Terry Bradley shines spotlight on young talent with Bradley Art Prize competition
Radius Connect Solutions backs major Northern Ireland initiative designed to inspire young artistic careers
Renowned artist Terry Bradley has launched the 2024 Bradley Art Prize giving hundreds of budding young artists a new chance to showcase their work in Belfast and Brussels and win a share in a total prize pot worth £4,000 for themselves and their school or college.
Following unprecedented success last year and specifically designed to help inspire a new generation of artistic careers, the Bradley Art Prize is officially back with a bang, supported by leading local IT and telecoms solutions provider Radius Connect for its second year.
The competition, which will run across the current academic year is open for entries now, with the deadline for submissions closing on 31st March 2024.
Open to young people across two age categories, from 14 to 18 and from 19 to 23 years, the winners of each category will be chosen by Terry Bradley and an esteemed group of judges.
The winners will also have their work framed and proudly displayed within the prestigious Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square for a week-long exhibition, including a launch night for friends and family. The winners will also have their artwork showcased internationally at the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels’ European Quarter.
Schools and colleges affiliated with each of the two winners will also receive art materials to help encourage more young people to consider turning their love of art into a long-term career.
This year, in the older 19-23 age group category, Holly-Mae Greer, a First-Class Honours graduate in Fine Art and part-time care worker in Newtownards, was confirmed the winner for her contemporary ‘Noodle Bar’ canvas. Holly-Mae was also confirmed as the overall Bradley Art Prize winner and was commissioned to create a bespoke piece of artwork for Titanic Belfast. In the younger 14-18 category, Sophie Hewitt, from Friends School in Lisburn, was confirmed as winner for her detailed painting ‘Jenny’.
Holly-Mae, who won in the older category straight after leaving university, said:
“Winning the prize has definitely been a real confidence boost and has given me the motivation to do more. One of the hardest things about being an artist is getting people to see your work and to get a platform like that is amazing. Being a local artist, Terry has inspired me to believe that if you work hard, it’s possible to do art full-time and reach a global audience.”
Holly-Mae’s work is influenced by the likes of Edward Hopper, Edouard Manet, Michael Borremans and Caravaggio.
Lookers’ BMW Crewe dealership opens after stunning £5.8 million transformation
New ‘reimagined’ Lookers BMW regional retail hub opens to customers and staff after major redesign and refurbishment.
A new state-of-the-art BMW dealership has officially opened in Crewe after Lookers revealed the stunning results of a major £5.8 million transformation of the site on Fourth Avenue off Weston Road.
The site, which closed for major construction works last year, now features the very latest showroom design associated with the German premium car brand, with each model proudly displayed in modern, state-of-the-art surroundings that includes loungelike seating, unique lighting and premium furnishings.
The spacious, light-filled and tech-laden new showroom adheres to BMW’s new ‘Retail Next’ concept which debuted in the United States last year, prioritising space, glass and natural light – and all housed in a strikingly-designed sustainable building that signals a fresh start for Lookers BMW in Crewe and the wider area. The dealership also features an all-new contemporary aftersales space.
Lookers' BMW Crewe redevelopment is its latest investment in the premium marque after first introducing BMW and MINI to its portfolio in 2016.
Head of Business at Lookers for BMW and MINI, Rob Gower, said:
“Our new BMW retail centre is part of the ‘BMW Retail Next’ concept which represents our commitment to continually investing in delivering an enhanced customer experience. Our £5.8 million investment also underscores our confidence in BMW as one of the world’s finest car brands, which continues to invest in innovation, distinction and luxury.
“As a team, we are passionate about our new all-electric charging points for the exciting range of new and emerging BMW i cars which are in the process of creating the ultimate driving machine for a more sustainable world.”
The new showroom is now home to the full suite of BMW’s range of electric and hybrid vehicles, including the fully-electric BMW Gran Couple, the BMW i4 M50 and i4 eDrive50 models as well as the 7 Series, X1 and 5 Series brands.
The German manufacturer has also promised to expand its suite of new all-electric models by 2030 as part of its new ‘Power of Choice’ sustainability plan, under which it has committed to selling more than seven million plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by the end of 2030.
BMW Group UK reported almost 29,000 new car registrations of battery-powered cars last year, representing an 11 percent share of the market, up from 7.2 percent the year before.
Lookers Group Chief Operating Officer, Duncan McPhee, said:
“Our new retail centre in Crewe proudly showcases BMW’s outstanding driving and sustainability credentials in a stunning, ambient environment where customers will really enjoy experiencing BMW’s world class range for themselves. Our partnership with BMW / MINI is important for Lookers and we are delighted that our new BMW destination in Crewe will act as a major retail hub for the northwest region.”
Complete with EV chargers and a range of digital innovations, the major renovation has been purposely built to showcase BMW brand and will incorporate and extensive used car offering and extensive aftersales provision.
Lidl Northern Ireland puts Carryduff in its sights as work starts on new £6.5m store
£10m regeneration plans for Carryduff Shopping Centre advance ahead of new store opening next year
The first phase of a multimillion-pound regeneration of the former Carryduff Shopping Centre gets under way this month as Lidl Northern Ireland moves to begin construction of a new £6.5 million anchor supermarket which will open early next summer.
The region’s fastest-growing supermarket confirmed today work will start within two weeks, injecting a new lease of life into the centre which has lain derelict for almost seven years.
The new Lidl Northern Ireland store will reflect its bright, modern and spacious ‘concept’ design, an expansive sales floor of 1,420 sq. metres with wide aisles, long tills, restrooms and baby-changing facilities as well as an in-store bakery and redeveloped parking for more than 200 vehicles.
Lidl Northern Ireland’s wider plans for the site include the creation of an additional large 9,000 sq ft retail unit, four smaller units and a drive-thru restaurant or coffee shop, with 35 new jobs directly created when the new store opens. Around 120 jobs will be created throughout the construction and development phase of the new store.
Lidl Northern Ireland, which will open another new store in Strabane later this year, anticipates a total investment in the Carryduff site of around £10 million.
Chris Speers, Regional Property Director, Lidl Northern Ireland said:
“The redevelopment of Carryduff Shopping Centre represents a major investment for Lidl Northern Ireland, both in the local community and in our wider retail estate portfolio so we’re delighted to be advancing our plans with construction work starting on our exciting plans to create a new, state-of-the-art store that will welcome shoppers right across the area from next year. We’d like to thank the local community for their support and look forward to bringing our successful ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ proposition to thousands of more visitors when we open early next summer.”
One of the region’s oldest shopping centres, built in 1985, Carryduff Shopping Centre closed in 2013.
Lidl Northern Ireland acquired the site in August 2020 and obtained planning permission for the new store and wider redevelopment in February last year.
Last month, Lidl Northern Ireland secured planning permission to build a new £4.5 million supermarket in Coleraine after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council approved its plans to develop a largely vacant site at the northern end of the Riverside Retail Park.
The project will see a vacant unit demolished to make way for the new 26,640 sq ft Lidl store, supporting around 35 jobs.
Instonians Beds in home retailer Harry Corry to support rugby youth programme
Harry Corry cuts its cloth with major sponsorship deal that backs Instonians Rugby Football Club ‘Rugby for All’ Youth Programme --
Leading home retailer Harry Corry has joined forces with Instonians Rugby Club, providing top level support for its ‘Rugby for All’ Youth Programme to help support our future All Ireland League, Five Nations and World Cup champions.
Harry Corry has been supporting Instonians for over four decades but this latest commitment significantly upweights the retailer’s investment in the 104 year-old club, originally founded at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and specifically in its increasingly important youth outreach activity.
One of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most respected clubs, Instonians is committed to providing opportunities for young people to develop and reach their potential while enhancing their enjoyment and passion for the game and Harry Corry’s backing as a sponsor will now deliver a major boost for its growing teams.
A sport for all communities, Instonians’ Youth Programme already works with 20 schools across the Belfast and Lisburn areas – and mostly those with no rugby-playing history – delivering coaching resources and equipment to make weekly and even more regular training sessions available at each location.
Now a full-time job for Instonians Youth Programme coordinators Michael Fairbanks and Ruairi O’Farrell, the programme welcomes a record 900 young people from all communities and backgrounds who are interacting, becoming friends and playing rugby together every week.
Instonians Club Community Rugby Officer Michael Fairbanks said:
“Our ‘Rugby for All’ Youth Programme represents our commitment and passion in encouraging more young people to have the opportunity to learn new skills and build on their talent and potential. It’s also an important vehicle for developing creativity, awareness, resilience and decision-making while promoting leadership skills, independence and collaboration among everyone from every community and background.
“We are absolutely delighted to have won the backing from the team at Harry Corry to increase our impact as our main sponsor.”
Harry Corry Interiors is a family run business that was established by Harry Corry in 1968 and over the last 55 years, the company has established itself as a leading retailer of home furnishings. Harry Corry Interiors has 56 retail outlets throughout Ireland and Scotland, and now employs more than 700 staff.
Gareth Corry from Harry Corry and part of the Instonians youth coaching team said:
“Our partnership with Instonians demonstrates our commitment to invest in our communities, to promote youth participation in sport, encouraging health and wellbeing while providing an important platform for our next generation to reach their potential in a fun, engaging and collaborative way.
“Instonians ‘Rugby for All’ Youth Programme has undoubtedly proved popular with upwards of 1,000 young people engaged from primary school through to secondary school and we’re thrilled to be playing a key role in its current and future success.”
One of Northern Ireland’s best-known brands, Harry Corry opened its 56th store at Cresent Link in Derry~Londonderry last month with an investment of £150,000 and creating 10 new jobs. The new store is the latest investment as part of the business’s ongoing growth strategy.
“Harry Corry is part of the fabric of Northern Ireland,” Gareth Corry said. “We’re local, we’re investing, and we look forward to putting our weight behind this important, inclusive initiative that is already making a real and positive impact on so many lives.”
New Private Client Team launched at Davidson McDonnell
Leading Northern Ireland law firm Davidson McDonnell has officially launched a new Private Client team appointing ex-London partner Victoria Sterritt to lead the department.
Victoria is joined in the Private Client team by senior solicitors Rachael McKee and Sara Ord who both have more than 20 years’ specialist experience.
The specialist solicitors in the Private Client team are trusted family advisors, respected for their uncompromising work protecting the interests and wealth of individuals and their families in Northern Ireland and in England. The team has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of specialist private client areas including family and matrimonial, trusts and estate planning, succession planning, wills and probate, and residential property.
Though Davidson McDonnell has been expertly servicing private clients for almost a decade, the team under Victoria Sterritt’s lead brings a new, dedicated focus in the area, combining innovative working practices, a personable approach and expert legal advice to create a progressive force in this area.
The Private Client team promotes a solution-based model across their range of services, including mediation, to meet the growing demand for cut-through legal advice that minimises cost, stress, and delay during life’s most difficult times.
Davidson McDonnell is already one of Northern Ireland’s most successful commercial law firms, meaning that private clients benefit from ready access to a strong multi-disciplinary team of solicitors specialising in niche areas like corporate, commercial property, finance and dispute resolution services.
The firm also regularly engages with wealth managers, accountants, tax specialists and other independent experts to ensure the provision of a premium, bespoke and holistic service.
Welcoming the launch of the new Private Client department, Ross Davidson, Director, Davidson McDonnell, said:
“We have worked hard at building a strong reputation for the quality of our advice and our personal approach to client needs in both the corporate and personal arenas. We are delighted to expand our private client expertise as part of a new, dedicated department in this area where demand is high.
Davidson McDonnell is committed to providing ‘no nonsense’ practical advice and exceptional service that combines the best technical capability with a warm, professional and friendly approach. I’m delighted to officially launch our Private Client team under Victoria’s lead and wish our growing team every success.”
Davidson McDonnell Private Client team Legal Director Victoria Sterritt said:
“From straightforward matters to those which are more complex, our team has a pool of expert knowledge and technical skill to help clients to confidently structure their affairs. I’m delighted to be joining Davidson McDonnell and to develop this opportunity to work with a wider team of experts, and with access to innovative resources, to assist individuals and families navigate a broad range of the traditional and modern family issues in a progressive manner.”
Davidson McDonnell is regarded as one of the leading independent commercial law firms in Northern Ireland, handling some of the highest value, most complex mandates in the local market and regularly acting on cross-border, national and international transactions as Northern Irish counsel for top tier UK and Irish law firms.
Its hallmark is its degree of specialism within its practice areas of real estate, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and insolvency, banking and finance, dispute resolution and litigation, licencing, betting and gaming and private client.
In its M&A Review for the first six months of 2023, Experian Market IQ also revealed Davidson McDonnell as one of Northern Ireland’s most active legal advisers by volume with a top three placing.
Committed to quality, the company is IS0 9001 and ISO 27001 accredited. Davidson McDonnell also has a bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, signifying its commitment to diversity and inclusion at every level.
Frank Mitchell launches Lidl Northern Ireland’s annual Christmas Trolley Dash in aid of NSPCC
Legendary U105 broadcaster calls for shoppers to enter retailer’s annual Trolley Dash to win their entire Christmas shop for just £1 in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned U105 broadcaster and former UTV presenter, Frank Mitchell, to launch the return of the retailer’s biggest and most loved fundraiser of the year – Trolley Dash. Now in its 10th year, Trolley Dash is Lidl Northern Ireland’s flagship fundraising event for its charity partner, NSPCC, offering customers the chance to win their entire Christmas food shopping for just £1, in aid of NSPCC.
With the festive season just around the corner, one lucky customer from each of Lidl Northern Ireland’s 41 stores across the region will win a supermarket sweep-style dash around their local store to grab as much of their Christmas shopping as possible in two minutes. In previous years, dashers have grabbed hundreds of pounds worth of treats and managed to tick off all items on their Christmas food shopping list.
The tickets to enter cost just £1 and will go on sale in all Lidl Northern Ireland stores on Saturday 11th November 2023 for two weeks only and shoppers can purchase as many tickets as they wish in support of NSPCC. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to NSPCC whose mission is to protect the children of NI to prevent abuse and transform society for every childhood.
Frank Mitchell, U105 Radio Presenter and former UTV Presenter, said;
“I am honoured to launch Lidl Northern Ireland’s Trolley Dash charity campaign this year in aid of NSPCC Northern Ireland.
“Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when many families come together to celebrate the festive season. Particularly in the world we live in today, with cost-of-living pressures for many families – the gift of giving has never been more important. Thousands of children
right across Northern Ireland rely on NSPCC’s services over the festive period. The charity relies heavily on public donations to ensure their services are available for vulnerable children in need over the Christmas period- and beyond.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be involved in this campaign; not only will 41 lucky shoppers get the chance to bag their Christmas shopping for free, but all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to funding NSPCC Northern Ireland’s vital services. It’s a fantastic initiative. I’d like to say a massive thank you in advance to everyone who buys a ticket and supports this crucial service, and I wish you a very happy Christmas.”
Ivan Ryan, Regional Managing Director, Lidl Northern Ireland, said;
“Lidl Northern Ireland is delighted to announce the return of the annual Christmas fundraiser, in partnership with NSPCC. From Saturday 11th November for two weeks only, Lidl Northern Ireland customers will have the fantastic opportunity to buy a £1 ticket at the till to be in with the chance of winning the ‘golden ticket’ to take part in a supermarket-style sweep competition against the pressing time of just two-minutes.
“Northern Ireland will see 41 lucky winners- one for every store. Since 2017, we have successfully raised over £900,000 for our charity partner, NSPCC, and our annual Trolley Dash initiative plays a huge part in this. We hope that this year will be the biggest yet and encourage all customers to get involved as every store has a winner!”
Lidl Northern Ireland has donated over £900,000 to NSPCC Northern Ireland through a range of activities and initiatives driven by Lidl Northern Ireland staff members across its 41 stores. And since the partnership began in 2017, Lidl Northern Ireland has made a commitment to raise £1.1 million by 2024.
Stefani Mearns, NSPCC Supporter Fundraising Manager, said;
“On behalf of the team at NSPCC I would like thank Lidl Northern Ireland for its continued support and for the brilliant opportunity to be part of the Christmas Trolley Dash initiative again this year. The partnership which we have developed with Lidl Northern Ireland over the past six years has been groundbreaking for our charity and the generosity of its staff and customers never fails to impress us each year.
“We are beyond grateful for the support and opportunity as the significant funds raised from Trolley Dash will go a long way in making a huge difference to the children and families of Northern Ireland when support is greatly needed.
“NSPCC is here to support all children who need to make use of our specialist services- or simply, someone to talk to. With the help of Lidl Northern Ireland, all of this is possible.”
All winners will be contacted directly by their local Lidl Northern Ireland store and invited to take part in the Trolley Dash before stores open. This gives winners a clean run at the aisles to grab as many items on their Christmas shopping list as they can. Dashes will take place on Saturday 2nd December, Saturday 9th December and Saturday 16th December 2023.
For more information about how to get involved and for competition terms and conditions, please visit https://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/c/trolley-dash/s10032944
Launch of New Irish Whiskey Brand Outwalker
A new name in Irish whiskey – Outwalker – is set to take the market by storm as it launches this week. Representing something genuinely different, this bold offering will stand head and shoulders above others in the sector with its distinctive taste and brand as ‘The Restless Spirit’.
Outwalker is a unique blend of Single Malt aged in white burgundy casks, Pot Still aged in ex-Oloroso Sherry, Grain aged in Virgin American Oak and Grain aged in Rye Casks.
It was developed by one of the world’s foremost drinks authorities Jillian Vose, formerly Beverage Director of New York’s famous Dead Rabbit and now co-owner of the eagerly anticipated Hazel & Apple opening soon in Charleston, South Carolina.
The idea for Outwalker – which was forged many years ago in Belfast’s luxury hotel The Merchant – combines Jillian’s expertise with that of leading Irish hospitality guru Sean Muldoon, co-founder of Dead Rabbit, named twice as the world’s best bar, and co-owner with Jillian of Hazel & Apple; award-winning hotelier and entrepreneur Adrian McLaughlin and hospitality business expert, ex-international rugby player Darren Cave.
Together they have created this new golden honey-coloured premium spirit to be enjoyed whenever, however, and wherever by those with a sense of adventure.
Wholly distilled, blended, aged, and bottled in Ireland, Outwalker is rooted in tradition while reflecting the world of today. With now over 40 distilleries in Ireland producing around 110m LPA of whiskey a year, the Irish whiskey market is booming. In 2021, 14 million cases were sold globally, a 21 per cent increase on 2020, contributing over €700 million to the Irish economy.
Irish whiskey expressions are also increasing in prominence, and in the last 10 years alone the premium market grew a staggering 1,053 per cent, with super premium growing 2,769 per cent according to DISCUS.
Whiskey is now increasingly enjoyed across generations. With the explosion of craft cocktails with whiskey as a prime ingredient, there is undoubtedly a fast-growing appreciation for the spirit, particularly among women and younger drinkers.
The launch of Outwalker is perfectly timed to take advantage of this growing interest in Irish Whiskey, as Sean Muldoon explained: “Outwalker was born to meet the need for a genuinely unique blend of component whiskeys, something that was both a cocktail staple and also good enough to sip on its own.”
Jillian Vose continued: “Through the creation process I researched a lot of grain whiskeys and found two that stood out: one aged in Virgin American oak and another in Rye casks. These combined very well with each other, making a great backbone for the whiskeys.
“The Pot Still aged in ex-Oloroso sherry casks brought richness and body, while the Virgin American oak pulls out a lot of fruit notes from the white burgundy cask single malt – which brought everything together and gave the spirit a lovely minerality, pulling so much from the other components.”
On the nose, Outwalker has aromas of butterscotch, apricot and cinnamon. The new spirit has a complex, fruity, and assertive taste with a toffee sweetness and notes of mango and hints of pineapple, and a lingering finish with the characteristic Irish whiskey maltiness and spice.
Notable on the captivating bottle is a nod to Ireland’s mythical past in the headless figure of the dullahan – a wandering spirit gathering and sharing stories.
Outwalker co-founder Adrian McLaughlin said: “Joining forces with Sean, Jillian and Darren, we know we have created something really special for cocktail fans and whiskey connoisseurs alike.
“We are confident, like our spirit, that this will be one of the most talked-about Irish whiskeys for many years to come.”
Fellow co-founder Darren Cave added: “Outwalker is by nature, adventurous and open. It will be savoured by many, enjoying the quality of the blend and sharing a good time – in the great Irish tradition.”
A 70cl 44.5% ABV bottle of the new Outwalker is available from £40/€50 RRP and stockists can be found at www.outwalkerwhiskey.com/find
Further information available here: www.outwalkerwhiskey.com
Lookers spearheads fresh investment in Volvo with £2.3m in Chelmsford
Lookers further strengthens Volvo partnership after recent acquisition of Waterhouse Volvo Chelmsford
Lookers has kicked off a £2.3 million investment programme to dramatically enhance its established franchised Volvo dealership in Chelmsford, Essex, as part of a newly-strengthened partnership with Volvo.
Lookers, one of the UK’s leading automotive retail and service groups, said today that the extensive programme works at Baynes Place in the city would create a bright, modern state-of-the-art facility that would put customers at the heart of an exciting and innovative retail experience that would perfectly showcase the dynamic Swedish brand’s growing portfolio of all-electric vehicles.
Featuring the latest suite of stunning new Volvo models including the pure electric XC40 and plug-in hybrids, as well as Volvo Selekt Approved Used vehicles, servicing, MOT tests and repairs, the new-look showroom will feature Volvo’s signature lounge area, complete with Scandinavian furniture, free Wi-Fi and Swedish cakes and coffee.
Work at the site, which will remain open throughout, is expected to complete by the end of the year.
Designed for a sustainable future and incorporating a wide range of eco-friendly features, including a suite of EV charges, solar panels and a signature lounge featuring striking Scandinavian furniture, the new dealership will prioritise the exacting needs of future-focused drivers of this premium brand.
Lookers announced in May that it had acquired Waterhouse Chelmsford Volvo, adding 40 staff to its expanding Volvo teams with plans for a multimillion-pound refurbishment at the site. The acquisition of Waterhouse Chelmsford Volvo brought Lookers’ Volvo portfolio to five UK sites, alongside Colchester, Stockport and Glasgow in addition to Polestar Spaces and aftersales businesses in Manchester and Glasgow.
Lookers’ Franchise Director, David Cooper, said:
“We’re extremely proud of our longstanding and successful partnership with Volvo and to be further investing in this iconic brand, in our customers and dedicated local teams as part of our commitment to create an outstanding retail experience that exceeds expectations. This significant investment also represents a big vote of confidence and commitment to Chelmsford where we are delighted to mark a fresh milestone of local success.”
Founded in 1927 and now one of the world’s most respected car brands, Volvo said earlier this year that it was rapidly transforming its entire product offer to focus on all-electric cars amid plans to expand its range with the introduction of a new compact electric model, the EX30, and the new-to-order flagship EX90, reflecting evolving customer needs.
Volvo’s ambition is to be a fully electric car maker by 2030 in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
Duncan McPhee, Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Our growing partnership with Volvo and our shared plans for growth in the fast-expanding EV market are a priority for Lookers and this latest investment once again confirms our ambitions to be the UK’s number one choice for all-electric driving, advice and aftersales service. Volvo is a world industry leader in the production of pioneering plug-in vehicles, and we look forward to continuing our electrifying expansion over the months and years ahead.”
Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers across a network of over 150 franchised locations, and has a team of more than 6,500 staff.
Belfast lands ‘world’s best conference destination’ for a third consecutive year
Belfast now recognised as the world’s best conference and events destination at the annual C&IT Awards gala for five out of the last six years
Belfast has been officially named the world’s best conference destination for a third year at the Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) awards in London, securing a record-breaking position that underlines the city’s strengths as a major international draw for business delegates and event organisers.
ICC Belfast, Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built international convention centre, was also a winner in the ‘Best Venue - UK’ category, the shortlist for which featured London’s ExCel and ICC Birmingham.
The annual C&IT Awards are the biggest, most influential and prestigious awards in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events (MICE) sector worldwide. Chosen by a diverse panel of industry experts, they recognise outstanding achievements, innovation and success across a variety of categories.‘Best Destination’ and ‘Best Venue’ are among the most sought after and competitive awards, receiving entries from destinations and convention centres across the globe.
This year’s Best Conference Destination 2023 award recognises Visit Belfast and the city’s tourism industry for its consistent, collaborative efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of conference and event organisers to deliver a world class experience for thousands of delegates every year.
Visit Belfast is the official destination marketing and management organisation for the Belfast City Region, dedicated to promoting Belfast as a tourist destination for business, leisure and cruise visitors. Tourism NI, Invest NI and Belfast City Council are also key supporters and funders of business tourism in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
For ICC Belfast, its newest award win for ‘Best Venue - UK’ recognises its contribution to the city’s thriving business conference sector as well as how the team has successfully delivered on its values as a venue that celebrates diversity and champions inclusivity.
In a separate development, Visit Belfast were also awarded ‘UK Best Destination Team of the Year’ at the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) Awards 2023, securing the top industry title in a highly competitive shortlist that included Conference Leeds, Meet in Wales, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and Meet Devon South West England.
Welcoming Belfast’s three major international wins, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Ryan Murphy, said:
“These award wins represent a record-breaking outcome for the city, for Visit Belfast and ICC Belfast which champions the huge, collaborative effort that goes into making Belfast a tourism leader on the global stage. Yet again, Team Belfast has proven its award-winning abilities to go up against the rest of the world and go straight to the top and I’m delighted and grateful to everyone who contributed to this remarkable success.
“Despite the challenges of recent years, Belfast continues to punch well above its weight in a highly competitive market, demonstrating its strengths, a team spirt and a prized warm welcome that makes more and more people want to come back. I am very proud of what we have achieved and congratulations to everyone involved.”
Earlier this year, Visit Belfast revealed its plans are on track to deliver around £120m to the local economy this year through its sales, marketing and visitor servicing activity, marking a fresh growth milestone in the organisation’s almost 25-year history and looking ahead, Belfast is set to welcome 147 conferences and 55,000 delegates, over the next three years, amounting to a spend of around £75 million.
Julia Corkey, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall, said:
“The passion and dedication of our world-class team are what made this award win possible. The timing could not have been better, as just last week we proudly played our part in facilitating global collaboration when we showcased the very best that Northern Ireland had to offer delegates attending the One Young World 2023 Summit.
Our commitment to sustainable growth and innovation across the organisation means that we continually strive to exceed clients’ expectations. The business events industry is highly competitive, so for our efforts to be recognised as industry leading is an incredible achievement. We are delighted to celebrate with all of our partners throughout the city and extend our sincere congratulations to Visit Belfast on their deserved recognition as Best Conference Destination."
Acknowledging the importance of both awards for Belfast’s tourism economy, Visit Belfast’s Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation, Rachael McGuickin, said investing in business tourism sales and marketing is critical as it provides mid-week business right throughout the year.
“Generating around £40 million of direct expenditure for the local economy, business events are a major part of the city’s tourism economy, delivering high-spending visitors for local venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport providers and across events supply chain. They’re a catalyst for growth and integral to the investment supported and generated in Belfast and beyond while also contributing to the city and Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for innovation, academic and business success.
Our most recent award success, both as a destination and as a team, is important in ensuring Belfast is always front of mind as a leading destination for national and international events and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in building on our achievements and adding even more new and sustainable ways to ensure our city not only appeals but inspires.”
A New Integrated Strategy for Business Events in Northern Ireland was launched in March last year which seeks to double the number of international conferences hosted annually and attract three times the number of delegates from the UK and Ireland by 2030.
Nikki Paterson, Business Solutions Manager, Northern Ireland, said:
“Recognition of our unique and competitive strengths in attracting business events and delegates to Belfast and Northern Ireland play an important role in promoting our exciting offer across the world, driving awareness and impact in a highly competitive marketplace. We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to ensure that we can continue to drive the direct economic impact of this pivotal tourism sector.”
JN Wine named ‘best wine retailer in Northern Ireland’ by global wine brand Decanter
JN Wine’s retail outlets in Crossgar and London win top billing at prestigious Decanter Retailer Awards 2023
Leading wine retailer JN Wine is raising a special toast to new sparkling success after clinching two top awards at the UK wine industry’s annual retail excellence awards organised by global wine brand Decanter.
JN Wine, one of the best-known independent wine merchants, supplies many of the top hotels, restaurants and wine shops throughout the island of Ireland.
The 46 year-old business which employs more than 40 staff and has outlets in Crossgar in County Down and in Highbury, London, was this year acknowledged as best regional wine retailer in Northern Ireland – as well as in the UK capital – at the Decanter Retailer Awards 2023, securing top gongs in a shortlist containing some of the UK’s best-known retail wine specialists.
Awarding its Crossgar wine retail outlet number one in Northern Ireland, judges noted JN Wine’s ‘excellent service, wide range of wines along with an efficient operation that made it a worthy winner’.
The company’s London outlet, Highbury Vintners, picked up the award for Best Regional Wine Shop in London, with one judge saying: “Highbury Vintners is exactly what you want from your neighbourhood wine merchant, offering a great range with a very proactive, educated staff – what every high street should have.”
The Highbury store was also named runner up in the Decanter Awards ‘Spain Specialist Retailer of the Year’ category.
Founded in 1975 and based in London, Decanter is the world's leading wine media brand and is the oldest and most prestigious consumer wine publication in the UK.
From the best neighbourhood wine shops to national retailers, in-store and online, the awards offer wine drinkers an indispensable guide to outstanding retail experiences across the nation.
The two top Decanter award wins come hot on the heels of JN Wine’s 29th consecutive win at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in May which saw the Co Down team pick up the title of Regional Retailer of the Year for Northern Ireland 2023. Highbury Vintners was also named Best Regional Retailer in London.
Founder James Nicholson said: “We’re over the moon with our recent award successes. They reflect the strength of the team and our consistent dedication to delivering expertise, excellent service and a wide and expanding range of carefully selected, quality wines to our customers.
“Each and every member of the team plays a key role in our collective success and I’d like to thank them for embracing our ethos of constant improvement in delivering for our growing base of loyal customers at home and in businesses across the UK and Ireland.”
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.