Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 ISSUE 72 £2.95 AMBITION MAGAZINE OF NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

TAKING CENTRE STAGE

Rob McConnell steps into the CEO role at ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, bringing with him a career in cyber, technology, and business transformation.

WE ARE REBRANDING!

FROM 1 OCTOBER 2025 OUR NEW IDENTITY WILL BE MACLACHLAN IP.

For nearly forty years, Ansons has been guiding Northern Ireland businesses through the process of obtaining protection for the Intellectual Property in their unique products and services. This includes registering as trade marks those signs that identify a brand, obtaining patents for new innovations or inventions, and registering designs to protect the appearance of a product. In 2002, when we partnered with MacLachlan & Donaldson in Dublin, enabling the two firms to offer Intellectual Property services throughout the island of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the European Union, the companies maintained their separate identities. However, world events, such as Brexit and the Covid pandemic, have worked to mould the two offices into a single team operating in two locations.

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A NEW SHARED IDENTITY. Same people, same values, same great service.

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Imperial House, 4-10 Donegall Square East,Belfast, BT1 5HD, 028 9065 6103 belfast@maclachlanip.com www.maclachlanip.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE

Contents

CIPR NI MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2024

68 Ulster Carpets to Support Work of Rosie's Trust

Managing Editor: Olivia Stewart Interviews: Emma Deighan Publisher: Chris Sherry Advertising Managers: Lorraine Gill & Julie Patterson Editorial Assistant: Joanne Harkness Email addresses: olivia.stewart@northernirelandchamber.com / l.gill@ulstertatler.com / j.patterson@ulstertatler.com Websites: www.northernirelandchamber.com / www.ulstertatler.com Publisher: Ulster Tatler Group, Unit 26 Ormeau Businss Park, Belfast, BT7 2JA Tel: 028 9066 3311 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim. Front Cover Photo by: Paul Jervis

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At a Glance

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NEWS: 04 Member News 06 Member News 08 Member News 10 Member News

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From Canopies to Courts, Lauralu is Solving Space Fast Bruce Engineering Eyes European Expansion Ulster Bank Backs Zero- Emission Bus Manufacturer

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COLUMNISTS: 12

Caroline O'Neill Shauna Burns

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20 Nick Read 44

APPOINTMENTS 70

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Julie Buchanan

Deloitte Welcomes 74 to its Belfast Team

56 64 78

Jane Shaw Greg Boyd

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Darren Niven

LIFESTYLE: 80 Business Class Motoring - James Stinson 86 Fashion: Joanne Harkness 87 Dine & Wine - Andrew Turner

NI CHAMBER: 25

CEO Update Events Gallery Summer Social

26 28 29 30 32 34

Golf Day

Festival of Business NI Chamber News Quarterly Economic Survey President's Perspective

22 Cover Story

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FEATURES: 14

My Ambition is to...

38 Tri-Region Partnership 40 Leading With Purpose 46 From Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Oaks 50 Investing in the Future 58 Electric Vehicle Grant Schemes Key To Driving Green Future 61 3T Secures Contract With Belfast City Council 62 Entries Open For Belfast Telegraph Awards 66 The Future of Workplaces

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NEWS

Two of Northern Ireland’s leading law firms have joined forces to create a new practice with an all-Ireland reach. P.A. Duffy and Co Solicitors and Logan and Corry Solicitors merged 1st September, with the company now operating as P.A. Duffy and Co Solicitors. The enlarged firm will be chaired by respected lawyer and All-Ireland winning Tyrone senior manager and former GAA player Feargal Logan, alongside Managing Director Conal McGarrity. With offices in Dungannon, Omagh, Belfast and Dublin and 50 staff, the partners say the combination adds scale without losing local roots. The new firm, after close collaboration between the partners, pairs scale with clear accountability and has its roots in the close personal relationship between the chair and MD. Mr Logan previously undertook work experience at P.A. Duffy and has a long association with the Duffy family, which reinforces continuity and lends a natural cohesion to the agreement. P.A. Duy & Co merge with Logan & Corry to form powerhouse law firm

“Joining forces made sense,” Mr McGarrity said, pointing to a complementary blend of values and people. “Both firms share the same vision for the future and we felt working together would help us achieve our objectives.” The tie-up also provides a platform for further expansion as the practice pursues its ambition to become a leading all-Ireland law firm with even wider reach. Chair Feargal Logan said he was enthusiastic about the next chapter for staff and clients alike. “I feel humbled by all that has been achieved in Logan and Corry Solicitors over the past 30 years and buoyed by the heritage, longevity, expertise and ambition of P.A. Duffy and Co Solicitors into the future,” he said. “Coupled with the support, confidence and trust of each other and our respective client bases, I look ahead to a very bright and productive future for all involved. “Our shared vision is to be one of the leading practices across Ireland, providing high-quality and enhanced legal services for commercial and private clients in the decades to come.” Conal McGarrity described the move as an exciting new era for the law firm. “This is an opportunity for us to build something that is totally unique and innovative,” he said. “Whilst remaining rooted regionally, it allows us to bring together collective expertise and to have a legal firm on a scale that can compete and deliver services on a par with other practices throughout Ireland.”

Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm has expanded its trainee solicitor programme to record levels, with 11 new trainees joining this year and 21 trainees now in total across the business. The firm say that the scale of the programme reflects Carson McDowell’s sustained growth and its commitment Carson McDowell builds largest ever trainee cohort as firm continues growth

FinTrU has officially opened its newly expanded and refurbished office at Carlisle House in Derry/ Londonderry. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in the region and commitment to advancing technology-driven Client Lifecycle Management in the financial services sector. Located in the heart of the city, Carlisle House is steeped in history, having once served as a shirt factory. FinTrU has sensitively restored and modernised the building, blending its industrial heritage with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a collaborative and contemporary working environment. The refurbishment includes high-performance workstations, digitally integrated meeting rooms, and employee-focused amenities. Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, who cut the ribbon at the official opening using a pair of shirt factory scissors dating back to 1962, said: “The north is internationally renowned for providing leading FinTrU celebrates major o ce expansion at Carlisle House in Derry/Londonderry

services across the financial services sector, and FinTrU is a vital part of this ecosystem. The company has made a significant contribution to the local economy through its commitment to regional growth, job creation, and skills development. I’m therefore delighted to open FinTrU’s largest single office globally here in the North West, and I wish the company many more years of growth and success.”

John Healy (Chair of the Board, FinTrU), Katrien Roppe (Chief of Staff, FinTrU), Kathleen McDermott (Executive Director, FinTrU), Greg McCann (Executive Director – North West Site Lead, FinTrU), Mayor Cllr Ruairí McHugh (Derry City and Strabane District Council), Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA (Department for the Economy), Darragh McCarthy (Founder & CEO, FinTrU), Richard McGuinness (Chief Operating Officer, FinTrU), Kathryn Harkin (Executive Director – Head of AI, FinTrU).

to creating more opportunities for

young lawyers than any other Northern Ireland-headquartered law firm.

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NEWS

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have welcomed a major investment by Seagate Technology Holdings at its plant in Derry/Londonderry. The £115 million investment over five years in the development of new hard drive technology will strengthen the position of Seagate’s North West facility as a world leader in nanophotonics R&D engineering and create a number of new jobs. Speaking during a visit to the site to mark the announcement, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Since Seagate established in Derry in 1993, it has become a world-class manufacturing facility and one of the area’s largest employers. The company continues to offer high quality jobs and career opportunities for local people and contributes millions of pounds to our economy. Ministers welcome £115m investment by Seagate Technology

“As an Executive we are committed to promoting regional balance, and this latest investment by Seagate is another welcome boost for the North West that will bring new jobs and significant benefits to local people and communities.” Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “We want Northern Ireland to be at the forefront of global innovation and this investment demonstrates the strength of our talent and our capacity to compete on the world stage in cutting-edge technology sectors. “The growth of Artificial Intelligence presents major opportunities and this substantial commitment from Seagate reinforces our position as a hub for innovation and technological excellence and will ensure we can continue to drive economic growth.” A leading producer of mass data storage solutions, Seagate is working to develop technology for a 60TB+ hard drive. And its North West facility, which manufactures recording heads that read and write data on to hard disks, will play a critical role in the development of the next generation hard drive.

AAB has announced the latest step in its rapid growth journey with the acquisition of Integrity Financial Management in addition to a strategic brand consolidation. This rebrand reinforces AAB Wealth’s reputation as a national, independent chartered financial planning firm delivering high-quality, evidence-based financial advice to individuals, families, and business owners. Andrew Dines, head of AAB Strategic growth journey continues for AAB

CBRE NI strengthens long-term strategy by adopting employee ownership trust model CBRE NI, a member of the CBRE affiliate network, has adopted an innovative new ownership model that will ensure employees benefit fully from the future growth of the company. The business has established an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), becoming one of a growing number of Northern Ireland firms to embrace this model. Mills Selig and Maneely McCann advised on the structuring of the deal, which marks a significant milestone for CBRE NI. Under the arrangement, the EOT acquires shares in the company on behalf of employees, who become beneficiaries of the trust. Alongside this, a new shareholding has been created for qualifying directors through an Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme. CBRE NI Managing Director Brian Lavery and fellow main board directors Gerard McCann and Robert Ditty have retained a significant shareholding, and remain in their current roles. Mr Lavery commented: “CBRE NI is Northern Ireland’s largest commercial real estate services and investments company, and our priority is to future-proof the business to ensure we deliver on our long-term strategy. “Moving to an Employee Ownership

Trust marks an exciting innovation for our business, enabling us to grow further while enhancing our reputation and rewarding the people who make our success possible. It moves away from the more traditional partnership ownership model which was previously prevalent in the professional sector. “For our clients, it is very much business as usual, with the added assurance that those driving our achievements will now share directly in the company’s future growth.”

Wealth, commented: “This rebranding, combined with the acquisition of Integrity Financial Management,

marks an exciting phase in the continued expansion of AAB Wealth. We’re proud to bring our teams together under one distinguished name and combine our talents to deliver even greater value for our clients.”

ASG becomes first Northern Ireland agency to earn IPA effectiveness honour ASG has been awarded the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) Effectiveness Accreditation, becoming the first Northern Ireland agency ever to achieve this prestigious recognition. Forty-four agencies across the UK have earned the 2025 IPA Effectiveness Accreditation for demonstrating their commitment to business effectiveness and delivering commercial outcomes for clients, setting the benchmark for the industry. Valerie Ludlow, chief executive of ASG and former IPA Northern Ireland chair, commented: “We’re really proud to be the first Northern Ireland agency to achieve this recognition. Achieving IPA Effectiveness Accreditation is something I’ve worked towards with the team for the past few years, re-engineering how we deliver for clients and building effectiveness into everything we do.”

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NEWS

Musgrave NI celebrates new £4m Centra store in Portadown A brand new Centra convenience store and petrol forecourt has officially opened on Carn Road, Portadown marking an investment of £4 million. The store will be a welcome addition to the local community creating 50 new jobs. David Higgins, retail sales director at Musgrave Northern Ireland, said, “Musgrave has a long standing relationship with the Wilson family through SuperValu Portadown, and we’re excited to further develop our partnership with the opening of Wilson’s Centra Carn. “The new store will be an asset to the community, delivering convenience and great value across a wide variety of everyday products. The modern store is an excellent addition to our network and we wish the Wilson family the best of luck.”

focus on efficiency, have further strengthened the Group’s ability to scale and meet the evolving needs of critical infrastructure operators worldwide. The firm predicts continued growth in FY25, projecting revenues of around £100 million together with further improvements in profitability. Looking forward, the Group anticipates significant growth from the large scale rollout of its low and high voltage sensor technologies, together with its Sapient platform, across North America, UK, Europe and the Middle East. Commenting on the results, Camlin Group Chief Executive Peter Cunningham said: “FY2024 was a defining year for Camlin. Our growth has been built on strategic investment, continuous innovation, and a clear focus on delivering value to our customers. “But we are only getting started. With our recent expansion into the Middle East and Australia, along with upgraded facilities in Atlanta, Coventry, Lyon, and Belgrade, we’re building serious momentum. Our plans for the future are even more ambitious with further expansion planned for early 2026 in North America, UK, Europe and Middle East. No other company in our sector is as well set up to serve the evolving needs of network operators around the world. “For decades, as engineers, we’ve understood the complexity of the grid and now we’re playing a central role in helping utilities solve the challenges of capacity, resilience, and safety. We are uniquely positioned to deliver the technologies, expertise, and integrated solutions that utilities and rail need to transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient future.”

Camlin Group Reports Strong FY2024 Results

Camlin Group announced its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024, delivering another year of strong performance, with revenue growing by 14% year-on-year to £88.2 million. This continued growth reflects the Group’s successful international expansion and the increasing global demand for its technologies in both energy and rail sectors. Profitability improved significantly, driven by strong performance in UK, North America, Europe and its global rail business. During FY2024, Camlin continued to invest in its digital offering, core technologies, and global operational capacity. These investments alongside the implementation of lean practices and a strong

County Down-based AV specialist Fluid AV has announced a major investment as the company sets its sights on expanding services across the UK. A £300,000 investment has doubled the company’s workspace at Windmill Business Park, Saintfield, through the acquisition of a second office building and the addition of a new showroom. At the same time, Fluid AV has opened an Edinburgh office to service clients across Scotland and the North of England, already completing projects for notable organisations including Edinburgh Photographic Society and family support charity Fife Gingerbread. Fluid AV Invests £300,000 in expanded HQ and opening of Scottish office Designed to support grassroots sports clubs in regional and rural communities, the fund provides up to £1,000 per club to help improve facilities or obtain essential equipment and sports kits. The Play it Forward Fund aims to reach beyond sports, empowering children in local communities to prioritise movement, health and wellbeing and reduce screen time. Since launching in 2023, the Fibrus Play it Forward Fund has contributed £100,000 to sports clubs in both Northern Ireland and Cumbria, England, helping kids to switch off from their devices and get outside. In Northern Ireland, over £60,000 has been allocated to 63 local clubs. Fibrus Broadband launches £50k fund for sports clubs Northern Ireland broadband provider, Fibrus, has launched its Play it Forward Fund for the third year running, with £50k available to local sports clubs across Northern Ireland and Cumbria.

Fluid AV also holds the distinction of being the only company in Northern Ireland accepted into the PSNI Global Alliance partner network, a prestigious certification recognising the best AV/UCC providers in each market. “Our growth has been rapid, but it’s been driven by the right things: long-term customer relationships, technical integrity, and a culture of listening and solving,” said Managing Director Stephen Mayne. “This past year has been transformational, not just in terms of size, but in how we operate, innovate, and look to the future.”

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NEWS

Belfast City Airport launches transformational draft master plan 2040 consultation

Belfast City Airport has unveiled its transformational draft Master Plan 2040, which has the potential to unlock up to £200 million in private investment, support thousands of new jobs and deliver a £1.7 billion injection into the Northern Ireland economy annually. The draft plan also shows an exciting opportunity to deliver a new rail halt to potentially become the first airport on the island of Ireland to be connected by rail. The airport is seeking views on its vision for growth over the next 15 years, which includes extended terminal and airfield facilities, surface access improvements and complementary development, which could include a hotel and increased EV charging facilities. Aviation analysts predict demand for air travel across the island of Ireland will double to 90 million passengers per year by 2040. That will require Belfast City Airport to grow to 7 million passengers over the same period, ensuring Belfast retains and expands its connectivity to the UK and Europe. The draft plan would double the airport’s workforce to over 2,200 and facilitate growth of its apprenticeship academy

and award-winning community engagement programme. Matthew Hall, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “Delivery of our Master Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will

benefit passengers and businesses across the region, whilst delivering key elements of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government. “The economic benefits from delivery of our Master Plan will be significant. By 2040, we could generate £1.7 billion in GVA for Northern Ireland and support over 23,000 jobs across the region, including over 1,100 new roles at the airport campus. “Every airport on the island of Ireland will need to play its part in meeting future demand, and this draft Master Plan exemplifies Belfast City Airport’s commitment to doing so, while reinforcing our position as a vital economic enabler for the region. “We want more passengers to arrive by

public transport and leave their cars at home, hence a focus on greener journeys within the Master Plan.” At the heart of the draft Master Plan is a commitment to protect the local community by accommodating all growth within the airport’s current noise contour limit. To deliver the benefits of growth to 7 million passengers a year by 2040, the airport is also seeking views on moving the annual cap on aircraft movements from 48,000 to 61,000. The airport does not anticipate that a runway extension would be required. The draft Master Plan is open for public consultation until 11 November 2025.

Stena Line welcomes Stena Futura onto Belfast Heysham route Stena Line has welcomed the first of its new hybrid freight ferries to Belfast Harbour. The multimillion pound purpose-built Stena Futura went into service on the freight-only Belfast to Heysham route on 22 September. The 147-metre Stena Futura will operate 12 sailings per week providing much needed additional freight capacity on the popular route which connects local hauliers directly into the key North of England road freight network. Once operational, Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta, currently under construction and due to enter service also on the Belfast Heysham route in early 2026, will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham route in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Kelly Brothers ‘check-out’ New S&W wholesale site

S&W Wholesale has announced it has appointed building contractor Kelly Brothers LLP from Warrenpoint as the main contractor on its new, purpose-built facilities in Newry. S&W Wholesale is one of Ireland’s largest independent wholesalers of FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods); while Kelly Bros. has been a leader in the construction sector across Ireland for almost 60 years. The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park, is situated adjacent to the A1 southbound. The new facilities will support S&W’s future growth plans right across the island. The proposal for the 16,730 sqm storage and distribution warehouse including ancillary office accommodation will be a major boost to the EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) business as it looks to the future. Anthony McVeigh, CEO of S&W Wholesale said, “We are pleased to appoint Kelly Bros. to deliver this major new infrastructure project for the business. The business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites.

This investment in the new facilities will secure the long term future of S&W as a leading, independent grocery wholesaler. “As an Employee Ownership Trust business, it is essential that we continue to invest in the business, our people and in the local community. This new facility will allow us to maximise our operational efficiency, while giving our valuable team a pleasant, fit-for-purpose working environment.”

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FEATURE

It’s About People, Not Just Business

Caroline O’Neill, Digg For Success

speaking isn’t just standing on a stage. It’s picking up your phone and speaking to your online community. On LinkedIn, less than 1% of people actually post. That means showing up online consistently should be seen as an opportunity, rather than a huge effort of trying to push through a crowded market. You don’t need to take giant leaps to move forward. Kingsley calls it the theory of marginal gains. Getting 1% better at lots of small things can transform your results. In my own journey, I’ve seen this over and over again. Whether it was launching the Digg Podcast, showing up on social media through Digg Mama, or building new collaborations on Digg For Success, it was never one huge step. It was the small, consistent actions that created big change. IF NETWORKING TERRIFIES YOU, START SMALL: • Reconnect with someone this week whom you haven’t heard from in a while. • Comment thoughtfully on a LinkedIn post. Not just an emoji. Read what they have posted and make your comment genuine. • Share one story online, in written form or video. Even if it makes you feel nervous. • Don’t wait until you’re stuck to start building your network. Start now, with small, genuine steps. A smile. A message. A chat over coffee. Because you never know, the next person you meet could be the one conversation that changes everything for you.

Some of my most exciting collaborations have come from reaching out to someone I didn’t know well or saying yes to an event I nearly talked myself out of. THE 10-30-60 RULE OF CAREER PROGRESS Kingsley also said something in our interview that really stopped me in my tracks: doing a brilliant job at work only counts for 10% of your

F or many of us, the word “networking” can make us feel uneasy. We imagine going to an event where we know very few people, and being asked that dreaded question, “So, what do you do?”. After interviewing a great man, Kingsley Aikins, on the Digg Podcast, and looking back on my own journey, I’ve realised that networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding random LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships, listening to people, and creating a community that helps you thrive in business and life. During Covid, our networks shrank. We stuck to family, close friends, and a handful of business contacts. But here’s the problem: real opportunity often comes from the weak ties, those people you know loosely, who open doors you’d never have found yourself. Kingsley describes it perfectly: your network is not just a safety net when things go wrong; it’s a trampoline that can bounce you into new opportunities when things are going right.

career progress. He explained that 30% comes from your image, your reputation, how people talk about you when you’re not in the room. 60% comes from exposure, who has seen you in action, who knows what you’re capable of, who’s watching when you deliver. I think this is a great reminder to people that we can’t hide behind hard work alone. We need to be visible. We need to speak up. We need to build networks that strengthen who we are and what we do. One of the myths about networking is that you have to be an extrovert, the life and soul of the party. In reality, introverts often make the best networkers because they listen, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine curiosity. I love this because it means anyone can be great at networking. You don’t need to dominate the room. You just need to show up as yourself and give people the courtesy of listening to them. Did you know that public speaking is still the number one fear for most people, even above death? (Think about that for a second!) But in today’s world, public

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FEATURE

The SistersIN team: Hannah Fitzsimmons, Gillian McKeown, Ella Rourke and Ellie McKibbin.

Looking ahead, my ambition is that SistersIN becomes a recognised pathway for young women in Northern Ireland – a rite of passage that helps them step into their potential. I want us to pilot new settings, opening the door to even more girls, while also encouraging more companies to get involved. The benefits are clear – not only for the girls, but for employees who serve as mentors and for organisations that gain stronger, more engaged teams. Balancing ambition with home life is also important to me. As a mum to two young boys, I want to be present for them, while also showing them the value of having goals and working towards them. Just as SistersIN inspires girls to see themselves as leaders, I hope I can inspire my own children to aspire, achieve, and believe in what’s possible. I have always wanted to lead from within, not manage from outside. That is what SistersIN represents to me – being part of a movement that is built with others, for others, and about others. It makes me feel empowered, and it makes me want to empower others in return. So when I think about “My Ambition”, it is simple: to ensure that every girl in Northern Ireland – and beyond – has the chance to see herself as a leader, to know that her voice matters, and to have the confidence and skills to shape her own future. That is what drives me, and that is why I am so proud to lead SistersIN into its next chapter.

My Ambition is to...

W hen I think about ambition, for me it has never been about titles or positions – it has been about creating opportunity, impact, and meaningful change. That is exactly what drives my work with SistersIN, and why I am so excited about what lies ahead in the year to come. SistersIN is a charity dedicated to empowering young women aged 16–18 to become the leaders of tomorrow. We work with schools across Northern Ireland, connecting pupils with inspiring female mentors from businesses and organisations. Together, they explore leadership, career pathways, and self confidence, building the transferable skills and networks that will help them thrive in their future lives and careers. In the year ahead, SistersIN will work with over 60 schools and more than 800 girls – supported by hundreds of mentors. Since our launch in 2022, the programme has grown rapidly, and that momentum reflects the appetite for opportunity and the commitment from leaders across Northern Ireland to invest in the next generation. My ambition for SistersIN is threefold. First, to deliver excellence for the girls currently on the programme – ensuring

they leave with not only skills and confidence, but also a belief in themselves as leaders. Second, to build the long-term sustainability of SistersIN, so that it can continue to grow and support young women for years to come. And third, to grow a strong team with positive values and the eagerness to learn, develop, and aim for the same goal: creating the best possible experience for the girls we serve. That ambition is rooted in my own career journey. For me, leadership is about working alongside people, understanding their strengths, and helping them to achieve more than they thought possible. That approach has shaped every role I’ve held, from my early days in maternity cover posts to a role of passion and determination in Action Cancer, to leading the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, and now in my role at SistersIN. Already, more than 1,200 young women have taken part in SistersIN. We see their confidence grow, their horizons expand, and their sense of leadership flourish. Mentors tell us they learn just as much as the girls – it’s a two-way exchange of energy and insight. Schools tell us the impact goes beyond individual pupils, creating ripples across whole communities.

Gillian McKeown, Director of Operations and Growth, SistersIN

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Shauna Burns Managing Director, Beyond Business Travel Columnist

Why Corporate Travel Is Much More Than Just a Cost

I n today’s business landscape, marked by economic uncertainty, sustainability demands, and intense competition, every pound or euro spent must deliver measurable value. It’s no surprise that corporate travel often comes under scrutiny when budgets tighten. Yet viewing travel purely as a cost overlooks its broader strategic importance. When managed effectively, it becomes a catalyst for growth, innovation, and connection, and the data supports this. A February 2025 survey by the Global Business Travel Association revealed that: • 48% of companies expect to take more business trips this year. • 57% anticipate increased travel spend compared to 2024. Meanwhile, Oxford Economics found that every £1 invested in business travel can generate up to £10 in revenue, provided the trip is purposeful and well planned. Accor’s research adds that in-person meetings can boost revenue by 36%, with nearly three-quarters of businesses saying they’re essential for closing deals. Beyond the numbers, travel fosters relationships, drives innovation, strengthens company culture, and supports employee wellbeing. At Beyond Business Travel, with offices in Belfast, Dublin and Derby, we help organisations turn travel into a strategic asset, not just another line on the expense sheet. Making Trips Work Harder Corporate travel is about much more than just booking flights and hotels. It’s about making sure every trip propels your business goals forward – whether that’s winning new clients, deepening

relationships, speeding up projects, or sparking new ideas. Our end-to-end management means we handle everything – efficiently, safely, and with your goals in mind. That way, your people can focus on what they do best, not on juggling logistics. Saving Money Without Sacrificing Impact Unmanaged travel spend can escalate quickly. Our data-driven dashboards track patterns, monitor compliance, and identify long-term savings opportunities, helping businesses reinvest in what matters most. Keeping It Green In our current environmentally conscious world, sustainability is a must. Business travel is often a large proportion of a company’s carbon footprint, and that’s why we’ve built emissions tracking into our tools. That means you can measure, manage, and hit your carbon reduction targets without slowing down your business’ momentum. Real-Life Wins We recently helped one of our manufacturing clients to restructure its European travel so teams could meet multiple suppliers and partners in one trip rather than making several separate journeys resulting in lower costs, reduced emissions, and freed up valuable time for productive work – not airport queues. Supporting People, Not Just Processes The rise of ‘bleisure’ – blending business travel with leisure or remote work – is reshaping employee expectations. Managed within company policy, it enhances morale, retention, and productivity. Our booking tools ensure these arrangements remain compliant and safe, while offering greater flexibility. Travel as a Growth Strategy When approached strategically, corporate travel is an investment in

growth. It strengthens brand presence, energises teams, accelerates deal making, and builds lasting relationships. At Beyond Business Travel, we ensure every trip delivers – whether it’s clinching a deal in Dubai, brainstorming in Chicago, or building partnerships across Europe. Our expert team and advanced technology empower organisations to embrace travel as a growth strategy – driving performance, expanding market reach, and building resilient global networks for the future. “Corporate travel is about much more than just booking flights and hotels. It’s about making sure every trip propels your business goals forward – whether that’s winning new clients, deepening

relationships, speeding up projects, or sparking new ideas.”

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SPONSORED FEATURE

MICROSOFT BUSINESS CENTRAL: MORE THAN JUST AN ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

By Blaithin Surgeoner

Blaithin Surgeoner, a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years experience and Partner at Endeavour Information Solutions, a Microsoft Solutions Partner based in Belfast, that specialises in bringing optimising customers systems with Microsoft Cloud solutions using a Cloud First approach. Too often, accounting systems are viewed narrowly as tools to manage ledgers, process But in today’s fast-moving landscape, growing businesses need more than just bookkeeping. They need agility in order to react to change, integration with an organisation’s other systems and processes, and intelligent management reporting. That’s where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central shines: a modern, cloud-based ERP solution that empowers businesses to go beyond accounting — and take control of their entire operation. A Fully Integrated Business Platform: Designed for small and medium-sized management with operations, sales, service, inventory, and projects. This seamless integration eliminates data silos and manual entry, providing one source of truth across the business. From the moment a sales lead enters the system to when an invoice is paid and stock is replenished; Business Central keeps teams connected and processes streamlined. Built-in dashboards and real-time reporting departments, allowing for proactive, not reactive decision-making.

Microsoft Integration: What truly sets Business Central apart is its native integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Users can generate quotes directly from Outlook, ex - port data to Excel, and collaborate in Teams, all without switching context. It also con - nects seamlessly with Power BI for advanced analytics and Power Automate for process automation. Secure, Scalable, and Always Up to Date: Running in the cloud, Business Central pro - vides enterprise-grade security, data backups, and automatic updates — all managed by Microsoft. Whether your team is on-site or remote, Business Central lets your team work anytime, from any location or device, and can grow and adapt to meet any changes your business needs without expensive upgrades. Partnering for Your Success: Microsoft Solution Partner, we don’t just implement software, we work alongside businesses to tailor Business Central to their - ing from legacy systems or scaling for new markets, we bring deep product knowledge, industry expertise, and a commitment to delivering value at every stage. A Strategic Investment: Microsoft Business Central provides agility and intelligence to your business that not only manages the numbers, but also helps drive growth, im - prove service, and future-proof operations. Summary: why not contact us to arrange a free, no commitment consultation, by visiting: www.endeavour-is.com/business-central or calling us on 028 9031 1010 and let’s talk.

Feature-Rich Capabilities for Modern Businesses: Business Central comes loaded with intelligent features that extend far beyond the capabilities of traditional accounting software: • Financial Management: Robust nominal ledger, multi-currency support, dimen sional reporting, bank reconciliation, in one place. Customer Relationship Management: Track customer interactions, automate sales processes, manage pricing and discounts, and convert quotes to orders seamlessly. Inventory & Supply Chain: Gain full visibility into inventory levels, suppliers, warehouses, and product movements. Automate reordering and optimise stock to reduce costs and improve delivery times. • • Project Management: Monitor resources, track costs, manage time project. Warehouse Management: Use bin and zone management, barcode scanning, and real-time stock updates to increase Manufacturing & Assembly: Plan production, manage BOMs (bills of ma - terials), handle capacity, and track costs assemblers. Service Management: Schedule service calls, manage contracts, and provide customers with prompt, high-quality support. • • • •

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w: www.endeavour-is.com | e: solutions@endeavour-is.com | t: 028 9031 1010 8 9031 1010

Nick Read Director of the Business Engagement Unit at Ulster University Business School Columnist

How Ulster University’s Short Courses and Micro-Credentials Are Powering NI’s Workforce

N ick Read, director of the School, explains how micro credentials and short courses are equipping businesses across Northern Ireland with the skills they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Micro-credentials are fast becoming essential for businesses responding to rapid technological change, shifting market demands, and evolving employee expectations. These focused, industry-aligned qualifications provide organisations with an agile way to plug skills gaps, strengthen capability and align learning directly with business priorities. With the World Economic Forum predicting that 39% of workers will see their current skills transformed or replaced within the next five years, the pressure is on businesses to future-proof their talent pipelines. Micro-credentials and short courses provide a clear, practical solution, supporting employees to reskill and upskill while signalling an organisation’s investment in professional growth and retention. Ulster University’s short courses are designed in close collaboration with industry. Covering priority areas such as digital transformation, leadership, data analytics, sustainability and innovation, these qualifications deliver targeted, skills-based learning. For employers, they provide a flexible way to respond to skills gaps while aligning learning with strategic objectives. For employees, they Business Engagement Unit at Ulster University Business

represent tangible investment in career development, boosting engagement and retention. This commitment to skills development is already evident in the £290 million Derry~Londonderry and Strabane Region City Deal, signed in September 2024. The deal is set to create transformational opportunities for growth across new and emerging sectors. In response, Ulster University Business School has secured over 300 fully funded places on postgraduate and professional development programmes at its Derry~Londonderry campus. These programmes will help to ensure the region develops the skilled workforce required to maximise the benefits of this historic investment, with opportunities to build expertise in leadership, data, fintech, AI, project management, sustainability, business analysis and stakeholder management. One organisation already seeing the benefits is Hunter Apparel. Speaking about their experience, the company said: “We’ve had the pleasure of participating in several DfE courses, with four of our managers completing three separate programmes so far. These courses have proven to be an invaluable resource for developing our management team. Not only have they provided key personal development and learning opportunities, but they’ve also allowed us to build a network of peers across organisations, fostering the exchange of best practices and shared knowledge. There have been some fantastic guest speakers offering personal

reflections on their journeys and priceless advice. We look forward to more of our managers joining future cohorts, as these programmes continue to offer advancement and growth for our team and the company as a whole.” At Ulster’s Belfast Campus, short courses such as Digital Transformation, Operational Excellence and Executive Leadership are also making a real impact on individuals and organisations. Participants on the Sustainable Leadership short course highlight its impact on both their businesses and personal development. One commented: “This programme was a great opportunity to learn and explore new ways to be a force for good within my business. As a catering business owner, it helped me shape my thinking around inclusive food practices and sustainable leadership, giving me the confidence to communicate what we’re already doing well.” Ulster University’s short courses and micro-credentials are helping individuals and organisations alike to thrive in a changing economy. They are not only enhancing skills but also strengthening business performance and delivering meaningful impact across Northern Ireland. For more information on how short courses and micro-credentials can add value to your business – or to explore other organisational development opportunities – please contact UUBS’s Business Engagement Team at engage@ulster.ac.uk.

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