Leading recruitment specialists Tyson Wilson Recruitment has warned that demand for jobs in the hospitality sector is set to soar with the date for the return to full opening coming in three weeks.
Darren White of Tyson Wilson said that many businesses have persevered throughout the lockdowns and now, after many false starts, it is set to be full steam ahead on May 24.
“Everyone in the hospitality sector is looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors,” he said. “With demand expected to surge the pressure on businesses will be high, while welcome.
“That means that staff recruitment will be essential, as many traditional hospitality staff may have moved on during the lockdowns.”
Darren explained the evidence is that many bars and restaurants staff, such as students, temporary and casual staff, have moved on to other employment.
“This is one more headache for businesses, after their investment to make sure their premises are covid-safe,” said Darren.
“The Bank of England has predicted that unemployment will fall, and we have seen many coming through to us for posts whose previous experience includes hospitality.
“Furthermore the need for table service and other measures, such as regular sanitisation will place more pressure on securing staff.”
However, Darren said that after such an extended period of closure he was confident the sector will bounce back.
“We are a culture of socialisation, we love to see each other for a drink or for a meal,” he said.
“There is pent up demand that will see restaurants, pubs and hotels a busy few months ahead. Add into that the increased demand in staycations we hope that the hospitality sector will experience the boom period that it deserves.”
Darren, who is responsible for hospitality at Tyson Wilson Recruitment, said they already have posts opening up in pubs and restaurants.
“We are seeing the demand growing and many feel that they would be the perfect fit for a rewarding, customer focussed job,” he added.
“We look forward to supporting businesses and helping people secure a great job.”
Gobbin’s Crafts, a jewellery studio owned by goldsmith and designer Heather McFadden, is the 11th business in Northern Ireland to be granted Économusée status.
Today (May 13th) Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust invited guests along to an online launch celebrating the launch of Gobbins Crafts’ workshops into the Économusée programme.
After graduating from Art College in the 1980s, Heather McFadden specialised in goldsmithing to combine her love of sculpture and working with metals. She started out designing and creating commissions, wedding, and engagement rings, crafting beautiful pieces for clients who wanted something unique.
Heather’s workshops offer classes in the art of jewellery-making, she now joins the elite network of food and craft artisans who open their doors to visitors and tourists to share the story of their journey and acquire knowledge, skill, and passion.
Graham Thompson, Chief Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, who are a lead partner of the Économusée Artisan at Work project in Northern Ireland said: “In a difficult year when many businesses have struggled to survive, it is encouraging to see the network grow and Heather’s workshop brings yet another diverse and unique authenticity to this network of Économusée businesses.
“We are delighted to welcome Gobbins Crafts to the Économusée network in Northern Ireland.”
Guest speakers at the launch included Carl-Éric Guertin, Director of the Économusée Network Society in Quebec, Martin Graham, Tourism NI, Ciaran Doherty, Tourism Ireland, Cllr Peter Johnston Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as well as CCGHT CEO Graham Thompson.
Tiérna Mullan, CCGHT project officer added: “By visiting Économusée workshops, visitors will gain an enhanced experience; learn about the history of the craft and the business; the enthusiasm of the artisan along with the added opportunity of meeting the artisans face to face and discovering the beauty and authenticity of the products made and sold onsite.
“We are thankful to our partners in Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and Tourism NI who have continued to support and enable us to expand the Économusée network in the area”.
Économusée Artisans at Work is a concept that was developed in Québec and involves partners from Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Haiti, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Speaking of the achievement, Heather said: ‘Whilst the current restrictions prevented me from accommodating people today in person at my workshop.
“I hope for a brighter future when you can visit my studio to see me at work and hear my story.
“I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has made me feel so welcome into the network and I look forward to growing with you and sharing my skills and knowledge.
“As part of my commitment to the Économusée network I will offer visitors pre-booked jewellery making classes and tours of the workshop where they will see the storyboards which tell the history of the area and my personal journey.”
Within Northern Ireland the other ten Économusée workshops are; Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil in Limavady, Scullion Hurls in Loughgiel, Steenson’s Jewellers in Glenarm, Hillstown Brewery in Ahoghill, Hot Milk Forge in Martinstown and Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Broughgammon Farm, North Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle, Audrey Kyle Arts in Islandmagee and the Creamery Can in Glarryford.
Each workshop is situated on or close by the famous Causeway Coastal Route making it an ideal craft trail for visitors.
From the cities to the countryside to the coast, Northern Ireland offers stunning 4 star and 5 star accommodation – each redefining luxury in its own way with an abundance of outdoor activities, shopping, adventure and history around every corner.
If you’re looking for sophisticated short city breaks in particular, you are guaranteed to find that touch of luxury in Northern Ireland, even on a budget. After all, we deserve some quality time with our friends and family, so what better way to treat ourselves than planning an indulgent pampering trip, while supporting our local tourism industry and rediscovering Northern Ireland’s giant spirit.
If you would like to add a sprinkle of glamour or a dash of urban razzle-dazzle to your getaway, here are some of the ritziest city spots in Northern Ireland.
Belfast’s Bright Lights
5* Merchant Hotel
While its former life as Ulster Bank HQ may set off an array of banking metaphors and idioms, let’s vault over those and talk about how the Merchant Hotel (5*) has a dazzling mix of Art Deco chic and Victorian pomp that will leave you awe-struck. This hotel’s stunning luxury spa, fine dining menus and glorious afternoon teas will confirm this as the best escape plan ever planned. High above, you can use the rooftop gymnasium and enjoy panoramic city views as you work out. And with the Cathedral Quarter on your doorstep, your will find yourself in the heart of the city. https://www.themerchanthotel.com/
5* Fitzwilliam Hotel
Awarded Five Stars by the AA, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a super-elegant masterpiece located beside the Grand Opera House. With 146 fabulous guestrooms and suites, incredible food, a much-loved bar and exceptional service, this hotel is booming with elegance as the design redefines what hotel chicness is all about. https://www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com/
4* Malmaison Hotel
This one-time seed warehouse is one of Belfast’s landmark buildings, just a short walk to Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square. This intimate hotel boasts 62 individually designed bedrooms with all the Malmaison ingredients – including plasma screen TV and DVD/CD player, drench showers, naughty nibbles and exclusive toiletries. In addition, there are two rock n roll ‘Samson and Goliath’ suites with free standing baths, gas fires, Bose sound systems and even a purple baize pool table in the Samson suite. A bright and stylish brasserie serves classic French bistro style cooking and locally inspired dishes. https://www.malmaison.com/locations/belfast/
4* Grand Central Hotel
If you’ve a head for heights, and a taste for luxury, how about a stay in Northern Ireland’s tallest hotel? The most recent addition to the Belfast hotel scene, it is based in the Linen Quarter and comes complete with a Bistro, Seahorse Restaurant and 23rd floor rooftop cocktail bar, The Observatory. It is the highest bar in all of Ireland with views across Belfast and beyond. The art deco nods, high ceilings and sense of space add a distinctive drama. https://www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/
Harrison Chambers of Distinction
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction Belfast are restored, landmark Victorian merchants’ residences dating from 1879 designed to serve the culturally curious traveller. Each of the 17 rooms combines pieces collected by owner Melanie with the very best facilities that the 21st-century traveller demands and expects. Huge bay windows, antique furniture, sumptuous velvet curtains and bathtubs in the bedrooms combine elegance with underlying mischief and tongue-in-cheek humour lurking beneath. Eccentric curios and surprises await to delight around every corner. https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/
5* Rayanne House
Venture to the Belfast suburbs for the best balance between city centre access and room to move. The Victorian elegance of Rayanne House (5*) in Holywood is a boutique 10-bedroom gem and private restaurant with spectacular views over Belfast Lough. Its ‘Titanic Menu’ has achieved global renown; a nine-course recreation of the dinner served to the First Class passengers on board the great Belfast built ship. https://rayannehouse.com/
Behind the Derry~Londonderry Walls
4* Bishop’s Gate Hotel
This listed building built in 1899 boasts stunning Edwardian architecture which has been sensitively restored in homage to its rich heritage. An iconic landmark with a unique history, the hotel is an intimate urban oasis featuring 31 luxurious guestrooms, fitness area, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant and the Hervey Library. You will follow the footsteps of some illustrious visitors to the hotel, among them Winston Churchill, Field Marshall Montgomery and poet W.B. Yeats. https://www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com/
4* Shipquay Hotel
Overlooking the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall, this Grade 2 listed building is luxurious and intimate. With 21 bedrooms, many with views over the city’s famous landmarks, delicious food and wine in the restaurant and moreish cocktails in Lock & Quay Bar, Shipquay oozes personality, character and style throughout. https://www.shipquayhotel.com/
*All accommodation featured has been through Tourism Northern Ireland’s certification process and hold the We’re Good to Go industry standard which shows they have agreed to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
New radio station, Belfast 247, launches on Monday, May 10, at 10am, with a strong emphasis on local voices, local artists, as well as all the best hits to fill your day.
Broadcasting online, via the station app on Apple and Google, on smart speakers and later on this year broadcasting on the digital DAB platform.
The line-up includes many well-known, experienced, local presenters, including Kenny Tosh, who will host the breakfast show ‘Wake, Rattle and Roll.
Former CityBeat & Q Radio presenter Robin Elliott takes up the Mid-Morning Show after recently leaving Belfast 89FM.
Radio & TV Presenter Elliott, who has 25 years in broadcasting, said that he is excited about the launch of Belfast 247.
“It’s great to be working with a team of experienced presenters who are all passionate about music,” he said “We will be playing all the best music from 60’s to 90’s as well as featuring new tunes from the vast array of local music talent that we have here in Northern Ireland.
“The decision to launch a new station means that we are providing a strong brand to meet listeners needs with a focus on quality with a team who are familiar voices to listeners in the area.”
Among the many special guests set to appear is T’Pau’s Carol Decker, best remembered for hits such as China In Your Hand.
Kenny Tosh has more than 40 years’ experience in radio. “Belfast 247 will be playing music that other stations can’t play, and I am delighted to get up at 4.30am to play music I love,” he explained.
Over the years Kenny has worked at BBC 3 Counties Radio, Palm FM Torquay, Citybeat, Q97 (Head of music), U105, & Downtown Radio. His Revival Show can be heard weekly on stations in Australia, New Zealand, The Ukraine, USA & Canada.
Chris Hughes has been involved in Television and Radio from the early 1990’s, and has been a TV script writer, including Town Challenge and Saints and Scholars.
“I am looking forward to putting local back into the afternoons with lots of features, competitions and great guests,” he explained. “We will have regular contributors that will include Belfast author and historian Joe Baker and Restaurant Critic Joris Minne”
Robin Elliott said that the overall aim of Belfast 247 will be to make sure that the listener experience remains to the fore in everything they do.
“To launch a new radio station in the internet era is one that reflects the demand for people to be able to tune into something that is local to them,” he said. “We know that our listeners want to be able find a station that resonates with them.
“The app, and the online station, are part of making sure they can access Belfast 247 with ease, or even tell your Alexa or Google smart speaker to tune in,” he said. “It is also why we are finalising our DAB broadcast, so that in the near future you can listen when driving around the city.”
With staycations on the horizon this summer what could be more ‘pawfect’ than embracing Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirit with your four-legged friend coming along for the journey?
During the past year, more people than ever have been welcoming some furry friends into their family, with a surge in the number of puppies being bought across Ireland. For many of these pups, this year’s staycation will be their first time staying away from their home and owners may be fretting about the logistics of taking short breaks with their beloved pets.
Across Northern Ireland visitors can find warm and welcoming pet-friendly accommodation. From private dog cabins to special dog treat menus, to an array of walks and trails to explore, destinations across Northern Ireland are ‘ruff’ and ready to welcome guests and their four-legged loved one.
Discover Northern Ireland has put together the ultimate list of dog-friendly destinations for all the family to enjoy.
County Antrim
Dunamoy Cottages & Spa (4*), Ballyclare
Dunamoy cottages are hand-built stone cottages, renovated from 200-year-old farm buildings nestled between Ballyclare and Ballymena on the Causeway Coast. These self-catering cottages comes with living area, TV, Freeview, DVD, bathroom with bath and shower attached, fully equipped country kitchen and dining area. For timeout for you, check out their luxury spa offering. https://www.dunamoy.com/
Fullerton Arms (4*), Ballintoy
Voted NI Dog-friendly Bar of the Year in 2016 and 2017, this guesthouse, bar and restaurant where old meets new is no stranger to a wagging tail. Fresh decor, decadent menus and casual yet friendly table service. With three of its ten deluxe bedrooms designated dog-friendly, this comfy, modern guesthouse appreciates that your pet is part and parcel of your holiday experience and stock tasty dog treats behind the bar for post-walkies rewards. The Fullerton Arms is also in an ideal location for exploring Game of Thrones® locations and Ballintoy Harbour. https://www.fullerton-arms.com/
At Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages there are a number of cottages to choose from – Bramley Apple Cottage, Wheat Loft Apartment, Gaskins Grove, Dobsons Corner and Potters Cottage – all of which are pet friendly. There’s on-site pottery where you can try your hand at throwing a pot or two – can you resist throwing a food bowl for your four-legged friend? Located in a quiet, rural area convenient to Lough Neagh, there are also opportunities for dog walking at nearby Craigavon Lakes. http://www.ballydouganpottery.co.uk/cottages/
Belfast
AC Hotel Belfast (4*)
Bring up to two pets per bedroom to this riverside city centre hotel and enjoy contemporary bedrooms with thoughtful touches of luxury such as king size beds and Nespresso coffee makers. Explore Belfast on foot or paw with Titanic Belfast, City Hall, and the shops of Victoria Square a short walk away. Why not visit dog-friendly bars such as Pug Ugly’s or the Dirty Onion? https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bfsac-ac-hotel-belfast/
County Down
Gracey’s Barn, (4*), Newry
Gracey’s Barn offer luxurious and comfortable self-catering accommodation a stone’s throw from the beautiful Mourne Mountains & Slieve Gullion. There’s a two-bedroom refurbished barn for you, and a separate utility for your pet to sleep adjacent to your rooms, as well as generous private parking, a fully contained garden for your dog to roam freely, and a BBQ area. Babysitting can also be arranged on request and there is availability for additional sleeping facilities with a double sofa bed. http://www.graceysbarn.co.uk/
County Fermanagh
Ashbrooke House (5*), Enniskillen
Who says a five-star Georgian House and a four-legged friend can’t mix? Located on the 1000-acre Colebrooke Estate with endless walks and trails on offer as well as art courses, horse riding, yoga retreats and a decadent hot tub for guests. Ashbrooke House presents self-catering and catered accommodation options, sleeping 16 in eight luxurious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. This discreetly private stately home is surrounded by beautiful landscape with rolling hills and a charming river. https://www.ashbrookehouse.com/
County Londonderry
Beech Hill Country House, (4*), Londonderry
Beech Hill Country House Hotel, gloriously situated between woodland, lakes and tranquil well tended gardens, and just a short distance from the Walled City of Derry, is famed for its warm welcomes and fine food. With a dedicated pet policy best suited to the most well-behaved (and adorable) pets, you can bring your cat or dog to stay in their spacious suites and they can roam around 32 acres of woodland freely. There’s even a cheeky Pawsecco or Doggy Beer on arrival, along with a special blanket, treat and water bowl just for your pet. Dog grooming and a pet walking service are available for an additional fee. https://www.beech-hill.com/petpolicy
County Tyrone
Finn Valley Cottages, (4*), Strabane
Finn Valley self-catering cottages range from one bed to four bed lodgings, are tastefully decorated throughout, accessible for guests with limited mobility and offer a long list of amenities from BBQ area to playroom. Each cottage has a self-contained utility room perfect for your pet. With hillwalking and trails through the Sperrin Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep your dog entertained and exercised. The cottages have fabulous views and easy access to local facilities like fishing (salmon and trout in Rivers Finn and Mourne), cycling and golfing for your peaceful, rural based holiday. https://finnvalleycottages.com/cottages/
*All accommodation featured holds the We’re Good to Go industry standard which shows they have agreed to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
When planning and visiting, please check visitor guidelines and opening times with individual providers and always follow current COVID-19 travel restrictions, available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19.
GUY Martin when interviewed by the BBC Northern Ireland has confirmed he intends to be at this year’s Armoy Road Races which highlights the high regard the top riders have for this testing three-mile road race.
PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 25/7/2015: Tyco BMW’s Guy Martin celebrates winning the Open race at Armoy road races today.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
Bill Kennedy MBE Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club said he was thrilled to hear the news. He said, “Guy Martin has always been a great supporter of the Armoy Road Races and raced at Armoy up until 2015, thereafter he occasionally competed in classic and classic superbike races.
“We know that Guy would love to be back at Armoy and riding in the Classics race, but we also understand that his diary this year is pretty packed, including trying to achieve 300mph on a motorbike amidst a few projects the timing of which we believe have not been confirmed yet.
“Like all things Guy, until he’s on the boat and heading to Armoy, or even driving into the paddock, just before the races, we’ll not know for sure. However, his intention to race at the 2021 Armoy Road Races will be a great boost for the spectators and the Club.”
Guy who won the Torquetronix Superbike Race in 2015 for Tyco-BMW Motorrad Racing has previously said “It’s a right well organised meeting” and he “always tries to fit the Armoy in” but if he does race this year, he’ll be racing in the Senior Classics as opposed to racing in the Superbike or Open Races.
Bill continued; “To date, we are doing very well for race entries but we’ve some time yet. All entries are required to be in by the closing date Monday 28th June 2021. Likewise, our spectator passes, which we launched last month, due to the pandemic restrictions are also going well. We know that there are many keen to attend the event, and also keen to understand the restrictions but the only thing I’ll say, particularly in this ever-changing world, is that the Club will be doing its very best to run these races and do so, safely.
“We understand there are lots of questions and to that end we have a frequently asked question page, where we address riders and spectators’ questions as best as possible. We’ve less than three months to the races and circumstances could very well change again – we’ll just have to wait and see.
“What I do know is that everyone is behind us, we’ve been working on the course already and we are finalising sponsors as I speak, although I think that’ll take a few weeks longer. There’ll be racing in Armoy on Friday and Saturday, the 30th and 31st July and the likes of Guy Martin in the mix is very welcome news indeed.”
For more information visit www.armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.
Excalibur Press author William Clegg celebrating his latest book Crime, Comedy & Combat being stocked in Stewart Miller stores Holywood and Newtownards.
Crime, Comedy & Combat Tells Story Of Life On The Frontline
Author William Clegg is celebrating the stocking of his debut book Crime, Comedy & Combat in Stewart Miller stores in Holywood and Newtownards.
The book, released in November 2020, is the former RUC officer’s story of 21 years on the frontline as a serving Police officer.
William said: “I’m delighted that Stewart Miller’s have decided to support the book by stocking it in their Holywood and Newtownards stores. It’s a great boost of confidence and a fantastic way of getting the story out to more people.”
Crime, Comedy & Combat traces William’s life from childhood, through to his experiences in the police force during some of Northern Ireland’s darkest days.
“I joined the RUC in Enniskillen,” William said, adding: “and, for the next 21 years, I and my colleagues lived – and worked – through the horrors of The Troubles.
“I wrote the book because, even though Northern Ireland is now, thankfully, living in relative peace, I wanted to show people – young people in particular – what life was like for RUC officers at that time.
“I wanted to reflect the horrific experiences that we went through, and how we coped physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Tina Calder of publishers Excalibur Press believes that William’s tales will resonate with people across Northern Ireland.
“Having independent book shops like Stewart Millers supporting work like this book from William Clegg is testament to the great writing and stories we have to tell here in Northern Ireland” said Tina.
“Excalibur Press were delighted to publish this great anthology of stories from William’s experience. For the last year, we have all been forced to deal with the challenges created by a global pandemic, but we must never forget – regardless of your allegiances – that we lived through some very dark days. William’s story is the human face of those dark days.”
Although he now lives in Indonesia, William’s thoughts are never far from the province and from the colleagues he was proud to serve with in the most challenging times that Northern Ireland has ever known.
“I’m so pleased to see that the people of Northern Ireland – which is a beautiful country – are now able to enjoy relative peace, but I don’t think we can ever truly forget the risk and challenges that serving police officers experienced during the times of conflict.
“We’ve now had more than 20 years of peace and I totally appreciate that young people will have little or no memory of what The Troubles were like at their height. It was an extremely bleak period and I am proud of how the RUC – my colleagues throughout Northern Ireland – coped with what they witnessed and lived through. I joined the RUC as a young man and so my life was very much shaped by my experiences. Crime, Comedy and Combat is my attempt to reflect our experiences in their entirety.
“I sincerely hope that this anthology will ring true with anyone, who experienced life in Northern Ireland at that time, whether security services or others.
In Crime, Comedy & Combat William tells his story for people of all ages, how a young person’s life changed during the Troubles, joining the RUC, and the incidents and emotions that coloured his life.
Successful businesswoman and mentor, Bernie Allen, has launched a new series of free webinars to help businesses move forward following the most challenging period enterprise has ever experienced.
There can be few business people who have not been affected in some way by recent circumstances, but now is the time to push forward with new business plans in a new business world.
But what if your confidence has taken a knock? Or, even more importantly, what if you’ve never felt confident in your own particular niche?
With over 30 years experience coaching and mentoring business people, Bernie wants to help others to find their inner confidence and to enable them to stand out in their own niche.
The Lurgan businesswoman said: “Many people during the pandemic and, of course, prior to have found their confidence shaken at some point in their life. I spent many a year there myself.
“I want to use my experience both personally and professionally to help business leaders navigate these uncharted waters, especially those who have been adversely affected by the challenges they’ve faced as a result of Covid-19.
“I have been lucky this last year because my life’s experiences have given me the resources to face these challenges head-on. I’m very aware, however, that there are many people whose confidence will have been shaken to the core and who may be struggling to rebuild it.”
Bernie’s series of four webinars beginning on Tuesday May 4 and running through to May 25 explore everything from How To Create Your Inner Confidence To Help You Overcome The Pain Of Fear, Mastering The Art Of Self Confidence To Find Out What’s Holding You Back, How To Overcome The Fears That Are Causing You To Procrastinate and Discover The Secret To Unveiling Your Full Potential To Help You #GrowLikeAPro.
“I have always been aware of – and worked with – business people who have always lacked self-confidence and who have been forced to operate from behind a ‘mask’” said Bernie, adding: “Through this webinar series I want to show everyone how to overcome the fears that are stopping them from achieving everything they want to in business – all whilst discovering the secret to unveiling their full potential.”
Bernie’s webinars come on the back of a resurgence in popularity of her 2019 self help book How To Succeed in Business and Life..What’s Holding Your Back, published by Excalibur Press.
The book is Bernie’s personal journey from suffering a collapse in her business and personal devastation to achieve success speaking and mentoring business leaders worldwide.
“I wrote How To Succeed to help readers identify where they have been and why they have been there, or where they are now and how they got there and also to help them get to where they want to go” said Bernie.
“In my experience, all those who succeed are the people who are prepared to do what they need to do to get what they want to get, don’t make excuses, always prepared to learn more of the how-to and are genuinely interested in helping others achieve and get out of the money versus happiness trap. And that’s what the book talks about.”
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds and Business Development Director of PAC Group Darren Leslie outside Stormont. PAC are celebrating winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation and becoming accredited as a Platinum Level Innovator with InnovateNI.
Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder at Excalibur Press 07305354209 tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Engineering company, PAC Group, have been named as a winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation – the UK’s highest accolade in recognising success in business.
The company, based in Belfast, received the award in recognition of the outstanding innovation and commercial success of their carbon composite Hot Drape Former technology and machines, which are used to manufacture components for the aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is an awards programme for UK businesses and other organisations that excel in any of three categories; International Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Development.
A total of just five companies from Northern Ireland have been awarded Queen’s Awards in 2021, with PAC Group being the only NI winner of the Innovation category, and the first Northern Ireland Innovation category winner for three years.
Established in 2018, the electrical and mechanical engineering company have had a remarkable growth journey, doubling their turnover and employee numbers since 2019. In 2020, the company invested almost £500,000 in a new premises in Dargan Crescent, Belfast, and now employ 40 people.
Darren Leslie, Business Development Director at PAC Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. It is a fantastic endorsement for our company to be recognised as world-class, and it is welcome recognition of our team’s capabilities and hard work. It also recognises how innovative our carbon composite preforming technology is, which brings significant benefits to industries seeking to lightweight their structures to tackle climate change and in response to the Green Agenda.”
The award follows PAC Group’s recent prestigious Platinum Level Innovator status from Innovate NI, the highest accolade available in the Department for the Economy Innovation Accreditation Programme, which is delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, local councils, and further education colleges.
Holding 42 patents on the hardware and software, the company’s preformer machines have been purchased by companies such as Spirit AeroSystems, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Sheffield, and McLaren Automotive.
Congratulating PAC Group on its achievement, Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, said: “Northern Ireland has long been home to excellence in both advanced manufacturing and research & development. As we emerge from the global pandemic, innovation will be vital to our economic recovery and it is businesses like PAC Group who are leading the charge and using innovation to drive growth in their businesses.”
“Winning a Queen’s Award for Innovation and achieving Platinum Level Innovator status are major achievements and should be celebrated. To achieve the Platinum Level Innovator Status, the highest achievable innovator status from Innovate NI, is an exceptional achievement. I would like to congratulate the team at PAC Group for its hard-work, commitment and drive, which have helped it to achieve commercial success and created real value in the global aerospace and automotive industries.”
In 2019, PAC Group was awarded a contract by Spirit AeroSystems to design and manufacture a 20mx6m quartz infrared preformer for its new Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick, Scotland, which is scheduled to open later this year. It is believed to be the largest preformer in the world, and represents a significant investment on behalf of Spirit to secure a step change in composite fabrication, automation, and assembly technologies of current and future aircraft.
PAC Group previously designed and manufactured an 18mx4m vacuum preformer for Spirit’s Wing Manufacturing and Assembly facility in Belfast. The preformer is used by Spirit on its advanced composite wing programme, which received the 2019 MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation.
The company has become an exemplar of innovation in its industry sector and a pioneer of carbon composite technology.
Elwyn Agnew, Engineering Director at PAC Group said: “In addition to the Queen’s Award for Innovation, achieving Platinum Level status from Innovate NI, is a true testament to the innovative capabilities of our team and our preforming technology. We seek to collaborate with customers to help them find cost-effective solutions to their problems. Our team specialise in thinking differently. We are constantly innovating and coming up with new ideas, applications, and solutions to help our customers reduce process cycle time, streamline processes, improve output quality, and improve their bottom line.”
“In 2020, we became Industry Partners to the UK Future Composites Manufacturing Research Hub, and we are currently undertaking R&D to make our preformer technology more cost-effective and accessible for a wider range of applications and sectors. Winning a Queen’s Award for Innovation, as well as being recognised as a Platinum Level Innovator for our technology, are just fantastic achievements for the PAC team.”
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research & Development, added:“It is important to recognise the positive impact innovative companies have on the Northern Ireland economy. I am on the panel for the Queen’s Awards and it was great to see such high calibre of Northern Ireland applications. I would like to congratulate PAC Group on not only its Queen’s Award but also on obtaining Platinum Level Innovator status, the highest achievable innovator status from Innovate NI.
“PAC Group is an ambitious company with a proven track record in following the principles of successful innovation from ideation through to commercialisation. It has used our support for R&D, marketing, and skills to achieve continued success with leaders in the aviation, marine, and automotive sectors, staying ahead of its competitors. I hope that other ambitious Northern Ireland companies will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of PAC Group, and Invest NI looks forward to supporting the company’s innovation journey for many years to come.”
For more information on PAC Group’s specialist division, visitPAC Composites, or contact their team today on 02893 364600 or info@pacgroup.co.uk.
Francesca Biondi, Art Director and Curator at Gallery 545 : I am delighted to host ‘Wander Lands’ solo exhibition both online and at Gallery 545 in Belfast. The gallery will finally reopen its doors from 30 April. I would very much like to welcome visitors to see Lisa Ballard’s wonderful atmospheric paintings inspired by her travels. The works look stunning on the walls, and invite viewers to dream to be on a journey to far away or fantastic places.
Online at gallery545.com – always open
Open at Gallery 545 at Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY – on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-5.30pm from 30 April
(30 April, 1, 6, 7, 8 May, no booking required)
EVENTS
Virtual Tour Live on Instagram @gallery545online – Saturday 24 April, 2-2.30pm
Meet the artist at Gallery 545 – Saturday 1 May, 2-4pm
‘Wander Lands’ features award-winning artist Lisa Ballard. It presents her recent body of work, a series of atmospheric paintings inspired by landscapes she encountered in Ireland and around the world and her emotional response to them.
Ballard depicted enthralling distant or closer views of beautiful natural scenes. Leaning towards abstraction, but holding on to figurative elements, the paintings are a journey taking the viewer to towering mountains, majestic glaciers, rocky deserts, trees on hills and along sea coasts. While recollecting memories of countries she visited, the artist was drawn to the temporal in the landscape, and she captured in her works her experience – visual and emotional, of being in that moment and place. Ballard used the landscape to explore her fascination with colour and light. She intuitively played with brighter and more subdued hues, and applied washes, oil and spray paint to recreate the colours observed under the light of a particular time of the day or season. She also evoked the feelings arisen in her by the landscapes and their atmospheres – a sense of peace and calmness or animated liveliness.
The paintings were created through and reflect this artistic process – a series of diverse evocative semi-figurative natural scenes, all with a unique colour palette and light, suggesting joyful or serene moods, but also expressing the pleasure of the act of painting.
This solo exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545 in collaboration with Lisa Ballard.
Artworks can be viewed and purchased online, at virtual private viewings or in person at Gallery 545. For enquiries, contact Francesca hello@gallery545.com / +44 7960 130414.
More online – a video tour and an interview with the artists are on the exhibition page.
Visiting the exhibition in person at Gallery 545 from 30th April when restrictions are eased. We would be delighted to welcome you at Gallery 545! There will be measures in place because of Covid-19 to keep visitors safe. The number of people allowed at the same time in the exhibition space is limited to 6. When visiting the exhibition, please wear a face mask /covering, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and leave your contact details for tracing purposes. Any updates about Covid-19 measures will be published on the exhibition page on our website. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access to this venue. https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/lisa-ballard-solo-exhibition.
About Lisa Ballard
Lisa Ballard lives and works in Belfast. She is an Associate Member of the Royal Ulster Academy, has exhibited extensively in Ireland and further afield and has won awards for her artistic achievements. Her paintings have been purchased for numerous private and public collections including those of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s State Collection.
About Gallery 545
Gallery 545 is an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland and offering a special selection of affordable art works and fine art prints created by talented artists based here. The gallery celebrates the creativity of emerging and more established artists across the region and supports their practice providing a curated platform where they can showcase and sell their works. Having an online presence, but also pop-up exhibitions, the gallery brings art to a wide range of people with different tastes and budgets who love contemporary art, and makes it easier for them to access, discover and collect art works.
