Hospitality Ulster says hospitality sector here can help get the ‘jab done’

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has said that the hospitality sector is ready, willing and able to help the local health service get the ‘jab done’ by offering up closed hospitality premises to assist with the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Northern Ireland.

The organisation has said that with the lockdown in place, our pubs, restaurants and hotels are ideally placed to provide community-based venues as vaccination centres. As refrigeration and extensive Covid secure measures are already in place, they could serve a vital purpose to help alleviate pressures at GP surgeries and other clinical settings. Hospitality Ulster has now written to the Health Minister Robin Swann with the offer.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“The hospitality sector has had an awful 10 months, but we still want to make sure that we can play our part in helping the roll out of the vaccination programme.”

“Throughout the crisis, the hospitality industry has done everything asked of it and more to provide a Covid secure environment for our staff and customers. Businesses in the sector have spent thousands upon thousands of pounds setting up structures and systems to protect staff and customers which ironically could now be ideal for the management and flow of people ensuring that they are safe as they get the jab.”

“Offering up hospitality venues in local community settings as vaccination centres is the right thing to do to at this time of extreme need. They are sitting vacant with extensive refrigeration facilities for the vaccine and with further pressures expected to be heaped upon the health service they could serve a great community purpose.”

“We have written to the Health Minister Robin Swann and his team our offer of help and will provide every assistance possible if he takes us up.”

Keith and Kristyn Getty head to Derry/Londonderry to record special Christmas Hymn Sing and to honour hymnwriter Cecil Frances Alexander

Keith and Kristyn Getty with their four daughters.

Keith and Kristyn Getty with their four daughters.

World renowned Northern Ireland hymnwriters, Keith and Keith Getty have travelled to St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry/Londonderry with their four daughters, to honour hymnwriter Cecil Frances Alexander by recording some Christmas hymns for a special Christmas Family Hymn Sing.

The hymn ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and many other great hymns of faith including ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, were written by Cecil Frances Alexander who was married to the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe.

Known for their landmark musical concerts, Sing Global, Keith and Kristyn are taking their live music online and hosting a Christmas Family Hymn Sing, that will be available on their Facebook and You Tube channels for all of Christmas week.

The free online musical event is aimed at bringing the hope and peace of Christ’s birth to the whole community at this difficult time.

As for many in the music industry, the pandemic redefined every part of the Getty’s work.

The talented musicians wanted to reach out and help people through their music. In the summer, Kristyn Getty launched her “Evensong” album to give people hymns and lullabies to help them through these difficult times. This album knocked Disney’s Frozen 2 soundtrack off the top spot in the US Kid’s Album chart.

Continuing their landmark event online, Sing Global in August was attended by over 16,000 full registrants with over 60,000 as part of the global audience in seven languages. This year, the Getty’s Family Hymn Sings had over 6 million viewers and became a 22-part series on American TV.

As the pandemic worsens again and Northern Ireland faces another lockdown, the Getty’s hope to bring some peace and comfort to people with festive hymns and music.

Speaking ahead of the carol service Keith Getty OBE said:

“Coronavirus has impacted every aspect of life, with this Christmas being very different from any other year. However, the power of music and song still stands tall, bringing emotions of hope, joy and peace – something we all need this year.

“We are thrilled to be honouring a legend of hymn writing. Cecil Frances Alexander’s music transcends time and still holds prominence in today’s Christian faith. Her Christmas Hymn ‘Once in Royal David City’ stunningly tells the story of Jesus’ birth, and acts as a reminder of the miracle of Christmas.

“This year has shown the very best in people, especially the incredible frontline workers. Our carol service is a small token of gratitude and an opportunity to say thank you through song and worship. We hope people across Northern Ireland join us to celebrate the birth of Christ and spread some festive joy in a very unusual Christmas.”

The Getty’s also hope to raise money for Voice of the Martyrs in aid of Christians around the world who are being persecuted.

The Festive Family Sing will be available on Keith and Kristyn Getty Facebook and You Tube pages from Tuesday 22 December and will be online and available to watch throughout the Christmas week. 

 

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 21 December 2020

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Forward Look

  • The NI Executive has agreed to a six week lockdown to begin on Boxing Day. All non-essential retail will close from the end of trading on Christmas Eve along with close contact services, and pubs, cafes and restaurants will be restricted to takeaway services. Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA is to make an oral statement to Assembly on Monday setting out the regulations in full.

  • The Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has extended the furlough scheme for an additional month, expiring at the end of April. In addition, the UK’s £68 billion Covid emergency loan schemes have been extended, including the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

  • The Chancellor has also announced that the Budget will take place on Wednesday 3 March.

  • Intensive talks between the UK and the EU are set to continue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that a “narrow path” to a deal has opened up, whilst disagreement remains on fisheries and fair competition. The European Parliament has said that a deal is needed by Sunday if a deal is to be ratified this year.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced that a £20.5 million Dormant Accounts Fund is to open for applications in January and provide multi-year grants to support the voluntary, community and social enterprises sectors.

  • The NI Assembly will rise for Christmas recess on Tuesday, and is expected to return on Monday 18 January.

  • The Health Committee will meet next Tuesday to hear an update from Minister Robin Swann MLA on the Covid-19 response.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA has warned that her department is facing a £70 million shortfall in 2021-22 with informal indications suggesting that NI’s Shared Prosperity Funding allocation will be £11 million.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has returned to her post, outlining her key priorities for 2021 which include progressing changes current liquor licensing and gambling laws.

  • Education Minister Peter Weir MLA has outlined the terms of reference for an independent review into education in Northern Ireland. It is expected that panel members will be appointed by next May with an interim report to be provided within 12 months.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced a public consultation into legislative options to bring forward a new Adult Protection Bill. Deadline for responses is Thursday 11 March. To respond: LINK

  • The Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill had its Consideration Stage this week with the Further Consideration stage to follow when the Assembly returns. The bill would increase the level of grants given to harbours and seaports from the Department of Infrastructure.

  • The next North/South Ministerial Council meeting on health and food safety will take place in early 2021. The next meeting on trade and development is scheduled for spring 2021.

  • The new All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability is to meet for the first time today, chaired by Matthew O’Toole MLA.

Other Stories this week

  • The Northern Ireland Office has announced that £3 million will be allocated towards NI centenary funding.

  • Rachel Woods MLA has moved a public petition for legislation to be brought forward by the DAERA Minister outlawing puppy farming in Northern Ireland.

  • The NI Statistics and Research Agency has published the latest economic output statistics for 2020. The report can be viewed HERE.

  • Tourism Ireland has announced plans to re-launch the island of Ireland as a key tourist destination following the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector.

  • Sinn Féin’s Aine McCabe has been co-opted to Belfast City Council for the Black Mountain DEA, replacing party colleague Emma Groves.

  • The Bank of England has published its Financial Stability Report setting out the Financial Policy Committee’s view on the current stability of the UK financial system.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Derry Chamber reacts to latest harsh lockdown

Paul Clancy, CEO, Derry Chamber

Paul Clancy, CEO, Derry Chamber

Commenting after the Executive’s announcement of a strict six-week lockdown from Boxing Day, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:

“Another strict lockdown, akin to what we experienced in March, is yet another bitter blow to our local businesses. Again, traders are forced to shut their doors to customers and at what is traditionally the toughest trading period of the year.

“After nearly a year of this crisis, it is regrettable that the Executive does not seem to have any other means to deal with the pandemic other than shutting down the economy over and over.

“Business owners are adaptable and flexible by their nature and will comply with these latest set of restrictions but the Executive must ensure that financial support reaches them as quickly as possible. Any further delays will result in lost jobs and permanently closed businesses.

“While we do not disagree with the urgent need for interventions to support our hospitals and healthcare workers which are under severe strain, it can’t be the case that small businesses bear the brunt of the restrictions every time. We all have our part to play in driving cases of the virus back down and I would encourage everyone to continue social distancing, washing their hands regularly, and wearing a mask where necessary.

“The Executive needs to develop, as a matter of priority, a more strategic and sustainable way to deal with the rise in cases, a strategy which will protect jobs and livelihoods alongside lives and the health service.”

Cross Border Workers Coalition welcomes Irish Finance Minister commitment to examine taxation issue 

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD responds to questions from Pearse Doherty TD on Cross Border Workers taxation issues in the Dail 

Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe

Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe

The leadership of the Cross Border Workers Coalition (CBWC) has welcomed the recent commitment by the Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD to examine the taxation issues facing cross-border workers early next year.  

The Minister made this commitment in response to an amendment which was tabled at Report Stage of the Finance Bill by Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson and Donegal TD, Pearse Doherty calling on the Irish Government to prepare and lay before Dáil Éireann a report on the operation of income tax relief for cross-border workers under section 825A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.  

The Cross Border Workers Coalition was set up in response to the fact that employees who live in the Republic of Ireland but work in Northern Ireland are largely prohibited from remote working and are subject to a ‘double tax’ on their income should it be determined that they have worked from home or within the Republic of Ireland.  

Since early summer, the coalition has been calling on the Irish Government to urgently review the situation and to take advantage of the opportunity that has arisen during the coronavirus crisis when all companies across the island of Ireland instructed their staff to work from home as the pandemic took hold.  

Despite the Irish Revenue Commissioners granting a temporary exemption for the duration of the pandemic, there is a growing realisation that a permanent solution is required to meet the new ways of working long into the future. 

Pearse Doherty TD 

Pearse Doherty TD 

With the positive news about vaccines, there is a fear that this temporary exemption could end at any moment resulting in many thousands of workers having to return to the office permanently or face this additional tax liability.  

Speaking in Dáil Éireann during this debate, Pearse Doherty TD called on the Minister to address the ‘rigid application of the relief’, show flexibility and to look at this issue through the prism of Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement – something which the CBWC have been focusing on.  

In response, Minister Donohoe acknowledged that an issue existed and committed to meet with the CBWC soon to discuss it further.  

Paul Quinn from the leadership of the Cross Border Workers Coalition said: 

“This is a seminal moment in our campaign to address the out of kilter tax legislation which affects Republic of Ireland residents working across the border in Northern Ireland. After months of campaigning, we really welcome firstly the acknowledgment by the Finance Minister that this is an issue which needs addressed and the commitment to examine it as part of the tax strategy group papers.”  

Paul Quinn from the leadership of the Cross Border Workers Coalition

Paul Quinn from the leadership of the Cross Border Workers Coalition

“We have been greatly encouraged by the support shown to the group from a range of stakeholders including politicians of all parties both in Government and in opposition. In particular, Pearse Doherty TD has been a brilliant advocate for the group, and we would like to place on record our thanks to him for his persistence in raising this issue at both Committee Stage and Report Stage of the Finance Bill.” 

“This is an issue that not only affects thousands of employees but also the economic prosperity of border communities. It is right that the Irish Government should be looking at finding a pragmatic solution that will be of benefit to everyone across the island of Ireland and we will ensure the Minister follows through on the commitments made.”  

“We look forward to meeting with Minister Donohoe and his officials soon to discuss this further.” 

Local Chartered Accountant elected new President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

Dawn McLaughlin, President, Derry Chamber

Dawn McLaughlin, President, Derry Chamber

Dawn McLaughlin has been appointed the 78th President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

Dawn, who runs her own accountancy firm in the North West, was appointed at the virtual AGM on Thursday 10 December, taking over the reins from outgoing President, Redmond McFadden.

In her address to members, Dawn spoke of the immense challenges facing businesses this year and said the recovery from Covid-19 and managing the effects of Brexit will be her main priorities for the coming year.

Dawn will be supported in her role by Aidan O’Kane, Allstate NI Director and Director of Production Health at Allstate Canada, who will be the Chamber’s Vice-President for 2021.

Speaking at the virtual AGM, Dawn said:

“I am very proud to have been elected President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and I would like to thank the membership for trusting me with this position. I am under no illusions as to the serious challenges facing our local business community over the coming 12 months, with Covid and Brexit sure to dominate our focus.

“Redmond worked exceptionally hard this year, doing stellar work in speaking up for the North West as we faced some of the greatest difficulties in a generation, and I would like to thank him on behalf of all our members for his dedication in 2020.

“Rebuilding our regional economy post-Covid and handling whatever comes of Brexit will be our main priorities.  Sustained government support will be crucial as we navigate these challenges and we will be working hard on behalf of local businesses to secure this support and clarity.

“However, there are reasons to be optimistic for the next 12 months. The first vaccinations taking place this week in Northern Ireland is wonderful and will hopefully lead to a speedier recovery than first thought. The Executive’s emerging Programme for Government in the first half of 2021 is an opportunity to make the North West’s voice heard loud and clear and make sure that local ministers prioritise our region. And the Taoiseach’s recently announced Shared Island Unit and commitment of half a billion euros over the next five years is a chance to attract crucial investment into the North West and address infrastructure deficits.

“I am excited to get to grips with my new role and I will be working extremely hard over the next year to help make sure that local businesses succeed in a successful North West.”

Dawn McLaughlin, President, and Aidan O’Kane, Vice-President

Dawn McLaughlin, President, and Aidan O’Kane, Vice-President

Outgoing President Redmond McFadden also said:

“Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented, the past 12 months have been both a professional and personal honour. In my role as President this year, I have worked hard to fight the corner of the North West and on behalf of our fantastic business community.

“I’ve seen first-hand this year the talent, compassion, and adaptability of our local business leaders as they faced the most difficult challenges of their professional lives and made the most difficult decisions they are ever likely to make.

“It’s important to also acknowledge the successes and high points of this year including the long-awaited sign off of the Graduate Entry Medical School and the commitment from the Executive of match funding for the City Deal.

“I would like to again thank the members for their faith in me this year and thank the entire team at Chamber for their support. I wish Dawn and Aidan the best of luck for 2021 and I am certain that they will represent our region with strong, committed, and dynamic leadership.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 14 December 2020

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Forward Look

  • The UK Government published its latest Command Paper detailing how the NI Protocol will be implemented from 2021 onwards. The paper outlines plans to ensure unfettered access for NI business to the UK Market; clear guidance stating no tariffs on internal UK Trade; and implementations to support trade from GB to NI. To read the paper: LINK

  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP and EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen have set a deadline of Sunday for negotiations to conclude on a trade deal after the Brexit transition period. The EU Commission President said that the UK and EU’s views on remaining issues remain ‘far apart’ following dinner with the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

  • The EU and the UK have agreed a ‘trusted trader scheme’ that will mean exemptions from tariffs for up to 98% of goods flowing between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021. The other 2% would potentially avail of rebates from any tariffs, according to RTÉ’s Tony Connelly.

  • The UK Government has guaranteed £400m in new money in a ‘New Deal for Northern Ireland’ as part of the NI Protocol. This financial package is aimed at supporting business operations following the Brexit transition period.

  • Retail, leisure, close contact services and hospitality which serves food are all to open today following the two-week lockdown.

  • The Department of Health will lead all Covid-19 legislation moving forward. It was reported in the Sunday Life that Junior Ministers, Declan Kearney MLA and Gordon Lyons MLA had been assisting the Health Department with Covid-19 legislation, but are now required to focus on the Brexit transition and its implications for Northern Ireland.

  • The First and Deputy First Minsters, and Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA will take part in Question Time on Monday. The Health and Infrastructure Ministers will take questions on Tuesday.

  • Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA will brief the Economy Committee on support for business during the pandemic on Wednesday 16 December. The NI Human Rights Commissioner, Les Allamby will brief The Executive Office Committee on the NI Protocol.

  • The Health Committee will be briefed by Department Officials on Brexit and Subordinate Legislation on Thursday 17 December.

  • Justice Minister, Naomi Long MLA has postponed the Further Consideration stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill due to issues surrounding an amendment which could cause significant financial pressure on The Executive due to Legal Aid. The Further Consideration stage will now be heard in the Assembly on Tuesday 15 December.

  • The Assembly is to rise for Christmas recess on Friday 18 December. The first sitting of 2021 is expected to be Monday 18 January.

  • The Justice Minister also launched a public consultation on giving domestic abuse survivors strengthened legal protections. Deadline for submissions is Friday 11 February. To respond: LINK

  • DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots MLA has launched a public consultation on Climate Change Legislation. Deadline for submissions is Monday 1 February. To respond: LINK

  • Communities Minister, Carál Ni Chuilín MLA announced the second phase of the Covid-19 Charities Fund, with £11.7m made available to the third sector from 6 January 2021. The Minister has also allocated £6.5m funding for the most vulnerable over the festive period.

Other Stories this week

  • The Communities Minister and the DAERA Minister announced a further £1.4m in funding for local Councils to sustain town centres.

  • Justice Minister, Naomi Long MLA has introduced Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHR) in NI. The DHR is a multi-agency review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect in a domestic setting. Three Chairs have been appointed to the DHR panel; Nina Noddings, Jan Melia and Anne Marks.

  • Adrian McCreesh has been named as the new Chief Executive of Mid Ulster Council. Mr McCreesh was previously the Council's Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Business and Communities.

  • Chartered Accountant Dawn McLaughlin has been appointed as the President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce for 2021, with Aidan O’Kane of Allstate named as Vice-President. Dawn replaces Redmond McFadden who took up the role in December 2019.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

US President Elect Biden Campaign Manager Jen O’Malley Dillon and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar launch 2021 applications for prestigious transatlantic programme

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar

Jen O’Malley Dillon, the Campaign Manager for the successful Biden 2020 Presidential bid and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar launched the application process for the 2021 Washington Ireland Program to a live virtual audience on both sides of the Atlantic last night. 

Both Varadkar and O’Malley Dillon have strong connections to the Washington Ireland Program with the Tánaiste securing a place as a participant in 2000 and O’Malley Dillon serving as a current board member at the same time as running the Biden for President campaign.

The program provides participants with the opportunity to work in the likes of the US Congress, high profile companies and major advocacy organisations. During their 9-month programme, participants take part in a leadership development curriculum, engage in conversations with global leaders across a wide variety of sectors and connect with mentors to work on personal and professional development.

For the past 26 years WIP has invested in over 730 emerging leaders across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Due to the global pandemic, the program went online in 2020. The program will continue in a hybrid version in 2021, with remote working opportunities and with in-person events planned with senior US leaders in Dublin and Belfast for 2021.

Biden Presidential Campaign Manager and WIP Board Member Jen O’Malley Dillon commented:

“I am thrilled to be part of the team launching the latest application process for the WIP Class of 2021. These have been really challenging times and the team adapted wonderfully when it became clear that covid was going to force the program to go virtual earlier this year.” 

Biden Presidential Campaign Manager and WIP Board Member Jen O’Malley Dillon

Biden Presidential Campaign Manager and WIP Board Member Jen O’Malley Dillon

“This program assists in the development of some really fantastic and dedicated young leaders who are committed to public service in their local communities, but also at a higher level when they begin to understand what role they can play with their talents and interests.”

“This is also the prime opportunity to reinforce the need to bring forward more young female leaders. This program provides that equal opportunity for those with the ability and ambition to accelerate their development and bring them to the next level.”

“My call is for more young women to take the step forward, get their application into the program for the 2021 intake and position themselves to take on the future.”

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:

“One of the most formational experiences of my life was in 2000, when I participated on the Washington Ireland Program. Since then, I have been a strong advocate for what it sets out to achieve – developing leaders from all communities and backgrounds on our island. I continue to see many of WIP’s alumni taking elected office and positions of responsibility, leading successful businesses and advocating for those without a voice in our society. This program is making a real difference and I will continue to support it.”

“Covid has provided an extraordinary challenge for us all, but it has also reaffirmed the purpose of the Washington Ireland Program. We must continue to build the skills of emerging leaders from across our island, to connect them with others, and to help them develop ambitious ideas for our future.”

“It is a pleasure to be asked to launch the search for the new WIP Class alongside Jen O’Malley Dillon and I also wish her every success in her post Presidential bid endeavours.”

Bryan Patten, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program added:

“It is fantastic when we can call upon Jen and Leo – who are long term supporters, and indeed, shapers of the Washington Ireland Program - to launch the opening of applications for the 2021 intake, they are both great examples of values driven leadership.”

“There are pressing questions facing all our futures, issues such as social equality, responding to climate change and sustaining our democratic institutions. We are looking for ambitious and driven third-level students who are interested in building their skills and networks, and shaping how we respond to these questions for Northern Ireland and Ireland.”

“Due to the challenges of the pandemic, we will continue to use technology to deliver the 2021 program. Whether students are in Cork or Coleraine, they will be able to gain professional experience, speak with global leaders and design ambitious ideas to drive our island forward. When the restrictions allow, we will also gather the Class for in-person events in Belfast and Dublin, bringing over senior US leaders to spend time with the students. This hybrid program also means that, for 2021 only, the program will be fully accessible to students who are studying part-time degrees, diplomas and certificates.”

To apply for the 2021 Washington Ireland Program please go to www.wiprogram.org

Hospitality Ulster calls for extra vigilance this weekend as parts of hospitality sector emerge from lockdown restrictions

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster

Hospitality Ulster has asked those who will be going out this weekend to be extra vigilant, obey the rules, and be kind to staff.

The organisation says that those in the sector will be grateful for the support and trade, but that it is important that we start to work ourselves away from repeated lockdowns and restrictions which can be helped if everyone plays their part.

The sector has invested thousands of pounds per business in being covid secure and has had very little chance to reclaim any of those additional costs back. Many are operating in the red after cash reserves have been drained and huge amounts of staff have been laid off. Many will struggle to even open this weekend. It is a very difficult environment to trade in and any money that is made will only be used to offset debt that has been accumulated over months.

Hospitality Ulster has also reiterated the call to the NI Executive to ensure that the small amount of emergency financial assistance offered to date gets to those who need it and that it also must consider that this pre-christmas trading period sustains many in the sector into the New Year and that that aid needs to be significantly increased.  

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

“This has been one of the cruellest years in a generation for the sector. We’ve never experienced anything like this before and we want to make sure that we can move away from the repeated lockdowns and restrictions as quickly as we can.”

“We need everyone to help. Business owners who have invested so much time, effort and money to get reopened want people to have a good time, but we need everyone to abide by the rules. We’d also like to ask people to be kind to staff who are there to provide that quality experience but also to keep everyone as safe as they can be. That includes listening to their instructions, providing details for tack and trace and being covid compliant.”

“We still need to see a reopening date for our traditional non-food pubs which are a vital part of our overall hospitality offer here. It was devastating to see this week that some of our best known bars have taken the decision not to reopen until the new year. That’s a difficult thing to come to terms with, especially at this part of the year and really goes to show how hard this virus has hit us all in the industry.”

“Without a reopening date in sight for the traditional non-food pubs and for those who decide that they cannot open sustainably under the stringent restrictions we need to see the urgent financial assistance get to them. It’s nowhere near enough and we are asking that the Executive works with the industry to understand that emergency financial assistance must recognise that in ‘normal times’ a third of the annual profit is made in the Christmas period which sustains many in the leaner periods through the year. We really appreciate the financial support given, but the reality is a couple of hundred quid here and there isn’t cutting it and only plugging small gaps from previous debt.”

“We also have to remember that the impact this stop start situation is having on the food and drink supply chain which supports the hospitality sector. Multi-million pound losses are being incurred as fresh food perishes and drink has to be poured down the drain as it’s not clear about next steps until relatively late in the day. The sector itself and the supply chain needs certainty.”

New restrictions for anyone visiting a food pub, restaurant, hotel, coffee shop, cafe etc. include;

  • Maximum table size 6 persons

  • Only 2 households per table

  • Everyone must provide their name and contact details

  • Everyone must wear a face covering when not seated

(medical and age exemptions apply)

NOW Group appoints former high-profile lawyer John G Gordon as new Chair as it expands into Republic of Ireland

New Chair of NOW Group John G Gordon with Chief Executive, Maeve Monaghan

New Chair of NOW Group John G Gordon with Chief Executive, Maeve Monaghan

NOW Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading and most influential social enterprises which supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment, training, and volunteering, has appointed former high-profile lawyer John G Gordon as its new Chair.

The organisation which directly employs over 60 people and has assisted nearly 1100 participants in the past 12 months alone, also runs several businesses such as the Bobbin Café in Belfast City Hall, Loaf Catering and Loaf Pottery.

It recently signed a deal with National Museums NI to manage cafes at the Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.

As part of its ambitious growth plans, it has recently expanded into the Republic of Ireland after the success of its JAM (Just A Minute) Card and app which lets people with a learning difficulty or communication barrier tell others they need “Just A Minute”. NOW Group has successfully partnered in the Republic of Ireland with the likes of the National Transport Authority, Bank of Ireland and the South Dublin County Council, having already rolled out the JAM card and training to Translink, Firmus Energy and the entire NI Civil Service here.

New Chair, John G Gordon, who headed up a leading Belfast law firm for over 25 years prior to retirement, brings significant legal, business and governance experience to the organisation and will Chair the group across its boards in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Welcoming the appointment of the new Chair, Chief Executive of NOW Group, Maeve Monaghan said:

“The growth of NOW has been significant over the past number of years as we continue to develop our services to assist those with autism and learning difficulties find employment and opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them.”

Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group

Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group

“We are thrilled that John has been appointed as our new Chair and look forward to welcoming him. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NOW at a time when we are on the cusp of further expansion. His energy, vision and strategic capabilities will be vital as we challenge ourselves, not only in terms of service delivery, but to new areas, particularly in the Republic of Ireland.”

Maeve added:

“It is important that we pay tribute to outgoing interim Chair Gary McQuoid who has given so many years of service to us as a member of our board and for the last year as Chair. Gary has been a guiding light and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all the hard work and dedication to allow us to be in such a strong position today.” 

New Chair of NOW Group, John G Gordon added:

“The NOW Group in the last few years has set a new benchmark and achieved growth through a complete focus on supporting those with autism and learning difficulties into employment.”

New Chair of NOW Group John G Gordon

New Chair of NOW Group John G Gordon

“The innovative and entrepreneurial way it generates profit which it reinvests for future growth and enhancement of its services has allowed it to expand its portfolio to be responsive to the needs of those it serves. There really is no comparison to how the NOW Group operates.”

“Our expansion into the Republic of Ireland is a real statement of intent about how we want to grow those services, businesses and products right across the island of Ireland. This is a hugely exciting time for everyone at NOW and I’m really looking forward to help shape that future strategic direction.”