Job Vacancy: Client Manager - Public Affairs & Corporate Communications

Job Specification – Client Manager (November 2019)

• Position: Client Manager (Public Affairs & Corporate Communications)

• Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum (Full-Time Role)

• Based: Adelaide Street, Belfast City Centre

The Person

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a Client Manager to work in the areas of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.

This is an exciting and demanding role within a growing company requiring a resilient individual with strong leadership qualities to join the team. 

You will have a deep interest in politics, business and the media and have a good understanding of the role that public affairs, media relations and stakeholder relations plays.

About Brown O’Connor Communications 

Brown O’Connor is an ambitious and trusted communications consultancy based in Belfast City Centre. We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with decision makers and the media.

We have a growing track record for managing and delivering complex communications programmes for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

Specification

• Be a daily point of contact for the media and elected representatives.

• Manage a high level of client interaction and be able to develop and implement PR and Public Affairs strategies.

• Proactively manage client accounts to ensure work is carried out successfully and within allocated budgets.

• Write strong editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs , ensuring coverage across a range of outlets

• Deliver excellent media coverage for clients and work to raise the profile of clients in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

• Be able to create engaging social media content across multiple platforms.

• Work as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure delivery across client accounts.

• Ability to work in a high paced, often pressurised, outcome orientated environment.

• Take a leading role in new business development and organic growth opportunities alongside company directors.

Criteria

• 3+ years working in the areas of Public Affairs & Corporate Communications (Agency experience preferred).

• Third Level Degree or equivalent in the preferred areas of Communications, Law, Politics, Business, Social Science or Humanities.  

• Possess strong writing and editing skills with ability to write attention-grabbing media material, client correspondence and reports.

• An excellent communicator in both written and oral communications.

• Commercially and politically aware.

• Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time

• Strong initiative, leadership skills and work ethic.

• Ability to hustle to make things happen.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by client and other activity. 

• Clean driving licence.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send a cover letter and C.V. stating ‘Brown O’Connor CM’ in the subject line to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com by Monday 2nd December 5pm. 

Lisa Bryson, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland media reaction

Reacting to the McDonald’s CEO workplace relationship issue highlighted in the media yesterday, Lisa Bryson, Partner, Employment and Immigration, Eversheds Sutherland in Belfast commented:

“There can be a fine line between consensual and inappropriate relationships in the workplace, particularly if one party is sub-ordinate or if a romantic relationship turns sour. The #MeToo era has also brought the issue of discrimination and harassment into sharp focus and highlighted the litigation risk for employers who do not take steps to eliminate inappropriate behaviours. This has undoubtedly contributed to why companies are increasingly concerned about the potential implications of relationships in the workplace, with many implementing policies to prohibit romantic encounters between staff.”

Lisa Bryson, Eversheds Sutherland

“We all now know that McDonald’s has such a policy and that their CEO has been removed because of a consensual relationship he had with another employee. There is nothing unlawful about a company policy which prevents relationships between colleagues or requires disclosure of them. However, the question of enforcing such a workplace policy or ban is more complex. It is difficult, for example, to see how an employer in Northern Ireland could fairly justify dismissing an employee for breach of such a policy. The key consideration must focus on whether the relationship in question creates a genuine conflict of interest and/or might lead to conduct which is, in fact, prejudicial to the employer.”

“Of course employees also have a right to privacy and this is another factor which needs to be taken into account in this context. A complete policy ban on any romantic workplace relationships, irrespective of potential conflict or business risk, is more likely to fall foul of the Human Rights Act than one that is measured and balances an individual’s privacy rights with legitimate business interests.”

New Chair and Vice Chair selected at Hospitality Ulster AGM

Pictured at the Hospitality Ulster AGM today in Belfast are Tony O’Neill, newly selected Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster and Danny Coyles newly selected Chair of Hospitality Ulster.

Danny Coyles of the Anchor Bar Complex, has been named as the new Chair of Hospitality Ulster at its AGM today in Belfast. While Tony O’Neill from the well-known Belfast restaurants Coppi and Buba takes up the role as the new Vice Chair.

Danny Coyles, incoming Chair of Hospitality Ulster said:

“It is a great honour to take over as Chair of such a widely respected body which represents the very best of the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting but also challenging time for our industry, as we look to play our part in spreading the economic benefits of tourism across the province. Whilst at the same time as being held back by outdated licensing laws, we have the highest business rates in the UK and the second highest hospitality VAT in Europe, not to mention Brexit. Put simply, we have huge economic potential, but we need to see less consultation and more action by government if we are to sustain and grow our industry and the Northern Ireland economy.”

He added:

“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Chair, Mark Stewart, who has worked tirelessly for members throughout his tenure. Mark’s dedication and effectiveness in the role as Chair has allowed me to take over an organisation which is vibrant, capable and confident.” 

Tony O’Neill, incoming Vice Chair also commented:

“Like Danny, I am greatly honoured to be taking up the role of Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster and I look forward to building on the great work already done to support our fantastic pubs, bars and restaurants. As many in the industry will already know, I have a particular interest in the training and development of staff, and I hope that through this role I can contribute to making our industry a career of choice.”

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“We are thrilled that Danny and Tony are taking on the roles of Chair and Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster. Both are highly respected leaders in the sector and have an in-depth understanding of the day to day challenges faced by the industry and a clear ambition to find solutions to the barriers to growth.”

Danny Coyles newly selected Chair of Hospitality Ulster and Tony O’Neill, newly selected Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster.

“I’d also like to thank Mark Stewart for his hard work in his role as Chair. The position requires many late nights, early mornings and miles on the road, and he has done so with great ease. I speak on behalf of all the members and staff when I say that he will be missed, but I know that he will remain deeply involved going forward.”

First ever Artificial Intelligence Conference to take place in Belfast in major leap for technology sector

The first major Artificial Intelligence conference will take place in Belfast on 28 November. Included from left to right are Adrian Johnston, Digital Catapult, Austin Tanney, Kainos, Gillian Armstrong, Liberty IT, Alastair McKinley, Analytics Engines and Tom Gray, Kainos

A major conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to be hosted in Belfast for the first time on Thursday 28th November in the Europa.

AI Con will bring together global AI leaders from companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft together with the AI community here, to talk about some of the most important technological advances in AI and how it is changing the world in which we live.

The conference will be led by Tom Gray, Chief Technology Officer of Kainos and is sponsored by Kainos, Matrix, Innovate UK, Digital Catapult, Invest NI and the IET.

The conference will also examine the very practical ways in which AI is transforming how businesses operate and will look at how the latest advances in AI research can be implemented.

AI Con will give leading voices from the technology sector here the opportunity to talk about developments in the AI field and how it is going to change business for the better.

Speaking at the conference will be representatives from Google, Kainos, Phillips, Bristol Myers Squibb, Allstate and Liberty IT among many others.

Speaking at the launch of AI Con, Tom Gray, Chief Technology Officer at Kainos said:

“AI Con will provide a key platform for discussion and debate around how artificial intelligence is changing our world. This is an area of rapid growth in the technology sector and there is an incredible amount of work being done locally to move it from research, into business and job creation.

“The conference is aimed at business leaders who would like to know more about how AI can improve their business, and also those from a technical and engineering background who are interested in how the latest AI research can be applied in a practical way.

“AI is entering a new ‘age of implementation’ which means many trailblazing companies are now applying increasingly mature and proven technologies and techniques to solve real problems and create new business opportunities for companies and organisations in every sector. The time is now right to bring our AI community together with potential beneficiaries of the technology to talk about how we grow skills and the economy and, as we’ve done with the software sector, make the responsible implementation of AI a core strength of the region.”

Lorraine Acheson of Innovate UK said:

“This conference is hugely exciting because it will be the first time such a wide range of experts from the AI community have been brought together in Northern Ireland.

“Innovate UK is proud to support this idea because the conference will open up a new conversation between technology and business, in terms of how AI can change the business landscape. AI can provide innovative solutions that mean companies can work more effectively and more efficiently, and it opens up possibilities for companies that they might not have considered.

“The AI community is fast becoming a thriving part of the technology sector and it is important that this is supported and nurtured. That also means we need to talk now about how we meet the recruitment and skills needs of this growing sector, and how we can attract talented people into it.”

For tickets to and further information on AI-Con 2019: https://ai-con2019.com/

HM Treasury appointed Fintech Envoy makes first visit to North West

Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland Andrew Jenkins pictured with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Fintech leaders in the North West. L-R, Greg McCann Executive Director of FinTrU, Brian McGrath President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Jenkins Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Carol Kelly Business Operations Manager Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Leo Murphy Principal of NWRC, Aidan O’Kane Senior Manager Allstate

The newly appointed Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Andrew Jenkins has made his first official visit to the North West with an engagement at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.  

Envoy Jenkins who was appointed by the HM Treasury in September, met with President, Brian McGrath and several key Fintech leaders in the North West including Aidan O’Kane Senior Manager in Allstate; Greg McCann Executive Director of FinTru and Leo Murphy North West Regional College Principal.

Fintech is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy, encompassing innovation in financial services including digital banking, payment technologies and crowdfunding platforms.

Northern Ireland is regarded as a world-renowned driver of the fintech sector which continues to rapidly develop in the North West. 40,000 people in Northern Ireland are employed across the financial and professional services with 1 in 4 of these employed in technology roles.   

Through his role as Fintech Envoy, Andrew Jenkins is responsible for promoting Northern Ireland’s thriving Fintech sector and championing it as a place for firms to continue to develop and grow their businesses. This includes bringing forward an ambitious strategy which aspires to further establish Northern Ireland’s place as a Fintech centre of excellence.

Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland commented:

“It was great to meet with the Chamber President Brian McGrath who has been a fantastic supporter of the vibrant and growing fintech community which exists in the North West.”

“It is increasingly important that collaboration takes place across the various stakeholder groups and I am committed to continuing to work with these groups, businesses and individuals in the North West.

“A diverse pool of talent is essential to advance Fintech investment and growth across Northern Ireland, but we must work hard to develop the skills and talent base to be able to fill future roles and maintain our global reputation as being among the best.”

He added:

“One important issue which I will be dealing with in my role as Fintech Envoy is funding and I am committed to helping to signpost those in the North West to the funds and sources of finance which are required to assist businesses in this area to start, grow and develop.”

“The global success of both Allstate and FinTrU, who are key economic drivers in the North West, is testament to the potential which exists for further growth. It is undoubted that together we can build an ecosystem of talent and skills which will allow innovation in the Fintech sector to flourish. I am committed to continuing to engage with those leaders from business, industry and education in the North West, to achieve this potential.”

Brian McGrath, President of the Londonderry Chamber commented:

“I was thrilled to welcome Andrew Jenkins to the Chamber offices in his first visit as the new Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland. Several members of the Londonderry Chamber are leading the way in the Fintech space and it is increasingly important to acknowledge the role of the Fintech industry in job creation and economic development here in the city and the region.”

“Northern Ireland has firmly established itself as one of the leading global destinations for Fintech development investment projects and that includes the contribution from the North West. The challenge now is to maintain that global ranking and reputation and we at Chamber will do all we can to support that drive.”

Leo Murphy, Principal of North West Regional College commented:

“It is important that recognition is given to the development of Fintech talent and skills and I very much welcome the Fintech Envoy’s ambition to promote and deliver on this key aspect.”

“The North West Regional College is proud of our track record in collaborating with local business to develop and deliver the skills which are required to drive the economy and to create a global impact. The Assured Skills Academy which recently launched for the fifth time, is one example of how the college continues to provide the research and innovation expertise required by employers to drive Fintech forward.”

Select Committee MPs call on NI Department of Health to resolve funding crisis in community pharmacy

A group of Westminster Select Committee MPs have called on the Department of Health to resolve the funding crisis in the Northern Ireland community pharmacy network in a newly published report.

 The Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee has carried out an inquiry into funding priorities in the health service and published its findings today.

 In the report, the cross-party Committee, Chaired by Conservative MP Simon Hoare, have stressed the need for the Department to agree a sustainable funding package for community pharmacy and to implement a Drug Tariff based on Northern Ireland’s unique set of circumstances.

 The community pharmacy network in Northern Ireland has been reporting growing pressures for a number of years and evidence from an independent cost of service investigation commissioned by the Department of Health points to underfunding of around £20m per annum.

Commenting on the publication of the Committee report, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said:

 “We welcome the recommendation contained in this report, acknowledging the very serious situation facing the community pharmacy network in Northern Ireland.

 “We have been highlighting our fears for the network for quite some time and are pleased that the Committee is calling for action.

 “In the absence of an Executive and functioning Assembly, the NI Affairs Committee is really the only vehicle we have to scrutinise the work of departments in Northern Ireland and to ensure funding priorities reflect the reality on the ground.

 “Community pharmacy provides a vital and accessible frontline service, ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland can get advice when they need it. If properly invested in, community pharmacy can help ease growing bottlenecks in GP surgeries and keep people out of hospital.

“We are keen to work with the Department and Board to ensure that any investment in community pharmacy is one that works and that helps transform the health service. If we do not invest in transformative services, then we are putting the entire service at risk.”

 Member of the NI Affairs Select Committee, Ian Paisley MP said:

 “The situation in community pharmacy in untenable and I would urge the Department to take heed of the committee’s recommendation and address the funding issues that are at risk of undermining the entire network.

 “People need to be able to access community pharmacy services and in light of recent measures taken elsewhere in the UK, it would be prudent of the Department of Health to work on finding a solution to this ongoing issue.”

Early Election Bill and the Northern Ireland Budget

In Parliament this afternoon, the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees Mogg MP has just updated the House of Commons on the timetable for the Early Election Bill and next steps:

• For an election to occur on the 12 December, the Early Election Bill will need Royal Assent by 5 November;

• House of Commons will then dissolve after midnight on 6 November;

• The election timetable will take into consideration the Northern Ireland Budget Bill.

In the House of Commons this afternoon Jacob Rees Mogg MP said;

“This timetable allows for the Northern Ireland Budget Bill to receive Royal Assent to ensure the Northern Ireland Civil Service can access the funding it needs to deliver public services and the proper governance. The situation facing a number of Northern Ireland Departments has become critical and the bill is necessary for the Northern Ireland Civil Service to access the cash necessary to deliver public services.”

Currently, MPs are voting on Stella Creasy’s amendment for Amendments to be added to the Bill.

Major campaign launched to get NI supply chain ready for Brexit

Mary Meehan, Manufacturing NI, and Dr Trevor Cadden, Ulster University

A major advertising and information campaign has been launched for manufacturers in Northern Ireland as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

Manufacturing NI, the largest membership organisation representing the manufacturing sector here, has launched the campaign in partnership with Ulster University to ensure businesses are prepared for Brexit.

The information campaign will signpost manufacturing businesses to a new website and learning portal with all the relevant information they need to prepare for Brexit. The website is www.mnisupplychain.com.

The campaign has produced ten sectoral guides and an innovative e-learning series, ‘Get Supply Chain Ready for Brexit’. This campaign will have information on everything from workforce issues and importing and exporting goods, to UK and EU regulations and supply chain issues.

The sectoral guides reflect the layout of the Northern Irish manufacturing sector and include information for companies working across a number of key sectors.

Mary Meehan from Manufacturing NI said:

“Leaving the EU, deal or no-deal, will have a massive impact on our local manufacturing industry. Firms here need to be confident that they are prepared for every eventuality which may crop up.

“This campaign with Ulster University will ensure manufacturers have all the information they need to mitigate against the impacts of Brexit and to help keep their businesses running as smoothly as possible.

“The manufacturing sector is the bedrock of the Northern Irish economy, directly and indirectly supporting over 214,000 jobs, accounting for almost two-thirds of all Northern Irish exports and making up one-third of the entire Northern Irish economy.

“Given our importance to the regional economy, we cannot allow ourselves to be unprepared for Brexit. This campaign and the sectoral guides provide support and guidance to manufacturing firms across Northern Ireland and will provide clarity in an otherwise uncertain landscape.” 

Mary Meehan, Manufacturing NI

Dr Trevor Cadden, Senior Lecturer in Operations Management from Ulster University said:

“Ulster University Business School are delighted to be working in partnership with Manufacturing NI to help deliver this important suite of supply chain resources to ensure manufacturing companies in Northern Ireland are not only aware of supply chain implications under Brexit, but have the tools and strategies to manage.

“Many companies are hugely concerned about the current Brexit uncertainty and how difficult it will be to navigate a changing landscape. A lot of businesses in Northern Ireland  lack the skills and resources to prepare for Brexit, so we trust that this unique set of easy accessible online supply chain resources will help guide them in the right direction.”

Manufacturing companies across Northern Ireland will also receive campaign packs via email which will contain sector-specific information to help them prepare. Visit www.mnisupplychain.com now for more information.

Fintech Envoy joins Northern Ireland Working Group at Glasgow Symposium

Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland

Andrew Jenkins, the newly appointed Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland was among a delegation from the Fintech NI Working Group which attended the inaugural meeting of the Fintech National Network Symposium, in Glasgow. This included Karen Bradbury, Fintech Lead Invest NI, Alex Lee, co-founder FinTechNI and Philip Creed, co-founder and Director FSCom.

The gathering, hosted by Fintech Scotland, brought together senior leaders from the various fintech bodies, the Financial Conduct Authority, Scottish Development International, the UK Department for International Trade, Innovate Finance, the UK Treasury and the FinTech Alliance. They were joined by top fintech entrepreneurs from across the UK.

Addressing the symposium, Andrew Jenkins focused on Northern Ireland’s value proposition as a centre for fintech activity and highlighted the importance of the technology clusters that support the fintech sector here.

Other key themes discussed included the need to nurture the skills for the future, promoting inclusion and diversity, driving innovation across the sector, the importance of cross-sector collaboration to support further fintech growth, and the potential for fintech to bring broader societal benefits.

The Fintech National Network comprises the regional fintech bodies across the UK. Established in 2019, it aims to foster collaboration between the fintech bodies and to provide valuable connections to amplify support for fintech enterprises.

The Fintech National Network will meet in Belfast next June. 

Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland commented:

“This was my first opportunity to meet up with the regional envoys from across the UK and it was fantastic to see first-hand the partnership, innovation and connectivity already happening across the UK fintech sector. By understanding where our strengths lie – both individually and collectively - and playing to them, I believe we can achieve even more.”

“The symposium also underlined the importance of inclusion and diversity across the fintech sector and this is something which I am passionate about. Promoting diversity is critical to further developing and growing the industry.”  

“Northern Ireland is already a centre of excellence for fintech and the outlook is hugely exciting. As we look to the future, we must continue to articulate the broader economic and societal benefits that fintech can bring. In working with a range of stakeholder groups across Northern Ireland, our strategy will look to harness our incredible potential and continue to build out our areas of expertise.”

Statement from Hospitality Ulster on Liquor Licensing consultation published this afternoon

Reacting to the news that the Department for Communities has published a new consultation on the reform of Liquor Licensing in Northern Ireland, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said today:

“We welcome the publication of this new consultation by the Department for Communities on the reform of Liquor Licensing and commend the Department’s Permanent Secretary for undertaking the preparatory work in advance of a return of government in Northern Ireland.”

“Unfortunately, we have been here several times before, without movement. However, this consultation will help to ensure our licensing laws can be modernised at the earliest opportunity, once government returns.”

“It was not so long ago that a Bill to reform our outdated licensing laws had already been introduced to the last Assembly, prior to its collapse, with much of the heavy lifting in terms of drafting already carried out. By re-consulting it may feel like we are back to square one, but with the last consultation now seven years old, it is vital that this is updated and ready for action once we have a government, allowing them to move forward swiftly and decisively, and address the outdated law as it currently sits.”

“We are currently working in an anti-business environment where our sector is struggling with high rate of hospitality VAT, extortionate business rates and ever increasing wage bills, compounded by labour and migration issues brought about by Brexit fears. This is not to mention the minimal economic growth predicted over the next year by some of our leading economists and the need to be given the opportunity to increase our consumer base to balance the books.”

“We already have written cross party political commitment to modernise this legislation and widespread public support to push for the changes that will have positive impacts on the likes of opening times during key holiday periods and giving businesses in the sector the tools to run profitably and to allow them to reinvest.”

“The hospitality sector is a £1.2billion a year industry and is the backbone of our tourism offer and economy as clearly stated in the Programme for Government. Its growth is being heavily curtailed by legislative paralysis and is a major cause in restricting our potential. Tens of millions of pounds are being lost per annum and this position is continuing to damage our international reputation. Any competitive advantage that we have as a European destination is being eroded.”

“Modernisation of our outdated licensing laws are long overdue and it must be addressed as a matter of priority.”