New York to Newry – Local woman fulfils business dreams
Entrepreneur received assistance through Go Succeed enterprise support service
A Newry-based entrepreneur has realised her dream of returning from North America to set up her own physiotherapy and Pilates practice, after receiving help through the government backed Go Succeed service.
Catherine Elliott, originally from the United States, moved with her family to the Newry area at the age of 10 but left to pursue her career after university.
Catherine began her career in the NHS, completing her rotations before earning a master's degree in Advanced Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, which led her to New York City.
After spending over a decade working in the US, she has now returned to establish BT35 Physiotherapy & Pilates in Newry.
“I attended university in England and furthered my education with a master's in Advanced Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, during which I had the opportunity to work with Gateshead Thunder Rugby,” she said.
“I served as the director of the largest physiotherapy clinic in New York City, where I worked with professional athletes and collaborated with world-renowned doctors and surgeons.”
Now a parent with two young children, the time was right for Catherine to come ‘home’ to Newry.
“It was always my dream to set up my own practice. My children are still quite young so it felt right to make the move now. My parents have remained living in the Newry area so this really does feel like ‘home’ for me,” she said.
Catherine, whose business officially launched in August, received help through Go Succeed to set up her website and begin to market her offering.
She added:
“I’ve never run my own business before so the marketing side of things was something that I really needed help on, and Go Succeed has been fantastic.
“I was connected with a marketing firm that has assisted me with my digital presence, putting in place all the necessary groundwork so that I could start advertising and receiving bookings online.
“When I got my first booking for a private client, it was a ‘pinch me’ moment and provided a sense that all the hard work had been worth it.
“My services are available to a range of people, whether they’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to enhance their physical performance through physiotherapy, acupuncture, Pilates or manual therapy.
“My passion is to help people achieve optimal health and wellness as we work together to meet their health and fitness goals.”
BT35 Physiotherapy & Pilates is based at Thomas Davis GAC on the outskirts of Newry.
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said:
“I am delighted that Go Succeed has played its part in assisting Catherine establishing her business, I urge anyone with a business idea or if you are in business to engage with Go Succeed. Catherine’s journey demonstrates that Newry, Mourne and Down really is a great place to live and work.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
NI financial advisory firm HNH appoints new partner to support ambitious growth goals
Pam Gillies joins HNH’s 28-strong team to support growing local client base and new client acquisitions
Northern Ireland financial advisory company HNH has appointed Pam Gillies, one of the sector’s most respected and experienced business strategists, as Partner as it drives its local and regional growth ambitions across the UK and Ireland.
As HNH’s new Head of Strategic Planning and Business Advisory, Pam and the team will help clients navigate trading complexities successfully, seize new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
HNH is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful multi-disciplinary corporate finance advisory firms, providing industry-leading expertise in Deal Advisory, Strategic Business Planning, Transaction Services, Debt Advisory and Taxation Services.
In recent years, it has been responsible for guiding some of the region’s most successful deals, including acting as Lead Advisor to the shareholders of Robinson Services on their sale to Bidvest Noonan and advising Xperience Group on its investment from Bowmark Capital and supporting it through further strategic acquisitions.
In 2019, HNH opened its first office outside of Northern Ireland in Edinburgh, providing Scottish SMEs with access to senior corporate finance professionals and has further plans for expansion.
With a stellar career spanning more than 25 years, Pam has demonstrated an exceptional ability to help clients set clear corporate goals and objectives, and define and action successful strategic plans to deliver profitability and long-term growth.
“Joining HNH represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, dedicated to excellence, with a clear intent to lead the sector by providing best-in-class service for new and existing clients” Pam Gillies said, adding that “strategic business planning has never been more important to our clients and the local economy.”
“I very much look forward to leveraging my significant experience to drive strategic growth, while also maintaining a strong focus on financial discipline and operational excellence and to support the HNH team to realise our collective goal for growth.”
Welcoming Pam’s appointment, Wayne Horwood, Managing Partner and HNH founder, said:
“I’m delighted that Pam is joining us as Partner which marks a new and exciting chapter in our continued growth. With Pam leading our Strategic Planning and Business Advisory Services offering, we will be able to deliver even greater value to our clients, through a broader service offering.
“Pam's appointment reflects our commitment to ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of strategic support. As we continue to grow and evolve, Pam will play a pivotal role in shaping our future and in further driving the success of our clients.”
Eamonn Donaghy, Executive Chairman, HNH, added:
“Pam is a fantastic addition to the HNH senior leadership team and we are certain that her leadership and insight will greatly contribute to our mission and help us achieve our long-term growth plans.”
Aflac NI to put ‘tech crowd’ to test at charity quiz night
The Tech Crowd Quiz Night to support The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity
Bragging rights will be up for grabs as Aflac Northern Ireland launches the inaugural “Tech Crowd” Quiz Night designed to bring the local technology community together to help raise funds for charity. The inter-company event, to be held on 26th September from 7-10pm at the Black Box in Belfast, will feature teams of five facing off with each other in an interactive general knowledge speed quiz, featuring game show-style buzz in rounds and bonus points for the fastest answers. Money raised at the event will go towards Aflac NI’s charity partner The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity (CCUC).
The inaugural quiz night, which coincides with the international Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is part of a wider drive by Aflac NI, part of global insurance leader Aflac Inc., to raise money for the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit, the only facility in Northern Ireland that provides essential care for children diagnosed with cancer. Participants in the event will enjoy pizza and a drink on arrival, as they gain valuable networking opportunities. A charity raffle will also benefit children facing cancer and blood disorders in Northern Ireland.
Aflac NI VP and Managing Director Mark McCormack said:
“We are hoping this evening will be a huge success that will become an annual part of the charitable giving among Northern Ireland’s tech community, with hosts and beneficiaries rotating from company to company each year. The local ‘tech crowd’ is a close community and we are delighted to host this inaugural opportunity for that community to come together in a competitive but sociable environment, while also raising money for an incredible cause.
“As a company, we have a strong ethos that giving back to the community around us isn’t just nice to have, but is a core part of who we are.
“This year, we have a goal to raise at least £10,000 to support CCUC, an amazing local charity that does phenomenal work with children impacted by cancer and their families.”
Aflac NI’s relationship with CCUC and the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children has to date raised helped to raise more than £45,000.
The partnership has expanded the company’s primary philanthropic cause of supporting the treatment and research of childhood cancer and blood disorders here in Northern Ireland.
In the U.S., since 1995, Aflac has contributed more than $183 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders causes and has provided significant resources in Japan as well, including the funding of Parents’ Houses that provide places for families to stay while undergoing treatments.
Aflac has also donated more than 31,000 of its My Special Aflac Ducks across the US, Japan and Northern Ireland. The robotic soft toy companions are designed to help children fighting cancer to communicate their feelings and prepare for surgery have been shown through an independent study conducted at 8 hospitals across the United States, to significantly reduce the stress and anxiety for children and their families. See more about My Special Aflac Duck here.
Jane Hoare, CEO at The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity added:
“Every year between 60 and 70 children in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. Each of them will visit the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children during their treatment journey. The support of Aflac NI and other benefactors has a direct and profound impact on the lives of these children and their families, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support during their toughest times."
For more information or register your team, or donate a raffle prize, contact QuizNight@Aflac.com.
Armagh confectionary brand ready to taste ‘s’more success’
S’more’a’licious received assistance through Go Succeed enterprise support service
A Co Armagh based confectionary brand is aiming to expand its presence in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and beyond after receiving one to one mentorship from Go Succeed, the free enterprise support service, delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
S’more’a’licious is an award-winning brand specialising in luxurious s’mores toasting kits, handcrafted gourmet marshmallows and marshmallow fluff, produced at its premises in rural Killylea, outside Armagh city.
Founder Laura Vogan, who set up the business from her home in 2020, already stocks retailers and delis across Northern Ireland and makes sales internationally online.
Receiving mentorship through Go Succeed, she is now set to realise her vision of expanding the company’s retail offering while also tapping further into the lucrative corporate gift market.
It is the latest development for the award-winning business which was established at one of the darkest periods of Laura’s life.
She explained:
“I set the business up not long after giving birth to our second child. I had actually been battling post-natal depression but following a suggestion from a friend, I found a passion for bringing joy to others by developing handmade s’more kits.
“Initially, I was producing the kits over the festive season but soon realised the demand was incredible and it quickly grew into a fully-fledged business.
“Our range has expanded along with the business and we now make all the marshmallows and marshmallow fluff ourselves, producing gourmet products that combine high-end luxury with sweet treats.”
Having already tasted early success securing retail listings in Great Britain, Laura is planning further expansion of the business beyond Northern Ireland, after being assigned a mentor through Go Succeed.
“I knew that I wanted to take S’more’a’licious to the next level, having grown it to this stage without any assistance,” she said.
“The mentorship received through Go Succeed has opened up so many doors, and signposted me towards other help and assistance that I didn’t know was available to me.
“As well as growing the number of stockists, the main area of growth moving forward will be in the corporate gift market and we’ve already worked with leading brands such as Facebook/Meta, Elizabeth Arden and Paypal to produce PR and employee gifts.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said:
“The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area is known for its incredible entrepreneurialism and Laura exemplifies that spirit.
“Having already grown her company from a passion project to a viable business in just a few short years, the time is right to take the next step.
“We are delighted to help Laura take that next step, through Go Succeed, and look forward to a bright future ahead for S’more’a’licious.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
Entrepreneurs invited to make ‘Ultimate Pitch’ for business investment
Competition open to businesses across all council areas
Entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland are being given the chance to secure up to £5,000 in investment for their business idea with the launch of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.
The new ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition launched by the government-backed enterprise support service is open to individuals, businesses and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes and in every sector.
Local heats will take place across each of Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, with entrants making the ‘ultimate pitch’ to a panel of judges. Local heat winners will progress to the final with an overall winner announced at a special event in November, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Vice-Chair, Regeneration and Growth at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said:
“Go Succeed has already made an incredible impact on businesses and entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland through our series of workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programmes, grants, and other services.
“It is clear that this region is a place rich with commercial ingenuity, new ways of thinking and unique business ideas, and that’s exactly what we want to celebrate with The Ultimate Pitch.
“Whether you have an idea for a brand new start-up; already have an existing business that is preparing to launch a new product or service; or you just need help unlocking the next stage of growth, we want to hear from you.”
In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, individual prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur.
As well as the financial award, winners will receive a package of support including marketing and other business support services.
The panel of judges will be drawn from across the business and civic communities.
Entrants have until 12th September to apply to the competition with local heats being held within council areas throughout October. Applicants will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on how make the ultimate pitch ahead of regional heats.
The final will take place in Innovation Factory, Belfast on 21st November.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
To find out more information about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view a full list of terms and conditions, and apply, visit www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.
Belfast design studio’s Titanic impact on corporate sustainability
Titanic Denim received assistance through the government-backed Go Succeed programme
A Belfast-based sustainable design studio has launched a new project converting used textiles destined for landfill into high-end corporate merchandise for leading companies.
The expansion for Titanic Denim comes after the business participated in the government-backed Go Succeed enterprise programme.
It is the latest venture for the multi award-winning company, founded over a decade ago by Marie Nancarrow with a vision to challenge fast fashion by transforming discarded jeans and other reclaimed denim garments into luxury items including tote and messenger bags.
Already, major businesses such as Smiley Monroe, Survitec and Heron Bros have worked with Titanic Denim through the ‘Rescued’ initiative to create bespoke corporate items including turning old lorry tarpaulin curtains into laptop folder and high-vis construction vests into drawstring bags for schools.
Marie said:
“Titanic Denim has always been about promoting sustainability and through our new initiative ‘Rescued’, we’re partnering with businesses across Northern Ireland to boost their sustainability too.
“For companies that have textile waste that might normally go to landfill, whether it is old uniforms, post-production material, discarded fabric or deadstock, we can give the material a new life by transforming it into merchandise or other new products that can be reused in the business.
“Businesses work with us so that they can really showcase their ESG credentials, address their indirect and scope three emissions, telling the world that they’re making an effort to reduce textile waste.
“We are also in the process of setting up a ‘Rescued’ digital hub where new clients that have any textile waste can register their interest to have it transformed into new corporate merchandise or products rather than it end up in landfill. I have also worked closely with International Synergies NI who deliver resource matching workshops and their support has been outstanding.
“None of this however, would have been possible without the support of Go Succeed through which I was assigned an amazing mentor and had access to masterclasses that have helped me focus on building and launching the Rescued proposition.”
The initiative is a natural development for multi award-winning Titanic Denim which grew from Marie’s desire to make a positive impact on the world through fashion.
She added:
“My background is in fashion and textiles but I was blown away when I discovered the devastation that fast fashion has on our planet and in some cases, the people who work in this industry.
“Denim is especially challenging and that prompted me more to find out more about the production of the fabric and how I could potentially make a difference, and Titanic Denim was born.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said:
“Belfast has always been home to new ideas and business ingenuity, and this latest initiative from Titanic Denim is a perfect indicator that innovation is alive and well in our city.
“Given our focus on supporting enterprise and business growth, we’re delighted to see the impact that Go Succeed is having on companies of all sizes across Belfast and beyond and send our congratulations to Marie Nancarrow. With Titanic Denim’s sustainable values and vision, her company’s success is doubly impressive.”
Marie added:
“Go Succeed has opened doors that area already taking my business to the next level.
“It was given a newfound confidence to move forward, and given me many opportunities to meet with new clients, that will grow with the business.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.
JN Wine uncorks growth plans after being named Northern Ireland’s best wine merchant for 30th time
--Co Down merchant also named the best small independent merchant in the UK--
Leading merchant JN Wine is set to embark on a major growth plan across Ireland and beyond after being named Northern Ireland’s best wine retailer for a record-breaking 30th time and the leading small independent merchant in the UK.
Headquartered in Crossgar, JN Wine, was named the Best Regional Retailer Northern Ireland and Single Site Retailer of the Year, awarded to the small leading independent merchant, at the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards at The Oval cricket ground in London.
James Nicholson, who founded the business almost 50 years ago and has been operating island-wide since 1996, now has his sights set on expansion following the accolades.
“It is a tremendous honour to come out on top yet again at the IWC Awards, having first been named best Northern Ireland retailer as far back as 1991,” he said.
“Winning the national award against competition from every corner of the UK, and the regional award for the 30th time is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our staff over many years. Thanks to them, our customers know of our commitment to providing the very highest class of service as well as the finest quality in world wines.”
The awards are just the latest for the almost 50-year-old business which was also named best regional wine retailer in Northern Ireland at the Decanter Retailer Awards in 2022 and 2023.
JN Wine already has an outlet in London, known as Highbury Vintners, and supplies leading wine shops, bars and restaurants across the island of Ireland, but plans are already well advanced to extend its footprint further.
James said:
“Firmly established in Northern Ireland and London, the time is now right to expand further outside of the UK with growth plans now under way in the Republic of Ireland and Portugal in the next 12 months.”
“The retail offering in the Republic will complement our already successful wholesale and mail order business there, mirroring our Crossgar operation south of the border”.
“Our outlet in wine-loving Portugal will also bring us even closer to the heart of some of the best wine-growing regions anywhere in the world. New post-Brexit rules now mean we are also enjoying new opportunities and a competitive advantage”.
The IWC Industry Awards' judging process is considered among the most thorough, rigorous, and esteemed processes in the wine industry.
The panel includes some of the UK’s best known wine experts including Helen McGinn, TV personality and the award-winning author of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club.
JN Wine, which was founded in 1977, specialises in quality wines sourced from family and artisan wineries around the world, and remains committed to a long-standing focus on sourcing sustainable and organically certified wines.
As well as supplying restaurants and hotels across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK, JN Wine also provides a home delivery service for wine lovers through its website.
From Bali to Ballymena World Luxury Awards selects Galgorm as host
Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned luxury hotel and wellness destination, has been chosen to host one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality award ceremonies, the World Luxury Awards 2024.
The glittering grand gala is set to attract over 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries across the globe, along with international media.
Galgorm is privileged to have been selected as the European host venue for the Awards on 19 October 2024, with a second ceremony taking place in Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali on 16 October.
This is only the second time the awards have been held in the UK or Ireland with organisers choosing to return once more to the Galgorm venue after it successfully hosted the event in 2018.
John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to see the return of the World Luxury Awards to Galgorm Resort this year following the success of the event in 2018.
“Having the opportunity to welcome more than 200 luxury hospitality owners to Northern Ireland allows the destination to truly showcase internationally its sustainable, inclusive and innovative year-round, world-class tourism offering.”
Established in 2006, the Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for the luxury hospitality sector worldwide. Covering hotel, spa, restaurant and travel categories, they stand to reward and congratulate those which have excelled in their offering as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Accolades are presented to winners on a country, regional, continent and global basis.
Speaking about the honour of hosting the ceremony, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Managing Director said; “This is truly a wonderful glamorous event celebrating best in class for the sector and we are very proud that the World Luxury Awards team have selected our venue as one of the two host locations this year.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry to Northern Ireland and Galgorm.
“We are fully committed to enhancing the tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland by delivering world-class facilities and providing an unrivalled customer experience to attract large events such as the World Luxury Awards. With the support of our loyal suppliers and partners we are excited to showcase our amazing produce, service and entertainment offering and we will ensure every guest receives an exceptional Northern Irish experience during their visit.”
Joanna Macdonald, Events Manager from the World Luxury Awards said:
“We are so excited to return to Galgorm in 2024 as our host for the Awards. We know that a magnificent event is guaranteed at this sensational, venue and we have no doubt each guest will receive a true, warm Irish welcome.
“Hosting an event of this stature is no small feat, every detail needs to be considered and every task and request undertaken with care. We chose Galgorm because we knew their highly professional team will deliver on our requirements and we know that the evening will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.”
The Awards are now open for entries @ www.theworldluxuryawards.com with voting season running from the 2 August – 23 August. Winners to be announced at the glittery awards on Saturday 19th October 2024, Galgorm Resort
Social Enterprise NOW Group names Lidl Northern Ireland ‘Academy Partner of the Year’
Leading social enterprise NOW Group has named Lidl Northern Ireland as its ‘Academy Partner of the Year’ in recognition of its work in supporting people with autism and learning difficulties into retail careers.
Just a year after the Belfast-based social enterprise teamed up with Lidl Northern Ireland to launch its pioneering Retail Skills Academy, the first of its kind with a local supermarket retailer, 12 participants have completed the groundbreaking employability programme, with half of graduates already securing permanent employment. Adding to its 1,300-strong regional workforce, Lidl Northern Ireland awarded two graduates with a permanent position at the region’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer.
The fresh partnership between NOW Group and Lidl Northern Ireland was announced last June as part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion after previously implementing a number of dedicated in-store customer initiatives including autism-friendly evenings and becoming Northern Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly supermarket in 2021.
NOW Group’s dedicated Skills Academies, launched in 2018, span a variety of sectors including Catering, Hospitality, Tourism, Cleaning, Digital, Warehousing and Business Administration. With the aim of meeting rising demand for jobs in these sectors, NOW Group Academies work to ensure participants have the chance to gain skills and employment, matching training needs to areas of high job opportunities.
Through the Retail Skills Academy, developed and designed by NOW Group in conjunction with Lidl Northern Ireland, students combine 15 weeks of classroom learning, which sees successful candidates graduate with GCSE-equivalent certification OCN NI Level 1 Award in Retail Business, with real world experience through in-store retail placements of up to 40 hours across the retailer’s network of 41 stores in Northern Ireland.
Sean Hanna, Director of Services at NOW Group, said:
“After a fantastic first year working with Lidl Northern Ireland, we’re thrilled to confirm Lidl Northern Ireland as our Academy Partner of the Year 2024. The Retail Skills Academy is a pioneering initiative which supports participants as they gain hands-on experience and learn industry-specific skills, at the same time as encouraging independence, resilience and employability.
“Having partnered previously with Lidl Northern Ireland through our pioneering ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Card, which is used by people with learning disabilities and autism to allow others to know in a discreet way that they need some extra patience using shops, services and public transport, we are delighted by the early results, impact and feedback from our combined Skills Academy,” Sean Hanna said.
“As the region’s only certified Top Employer, Lidl Northern Ireland has proven itself through its Retail Skills Academy as a strong strategic partner in helping us deliver this progressive programme as we work to support people with autism and learning difficulties as they make their way into employment. We’d like to congratulate the team on their hard work and huge success in being named our Academy Partner of the Year 2024.”
Ivan Ryan, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director, said:
“As a certified Top Employer for the last four years running, accessibility and diversity are key cornerstones of Lidl Northern Ireland’s People Strategy. Our Retail Skills Academy has got off to a great start since our launch in June 2023, and we’re delighted to be named NOW Group’s Academy Partner of the Year.
“Our first 12 participants came through the programme with great results and we’re looking forward to building on our early success with more students in the months and years ahead.
“Lidl Northern Ireland is perfectly positioned to support academy students as they work towards a fulfilling career in the retail industry through best-in-class training and mentorship in an inclusive environment, and we’re looking forward to great things to come as our partnership with NOW Group and the Retail Skills Academy goes from strength to strength.”
Bonnie Shaw, from County Down, who took part in the programme and is currently working as a Customer Assistant in the Lidl Connswater store, said:
“Getting involved in the Retail Skills Academy with support from Lidl Northern Ireland and NOW Group has been a fantastic experience. It’s helped to boost my confidence, develop my skills and encourage me to achieve more. I love coming to work, meeting with colleagues and helping all our local shoppers – the future is bright.”
In 2023, Lidl Northern Ireland was recognised as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for the fourth year in a row. The only retailer in the region to receive the accreditation, Lidl Northern Ireland was recognised for its dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices, particularly around diversity and inclusion.
Lidl Northern Ireland is the highest paying supermarket in the region, providing a range of additional benefits that includes paid maternity, paternity and fertility leave, while it was the first major local company to off compassionate leave for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, as well as providing special support for those impacted by menopause.
For more information on working with Lidl Northern Ireland visit https://jobs.lidl-ni.co.uk/. For more information on the employability and training schemes available with the NOW Group, please visit www.nowgroup.org.
Bradley Art Prize shines a light on Northern Ireland artistic talent as 2024 competition winners are announced
Young artists from Ulster University and Glenola Collegiate in Bangor among winners in the prestigious competition
The winners of the prestigious 2024 Bradley Art Prize have been revealed.
The competition, led by acclaimed Belfast artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Telecoms and IT solutions provider Radius Connect, is designed to give young creatives a chance to showcase their work alongside some of the most respected names in the local arts sector.
Open to entrants across three age categories from 14 to 18, 19 to 23 and 23 years plus, almost 200 artists entered, with up to four submissions per entry.
Ulster University student Holly Hooks, winner in the 19 – 23 category, took the overall prize while 16-year-old Erin McDaid from Bangor won the 14 – 18 title. Bradley Brimacombe, 25, also from Bangor, took the top spot in the new Over 23 category.
The winners of each category have been chosen by an esteemed panel of judges, including Terry and his wife Ashley Forsythe, Director NI Executive Brussels, Aodhan Connolly, CEO at Titanic Belfast Judith Owens MBE and James Devlin from Radius Connect.
Winners and runners up in the competition, also supported by Bradbury Art, Titanic Belfast and the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels, will have their work displayed at Titanic Belfast alongside Terry’s ‘Dockers & Dolls’ exhibition across the summer and share in a total prize pot worth more than £5,000 in cash and art materials for themselves and their schools and colleges.
Terry said: “We have been blown away once again by the extraordinary calibre of the work presented. The technical ability, creativity and professional approach of the artists who have engaged with the competition has been out of this world, making our job as judges an incredibly tough one. We were really pleased with the launch of our new Over 23s category, which received a strong number of entries.
“And overall we’re thrilled with the impact and interest the Bradley Art Prize has had over the past two years and would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved, including those who entered, as well as the schools and universities which provided support to this extremely capable and talented cohort of young artists.
“I am passionate about supporting up and coming artists in Northern Ireland and am delighted to share their work alongside my own. Congratulations to all who entered.”
Overall winner Holly Hooks, who lives in Belfast, impressed the judges with her piece ‘Colour Beyond The Male Surface. Fellow University of Ulster student Tara Drew, also 19, who lives in Newtownabbey, was named runner-up in the 19 – 23 category for her work ‘Emotions’.
Erin McDaid, 16, who goes to Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor, was named winner of the 14 – 18 group for her piece, ‘Distorted’, with Jenna Ferguson, 17, who attends St Dominic’s Grammar in Belfast, selected as runner up for her work ‘Daydreams’.
Bradley Brimacombe was confirmed as winner in the Over 23 category for his piece ‘Love Me Until I’m Me Again’, with Nichola Bloomfield-Hood, 61, from Newtownabbey, placed as runner-up for ‘Tattoo’.
Five artists have also been shortlisted for a ‘People’s Choice Award’, which will go to a public vote at Titanic Belfast alongside winners and runners up, with visitors invited to choose their favourite to win a cash prize of £250.
These include Sofia Hunter, 18, from Antrim, Joy Mawson, 18, from Banbridge, Zara Craig, 16, from Ballyclare, and Jiale Chen, 17, from Antrim, from the 14 – 18 category, with 56-year-old Patricia Mooney from Belfast, from the Over 23s category.
James Devlin, Head of Enterprise Sales at Radius Connect, which sponsored the Bradley Art Prize competition, said:
“This has been another fantastic year for the Bradley Art Prize, and as sponsors of the competition we are delighted to have been involved in the initiative once again, providing aspiring artists with a platform to showcase their work, and encourage them to pursue a career in the creative industries.
“This exhibition, carefully curated by Terry Bradley and his team, is an amazing opportunity to shine a light on the artistic achievements of our talented young people and give them a taste of what a future in the arts sector could look like. I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who took part, and wish them success in the future as their artistic journey continues.”
The 11 artists joined Terry Bradley at Titanic Belfast as he launched his latest exhibition on Wednesday (June 26th), Dockers & Dolls, with winning, runner-up and shortlisted artwork to be showcased alongside Terry’s pieces throughout the summer.
A further exhibition will follow at the Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square, Belfast, as well as in the Northern Ireland Executive office in Brussels.
The free exhibition opened to the public from Monday 1st July for two months in the iconic venue’s Andrew’s Gallery. The exhibition includes a full immersive video experience to take visitors inside the mind and art of Terry Bradley while honouring the hard-working men and women who worked in the area’s docks, linen mills and factories. The darkness into light theme represents Terry’s journey with mental health and growing up during The Troubles.
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