Author: Tina Calder

A Northern Ireland disability rights campaigner has launched a new initiative that will allow wheelchair users to enjoy ‘all inclusive’ accessibility at local hospitality venues and hotels.

Shelley Cowan, from Enniskillen, was confined to bed, tube fed and unable to use her limbs for 12 years as a result of severe ME and spent a further decade as a wheelchair user.

She is now using her lived experience and research findings into the ‘purple pound’, the spending power of disabled people and their families, to help make all venues accessible with her campaign #accommodationforall.

She said: “When people think of ‘all-inclusive’, they think of ‘all you can eat’ food and drink. I want it to mean that hotels and venues are fully accessible for all.

“In 2024, it is shameful that there are not adequate facilities available for everyone. I know of people who have had to sleep on pool loungers at hotels because the hotel rooms aren’t accessible.

“Negative hospitality attitudes are commonplace, causing guests with severe disabilities to feel humiliated, ignored, unwanted and a nuisance. It isn’t good enough.”

Placing her passion into a project, Shelley founded Access Avenue, a business venture which she hopes will help people with disabilities to be included in society.

Speaking on her first-hand experience of the difficulties that disabled tourists are forced to accept, Shelley said: “I was a wheelchair user and it was following personal experience of ineffective hospitality venues that I researched the area to improve accessibility within hospitality and tourism.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to fully participate and explore equal, effective, enjoyable experiences – the campaign follows these 5E’s.

“For me, as a wheelchair user, travelling was inaccessible, unaffordable and too cumbersome to gain any real benefit from the experience.”

Speaking on the shocking conditions that guests with disabilities are faced with due to hotels frequently exaggerating their accessibility status, Shelley said her research concluded that: “75% of tourists with severe physical disabilities perceive current hotel venue barriers as excessive, increasingly difficult or unreasonable to navigate.

“50% of tourists with severe disabilities bring, purchase or rent their own heavy, expensive hoisting devices to be able to stay in hotels.”

Shelley herself shared that she fit into this category: “I had to purchase and transport a portable hoist, blow-up pressure relieving mattresses for myself and a mattress for a carer.”

To combat this, Shelley created the ‘Hotel Accessibility Grading Classification’, a system which aims to help guests understand the level of accessibility within certain venues.

From today, her outlined plan to work with hospitality providers in an attempt to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how they can change their premises in a positive move towards being more accessible is underway.
Shelley has previously conducted research into the problems faced by those with disabilities as part of her MSc in International Business.

The findings highlight major failings for people with disabilities and vast access barriers within the hospitality sector in the country, including how, despite there being hundreds of pet-friendly accommodation options in the UK, there are only 17 fully accessible hotels for disabled guests to choose from, with zero of these being found in Northern Ireland.

Shelley believes that her personal experience as a wheelchair user for ten years, and throughout her illness has fitted into all three categories of the grading system, has offered a unique insight into the daily barriers faced by those who have disabilities, developing a fail-proof of adequate provision for the hotel industry.

Shelley said: “Overall, Northern Ireland hotel accessible offerings are limited, basic, impractical and inadequately designed, however this was found to also be a global issue.

“Hospitality, particularly hotels, lose millions of pounds due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

“To be able to stay away from home for even one night took weeks of rigorous planning and several phone calls to the hotel to ensure the venue and facilities were suitable for my needs.

“The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

Having conducted numerous interviews with domestic and international wheelchair-using tourists, Shelley discovered they find accommodation providers in Northern Ireland inadequate, inaccessible and unavailable for the severely disabled.

Shelley said her findings show that this is a regional, national and global issue, impacting the tourism industry, and she believes that accommodation providers lose millions of pounds annually due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

She said: “Hotel guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests.
“Guests with disabilities want barrier-free travel with accommodation as stated. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

The purple pound is the spending power of disabled households, currently valued at £274 billion per year in the UK alone and $8 trillion globally; £12 billion of the former figure is in accessible tourism, signalling the potential that hospitality companies are excluding by ignoring this demographic.

Rounding off her remarks with advice for the sector, Shelley Cowan said: “I believe accommodation providers with full accessibility will benefit from an increase in trade from the ‘purple pound’.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone if we work together.”

September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. 

Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents alike.

North Belfast childcare expert and owner of Wee Chicks CIC, Kelly Molloy, is armed with almost two decades’ worth of experience caring for kids and has shared some of her top tips on aiding the process.

Well-versed in overcoming the struggles associated with sending your little ones off on their own for the first time, Kelly has outlined the best way to ease the transition and set the stage for a positive start.

Calling on her years of experience owning Wee Chicks, Kelly states that maintaining a positive attitude will help your child settle and enjoy the start of their journey with education.

Kelly explained: “A child can read your energy – so if you feel calm and prepared, they will too.”

Here’s Kelly’s top tips to help your little one love their new school:

1. Pay a visit

“Working out your little ones’ schedule means your mind will be put at ease and you will be prepared to guide them through their day” explained Kelly.

“Take a look at the facilities, check out the environment and put yourself in their shoes, noting anything that your child might be interested in to mention to them on days when they feel overwhelmed. 

“Don’t be scared to ask lots of questions and always trust your instincts.”

2. It’s good to talk

Kelly said: “Communicate with your child about what will happen. This is a big change that needs to be normalised, even after the switch over has occurred. 

“Bring nursery life into everyday conversation and try to remove any fears your child raises with you, including updating them on how you’ll be spending the day too. 

“Make sure they know what they will be doing each day and what you will be doing while they are there – even if it is just cleaning the house.”

3. Stay positive

“Your attitude towards nursery school will influence your child’s feelings” said Kelly, adding: “The majority of the time, it’s the parents who are feeling nervous about the shift, so it’s important to reassure your child that this is going to be a fun, new experience. 

“Tell them it’s going to be very exciting. Explain that they are going to meet new friends, and they’re going to be able to play with great new toys.”

4. Establish a routine

Start adjusting your child’s daily routine to match the schedule they will follow at nursery school. 

Kelly explained: “This means they will know what is happening and it should reduce anxiety. So, have a good bedtime routine, make sure your child knows what to do in the morning and stick to this trend. 

“If they know what is about to happen, it will reassure them. It will also help them understand that you will come back at the end of the day.”

5. Special affirmations

“If your child is feeling anxious, you can give them small affirmations that they can repeat to themselves” said Kelly.

“I recommend telling them to say things like: ‘I’m going to have fun,’ and ‘I am going to be safe.’ This can be really helpful.”

6. Comfort items

Kelly said: “Your child is still very young and may need a little reminder of home with them during the transition period. That could be a special toy (ask at the nursery about their policy on this) or a picture. 

““You can draw a little heart on their hand with a pen and tell them to touch it if they are feeling sad. Or send a ‘pocket hug’ with them. This can be a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it that they can look at for reassurance.”

For more information go to weechicks.com

Manufacturing firms in Northern Ireland must embrace resilience and innovation to thrive in today’s challenging economic landscape, according to Alan Lowry, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) NI Policy Board. 

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12, Lowry emphasised the need for businesses to adapt to a changing environment.

Bringing learning, development and networking opportunities to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast this week, the forthcoming event will see sector leaders from across the UK, Ireland and wider world for the 5th annual instalment of the conference.

With only days to go before the TEC opens its doors to attendees at 9am, FSB Policy Chair Alan Lowry has offered business owners and industry professionals a rare glance at his tips on how companies can better themselves in the current climate.

Speaking on the difficulty that the manufacturing sector has faced recently, Alan said: “There’s no doubt about it that the last few years have been very challenging for manufacturing businesses in Northern Ireland, particularly small businesses. 

“All of the issues around Brexit, followed by Covid and a number of other issues about the cost of doing business have really made it very difficult. 

“Northern Ireland businesses are very resilient, so the good thing is that most of them have looked for workarounds to make them still be able to perform in the way they should be, but there’s definitely challenges for them all that we need to work through.”

Arguably one of the biggest challenges that has needed to be overcome in the last few years is that of the Windsor Framework, which caters largely to companies that are bringing up to £2 million worth of goods in, but the FSB are actively working to rectify the discrepancies so that the majority of businesses can benefit 

Alan said: “One of the biggest problems with the Windsor Framework and the Northern Ireland protocol is it has made it much easier for micro sized manufacturing businesses to do what they need to do to them and put them out again. 

“The problem is, most of our businesses are between two to 10 million in the manufacturing sector, and it’s been made more difficult for them. 

“All of our goods have to come through the railing, which means there’s additional paperwork, and it all gets held up. 

“What we’re doing at the FSB is really trying to lobby hard for these members of ours and other small and medium sized manufacturing businesses to make it easier for them to do this business.

“I think it’s really important that all the manufacturers make us aware of what the issues are. 

“We’ve been lobbying hard now for a number of years on the issues that have been brought to our attention, and we’ve had some really good success and without the rigorous implementation of the Windsor framework, yet we still have an opportunity to speak to the EU and see if we can change some of that mindset, some of that thinking, just to make it easier for non-manufacturers to thrive and many of them to survive as well in this current environment.”

September 12’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition programme boasts five stages, one of which centres on Sustainable and Renewable Energy plus ClimateTech.

One of Alan’s many passions, both related to and outside of work, is slowing down the effects of climate change, something he believes is possible despite the small scale that Northern Ireland has to work with.

Outlining how NI can be more climate conscious, he said: “There’s a real push to try and get people into more sustainable vehicles, electric vehicles, but we don’t have the infrastructure for it in Northern Ireland in the same way there would be in the Republic of Ireland or in mainland UK. 

“There’s also massive opportunities in wind technology, not just in wind farms, but even in smaller scale wind technology.

“We don’t get a lot of sunshine in Northern Ireland, but we do get a lot of wind, and that definitely needs to be something we need to be looking at to make sure we can work that alongside the action plan.”

As well as sharing his industry insights, Alan also expressed his delight at joining the prestige list of speakers for the Manufacturing Expo, saying: “I think one of the really good things about the show later this week is that it’s going to allow people to see how technology and working together in partnership can really unlock this.

“Bringing manufacturers along with technology and supply chain experts together is really going to unlock the opportunities for Northern manufacturers.

“I think this week’s going to be a great open forum where a lot of people are going to learn things that they didn’t even know existed.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition has revealed seven speakers who are set to appear on one of five stages during the September 12 event.

Centring on logistics and sustainability, the day-long feat provides delegates with a fantastic opportunity to network with other industry professionals, as well as learning from experienced experts through insightful displays of their career knowledge.

The fourth stage inside of the TEC Belfast will feature talks on two topics split across the day, with the morning seeing speeches on Robotics and Automation, whereas the afternoon will focus on IoT, Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation.

Seven excellent industry professionals have now been unveiled alongside the existing line-up, offering guests a plethora of opportunities to hear from highly skilled individuals who have successfully made a name for themselves in the industry.

Speaking on the event’s prominence in the community, Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, which organises the event, said: “The conference promises a dynamic program with free workshops, keynote speakers, and a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest technological solutions and business services. 

“This event is a golden opportunity for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry to gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover cutting edge advancements that are shaping the future.”

Kicking off the day with her opening remarks, Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multidisciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, will deliver a brief five minute overview of what can be expected from the day’s programme.

The seasoned publicist and content strategist will also commence her own talk on Using AI To Supercharge Your Manufacturing Firm’s Marketing Efforts, delving into the transformative power of AI in construction marketing whilst unveiling cutting-edge strategies for leveraging AI to elevate marketing.

The first announced speaker of the day for the fourth stage following Tina’s introduction will be Al Parra, who is set to talk about Factories of the Future, honing in on the democratisation of resource and opportunity as well as other pressing issues.

The Founder and Director of Bloqs actively campaigns for manufacturing interests and regularly speaks on the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of open access resource distribution, including sitting on the MakeUK All-Party Advisory Board.

Andrew Gough, Managing Director of GCD Technologies, will then take over the microphone for his speech on Using Digital Transformation To Stand Out From The Crowd, before the first panel session of the day on the stage.

Moderator Tina Calder will also lead the stage’s first panel, speaking with panellist Rod O’Doherty on Business Digital Transformation, before the Salar IT Ltd Director, completes the Robotics & Automation line-up on his own, showcasing his Digital Business Solutions: Keys to Successful Selection and Implementation speech to audiences ahead of the lunch & networking break.

Boasting experience with computer technology in various forms, Rod has specialised in the sector for the majority of his career and now works as an independent business IT consultant.

Following the 40-minute long halt, during which attendees can grab a bite to eat and mingle with like-minded event goers, the fourth stage will become a hub for all things IoT, Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation.

Moderator Tina Calder will then return for the stage’s second and final panel on Beyond Boundaries: Igniting the Manufacturing Revolution – Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Redefining Northern Ireland’s Future. 

Excalibur Press’ frontwoman will speak with panellists Mark Walmsley, Ian Gardner, Rhealyn Mugri and Eric Hewitson to provide audiences with an in-depth look at how business owners can push their business forward within the Northern Irish sector.

The first name announced for the afternoon’s programme is Lee Bristow, CEO of Risk Copilot Limited.

His talk Frameworks That Simplify AI Success (Human AI Alliance) will draw upon his more than two decades’ long experience in the field, explaining how organisations can leverage the artificial intelligence convergence to achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscapes.

In the afternoon Rhealyn Mugri, Digital Growth Strategist and Founder of The Digital Projects, will bring her insight on From Assembly Line to Search Engine: Leveraging SEO to Supercharge Your Manufacturing Brand to the fourth stage.

Rhealyn’s talk will share her top tips on helping businesses thrive online through data-driven strategies and customer-centric solutions.

Rounding off the seven announced speakers is Lagan Networks Ltd’s Commercial Director, Mark Walmsley, who champions his 25 years of commercial roles within engineering companies.

Mark’s speech, Establish Utilities Usage Baseline Data with Ease centres on case study examples of productive electrical cost reduction and net zero initiatives.

Bringing the event full circle, Tina Calder will be back on the fourth stage to close the event, reflecting on the beneficial talks provided by each guest speaker.

She said: “When it comes to standing out from the crowd in any industry, the adoption of new technologies is absolutely vital, especially in the fast-evolving manufacturing sector. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way and embracing innovation to drive growth and success.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to moderate and speak on this stage. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only share insights on how AI can revolutionise marketing strategies in manufacturing, but also to engage with some of the brightest minds who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sector. 

“Events like the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo help to foster the connections and spark the ideas that will shape the future of Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.”

The NI Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo is sponsored by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ulster University, and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

Industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland are set to arrive in Belfast for Northern Ireland’s most significant event of its kind. The 5th annual Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will take place at TEC Belfast on September 12.

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands as well as incorporating a comprehensive conference programme with free workshops and keynote speakers. Exhibitors will range from business services through to innovative companies displaying the latest technological solutions for the industry.

Colin Murphy, Managing Director of organisers Premier Publishing & Events said: “The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance. 

“The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts.”

Throughout the day, the event will cover topical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

The event is sponsored by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ulster University, and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal.

Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be back to partner with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Conference and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition for 2024. It’s a fantastic event that showcases innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to talk to attendees about our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity. Through AMIC, we are supporting economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland by creating high-quality jobs and increasing inward investment through high-value manufacturing innovation clusters: driving industrial transformation, paving the way for future technologies, and competing globally with a more sustainable focus.”

 

Colin Murphy added that the event will serve as a forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Northern Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing their industry. 

He added: “Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland.

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales. The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors.”

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has been announced as the main sponsor for the upcoming Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, the largest event of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

The 5th annual conference and exhibition will take place at the TEC Belfast in Belfast on September 12, bringing together industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland.

AMIC, a £100m innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ulster University, and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal, is the main sponsor for the 2024 event.

Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be back to partner with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Conference and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition for 2024. It’s a fantastic event that showcases innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to talk to attendees about our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity. Through AMIC, we are supporting economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland by creating high-quality jobs and increasing inward investment through high-value manufacturing innovation clusters: driving industrial transformation, paving the way for future technologies, and competing globally with a more sustainable focus.”

The event, which will feature over a hundred trade stands, a comprehensive conference programme with free workshops, and keynote speakers, is a significant platform for showcasing the latest technological solutions and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Exhibitors will range from business services to innovative companies across various sectors, reflecting the breadth of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry.

Speaking of the AMIC sponsorship Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, which organises the event, said: “We are delighted to partner with AMIC for this year’s Belfast event.

“Due to open in 2026 AMIC’s new Factory of the Future is a key development in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry and will significantly accelerate levels of innovation and collaboration between industry and researchers.

“Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland.

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales. The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors.”

Throughout the day, the event will cover critical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

Colin Murphy added, “The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance. The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts.”

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

The upcoming Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, set to take place on September 12 at TEC Belfast, will bring renewed attention to the often-overlooked aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks: social value. 

The event, which is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland, will feature a diverse range of speakers and exhibitors, with a particular focus on integrating social value into sustainable business practices.

Rachel Doherty, Director of Inspired Business Consultancy, will be leading a key session titled “Putting the S back into ESG,” where she will address the critical role of social value in today’s manufacturing industry. While ESG has become a major focus for businesses, the social component frequently takes a back seat to environmental concerns such as carbon emissions and sustainability. 

Rachel’s session will argue that this imbalance needs to be corrected to ensure that social value is delivered effectively, monitored appropriately, and integrated into broader business strategies.

“ESG is crucial for the long-term sustainability of any business, but too often, the ‘S’ in ESG is overshadowed by environmental issues,” said Rachel Doherty. 

“Social value is not just a box-ticking exercise; it has real implications for maintaining margins, avoiding non-compliance penalties, and fostering strong community and stakeholder relationships. 

“At the conference, I will be discussing how businesses can take a strategic approach to ensure that the social value they deliver is both cost-effective and genuinely impactful.”

Rachel will also explore the challenges businesses face in measuring social value, particularly through tools like Social Return on Investment (SROI). Her session aims to provide attendees with practical strategies to enhance their ESG frameworks by placing equal emphasis on social value alongside environmental and governance concerns.

Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, the organisers of the conference, emphasised the significance of this discussion in the current business climate. 

“The manufacturing sector is increasingly recognising the importance of ESG, but there is still a gap in how social value is addressed,” he said. 

“Rachel Doherty’s session on social value will be a key highlight of the conference, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to strengthen their ESG strategies. We’re pleased to have experts like Rachel contributing to this vital conversation.”

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is now in its fifth year and has established itself as a pivotal event for the manufacturing sector in the region. This year’s conference is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates from across the UK and Ireland, making it the largest gathering of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands showcasing the latest innovations, technologies, and services that are driving the future of manufacturing.

In addition to Rachel Doherty’s session on social value, the conference will host a comprehensive programme of workshops and keynote speeches covering a wide range of topics critical to the industry. 

These include sustainability, lean productivity, continuous improvement, automation, robotics, procurement, 3D printing, and precision engineering. The conference will also address emerging trends such as IoT and Industry 4.0, highlighting how these technologies are transforming manufacturing processes.

This year’s event will also place a strong emphasis on networking and collaboration. Special networking zones will be set up to facilitate connections between buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders. These zones are designed to maximise the opportunity for attendees to make new contacts, explore potential partnerships, and discuss pressing issues facing the industry.

The conference is supported by leading organisations and institutions, including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100 million innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Ulster University. AMIC’s involvement underscores the event’s importance as a platform for advancing manufacturing innovation in Northern Ireland.

Speaking of the event Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition once again in 2024. 

“This event is a fantastic platform to showcase innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them. It also allows us to highlight our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity.”

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

Galway-based 3D Technology Ltd, a leading supplier of 3D printing equipment in Ireland, has announced its expansion into the Northern Ireland market. 

The move is set to provide Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector with access to cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, offering potential advancements in production efficiency and capabilities.

This strategic expansion will be officially announced at the upcoming Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on 12 September, at the TEC in Belfast.

The event, now in its fifth year, is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland and serves as a crucial forum for industry leaders across the UK and Ireland.

The conference, which will feature over a hundred trade stands and a comprehensive programme of free workshops and keynote speakers, provides an ideal platform for 3D Technology Ltd to showcase its innovative 3D printing solutions. The company will be among a diverse range of exhibitors displaying the latest technological advancements designed to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.

Speaking of the expansion, 3D Technology’s managing director James Wall said: “We are pleased to bring our expertise in 3D printing to Northern Ireland’s dynamic manufacturing sector. 

“The cost of downtime due to broken parts can be enormous, even catastrophic, with traditional methods. By using 3D printing, manufacturers can avoid these risks by producing what they need, exactly when they need it. 

“Our goal is to help local manufacturers enhance their production processes by improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and cutting costs, ultimately boosting their competitiveness in the global market.”

In addition to the announcement, 3D Technology Ltd will be participating in discussions at the conference on key themes such as Automation & Robotics, Hi-tech Manufacturing, Precision Engineering, and 3D Printing—topics central to the future of manufacturing. The event provides an excellent opportunity for manufacturers to engage with government agencies, industry experts, and supporting associations, gaining insights and advice on improving operational performance.

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that rely on costly and time-consuming tooling and moulding processes, 3D printing eliminates the need for these recurring expenses. For instance, with traditional injection moulding, lead times for tooling can range from 4 to 16 weeks. In contrast, 3D printing allows manufacturers to produce parts on demand, drastically reducing both costs and production timelines.

3D Technology Ltd is also committed to supporting its clients with comprehensive training, maintenance, and a range of tailored support services designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production processes. This commitment ensures that manufacturers can make the most of their investment in 3D printing technology, enhancing their operational capabilities and return on investment.

Managing Director, Colin Murphy from organisers Premier Publishing & Events said the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference will serve as a forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Northern Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing their industry.

He added: “Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. 

“Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland. 

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. 

“Not just that but Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales.

“We are delighted to be supporting 3D Technology in their efforts to expand into the Northern Ireland marketplace.”

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register