Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour is coming to BBC Two

The celebrity chef returns home for a new series with special guests including Katherine Ryan, Laura Whitmore, Shayne Ward and Diarmuid Gavin.

In this 15-part series, starting on Monday 5 May on BBC Two, Anna Haugh travels around the island of Ireland, exploring all that is unique, and new, about Irish cuisine and culture.

From Ballycastle in County Antrim to Cork city, Anna is joined by celebrity guests including Katherine Ryan, Dennis Taylor, Ed Byrne, Shayne Ward, Laura Whitmore and Vanessa Feltz, who share their own Irish food memories and don their aprons to help her prepare a special meal.

On this culinary journey around the island Anna and her guests meet local food producers and sample an array of local ingredients and flavours.

Anna says: “Irish food is my passion and it’s a passion that took me from Dublin to London to pursue my dreams.

“Throughout this series, viewers can look forward to lots of delicious, inspiring food ingredients, wonderful recipes and great chats with my celebrity guests and food producers.”

In the first episode, Katherine Ryan joins Anna in the city of Cork – the ‘foodie capital of Ireland’ - where memories of her grandmother’s ‘over-boiled and under-seasoned’ dinners have left the comedian with a bad impression of Irish food.

In episode two snooker legend Dennis Taylor returns to the snooker hall in County Tyrone where it all began and after a spot of fishing, Anna and Dennis do some outdoor cooking with one of the area’s most unique delicacies - the Lough Neagh eel.

Later in the series, in her native Dublin, Anna meets actor Eilish O'Carroll from Mrs Brown's Boys in an area of the city where traditional markets mix with global street food, and in County Antrim she visits a Ballycastle farm with garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.

The pair are put to work during potato planting season, and Anna later creates a goat hotpot for Diarmuid using these local spuds. 

Far from the bright lights of London, Anna explores the rugged landscape of County Mayo with presenter Angela Scanlon and travels to Portrush on the north coast to meet actor Ian McElhinney.

In the seaside town, Ian reminisces about childhood holidays spent enjoying dulse, a local seaweed snack.

Other well-known faces joining Anna on her tour include, presenter Vanessa Feltz, Father Ted actor Pauline McLynn, wildlife broadcaster Liz Bonnin, rugby legend Bundee Aki and The Saturdays popstar Una Healy.

Anna’s journey comes to an end with singer and actor Shayne Ward in County Louth. Shayne is keen to connect with his Irish Traveller heritage and Anna introduces him to one of Ireland's last surviving tinsmiths. They also visit a local farm where Shayne gets his hands dirty picking cabbage.

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour was commissioned for BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland as part of the Hot House Initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

The series, made by Below The Radar TV, starts on Monday 5 May and airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two. The full series is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Election 2027 only a heartbeat away – are higher expectations of political delivery now required?.. Writes David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

We are more than halfway through the current Assembly mandate. Two years from now, parties will be on the home stretch of the 2027 Assembly Election campaign. The posters will be up on the lampposts, and the parties will make their final push to get their voters out to the polls on Election Day.

After just over three years in office, the Executive parties will be running to defend their record on what they have achieved; however, they are more likely to make a pitch about what they could accomplish with a full five-year mandate instead of the shorter terms Northern Ireland has had to endure due to various collapses in power-sharing since 2017. 

When we get to 2027, what would a good start for the Executive look like? What could they have achieved so voters would notice and acknowledge that Northern Ireland is finally on the right track after years of drift?

Regional Balance

Rebalancing Northern Ireland's economy, particularly in the North-West, will be a real test for Sinn Féin. When he was Economy Minister, Conor Murphy launched a Sub-Regional Economic Plan in late 2024, which sets out a restructuring of Invest NI and the establishment of local economic partnerships that will identify priorities to build the local economy. Now that Caoimhe Archibald, an MLA based in the North-West, has moved to the department earlier this year, there will be scrutiny on whether green shoots of economic development are happening West of the Bann.

Housing

This is a sleeper issue in Northern Ireland politics, but it will be one of the main issues being debated on the hustings during the 2027 election. House prices are already at a 17-year high with little evidence of any slowdown on the horizon. Looking at how this has become a significant issue in the Republic, parties in the Executive will know this issue can cut across various demographics and shift voters.

The Executive will need to introduce the necessary reforms around water infrastructure and planning to help increase the number of homes built across Northern Ireland. This will be a longer-term problem to solve, but by 2027, potential homebuyers and those helping close family members get on the ladder will want to see some signs of things turning around.

Childcare

A significant cost-of-living issue affecting society is childcare. The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has made some moves in this area with the Childcare Subsidy Scheme. Still, there is recognition that this will need to go further over the coming years so that parents feel relief from the rising childcare costs. Producing and then delivering a Childcare Strategy will be an important measure of the delivery of this policy.

Health

Last but certainly not least, healthcare. For the past few years, the public service that we all interact with in some way has been in the headlines for many of the wrong reasons. We all know the story of waiting lists and a need for reform. The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has already spoken about the difficulties his department faces in the current funding environment, which leaves no easy options available to help turn around the many challenges faced by the Health and Social Care system.

By 2027, most voters will view the progress of healthcare through how long people are on a waiting list. This will not be resolved by 2027; to the minister's credit, he is not pretending it will be. However, there will be an expectation from the public that, after three years of devolution, some progress will be achieved.

The Expectations Game

In politics, perception often matters as much as reality. That is to say, public expectations matter a lot in judging success. Voters will be, in the main, happy that Stormont is back and some semblance of normality has returned. Yet, underneath that, the low expectations for delivery and reform continue to hurt the Executive.

This is also not helped by the various external factors buffeting the Executive, from tough spending plans from Westminster to Trump tariffs. By 2027, voters will want a sense that Northern Ireland is back on track, which the Executive needs to demonstrate as it heads into the final laps of this mandate.

Tech community should double down on transatlantic links

Judith Millar, Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), Queen's University Belfast; Ryan Keenan, Learning Experience Lab, DeepLearning.ai; Connla McCann, Aisling Events; Tom Gray, Kainos; Ryan Ballantine, Options IT

Belfast business leaders will set out to replicate the success of their transatlantic partnerships with Boston and New York, at a conference in Silicon Valley next month.

AICON Silicon Valley will take place at Stanford University on 22 May 2025 and build on the success of the AICON Belfast conference, which is Ireland’s largest AI gathering.

“Belfast has a compelling proposition to make when it comes to software, cyber security and AI, and it’s high time we set out our stall in the global epicentre of innovation, AI and VC funding,” said Connla McCann, co-founder of the New York-New Belfast conference in the Big Apple and the Golden Bridges conference in Boston.

Last year, tech leaders in the Irish diaspora and Irish American communities in the Bay Area of California took part in an Irish Roundtable in the Valley, which brought them face-to-face with representatives of Belfast tech companies Kainos and Options, alongside Queen’s University.

AICON Silicon Valley supported by Invest NI will build on the success of that event.

Hosted by headline sponsor Kainos and supported by Invest NI, Options IT and Unosquare of Belfast, as well as Wink Inc of California, AICON Silicon Valley will focus on maximising the opportunity of artificial intelligence.

Also making up the delegation travelling to California will be representatives of the Atlantic Technological University in Donegal and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

AICON Silicon Valley is the sister conference of AICON Belfast, now in its seventh year, which has become a firm fixture in the Irish tech calendar.

Connla McCann, Director of Aisling Events added: "Our goal is to bring together two world-class tech communities. Last year a smaller group travelled from Belfast to Silicon Valley, and we were amazed at the appetite for collaboration and partnership on both sides. The new AICON Silicon Valley conference cements this further and will provide unparalleled opportunities for sharing knowledge, networking, and strengthening ties between Ireland and Silicon Valley in the pursuit of AI-driven solutions for a better world.”

Tom Gray, Kainos Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation said: "This conference presents an opportunity to bring together professionals and experts with strong ties to innovation and technology. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, this conference will reinforce connections between our two tech communities. I look forward to seeing this conference become a regular platform for enabling productive dialogue, encouraging diverse perspectives and generating new ideas in the field of artificial intelligence."

Andrea Haughian Executive Vice President, Head of Americas at Invest Northern Ireland said: “The new AICON Silicon Valley reaffirms our reputation as a global hub for technology innovation and positions our tech community as a key player in the AI revolution. This collaboration is poised to unlock new opportunities and build lasting connections between the two regions.”

We're Hiring: Graduate Trainee - Strategic Communications and Public Affairs

Brown O’Connor Communications – Graduate Trainee Opportunity

Salary: competitive

Start: September 2025

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a talented Graduate Trainee to support the client consultancy team working in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications.

This is an exciting opportunity within an ambitious and fast-paced consultancy.  We require a resilient individual with proven academic capability, who is now ready to step into their first communications agency role.

You will learn practical skills on the job while supporting the client service team in their delivery of high impact client campaigns at the highest level. 

In this important supporting role, you will also have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.

About Brown O’Connor Communications: www.brownoconnor.com

Brown O’Connor Communications is one of Ireland’s most trusted and respected communications advisory firms.  Founded by directors Chris Brown and Arlene O’Connor, we are a Belfast-based team of 10.

Our Specialist Areas

We are highly regarded specialists in:

·       Public Affairs

·       Corporate and Strategic Communications services

·       Media Relations

·       Crisis Communications

·       Property and Planning Communications

·       Litigation Communications

·       Event Management

·       Political Monitoring

·       Communication Strategy Development

Our reputation is based on our extensive experience working for high-profile, public facing organisations and delivering our services on a range of sensitive issues.

The agency has been awarded the Belfast Chamber Communications Excellence Award, CIPR Best Public Affairs Campaign, CIPR Best Healthcare Campaign, CIPR Best Event and has been named the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Consultancy of the Year.  

Our Client Work

We have a track record for managing and delivering complex corporate media relations and public affairs programmes for some of Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

We work across a range of areas including legal, financial, health and social care, commercial, fintech, economic development, manufacturing, public inquiries, non-departmental public bodies and the charity sector.

We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with editors, government ministers, stakeholders, investors and corporate decision makers. 

Our media relations work is carried daily across broadcast, print and social media, and steers public discourse on some of the biggest matters for local society; our public affairs and stakeholder influencing activity at Stormont, Westminster and in the Oireachtas informs and helps to shape policy and public service delivery.

Check out our blog for some highlights of our recent work Blog — Brown O'Connor Communications

Graduate Trainee Person Specification

This is a hands-on role with an exceptional opportunity to learn on the job in a fast-paced, often pressurised, outcome-orientated environment.

You will be responsible for the delivery of key weekly reporting and monitoring functions, as well as supporting the client handling team to ensure smooth, timely delivery of agreed campaign activities, goals and outcomes. 

You will have a keen interest in politics, business and the media and a developing understanding of the role of public affairs, media relations, stakeholder relations.

You will have a solid understanding of the importance and impact of clear, accurate and timely communications.

You will be well organised, with a critical eye for detail and the ability to plan and track activity to ensure smooth running of client work.

You will be confident in managing multiple tasks and have the ability to consistently meet deadlines.

You will work collaboratively as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

Day to Day Role

• You will play an essential role in Political and Policy Monitoring of the NI Assembly, Westminster and Oireachtas.

• Your proven writing skills will be applied to writing editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs.

• You will work with trusted suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

• You will be able to create appropriate and engaging visual and social media content across multiple platforms. You may have videography, photography, graphic design or editing skills which will enhance your capabilities, although this is not essential.

• You will work on political lobbying and public awareness campaigns supporting policy change, legislative change and the smooth running of political engagement programmes.

• Your work will support the delivery of outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

Our Approach and Company Culture

·       The success of Brown O’Connor Communications is based on the performance of its people.

·       Our rigorous approach delivers positive outcomes for our clients, and we go out of our way to ensure success.

·       We deliver excellence in all that we do and our team is accountable and responsible for all activity they undertake.

·       As the Graduate Trainee, your attitude, energy and work outputs will reflect the values of Brown O’Connor and the hard-earned reputation for which the business is known, trusted and respected.

Criteria

• A recent (1 year) or 2025 graduate, with university placement or work experience in the area of public affairs, corporate communications or within a communications environment.

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

• An excellent communicator both written and oral.

• Outstanding organisational skills.

• Keen awareness of news, current affairs and politics.

• Strong initiative and work ethic.

• Clean driving licence and access to a car preferred.

How to Apply

To apply in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV and a covering email telling us why you think you are the right candidate for this role, with examples demonstrating how you meet the above role description (word limit 300 words) to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com, with the email subject Graduate Trainee by 5pm on Friday 27 June 2025.

Application Process

• Initial shortlisting early July

• Interviews July 2025

• Start September 2025

Thousands Set to Benefit from Victims and Survivors Service Innovative Partnership

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with Gobhnait Swift, Department of Rural and Community Development; Andrew Walker, Victims and Survivors Service; and Gina McIntyre, SEUPB.

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has launched a €25m, four-year PEACEPLUS funded programme, VSS-PULSE.

The programme is a Partnership for Understanding, Learning, Support and Education (PULSE), operating to support victims and survivors across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), VSS-PULSE aims to improve the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict by increasing and improving access to high quality, trauma informed services.

Through this project, over 18,000 individual cases will be reviewed by a regional network of Health and Wellbeing Caseworkers and Advocacy Support Workers, resulting in the delivery of over 36,000 interventions which will improve the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors.

VSS is the Lead Partner in this innovative programme which includes 12 other partners. VSS-PULSE will build the on the well-established network of health and well-being caseworkers and advocacy support workers based within community and voluntary partners across the region, who support victims and survivors in their local communities.

The partnership will develop this network, and over the next four years VSS-PULSE will also develop trauma education programmes and workforce training and development for over 5,000 individuals supporting victims and survivors. This work will be underpinned by research to further understand and improve services for victims and survivors.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“We are committed to meeting the needs of victims and survivors, helping them to deal with the past and build a positive future. And this new project will play a key role in ensuring that those who need support receive essential services within their local community, leading to improved outcomes for victims and survivors.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

“Supporting victims and survivors continues to be a priority for us.

“This project will ensure they have access to holistic services which are tailored to their specific needs. The range of interventions will provide them with the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing now and into the future.

“Well done to everyone involved in creating a programme that will be of benefit to so many.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, commented:

“I would like to express my gratitude to all those who played a role in the advancement of the Victims and Survivors Service - Partnership for Understanding, Learning, Support and Education project. This initiative has secured funding approval of €25m from the European Union's PEACEPLUS programme.

“By building upon previous supports, PEACEPLUS will achieve its goals and create a more cohesive society. This will be accomplished through an increased provision of services that meet the needs of victims, survivors, and their families.

“I am very pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will be partnering with The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body in providing funding for this investment area under the programme.

“I wish the VSS-PULSE project and their partner organisations every success in their endeavours.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:

“The support for victims and survivors in the PEACEPLUS Programme will develop the capacity for services to meet their needs.

“Our citizens still feel the hurt and trauma of the past, and this project will help ensure they receive the requisite trauma informed response when accessing services.

“The aim of this work is to improve societal understanding of the effects of the past upon the present, in a way that improves the lives of victims and survivors, contributes to continued peace and reconciliation.”

Andrew Walker, CEO Victims and Survivors Service said:

“Through the VSS-PULSE project, VSS will work with community partners to support hard to reach and marginalised individuals and communities which have suffered from the Troubles/conflict.

“Through this collaborative approach, we are creating space where victims and survivors can access integrated, trauma informed support. This model fosters healing in a way that contributes to peace and reconciliation in our community.

“I would encourage anyone who needs support to contact us at the Victims and Survivors Service.”

For more information about the community partners delivering the PULSE programme or to access support call VSS on 02890 279100 or visit www.victimsservice.org

BelTech 2025 Connects Tech Leaders, Innovators and Future Talent in Belfast

Kevin Higgins, Platform Consultant, Allstate; Mark McCormack, Managing Director, Aflac NI; Ryan Keenan, Director, Learning Experience Lab, DeepLearning.ai; Síona O’Reilly, Solutions Architect, Kainos; Leah Ní Mhurchú, Technical Support Engineer, Options IT

BelTech, one of the Irish tech industry’s most prominent conferences, made its return to Belfast yesterday, 10 April 2025, bringing together leading figures from across the sector.

Curated by Kainos in partnership with Allstate, BelTech is supported by leading technology companies, including Options, Unosquare, Aflac Northern Ireland, and Rakuten.

This year, BelTech welcomed an impressive lineup of speakers from Amazon Web Services, MIT, Monzo Bank, and more.

US based Ryan Keenan, Director of the Learning Experience Lab at DeepLearning.AI, headlined the day with a keynote that focused on artificial intelligence and the future of education.

Aimed at both experienced professionals and emerging talent, the conference showcased a diverse agenda designed to inspire, educate, and spark collaboration across the tech ecosystem.

Software development was an integral part of the conference, exploring the art and science of crafting robust, scalable software solutions. Sessions covered everything from foundational programming languages and frameworks to advanced architectural techniques and design patterns.

Delegates gained insight into the real-world applications of both generative and narrow AI in the software industry. Topics included automated code generation, intelligent debugging and testing, and enhancing creativity in development. Crucial security and ethical considerations such as data privacy and regulatory challenges were also front and centre.

BelTech also explored a ‘What’s Next?’ theme, focused on the evolving developer landscape, this track examined the rise of generative AI assistants and their role in streamlining development workflows.

A key feature at BelTech was the "Powered by Partnership" panel, chaired by John Ferris of Ulster Bank, it highlighted how collaboration between academia and industry is helping to build the next generation of scaleups.

Featuring founders from Ulster University’s Connect to Success programme the panel offered valuable insights into how AI is driving innovation and growth across diverse sectors. The discussion showcased the real-world impact of strong partnerships and the vital role of support networks in scaling tech-led businesses.

Síona O’Reilly, Solution Architect, Kainos said:

“BelTech is a clear example of how innovation thrives when we come together as a community. Innovation isn't just about the technology - it’s about the people who drive it. The conversations, ideas, and collaboration truly embodied everything this conference stands for.

The exchange of ideas and expertise from our speakers today was truly inspiring. It was a true celebration of our vibrant technical community, and a powerful reminder of how collaboration and shared knowledge are key to solving the challenges that lie ahead.”

With a continued focus on inclusivity and innovation, BelTech 2025 cemented its position as a cornerstone for knowledge exchange, professional development, and community-building in the Irish tech scene.

To find out more: https://www.beltech.co/

Manufacturing Month returns to showcase the strength of the sector

Conor Quinn, AMIC; Meave Monaghan, NOW Group; Alan Lavery, KPMG; Peter Creighton, Reliance; Rachel Doherty, Manufacturing NI; Gavin Campbell, Barclays; Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI; Natasha Sayee, Belfast Harbour; Chris Guy, Mills Selig; and High Sheriff Cllr Fiona McAteer, Belfast City Council.

Manufacturing Month, the flagship event in Northern Ireland’s business and economic calendar to showcase and celebrate the manufacturing and engineering sector, is set to return for the fifth year this May.

Led by Manufacturing NI, the month-long initiative demonstrates the sector’s significant contribution to the economy and highlights the companies, workers, and leaders who make Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector a global success story.

Sponsored by some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies and organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Barclays, Go Succeed NI, KPMG, Mills Selig, and Reliance, the campaign aims to showcase the sector’s capabilities, from cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives to career pathways and skills development.

Throughout the month, a series of events, factory tours, webinars, and networking opportunities will be delivered to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and explore future opportunities.

Stephen Kelly and Rachel Doherty, Manufacturing NI

Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, commented:

“We have extraordinary manufacturing businesses who collectively provide almost 100,000 direct and more than 150,000 fully sustained jobs in every community across Northern Ireland. They dominate our R&D investment and external and export sales.

"Manufacturing Month is a chance to celebrate the sector. It is a platform for manufacturers to not only share their achievements but also learn from each other and work together to capture the opportunities in an increasingly difficult economy.

"Our ‘makers’ already provide good, regionally dispersed jobs and Manufacturing Month helps bring them together to collectively work to drive productivity, to decarbonise, and deal with the threats presented by a world embroiled in a trade war.

"Manufacturing Month will include a series of ‘Meet The Maker’ events, and the publication of a major piece of economic analysis, which unveils the impact the sector has on communities throughout Northern Ireland. Manufacturers, supply chains, supporting organisations, Councils, and others are encouraged to participate, with a media kit provided to help them get their good news out.”

Manufacturing Month will be rounded off with the Anchor High Leadership Summit on Thursday 29 May at The Hilton Hotel, Belfast. Summit attendees, manufacturing leaders, and others will hear from a range of industry experts, guest speakers, and panellists who will share their experiences through a series of practical case studies.  

The Summit will be followed in the evening by the prestigious Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards, which recognises those who have shaped Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.

For more information on Manufacturing Month 2025, including access to the Media Kit and tickets for the Anchor High Leadership Summit, visit www.manufacturingmonthni.com.

New report: 'We have seen little movement' as one in five Northern Ireland SMEs are still experiencing barriers in accessing finance

The second Access to Finance report published by Enterprise Northern Ireland and the British Business Bank has found that 20% of SMEs in Northern Ireland experience barriers to accessing finance – a rate which places Northern Ireland significantly ahead of Scotland (42%) and slightly ahead of Wales (21%).

The most frequently reported issues for those who reported experiencing barriers to finance include: the highest shares of respondents that identified barriers mentioning ability to obtain/repay finance (40%), time/complexity of finance applications (31%) and poor perceptions of/relationships with finance providers (18%). Mid Ulster SMEs were the most likely to report barriers to accessing finance (41%), with Fermanagh SMEs the least like to report such barriers (15%).

Just under half (48%) smaller businesses in Northern Ireland as a whole reported requiring additional financing over the next 12 months. Of these, nearly three quarters (74%) said they had a requirement at or below £50,000, with another 18% of eligible respondents stating a requirement between £50,000 and £250,000 and the remaining 9% a larger requirement.

The most common finance forms that Northern Ireland based businesses with a finance need anticipated accessing over the next year were business loans and grants, both mentioned by 45% of respondents. Almost six in 10 (59%) smaller businesses that anticipated needing finance over the coming year intended to use it for working capital, while a similar share (58%) also indicated they would use it for capital expenditure. Among Northern Ireland based businesses that anticipated needing it over the next year, 61% felt confident in their ability to secure it.

In terms of sources of additional finance, Covid loans remain the most commonly used finance for smaller businesses across Northern Ireland five years after the pandemic.

24% of respondents across Northern Ireland were either still using or repaying finance obtained from one of the government loan guarantee schemes, all of which closed for applications in March 2021. In Mid Ulster, 42% of smaller businesses were using Covid loans.

Credit cards were the second most prevalent source of financing, with 17% of smaller firms making use of them and 12% using business overdraft facilities. The relative popularity of credit cards as a source of business finance is likely due to their ease of access and quick approval process. While this can help address short-term cash flow issues it may also be connected to a lack of awareness of alternative types of finance.

Respondents based in Belfast seem far more likely to report they expected to require additional finance over the next 12 months than their counterparts elsewhere in a statistically significant way, while those based in the North East/East and South regions were slightly less likely to report this.

There were statistically significant differences detected across different region of Northern Ireland on the share of businesses that anticipated requiring amounts over £250,000, suggesting that respondents in Belfast were the most likely to report they had a finance requirement in this bracket. Smaller businesses based in the Mid Ulster region were also particularly inclined to report an additional finance requirement between £50,000 and £250,000. 

Smaller businesses’ confidence in securing additional finance over the next 12 months differed in a statistically significant way in Belfast, where businesses were slightly less inclined to express confidence and in the Mid Ulster and North West regions, where confidence levels were the highest.

One in five Northern Ireland SMEs experience barriers in accessing finance. Pictured is Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive, Enterprise NI

Speaking upon the launch of the report, Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive, Enterprise NI, said:

“This important report shows that significant progress has been made since last year’s report, when it was found that over half of Northern Ireland’s SMEs did not feel confident in their ability to secure funding. To see this year’s report state that 61% are now confident in their ability to secure funding shows the confidence that has returned to the market in the last 12 months.

“However, we have seen little movement in the proportion of our SMEs experiencing barriers to accessing finance, with the rate having fallen from 21% to 20%. This shows that work remains to be done on the kinds of support available to our SMEs to ensure that they are accessing the funding that they need.

“Enterprise Northern Ireland saw a record year in both our Start Up Loans and our NI Small Business Loan fund in the financial year ending April 2024, and expect to see yet another when figures are published for the year ending April 2025. It is clear that the appetite is there and the entrepreneurial spark has returned to Northern Ireland. The onus is now on capitalising on this appetite through government and enterprise co-designing enterprise support that removes any barriers to the access of financing.”

Susan Nightingale, Director Devolved Nations, UK Network, British Business Bank, said:

“Whether based in Newry or Newtownabbey, Cookstown or Craigavon, at British Business Bank we are fully committed to ensuring every business across Northern Ireland has equal access to capital. Using research like this to better understand how finance usage, barriers and future finance needs vary across the geography, allows us to tailor our programmes and engagement strategies more effectively.

“We can see from the report findings, there is a strong propensity for businesses across Northern Ireland to use the more traditional types of finance. Whilst credit cards may be a viable option for incidental business expenses, they should not be used to fund ongoing working capital requirements or longer-term growth plans. A greater awareness of other options, such as invoice finance or equity finance, and their benefits may be the key to ensuring longevity and unlocking greater growth potential for businesses here.”

Time for SMEs to protect themselves from risk

Belfast’s Pure Fitout entered administration in January citing non-payment of invoices

Companies must do all they can to ensure they are protecting themselves and their revenue streams by managing credit risk.

The upcoming changes to employer national insurance contributions and national living and minimum wage rates have many businesses locally worrying that some of their customers could be forced into insolvency by an ever-increasing cost of doing business and leave them with unpaid invoices for goods they have sold on extended credit terms.

Northern Ireland remains a post-Covid anomaly, with only the HMRC capable of bringing insolvency proceedings forward without a court order, but nevertheless insolvencies increased by 40% in 2024, meaning that increases will not be solely due to April’s cost increases.

But the damage these pending increases have done to business confidence, even before their implementation, has forced some businesses to scale back, with around 65% of hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland planning to reduce employment, for example.

Business pages of late have featured stories that typically precede news of major insolvencies: Asda has axed 10,000 bonuses for managers; credit card borrowing has seen its sharpest rise since 2023; and overdue invoices reached a three-year high.

Although UK interest rates are on a downward trajectory, global and domestic economic uncertainty could see an increase in inflation which would likely slow further rate cuts.

These factors have been felt locally already, most notably through the recent news of the closure of Thos W McDonagh Ltd, trading as Obin Specialist Joinery, the 126-year-old Armagh company that was forced to close its doors after “non-payment by contractors”. Belfast’s Pure Fitout entered administration in January citing the same issue, non-payment of invoices.

However, companies who have trade credit insurance are protected against such instances.

One positive Covid-era legacy is that the cost of trade credit insurance is at its lowest in years. During the pandemic, the UK Government agreed a £10 billion back stop guarantee to the credit insurance sector, for which they received a significant percentage of the insurers’ premiums. A competitive pricing environment has emerged since the scheme ended, with insurers fighting to regain liquidity through offering lower premiums.

But this will only remain the case while insolvency claims remain relatively low, with premiums expected to harden when the expected increase in business failures occurs.

The true impact of April’s cost increases for businesses will most likely not be felt until the autumn, but retail and hospitality will be hardest hit given their high levels of low skilled workers.

Nigel Birney, head of trade credit at Lockton

Businesses in England will suffer from the cutting of the business rates discount, but their Northern Ireland counterparts have never had such a discount apply, meaning it’s likely the worst impact will be felt here, in our SME-dominated economy.

With economic prospects looking unlikely to improve in the short to medium term, it’s time for our companies to do everything they can to ensure they are protecting themselves and their revenue streams by managing their credit risk.

• Nigel Birney is head of trade credit at Lockton

Investment showcase for Newry, Mourne and Down as district prepares for unprecedented growth

Photo caption: (L-R): Cllr Pete Byrne, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy; Mark Kelly, President, AI Ireland; Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosted a showcase event at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle today, highlighting the opportunities connected to upcoming multi-million-pound public and private sector investments.

The People, Place and Prosperity investment symposium, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, drew together more than 100 business and civic leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to hear about Council's strategic plans for regional economic growth.

AI specialist and Founder of AI Ireland, Mark Kelly, shared valuable insights on the impact of artificial intelligence and how businesses should embrace this rapidly developing technology. Having advised industry giants like AbbVie, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle, Mark addressed businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down on embracing AI transformation, future-proofing their businesses and navigating the digital age with confidence.

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who opened the event, said addressing regional disparity was a key objective for her Department through partnerships with Councils, local partnerships, Invest NI and education providers.

Participants also heard from a range of expert speakers across two panel discussions. The first panel examined Newry, Mourne and Down as a unique region that could utilise its geographical location, outstanding natural beauty, and highly skilled workforce to attract and encourage investment. Speakers included Council Chief Executive Marie Ward, Laura O’Hare from Collins Aerospace; Anastasia Desmond from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council.

The second panel focused on innovation and the importance of businesses being encouraged and supported to harness cutting edge technology such as AI to drive growth and boost productivity. Speakers included Catalyst Chief Executive Steve Orr; Janet Burns from BT; David Quinn of the Belfast Region City Deal at Queen's University Belfast; and Adrienne Hanna, Founder of Right Revenue.

The event concluded with the announcement of criteria details for a £3 million Grade A Office Accommodation Grant Fund for Newry. A Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) project, the Grade A Office Accommodation Fund aims to promote private sector investment through the development of new office space and create new employment opportunities. (See: https://www.newrymournedown.org/office-accommodation-fund)

A district-wide £1 million Tourism Accommodation Programme Fund was also announced, providing targeted financial backing to local hotel accommodation projects. This will target proposals for the development of new build hotels with a minimum capacity of 15 bedrooms and above, and proposals for existing certified tourism accommodation that will add at least 15 additional bedrooms. Both the Grade A Office Accommodation and Tourism Accommodation Programme funds are due to open later this year.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne said:

“Today’s conference underscores our commitment to drive economic growth and foster a vibrant, resilient business community where both enterprise and ambition are encouraged and supported.

“Over the next 10 years Belfast Region City Deal investment will see almost £200 million injected into the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area for projects based in tourism, regeneration, infrastructure and digital innovation.

“Significant private sector developments will also shape the heart of Newry City, complementing the Council’s Theatre and Conference Centre, Civic and Regional Hub and Newry City Park plans as part of the Newry City Centre Regeneration programme. And there’s an exciting reimagining of our historic town Downpatrick underway, alongside significant investment in our tourism product.”

Marie Ward, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council added:

“Matching the strength of our landscape in Newry, Mourne and Down is our strategic location at the core of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. Ingenuity and innovation already define this region, rich with talented business leaders, ambitious entrepreneurs and a highly skilled workforce.

“With our experience in advanced engineering, manufacturing, and the digital and creative industries, we are a key destination for additional investment in similar sectors. However, infrastructure must also be a top priority to attract foreign direct investment and as a Council we’re working to ensure investors can expect move-in-ready spaces with short turnaround times.

“It is our hope that today’s showcase event will further incentivise our businesses and send a clear message that our district is open for business and ripe for investment.”

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:

“Strategically located between Belfast and Dublin, this area has incredible access to the workers, the colleges and universities, the ports and the airports right along this economic corridor. This makes all-Ireland collaboration critical to the area’s economic development.  Its location also means that Newry, Mourne and Down is well placed to take advantage of dual market access.”

Adrienne Hanna from Right Revenue, one of the many businesses that attended the investment symposium, said:

“As a business owner, it’s been really positive to attend and hear about the opportunities our Council is creating for local companies. Running and growing a business comes with many challenges and the last few years have certainly put many to the test. It’s fantastic to learn about the Office Accommodation and Tourism funds that will soon be launched and to spend time listening to and talking to other business leaders who all share a common ambition to see our region thrive.”

Laura O’Hare from Collins Aerospace said:

“We’ve been operating from the Newry, Mourne and Down region for many years because we believe it is the best location for our business and people. It’s been great to not only listen to the panel experts but to meet with other people in the business world and feel part of something exciting as we see Newry, Mourne and Down taking its place more and more on the world stage.”