direction on launching my health coaching practice, I found invaluable mentorship and practical guidance from Alice. Her support and business development workshops equipped me with the strategic planning, public speaking, and confidence-building skills necessary to establish my business,” she said.

She also highlighted the social benefits of joining the programme, which helped her build new friendships and support networks. This proved especially valuable as someone without deep local roots.

“This moment not only connected me with Alice Quinn and her invaluable mentorship, it built up my confidence, it taught me new skills and provided me with a new social network. It also unexpectedly gifted me with a wonderful friendship with another inspiring lady that I met on the programme with children the same age as mine.”

Since completing the programme, Natalie has launched Saluté, offering holistic facials that integrate health coaching to support her clients’ physical and mental wellbeing. She is intentionally growing the business at a pace that allows her to balance family life, self-care, and long-term ambitions.

“I have now started my business, I provide holistic facials which focus on all aspects of health to improve the body, physically and mentally. I am gradually building my client base in the right way so that I can work around my family, still take care of myself and have something that I can build upon for the years to come.”

Natalie’s story is one of many that emerged from theExplore Enterprise Support Service. It helped individuals across Northern Ireland explore entrepreneurship as a practical and realistic path, particularly for those disconnected from traditional employment.

An Enterprise NI initiative, the Explore Enterprise Support Service supported over 800 individuals across all council areas in Northern Ireland  during its delivery.. The service played a key role in helping people translate personal passion and life experience into sustainable business models.

For more information on how Enterprise NI continues to support entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland, visit www.enterpriseni.com.

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