Author: Tina Calder

As the conversation around climate change heats up ahead of COP26 in November,  the team behind Culture Night Belfast 2021 have stated their ambitions for an “almost 100% sustainable event” this year.

Partnering with artist and creative lead Gawain Morrison and his team to present the spectacular, experiential installation The Ogham Grove in Writer’s Square, Susan Picken, Director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said she hopes this will be one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly Culture Nights in Belfast.

She said: “We have had a commitment to environmental sustainability for a number of years now so when we were developing the brief for CNB 2021 it was really important to us that it reflected the increasingly urgent global focus on environmental sustainability and on the need for more green, natural and shared spaces in the city. 

“We have worked with Translink and other partners over the years to promote active travel, use of public transport and an environmentally responsible approach to waste, and CNB21 builds on this with an even bigger focus on the environment.”  

From Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19 Writer’s Square will be transformed into a stunning, immersive, nature-inspired experience.

The Ogham Grove takes inspiration from the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet and will see two monumental sculptures built in Writer’s Square, with themes drawn from Celtic ancestral heritage and culture.

“What is important to everyone involved in this project is sustainability and making sure that the materials used in this are not just used and thrown away. We want to be part of the ‘one more use’ thinking or accessing products that are already part of the process flow” said Gawain.

“Using and reusing products was a very important part of our concept and the actual structural delivery of things that people can see.”

Artist and engineer Neil Beattie added: “Top of the agenda is sustainability. It’s very important for all of us that the materials that we use are either reclaimed, reused or recyclable at the least. 

“We want to walk away from this project with an extremely small amount of waste. Everything that is used from the timber and the natural materials to even the screws will be reused so very little goes to waste. 

“Sustainability is a very important part of our values so it’s a major aspect of what we’re doing. This project allows the opportunity to make something great and be creative whilst using materials that aren’t hazardous to the environment and that is key in all of this. 

“The wood we’re using is being taken from an existing process cycle so we’re just taking the materials, using them and returning them. All the timber is being reclaimed and we will be deconstructing it and using it in other projects. The material we’re using outside the structures will either be reused or given to charities like the Play Resource Centre. Nothing goes to waste.”

For artist and prop maker Dylan McCaughtry ensuring there is very little carbon footprint is important.

He said: “A lot of the construction will be made out of multi-use wood which can go straight back into the distribution system. There’s no real footprint from our use of these materials. 

“The rest of the wood is reclaimed – stuff that has been used before, so we’re giving it that last bit of life. A lot of it is just about being clever with your sourcing. That’s one of the challenges I’m looking forward to.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre.

As a result of the scaled back, scaled down nature of the project this year Susan Picken said having an “almost zero waste” year is “within our sights”.

She added: “The biggest change this year is that we aren’t running an open programme for submissions as in previous years.

“As a result we can be much more mindful of the impact Culture Night is having on the environment around us. There will be less infrastructure, less litter, less travel, less people and a lot less plastic ending up in landfill.

“Not just that, it will be a safe environment for people who want to experience art and culture without being concerned about the impacts of the pandemic.”
 

To keep up to date with updates from CNB Presents The Ogham Grove, running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19 go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

Immersive and thought provoking installation forms CNB21 offering

The creative team behind this year’s Culture Night Belfast installation have revealed ambitious plans to create a vast structural, lighting and sound show that will fill the Cathedral Quarter’s Writer’s Square next month.

Belfast artist Gawain Morrison and his team will turn Writer’s Square into The Ogham Grove, a monumental, immersive sculpture and accompanying digital trail which will create a whole new experience for Belfast. Susan Picken, director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said the plans Gawain has presented are “spectacular” and will “provide a very unique experience to each person who visits throughout the weekend”.

She added: “Gawain and his team of artists will transform Writer’s Square with a totally innovative and spectacular artwork that will invite visitors  to explore the relationship with our native woodlands and the environment. 

The Ogham Grove really tapped into our concern for the environment and the devastating impact of climate change. It also restates our commitment to support and work with our incredible cultural and creative sectors here in NI. 

This is a significant moment for CNB, not only is this our first large-scale artists’ commission but it also signals an exciting new format for the event as we move forward.”

The concept for The Ogham Grove takes inspiration from the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet.

“Two monumental sculptures will be built in Writers’ Square, with themes drawn from our ancestral heritage and culture here on the island of Ireland” explained Gawain.

“The Tree Alphabet will act as the primer for learning about the Ogham characters, their meanings, and their tree associations while the Celtic Ogham Year Wheel signifies the links with our natural environment, living in harmony with it, and the awareness of our place in the universe, the lunar and solar cycles that drive the life on this planet of ours, and all of how life lives–in balance and together.

“The Ogham Grove offers a window into an alternative interpretation of the world around us, highlighting the importance that nature played in the societies of our ancestors, enabling us to reconnect with this heritage in a playful, thought provoking and visually stunning way, at a time when the natural environment and spending time outdoors has never been so important.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre. The impact of COVID has led to a major review of the event however.

Susan added: “Culture Night 2021 will be much smaller in scale and scope and will take the form of an on-site installation that people can drop into and enjoy over the course of the weekend – this different format will allow us to focus on safety as well as making sure everyone has a great time.”

Gawain alongside his team, including artist and prop designer Dylan McCaughtry, designer, artist and engineer Neil Beattie, lighting designer Tomás FitzGerald and drum loop producer Damian Mills said the installation they are planing will leave visitors with “a monumental audio-visual experience that will be overwhelming both day and night.” 

He added: “The actual scale of the structure itself will be impressive. The fact that at night-time the lighting will come alive will give it a very different feel from the daytime and allow people to experience it in different ways.”

The 2021 edition of Culture Night will have a completely new format and a new approach designed for a COVID-safe, post-pandemic environment. A major difference this year is the decision to suspend the previous open submission programme and instead focus on creating one central experience working directly with artists.

“One of the biggest changes this year will be that we haven’t run an open programme for submissions as in previous years” said Susan. 

Susan continued “There won’t be the usual on-street activity or pop-ups that people are used to. Instead, Writer’s Square will be transformed with an exciting monumental installation, The Ogham Grove, running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19. This extended running time will allow more time and space to visit and experience over the weekend.”

“This will be a unique and sensory experience for anyone attending and will make for great photo opportunities” added Gawain.

This year’s Culture Night Belfast is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Tourism NI, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Translink.

To keep up to date with all the CNB Presents The Ogham Grove updates go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

The Cathedral Quarter Trust, the organisation behind Culture Night Belfast has appointed a Creative Lead for their 2021 project.

Earlier this year Susan Picken, director of Culture Night Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter Trust, announced the event would look very different this year.

Next month the annual event will return with a new format and a new approach designed for a COVID-safe, post-pandemic environment. A key difference this year is the decision to suspend the previous open submission programme and instead focus on creating one central experience working directly with artists.

“The biggest change this year will be that we won’t be running an open programme for submissions as in previous years” said Susan.

“Instead, Writer’s Square will be transformed into a monumental, immersive cultural experience running from Friday September 17 to Sunday September 19. In addition, an intriguing interactive trail will help visitors to reconnect with, and explore the rich artistic environment of the Cathedral Quarter. ”

Artist Gawain Morrison, who has been appointed as the Creative Lead, and his team have been tasked with the job of creating a unique, COVID-safe, installation that will dominate Writers’ Square in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter across the Culture Night weekend.

“The arts and the wider community have had a particularly difficult time over the past 18 months,” said Susan, adding: “While the situation is slowly improving, It is still very important to us that we are able to reflect the changing requirements of audiences whilst ensuring that everything we do is fully COVID secure.

“We were all really intrigued and excited by Gawain and the  team’s proposal and I am certain their work will  bring Writer’s Square to life over the weekend whilst also linking in to our central themes of nature and environmental sustainability. We will be creating something new for Belfast,  a unique space for people to enjoy, relax and appreciate the natural world.”

Gawain brings over two decades of experience in multi-platform media production and events organisation to the project alongside his team, including artist and prop designer Dylan McCaughtry, designer, artist and engineer Neil Beattie, lighting designer Tomás FitzGerald and drum loop producer Damian Mills.

Speaking of the project Gawain said: “The brief itself was very open in terms of where you could go with it, while it was site specific there was a lot to work with in terms of making it visually interesting whilst keeping within the brief of creating a city garden.

“We are planning the installation so that visitors will have a monumental audio-visual experience, it will be overwhelming both day and night. 

“The actual scale of the structure itself will be impressive. The fact that at night-time the lighting will come alive will give it a very different feel from the daytime and allow people to experience it in different ways.”

Prior to the pandemic, Culture Night had been one of Belfast’s largest free events, a cultural celebration that attracted almost 90,000 local, national and international visitors to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast city centre. The impact of COVID has led to a major review of the event however.

Susan said: “Culture Night 2021 will be much smaller in scale and scope and will take the form of an on-site installation with an interactive trail that people can drop into and enjoy over the course of the weekend – this different format will allow us to focus on safety as well as making sure everyone has a great time.”

Whilst it may be smaller in scale Gawain said it won’t be any less spectacular than previous years.

He explained: “From the moment that the Culture Night team told us we’d won this proposal to now it’s been fairly full on. We’ve been able to go from the high level concept to how do we make this happen to working with Neil and Dylan on the practical side of it in a very short space of time. 

“This will be a unique and sensory experience for anyone attending and will make for great photo opportunities.”

This year’s Culture Night Belfast is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Tourism NI, Translink and Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

To keep up to date with all the Culture Night Belfast updates go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB21 on social media.

If you’re looking for new ink or just some inspiration for your next piece look no further than Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, with five premier tattoo studios all located within the heart of the city.

Whether you want simple line work, geometry, realism or blackwork, there are many talented artists to suit all styles. 

Here are 5 tattoo studios in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter:

1. Belfast City Skinworks 

Based in Belfast for the last 30 years Belfast City Skinworks is one of Belfast’s oldest and most established Tattoo and piercing specialists in the city. 

Located in the old building of St Malachy’s Christian Brothers School, the tattoo studio has gone from strength to strength, even tattooing boxing legend Carl Frampton. 

Providing a complimentary consultation service and a large portfolio of past work the company caters for first time tattooers or regulars who are ready to get a new piece. 

To find out more go to belfastcityskinworks.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

2. A Sailors Grave 

With a huge studio space on Royal Avenue and 11 resident artists, A Sailors Grave is certainly a popular choice for tattoo lovers in Belfast. 

The variety of artists available at the studio means you will be sure to find an artist that specialises in the style you like. Calia Dagger specialises in fine line and dot work whilst Sabra Carson specialises in neo-traditional. 

To find out more go to asailorsgrave.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

3. Meraki Tattoo

Based in North Street Meraki Tattoo specialises in blackwork and geometry and cosmetic tattooing. 

As an appointment only based studio you will have to contact one of their artists; Mark, Brandon, Nathan or Liam directly to book an appointment. You can see a selection of the different artists work on their social media to find which style would suit you best. 

Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more information.

4. Penthouse Ink

Based in Royal Avenue Penthouse Ink pride themselves on catering to all styles and offering custom designs. 

Clients of the studio have praised its friendly atmosphere and laidback staff. Resident artists Jan and Aaron both have their work displayed on social media for customers to check out their style. 

Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for more information

5. Addinktion 

Established in 2010, Addinktion Tattoo is based on Donegall Street in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Offering custom tattoos by resident artists Dre and Adam, the company has a wide variety of styles and designs featured on their social media, including tarot based designs and portraits. 

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

When it comes to gigs in Belfast, the city’s Cathedral Quarter is a hub of fantastic music. From festivals, venues, and theatre spaces to bars and clubs there’s no better place to relax to your favourite genre.

Northern Ireland is full of talented local musicians that deserve our ongoing love and support, and several of them are hosting headline gigs around The Cathedral Quarter this year. 

It’s time for you to check out our amazing local bands, learn their lyrics and practice your best hand horns. 
 

Here are 5 local gigs coming up this year that you should check out:1. Junk Drawer Album Launch
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street
Date/time: 16th September @ 7:30 pm
Price: £7 entry or £21 entry + Ready For The House LP
Junk Drawer will be launching their new album “Ready For The House” as part of Black Box Recorder.
The album was released through Art For Blinds Records back in 2020 and the album features their lead single “Year Of The Sofa”, the winner of the Best Single at The Northern Ireland Music Prize in 2019”.
The band describes itself as “four multi-instrumentalists drawing from post-punk, krautrock, psychedelia, experimentalism and art-rock”. 

To find out more information about the event, go to blackboxbelfast.com and check out Junk Drawer on Soundcloud

2. BICEP 
Venue: Telegraph Building, Library Street
Date/time: 2nd October
Price: £30 + BF
Bicep are a popular DJ Duo from Belfast made up of Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar, the group are best known for their chart-topping single ‘Glue’. 
The electronic music stars are now strangers to The Telegraph Building stage having previously played the venue in 2018 and 2019. 

For more information and tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or check them out on Spotify

3. Brand New Friend 
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street 
Date/Time: 16th October @ 7pm
Price: £10 + booking fee
Brand New Friend, a five-piece indie-pop band from Castlerock, are back and headlining their own show at The Black Box this October.
Since the release of their debut album ‘Seatbelts For Aeroplanes’ back in 2018, Brand New Friend have been performing at venues and festivals across the UK and Ireland, supporting the likes of Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi, RAT BOY, and Ash. Brand New Friend brings energy to their shows like no other, promising an unforgettable night for their first headline gig post-COVID.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can stream all of Brand New Friend’s music on Spotify.

4. Joshua Burnside
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 12th & 13th November @ 7 pm
Price: £14 
Joshua Burnside is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter based in Belfast and was the artist in residence at The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. His new album “Higher Places“ incorporates elements of Irish Folk, rock, Americana, and electronica, and has featured on BBC Radio 6. 

For more information or to book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can listen to Joshua Burnside on Bandcamp

5. Amy Montgomery
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 26th November 
Price: 10+ booking fee 
Amy Montgomery is a singer-songwriter from County Antrim. At just 21 years old, she creates a fearless and confident persona in terms of singing and performing. 
Covered in war paint and performing barefooted helps to create a unique and memorable experience, as well as her strong and powerful voice.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or to listen to Amy Montgomery on Soundcloud

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

Are you a student looking for accommodation in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter? 

As demand for studying in Belfast continues to grow, more students are flocking into the city and moving closer towards the centre. 

With the opening of the new Ulster University campus this autumn and up to an additional 15,000 people in the Cathedral Quarter it’s no surprise student pads are highly sought after in the area,

There are a number of student accommodation developments across the city, with the newcomer being LIV, situated on York Street. The new accommodation is Ideal for those attending Ulster University’s Belfast campus, a 30-second walk away, or Queen’s University which is just a 15-minute cycle away.

Boasting affordable prices from £123 per week including wifi and bills, this brand new student accommodation offers a cinema room, karaoke lounge, fitness studio, and a games area. 

Not sure where you want to live this academic year? 

Here are 5 reasons why the new LIV student accommodation is ideal for you:

1. Central Location 

Be within the hustle and bustle of city life in the ideal location of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. No need for taxis or buses, as everything you need will be right on your doorstep. There is plenty to do and see around the area, so when you aren’t studying and want to enjoy some much-needed TLC, you won’t have far to travel. 
The Cathedral Quarter hosts some of Belfast’s most popular bars and restaurants such as – The Duke of York, The Thirsty Goat, and The Dirty Onion. Check out our blog 7 Beer Gardens To Visit This Summer.

2. Unique Amenities 

The new accommodation has been developed with the student lifestyle in mind, as it includes a games room, cinema room, fitness centre, study room and even a karaoke room. These amenities will help to keep you fit and healthy, and is also a space to create new friendships and help you to unwind in the evenings. 

3. 24/7 Security 

Are you nervous about moving away from home for the first time? LIV accommodation offers 24/7 security helping to put your mind (and your parent’s minds) at ease as you flee the nest and move onto city life. Staff will also be on hand to help with any maintenance issues, as well as to deal with any queries you may have.

4. A Thriving Student Community 

Starting a new course and moving away from home can be a scary time. With apartments and studio rooms spread across 13 floors, LIV accommodates over 700 students. As you will all be in the same situation in this new build, it takes off a little piece of the pressure of starting something new alone. Learn from your peers and create friends for life. 

5. Affordable Pricing 

With no deposit required and no cancellation fees, prices start from just £123 per week for a Standard En-Suite, which includes all bills, including super-fast WiFi and content insurance. They have the option of shared apartments or studio flats, giving you the flexibility of living that you need. 
They also offer a refer a friend scheme, providing a £100 discount for both you and your referral, as well as an early bird discount of up to £250 off. 

LIV Student Belfast offers modern halls of residence for students based in Belfast City Centre. For more information check out livstudent.com/belfast or call them on 07847893860. 

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter head to the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

With more than 15,000 visitors a year the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is going from strength to strength.

Since opening in 2017, the Fairy Trail has been enchanting visitors of all ages, and families can now book to take their children around the magical experience from its base, the magical Toadstool Cottage.

Special events are held throughout the year at Easter, Halloween, Christmas and over the summer holidays.

“We have families and school groups at our seasonal events that are based on an interactive outdoor experience,” said Stacey Mellon of the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail. “When the children arrive, they are given a special trail map with a range of interactive clues and puzzles to solve through the spectacular woodland trail in the heart of the Galgorm Castle Estate.

“They can complete it at their own pace whilst observing social distancing and discover some of the unique places through the forest.”

From a Wizard School to a Troll Swamp, every addition has been painstakingly designed by local craftsmen to enchant children.

“All the features have been specially created and many hand-carved,” said Stacey. “There are fairy houses, little fairy doors, gates and tunnels, and even a fairy library and the ever-popular Wizard School

“All the stops along the trail have a different theme and name to keep it interesting and stimulating for our visitors, and there are some lovely surprises as they explore.”

Taking up to two hours to complete, the trail is an integral part of the historic Galgorm Castle Estate near Ballymena, which boasts a café as well as the Galgorm Resort’s Castle Kitchen + Bar restaurant.

In October, the forest is turned into a magical Halloween wonderland.

“At the Halloween events we introduce a wide range of live characters to the trail, to really bring the experience to life.  Stacey explained. “Large as life fairies, zombies, mummies and other characters, created to entertain rather than frighten the younger children.

“At the Christmas event, a troop of elves lead our fairy-seeking visitors into the forest, where they encounter festive characters along the trail and at the end Santa is waiting to meet them.”

All the special event guided tours can be booked in advance with set booking times, for up to 40 people.

School and other groups can also book, with additional activities available, including crafts.

The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is open to visitors all year, seven days a week from 10am to 7pm (peak season) and 10am to 4pm (off peak) and maps available to collect on arrival.  The trail can cater for up to 60 people every 30 minutes.

Seasonal trails and special events vary in times and run over specific dates on a ticket only basis due to demand.

Booking for the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, and for special events is via galgormcastlefairytrail.co.uk.

Perched just a couple of hundred yards from The Gobbins Cliffs, Audrey Kyle offers a unique art workshop, helping people learn the skills of painting as well as connecting with nature.

Folklore and the landscape of the Islandmagee peninsula, shaped by the sea, offers a stunning backdrop to learn art away from the daily hustle and bustle of modern life.

Audrey Kyle Art operates on a simple premise – learning a new skill in a tranquil setting.

It is a concept Audrey developed after re-discovering her affinity for painting.

“I had been working in the corporate world in HR, but eight years ago I took a change in direction and haven’t looked back,” she explained. “I began painting, started to get commissions and my new career started from there”

Audrey opened the Gobbins Studios to showcase her own work, but has since opened the studios for classes.

This Saturday August 1 from 12pm – 4pm, Audrey will be hosting an open studio where she will be displaying some brand new pieces that incorporate organic materials.

“What is offered is quite different to what other art classes offer,” she said. “As well as learning the skills of watercolours it is very much aimed at creating a relaxing, mindful experience.”

It also helps that the studio is part of a working farm with a livery stable and a flock of 50 Suffolk ewes.

“Where we are situated means we have a stunning landscape and an active farm,” Audrey said.

“There are so many aspects that can be drawn upon. And, as it changes through the seasons it offers many different inspirations.

“For example, in the summertime we do watercolour workshops and experience days where the people that visit can go for a walk through the meadow and through the woodland, we collect wild grasses and wildflowers and then they come back to the studio and paint them.”

Most classes last for three hours and can accommodate up to six people. However, there are also special summer sessions.

“In summer I host experience days, which last for five hours including lunch, and woodland and cliff top walk along with the watercolour practice.

“This enables the folklore to be incorporated to build experiences of the folklore of Ireland and really embrace the spirit of this remarkable area.”

Art Fans are welcome to join Audrey Saturday August 1 at The Gobbins Studio from 12 pm- 4 pm to view some of the artist’s latest work.You can find out more and book classes at audreykyleart.com or contact Audrey directly on 07712464966

Ards businessman, Dr Adam Hunniford is urging Northern Ireland businesses to seize the opportunities created by the contentious Brexit NI Protocol.

Dr Hunniford, of PiP Chemicals said that whilst the issue remains politically divisive businesses can use the unique position of Northern Ireland to boost existing trade with the EU and develop new contracts.

“The Irish Sea Border means that for EU companies buying from Great Britain, they cease to be simple distributors who can rely on their suppliers meeting the regulatory requirements” he said.

“Rather, they become importers who must ensure these are all met – themselves – and shoulder the responsibility should there be failings.

“The same is not the case for EU buying from Northern Ireland, as Northern Ireland is in both the EU and GB regulatory systems. So a PiP Chemicals competitor in GB trying to sell to an EU company causes the EU company a set of issues they never had before that do not exist when buying from PiP.

“In real terms what that means is that if you get your supplies through GB the EU can ask about regulations, compliance and any relevant duties.”

Dr Hunniford said that this has created the circumstances that can be capitalised on.

“The opportunities lie in the EU market for Northern Ireland companies,” he explained. 

“At the moment Northern Ireland is still operating in the EU system, comply with the rules and customers in Ireland remain a distributor and which means any compliance issues remain with the Northern Ireland company.”

He explained that already the Irish Health and Services Agency is clamping down on GB companies trading to the Republic of Ireland leading to many no longer supplying south of the border.

The Co Down businessman said that now was the time to promote Northern Ireland’s position.

“We should be shouting loud that we are still part of the EU, you can buy from us, there are no delays or regulatory hurdles,” he explained. 

“It may be politically sensitive, but the reality is that we are now in direct competition with Britain.

“We are separate but we can offer something that GB cannot and so we should be saying ‘buy from Britain, have difficulties, buy from us, they will be fewer’.”

Dr Hunniford acknowledged that this will not be a popular strategy for many.

He said: “The broader government, of course, won’t like that companies like ours are attempting to take this strategy and it may not go down well with the public at all if Northern Ireland companies started stealing business from other regions of Britain, but that’s what has been created, whether we like it or not.”

He also explained the Brexit situation has been taking place within the context of the global pandemic, meaning most have been trying to cope with unprecedented pressures.

“Shipping containers are in the wrong place, and it will take some time to resolve this,” he said. 

“Add into that is there are fewer haulage drivers across the UK.  A lot of the lorry drivers were often Eastern European, and they have gone home, and that means there are fewer lorries coming and going.

“Hauliers will not be able to supply services at the same level, as the paperwork and lack of full containers going back and forth to GB is hitting their bottom line and that leads to increasing prices.”

However, whilst there are opportunities to be had, Dr Hunniford also warned there are inflationary pressures building.

“It is imperative that companies look to the current unique position of Northern Ireland to look to EU solutions, including transport and seeking new markets,” he said. 

“PiP Chemicals have tried to mitigate the issues by having more stock and supplies, but that has extra storage costs. Had we not had to do that we may have been able to hire extra staff.

“Every company is facing cash flow problems, and that too will lead to price increases.”

PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, specialises in designing, formulating and manufacturing products for the automotive business and wider industrial uses. It sells directly to the automotive trade

The popular Slemish Market Supper Club is set to offer food fans a new experience next month as their exclusive dining experience returns for another six-course event featuring well known chef Rob Curley.

Based in the beautiful surroundings of the greater Ballymena area, the unique pop up dining experience, Slemish Market Supper Club, creates an array of bespoke meals using only the finest local produce. 

Hosted by the award-winning chef, Rob Curley, Slemish Market Supper Club runs across a number of venues across the greater Ballymena area in County Antrim. 

At each fine dining experience, Rob will be on hand to allow you to learn more about each dish by explaining the ingredients, where they are sourced and the inspiration behind the creation of the distinctive cuisines.

“I love surprising people by taking a humble ingredient and turning it into something extraordinary,” said Rob.

The delectable dishes consist of six courses that will include a drink, a wee bite, a starter, a fish course, a meat course and a dessert. 

“We want our diners to have more than a meal,” explained Rob, adding: “We want them to understand what is on their doorstep, what they too can prepare and have a great time as well as great food.” 

Each event differs from the rest, as the ingredients used are done so when the produce is at its finest, making each experience special. Not just that, the menu is a surprise which Rob reveals on the night.

Offering the best summer creations, the next pop up event is due to take place on Saturday August 7 at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens in Cloughmills, Co. Antrim. The unique event not only offers the finest of cuisines but creates an intimate setting allowing you to meet new people and learn top tips from an award-winning chef. 

“It Is a delight for me to showcase what we have on our doorstep,” said Rob. “And when our diners experience the freshness it can be a revelation.”

Northern Ireland is renowned for its quality food and hospitality, and with Slemish Market Supper Club, they combine these two elements to create innovative and unforgettable experiences.

Tickets for the Slemish Market Supper Club at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens are £60 and can be booked at slemishmarketsupperclub.com 

To find out more or book a place, ​​phone Rob Curley on 07547804975, go to their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter