Author: Tina Calder

With just less than a week to go to the annual #HackTheHub 2022 Hackathon, all tickets to the UK and Ireland’s number one leading series have now sold out.

Taking place on Saturday May 28 from 9:00am to 22:00, the tech event hosted in McAuley House Belfast marks the return of the in-person innovative tech day that combines all things code, creativity and community.

#HackTheHub Director Conor Graham, revealed this year’s theme is Data and Artificial Intelligence, both increasingly popular developments in the tech industry: “This year we are bringing together the intersection of data and artificial intelligence.

“We chose this theme because that’s the way the economy is going. Everyone wants to be using data and analytics to learn more effectively and run their businesses better but many don’t know how to do that.”

At Hackathon, developers, data scientists, designers and product owners of all levels are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and tackle a range of challenges within 12 hours over the weekend.

The Hackathon will officially begin at 9:45am on Saturday morning after registration, breakfast and a welcome talk from the Hack The Hub team.

Conor added how the Hackathon gives those breaking into the tech space invaluable experience which will open doors professionally in the near future.

He added: “#Hack the Hub provides the perfect opportunity to try something different. Being in a team with people who have a wide array of skill sets ensures there’s a solid kind of proof concept there that they can then go to look to take further on down the line.

“In the past it has helped people secure jobs or companies have straight up offered multiple job offers. There’s also been people starting businesses, building products and starting businesses from it.”

With Slice as the headline partner, other partners include: Insider Inc, Confluent, Enthuse, Github, Nigma, Datactics, Analytics Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and help from the community groups PyBelfast and Women Tech Makers, all tickets to the event are free.

John Byrne, manager, customer innovation engineering at Confluent said: “My  favourite part of working at Confluent is the people and the journey we’re all on together. Agility, innovation, collaboration and learning all contribute to the values I feel here. 

“By being a part of #HackTheHub here in Belfast we are looking forward to seeing all of this in a local community setting and being a part of that community moving forward. Being a part of this high energy and fun environment is a cherished value for the whole Confluent team.”

Previous attendee Stuart said his time at the Hackathon was ‘fun’ and ‘enjoyable’.

“If you’re new to Data and AI, it’s a great opportunity to acquire new skills. Learn from pros and surround yourself with a team. It was exceedingly fun, enjoyable and relaxing.”

Participants will be judged on their best application of Data and Artificial Intelligence in any sector will be scored based on the level of innovation, business value and quality of pitch.

For more information go to hackthehub.com 

Hack the Hub 2022 is sponsored by Slice, Confluent, Insider INC, Enthuse, GitHub, Datatics, Barclays Eagle Labs, Analytic Engines and Nigma.

Belfast City Council has announced it is hosting a pilot careers inspiration event for over 700 Year 9 pupils called 4C UR Future LIVE in June 2022. 

Designed and delivered by local social enterprise, 4C UR Future, the industry-led Community Interest Company – founded by business leader Rose Mary Stalker – works collaboratively with a wide range of employers from the key sectors in Northern Ireland, with the aim of empowering young people to make more informed education and career choices.

4C UR Future LIVE is a fun, fast-paced, and action-packed day of interactive skills games and work-based challenges, with each game co-created and delivered by local employers, giving Year 9 students an insight into the future world of work, as well as their own strengths and talents. 

Announcing support for the event Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We’re really looking forward to 4C UR Future Live at St George’s Market on 1 June.  

“We are committed to supporting each young person across Belfast to fulfil their potential as outlined in the Belfast Agenda.  This event is one of the many ways we support young people on their pathway towards employment. 

“We currently support young people through a wide range of programmes including our Youth Support Programme which helps young people who need help most, and our GCSE Maths and English Support Programme that helps young people get their grade C in both subjects therefore opening up as many opportunities as possible after leaving school and post compulsory education.”

The world of work is changing rapidly with new jobs, and even entirely new sectors, emerging. This has resulted in a complex careers landscape that can make choosing GCSE subjects, further education pathways, and future career options overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for our young people.

4C UR Future Managing Director, Rachel Doherty, added: “With the support of Belfast City Council, we’re delighted to be holding a pilot 4C UR Future LIVE event at St. George’s Market in June. 

“Over 50 employers are involved in 4C UR Future LIVE 2022 and we’re mobilising almost 300 ‘Career Heroes’ from our volunteer community to deliver and facilitate the LIVE events across the province. We welcome more local employers to reach out and get involved in these game-changing events.”

Through 4C UR Future LIVE events and our first-generation CAREERS PORTAL, which is launching in September, we aim to inform young people of the wide range of opportunities available to them, help them navigate the complex careers landscape, and inspire them to achieve their ambitions and become the best version of themselves.”

For more information on 4C UR Future, and how local employers can get involved, go to: www.4curfuture.com.

The 2022 Boardroom Apprentice deadline is approaching for people to join the 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme.

Earlier this week, five Boardroom Apprentices joined Finance Minister Conor Murphy to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to apply for the programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth learning and support.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme has helped 223 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance.

Eileen Mullan said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

Now in its sixth year, the 12-month Boardroom Apprentice programme is a UK first, and applications, which are open to people aged 16 and over, should be submitted by 3pm on Tuesday May 24. 

The programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.

2021 Boardroom Apprentice David Johnston said: “Being part of the Boardroom Apprentice programme has been a privilege. For me it has reinforced the importance of being motivated and committed to enhancing public service delivery.”

Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance and complete a board placement on a host board.

2019 Boardroom Apprentice May Cheung added: “My placement allowed me to get an understanding of the boardroom environment, how it worked and the pressures they’re under. You see a lot of what’s going on in the headlines and understand the public opinion.”

2020 Boardroom Apprentice Jo McGinley revealed her experience with the training days helped shape who she is today: “The training was top class. Each facilitator who led the training is as passionate about the ethos of Boardroom Apprentice as Eileen is.

“My time on the Boardroom Apprentice programme fundamentally changed me. I’ve transformed as a person.”

2020 Boardroom Apprentice Nikita Brijpaul said the programme “demystified the boardroom experience” and taught him to “trust in my instinctive leadership abilities”.

He added: “It has given me the confidence to believe that with time, an open mind and practice I have what it takes to be successful in the boardroom environment. 

“It gives underrepresented groups the self-belief and self confidence that is integral. I think all boards wish to see more diversity however it’s exceedingly difficult to recruit, without the support and encouragement of the likes of Boardroom Apprentice.”

2019 Boardroom Apprentice Roisin Kelly added: “Anybody could sit on a board and will have something to contribute if they’re interested in that board, in that organisation and what they do.

“You don’t have to have 30 years of experience in senior management in an organisation. You don’t have to come from a big private sector firm. You just have to have your own life experiences.”

This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2022 – until 31st August 2023 in adherence to all relevant Covid-19 guidance.

“If being on a board giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to do, but are not sure how to do then Boardroom Apprentice will enable you to do just that,” said Eileen.

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to https://boardroomapprentice.com.

The UK and Ireland’s number one leading hackathon series has announced their return to Belfast this month for #HackTheHub22.

Founded by a group of Data Science students in Northern Ireland, this year’s annual event will take place on Saturday, May 28 hosted in McAuley House, Belfast and marks the return of the in-person innovative tech event that combines all things code, creativity and community.

#HackTheHub Director Conor Graham, revealed the 2022 theme is Data and AI, both increasingly popular developments in the tech industry: “This year we are bringing together the intersection of data and artificial intelligence. Teams will explore areas such as forecasting, time series analysis, natural language processing and machine learning techniques.”

“We chose this theme because that’s the way the economy is going. Everyone wants to be using data and analytics to learn more effectively and run their businesses better but many don’t know how to do that.”

The hacking extravaganza runs from 09:00am to 10pm and welcomes developers, data scientists, designers and product owners of all levels who will spend the day developing innovative solutions and tackling a number of challenges within the space of 12 hours. 

Senior Director of Data Strategy and Governance at Slice, Marion Rybnikar said: “#HackTheHub is back and Slice is delighted to be part of it. At Slice we believe in community. We tackle challenges, we collaborate, we persevere and we celebrate our successes together which is at the heart of HackTheHub and exactly why we are sponsoring this year.

“We’re excited to finally get the Belfast tech community back together and what a way to get things started. As a company, we value big ideas and bold goals and we can’t wait to see what the teams dream up at this year’s Hackathon.”

Conor said that the #HackTheHub22 hackathon is ideal for both those breaking into the tech space, but also those already in the industry that haven’t had the chance to develop these sought after skill sets.

He added: “#HackTheHub provides the perfect opportunity to try something different. Being in a team with people who have a wide array of skill sets ensures there’s a solid kind of proof concept there that they can then go to look to take further on down the line.

“In the past it has helped people secure jobs or companies have straight up offered multiple job offers. There’s also been people starting businesses, building products and starting their careers from it.”

With Slice as the headline partner, other partners include: Insider Inc, Confluent, Enthuse, Github, Nigma, Datactics, Analytics Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and help from the community groups PyBelfast and Women Tech Makers, all tickets to the event are free and will begin on Saturday morning. 

Judges will decide which solution is the “Best Application Use of Data & AI” in Northern Ireland and will score based on the level of innovation, business value and quality of pitch.

Previous attendee hacker, Kathleen said that her time at the event was a great opportunity to connect with other like minded individuals: “I met so many people working in tech at HackTheHub. They were so willing to help out, so supportive and I am so glad I got the opportunity to attend.”

For more information and tickets go to hackthehub.com

#HackTheHub22 is sponsored by Slice, Confluent, Insider INC, Enthuse, GitHub, Datactics, Analytic Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and Nigma.

There’s only one week left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

All applications are to be submitted by 3:00pm on Tuesday, May 24.

Now in its sixth  year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme has helped 223 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance.

Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.

Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice founder, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support.

Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector after completing the programme,“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance along with  a board placement on one of this year’s 58 Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.

2020 Boardroom Apprentice Magdalena Bisewska revealed the experience is for everyone.

“I would encourage anyone to apply. It’s about creating opportunities for everyone. We’ve all got something to contribute.

“I think everyone from any nationality, any background, all walks of life, should apply as it’s given you the confidence, the knowledge and the skills to make a difference.”

This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2022 – until 31st August 2023 in adherence to all relevant Covid-19 guidance.

“If being on a board giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to do, but are not sure how to do then Boardroom Apprentice will enable you to do just that,” said Eileen.

Applications are still open, to apply go to https://boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply/ 

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to https://boardroomapprentice.com 

PAC Group urges new Northern Ireland MLAs to get to grips with green agenda

Northern Ireland’s leading engineering company, PAC Group, has called on newly elected MLAs to tackle the energy crisis by reducing barriers to renewable sources, such as solar.

PAC Group Business Development Director Darren Leslie was one of PAC Group’s team at the Balmoral Show this week, explaining to farmers and householders the benefits of solar panels, but he said that there is an urgent need for the new Assembly to address the renewable sector.

“We are facing one of the biggest energy problems for generations,” he said. 

“Domestic consumers, businesses and farmers are all looking at massive price increases. With no reduction in the foreseeable future there has to be a concerted effort to support renewable energy.”

Mr Leslie explained that barriers included the lack of zero VAT, that applies in England, on solar panels.

“The UK government just over a month ago said anyone installing solar panels would benefit from zero VAT, but it’s not applicable to Northern Ireland. According to Westminster our Executive has to make that decision as we’re governed partly by the European Union rules” he said.

In addition, the PAC Group representative said that the lack of incentives for farmers and businesses prevents people from developing renewable energy sources.

“In Ireland grants are available but not here in Northern Ireland, and that is worrying for everyone in the agricultural sector especially,” explained Renewables Business Development Manager Brian Alexander of PAC Group.

He added: “Farms, businesses, outlets and stores want to establish their green credentials, for example supermarkets and fast food chains will be looking at their suppliers to show how green they are throughout the supply chain, without assistance many agricultural companies simply can’t embrace it.”

Although PAC Group were showcasing how they can support farmers with renewables at the Balmoral Show recently, they also want to explain to those attending the event the benefits of solar panels in the domestic sector.

“We can deliver a system that meets the needs of many people,” said Mr Alexander. “One of the biggest draws in your house when you go home at night is hot water. You need hot water to shower people, wash dishes, so whatever, hot water is a draw all year round.

“We have a system where you can generate the solar and any access solar that you don’t use it switches on a thing called a Solar iBoost or an Eddi and that will give you hot water onto your immersion. Basically, your immersion will top up but it’s using the power from the solar panels.

“A standard house will use about 4kW of electricity per year and a solar system in Northern Ireland will generate between, depending on where it is, 3.2-3.6 kW per year. In the current energy climate this would represent a considerable saving.”

Mr Leslie said the company’s attendance at the Balmoral Show is proving now is the time for action as soaring costs.

“Already we have seen a much larger number of enquiries than expected at the Balmoral Show. Many of these enquiries are from small domestic farms hoping to reduce the electricity consumption from the grid both from their home and farm buildings.

“Not just that, a large majority of enquiries have asked about funding sources and whether there is any help available to embrace solar as a renewable energy source.

“This entire sector needs to be addressed urgently by the new tranche of MLAs to support everyone in Northern Ireland as we look at having an energy crisis for some years ahead.”

PAC Group were offering domestic, commercial and agricultural packages at the Balmoral Show, all of which included a free, no obligation site analysis and estimate, along with free design and system yield calculation. For those that require it, the team will also provide assistance with commercial NIE Networks applications.

For more information about how you can embrace solar energy go to pacgroup.co.uk or email info@pacgroup.co.uk 

The UK wide industry-standard, We’re Good to Go, which has supported businesses throughout the pandemic has been phased out following a successful campaign.

The standard which was introduced in July 2020 when organisations were struggling to adjust to new regulations allowed businesses to demonstrate the Covid-19 protocols they had put in place to keep both staff and visitors safe while the hospitality sector moved to reopening.

“It has been tough, we had to adjust and review our operating procedures and various range of risk assessments,” said Pim Dalm, the Managing Director of Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor County Down.

With the help of the ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel was able to maintain a safe environment for its staff. 

“We felt it was very important to make sure that our staff felt confident that as business owners we had taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the environment in which they were either interacting with guests or interacting amongst each other was as safe as could possibly be.”

Looking back on the unpredictability the tourism sector was facing at the time, Dermot Friel, owner of Friel’s Bar and Restaurant explained the importance of safety for organised trips.

 “Tour operators wanted to know if their guests and visitors were going to be looked after in a safe environment. That was one of their first questions, were we ‘Good To Go’ accredited?” he recalled.

Fortunately, the success of the initiative allowed many local businesses to safely reopen their premises and welcome visitors and guests after a long period of uncertainty. 

For Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the We’re Good To Go accreditation meant that Northern Ireland’s primary royal residence could start planning for the future.

“Being declared Good To Go was peace of mind that you were safe at work and that you can provide a safe experience for your visitors.

“The We’re Good To Go campaign was an incredibly important part of our discussions with international vendors about our 2022 calendar and for trying to build back up to our pre covid business levels,” said Christine Grant, Palace Host Team Leader of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

Examining the consumer confidence, propensity to travel and consumer concerns at the time, Tourism NI’s Consumer Sentiment Analysis gave exceptional insight into the success of the We’re Good To Go initiative. 

Only a few months after launching the initiative, by March 2021, almost a quarter of NI consumers (23%) were aware of the ‘We’re Good to Go Mark’. For the vast majority (92%) who were aware of it, this mark gave them confidence that a business was safe to visit. The same research confirmed that when restrictions eased, two-thirds of NI consumers would be more inclined to visit a business that displayed the mark over one that didn’t.

Tourism NI’s CEO John McGrillen said: “The ‘We’re Good to Go’ scheme was vital for businesses as it reassured visitors that they had put the necessary arrangements in place to deal with Covid safely. That consumer confidence was a critical part of driving consumer demand.

“I am exceptionally proud of the industry for their collective effort and investment to ensure guests felt safe when visiting their experiences and attractions. This is testament to the resilience and strength of character of the wonderful people we have working within the sector across Northern Ireland. 

“This tenacity and giant spirit throughout the tourism sector contributes to the positive outlook as we move towards economic recovery following the pandemic.”

Throughout the campaign, all businesses operating within the visitor economy including accommodation providers, visitor attractions and more were encouraged to apply for the accreditation. In Northern Ireland, a total of 2,148 businesses took part and displayed the green logo on their premises and online. 

By the end of summer 2021, NI holidaymakers felt more confident to book further in advance than ROI visitors. This could partly be attributed to the success of the We’re Good To Go standards of which 50% of consumers were aware.

Since Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland were officially lifted in February 2022 and consumer nervousness around travelling lessened, VisitEngland, VisitScotland, Visit Wales and Tourism Northern Ireland have agreed that the initiative has achieved what it set out to and drew the scheme to a close. 

With nationwide restrictions behind us, Tourism NI acknowledges the support of the industry for taking the proactive step in helping visitors feel safe when travelling within, or to Northern Ireland. 

The organisation is looking forward to welcoming both domestic and international visitors and guests in the coming season and seeing the tourism and hospitality industry restored to pre-pandemic levels. 

Whilst the ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme has closed we would like to encourage businesses to stay connected with Tourism NI for other supporting activities.

For more information on how Tourism NI can support your business visit: www.tourismni.com