Hospitality Ulster reacts to extension of business support announced by Economy Minister Diane Dodds

Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill

Reacting to Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announcement that the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme (CRBSS), Part A and Part B, and the Large Hospitality and Tourism Business Support Scheme (LHTBSS) will continue beyond 31 March, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill said:

“The announcement of the extension of these two vital schemes today is a welcome relief to many within the hospitality sector who have come to rely on these support schemes to survive. However, it costs £1m a day to keep the hospitality industry closed and businesses are hanging on by their fingernails as they are running out of options to borrow more money to cover the shortfall.”

“Support such as the Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme and the Large Hospitality and Tourism Business Support Schemes and massive borrowings by individual businesses are what are helping to keep businesses going while we await reopening, plugging some of the major gaps in overheads that still need to be paid.”

“Hospitality was the first and hardest hit over the past twelve months and without financial assistance the hospitality sector would be even more devastated. We would encourage the Minister to keep these pivotal support schemes available to businesses, even after reopening, as they try to pay down the debts and reach a level of sustainability.” 

“Our continued call is for The Executive to provide clarity on the reopening criteria, give us indicative dates, and engage with us on the best and safest way for the industry to move forward and recover.”

Community Pharmacy NI reflects on the first anniversary of Northern Ireland entering into lockdown

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI

Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of Northern Ireland entering into lockdown on 23 March 2020, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“Over the course of the past year, the pandemic has placed community pharmacy front and centre in the fight against Covid-19 within our communities. From the very beginning our network stepped up, adjusted to the fast-moving situation, and made sure they could be there for communities in need.

“Overnight, community pharmacies and services were adapted to meet new demands including social distancing measures and protective screens. We adjusted working hours to account for long queues of anxious patients and ensure everyone who needed us could access the pharmacy. Many pharmacies split teams into bubbles to make sure no pharmacy had to close because of staff contracting Covid -19. Pharmacy footfall increased fourfold in the early months of the pandemic with an average of 40,000 more people per week and pharmacists working 70-hour weeks to meet this demand.

“The defining characteristic shown by our community pharmacy teams has been resilience. As medical professionals, they understood the gravity of the virus and were determined to protect as many members of their communities from Covid-19. As other medical facilities closed their doors, pharmacies remained open to ensure the safe supply of medicines and provide sound clinical advice becoming the first port of call for anyone managing a lifelong condition or experiencing illness.

“The adaptability of the community pharmacy network was further highlighted in its role in the wider health response to Covid-19. Through expanded services, including the Emergency Supply Service and the Pharmacy First Programme, pharmacies were able to take some of the pressure of other health services that needed to focus on the most unwell in our society. Pharmacies also introduced a new flu vaccination service initially to include health care workers and later expanded to be offered to all those over 50.

“The pandemic has changed the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland. Nobody could have foreseen the past year. Time is now needed for reflection on what has happened and the lessons learned that can be taken forward as we try to build back and recover. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I am proud that community pharmacies will be delivering the vaccine to their communities in the coming weeks.

“This week, as we reflect, we recognise the incredible work of the community pharmacy network over the past year, we remember the lives that we have lost, and pay tribute to all our health colleagues who have fought alongside us to protect our communities and save lives.”

'This may be our final fight against Covid-19, but the war rages on in the world’s most fragile states' - Belfast Telegraph opinion piece by Doug Beattie MLA

Patients are treated in a health clinic in the Bondhere district of Mogadishu in May 2020. The infrastructure in Somalia is struggling to cope with COVID-19.

There is a sense that our struggle against Covid-19 is drawing to a close as the vaccine rolls out and we look to the pathway out of restrictions. Despite what we have all suffered, our current position is a privilege not afforded to the millions of people in the world’s most fragile states.

A year into this crisis, states like Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen remain on a knife-edge. As Northern Ireland looks toward the reopening of society, the odds are stacked against countries made perilous by conflict, violence and climate disasters.

I witnessed first-hand the shattering impacts of war, natural disaster and grinding poverty throughout my 34 years in the military. After three tours of Afghanistan between 2006 and 2011, the brutal realities of war and the carnage it wreaked on local communities are never far from my mind.

One experience that stuck with me was the death of a young Afghan girl, fatally injured by a coalition mortar bomb, who lost her life at just six years of age. I have spoken publicly before about Shabia, how her name is imprinted upon me, a constant reminder that conflict has shattered the lives of so many.

Sadly, violence and conflict continued in Afghanistan long after my tours were over, leaving a hopeless infrastructure in its wake. My career now is in serving the people of Northern Ireland, but the areas I once patrolled continue to deal with shattered health systems, eroded livelihoods and a lack of clean water, sanitation and medical care.

People facing hunger and displacement had already suffered so much when Covid-19 rolled in for battle. These individuals are left with little choice but to ignore the stay-at-home messages designed to keep them safe.

As humanitarian aid declines, the latest report by the Disaster’s Emergency Committee reveals states on the brink of collapse. The economic impact of the virus has left people unable to afford food and other essentials and aid workers are warning that thousands more are likely to die from hunger.

Minimal testing, stigma and fear of the virus has resulted in chronic underreporting of cases. Afghanistan, a country with a population of 40 million, carried out just 400 tests per day throughout November, a futile struggle against a raging enemy.

Thanks to the generosity of the UK public, the DEC has raised £36 million through the ongoing Coronavirus Appeal. As humanitarian aid declines, however, aid workers fear the worst is yet to come.

It is estimated that 235 million people globally will need humanitarian assistance to survive this year, a 40% increase almost entirely down to Covid-19. This is where we, as citizens preparing to regain our lives, have a responsibility not to leave our comrades in the world’s weakest states behind.

With a glimmer of hope in Northern Ireland, we must give what we can to stand by the world’s poorest countries in their darkest hour of need.

How to donate:

Online: dec.org.uk   

Phone: 0370 60 60 900   

SMS: Text SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10.

Publication of the Dunlop Report of UK Government Union Capability

Today the Dunlop Review to ensure UK government departments worked in the best interests of devolution has published its report. The report has assessed the UK Governments’ current Union capability and has made a set of recommendations. It makes the case for a transformation to guarantee that the Union is a key consideration embedded in policy development, decision-making and delivery. Below are key points from the review:

1. A new senior Cabinet member entitled ‘Secretary of State for Intergovernmental and Constitutional Affairs’ should be formally recognised with specific responsibility for the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

2. The proposed new Secretary of State should be supported by a new Cabinet sub-committee tasked with preparing cross-government priorities to enhance the Union.

3. HM Treasury should set aside a fund for UK-wide projects which will incentivise and support departments to initiate projects that strengthen the Union. The fund should also be open to bids from UK Government departments and devolved governments working in co-operation.

4. Departmental structures should be reformed to equip them with the necessary Union and devolution capability.

5. Devolution teams should be at the heart of government departments to address the need for increased policy presence in devolved regions.

6.     To address relationships between devolved nations and the UK Government a UK Intergovernmental Council (UKIC) should be established.

7. The proposed UKIC should be supported by a standing independent secretariat to ensure impartiality.

8. Spending by the UK Government in developed nations should be clearly marked with UK Government branding.

9. UK Government departments should keep up to date about the activities and spending of devolved administrations to ensure an effective communications strategy.

10. The new Secretary of State for Intergovernmental and Constitutional Affairs should ensure that public bodies with a UK-wide remit are representative of the UK.

A further review will be undertaken by Lord Dunlop to consider whether UK Government structures are configured in a manner that strengthens the Union. This review will begin in July and conclude in the Autumn through a report to the Prime Minister.

To view todays published Dunlop Review: HERE

GLL reacts to resumption of outdoor sport in Executive's Pathway out of Restrictions

Jacqui Pope, Head of Service at GLL

Reacting to the Executive’s formal review of the Pathway out of Restrictions, Head of Service at GLL Jacqui Pope said:

“The limited resumption of outdoor sport training for up to 10 people is a step in the right direction, however the majority of leisure will remain closed with no indication of a return date. Whilst we are sure many golfers will be pleased to return to the golf course, it is very difficult to reconcile this with the image of large empty leisure centres and swimming pools.”

“A year into this crisis, the impact on mental health is deepening and will have serious consequences. The link between exercise and mental health is well understood. For every day that leisure remains closed, physical and mental health issues are stacking up.”

“GLL has been calling for the re-opening of local leisure centres to allow people to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing again, as well as support those living with existing health conditions through our numerous health intervention programmes. A clear timescale of when restrictions may move to Stage 3, allowing the return of indoor facilities and group activity classes, is critical to provide hope to our population.”

With the right support, Fintech can rebuild our economy - Irish News platform piece by Andrew Jenkins, Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy

Andrew Jenkins, Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy

Turning our backs on a year like no other, we emerge into a world permanently changed by Covid-19. The pandemic has reframed how society behaves and made digital the new norm for how we work, shop and socialise. As the focus shifts to building back the economy, I firmly believe that with the right support our established financial technology (fintech) sector can play an integral part in Northern Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery.

If ever there was a case for supporting fintech innovation and the opportunities that come through jobs, trade and investment, it is clearly spelt out in the Kalifa Review. A Treasury-commissioned independent report, it identifies Northern Ireland as among the top ten UK Fintech clusters and a region with the most potential to grow and develop further.

The Kalifa Review sets a clear trajectory for the future of fintech at a time when forward planning seems otherwise impossible. As the world makes revolutionary advancements in digital adoption, The Review sets out a five-point plan to extend the UK’s edge over other leading global fintech hubs.

I very much welcome the review’s overarching aims of skills and talent, investment and national connectivity. The recommendations provide a firm basis for, and place an onus on, policy makers and industry stakeholders to come together.

We are fast becoming a world leader in financial technology. With a cost-effective infrastructure, strong links with academia and a world-class talent pool, it was no surprise to see Belfast named the world’s number one destination for fintech development investment projects.

More broadly, fDi intelligence places the capital within the top ten European tech cities of the future and MIT Technology Review recently announced the city as the home of its flagship EmTech Europe conference for the next three years.

Delivering the Budget earlier this month, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a series of measures to foster entrepreneurship and deliver the jobs and technology of tomorrow. With further funding for apprenticeships, a scale up visa stream for highly skilled candidates from abroad and support to help firms invest in tech through Help to Grow, the Budget signals a sea change and renewed focus on fintech and innovation within government.

While the political environment in Northern Ireland is equally favourable of the sector, our emergence post-Covid will test that commitment. As policymakers seek solutions to spur new business growth, attract new investment and begin the long road to economic recovery, now is the time to invest in skills and talent. We must also continue to support our existing strengths and areas of excellence across the sector and take an entrepreneur-focused approach to developing our start-up and scale-up community.

And so, it's with a clear sense of purpose that attention now shifts to developing a three-year strategy. The strategy will be led by the Fintech NI Association, who also commissioned the NI Fintech Ecosystem Report, published in December 2020.

The challenge is how we, with government support, can transform Ron Kalifa’s recommendations into reality in Northern Ireland and capitalise on an industry that has been undergoing its own quiet revolution - making progress in jobs, innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.

To borrow some words from the Kalifa Review, while the UK’s position in fintech is well established, its future is not assured.

We are at an inflection point.

This is a call to action.

Londonderry Chamber welcomes modest steps out of restrictions but much more needed to help businesses

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin

Reacting to the announcement of some Covid relaxations, Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“It’s welcome news to see the Executive making some movement on lockdown relaxations this afternoon, albeit very small steps. The reinstatement of click and collect for all retail from 12 April is welcome as we look to reopen our economy. Click and collect has been proven to be done safely and securely with strict guidelines to protect workers and customers and is a vital lifeline for many small businesses who have been unable to trade for so long.

“While the First Minister has this afternoon acknowledged that these are very modest steps, businesses will be disappointed not to have seen more reopening dates today, even if they are purely indicative, especially those in retail, hospitality and close contact services. The 11-day gap between allowing click and collect for one specific sector and the rest of retail is also difficult to understand and it’s disappointing that all shops will not be able to operate this vital service from the same day. Ahead of the next review date on 15 April, we would urge the Executive to work closely with business as we look towards reopening our economy and society.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 15 March 2021

Forward Look

• The Executive will carry out the first comprehensive formal review of the Pathway out of Restrictions framework on Tuesday 16 March. Further details on a full school return will be laid out. First Minister Arlene Foster MLA announced that pre-school and primary school children in years P1 to P3 will remain in school until Easter.

• The business rates relief package has been extended by 12 months for the sectors most affected by Covid-19 including hospitality, leisure, retail, manufacturing and aviation at a cost of £230m.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA is considering the establishment of a Northern Ireland Skills Council made up of business, employee and education representatives with expert knowledge to advise on the future direction of the skills system.

• The Union Connectivity Review interim report was published by the UK Department for Transport, recommending a review of Air Passenger Duty on internal UK flights and a feasibility study on a ‘fixed link’ between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

• The process to appoint a new Northern Ireland Lord Chief Justice will begin in the coming weeks as Declan Morgan prepares to retire after more than a decade as head of the judiciary. A selection panel is being convened.

• The new Lord Speaker will be announced on Wednesday 21 April following a remote election process. Former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Lord Alderdice is expected to run.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA will launch an options consultation on the New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland later this month.

• A programme of events to mark the Northern Ireland centenary has been unveiled, including a Build Back Better business showcase in London.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will set out the next stage of the Covid-19 vaccination programme next week. Over 606,000 people have received their first dose. Daily updates on the progress of the vaccination scheme will now be charted on a dashboard available here: LINK.

• A rapid asymptomatic testing programme is now live for key sector employers including those in the agri-food, manufacturing, essential retail and construction sectors.

• The BBC is reporting that Sir Robert Chote, former Chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility, will Chair the Independent Fiscal Council. The Stormont budget watchdog will begin work shortly and include Professor Alan Barrett, Esmond Birnie and Maureen O’Reilly.

• The Northern Ireland Office is seeking to establish a working relationship with President Joe Biden’s administration. A senior official will travel to the United States to provide ‘factual briefings’ in light of UK-EU tensions over goods travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

• The Assembly will debate motions on Welfare Support and Supporting Students on Tuesday. The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill and the Health and Social Care Bill will have their Second Stage.

• The Education and Finance Ministers will appear at Question Time on Monday, with the Health Minister facing questions on Tuesday.

• The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will hear from Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI, Lynas Foodservice and Musgrave Retail Partners on Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol on Wednesday.

• Belfast has been announced as the host city of One Young World Belfast 2023, which will launch officially in a live broadcast on Wednesday 31 March. Register here: LINK.

• The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2021, in partnership with Ulster Bank, have opened for applications. Apply here: LINK. The deadline is Thursday 6 May 2021.

Other Stories this week

• The Budget Bill has passed its Final Stage and is awaiting Royal Assent.

• The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is to establish a Belfast office to help implement UK-wide investment programmes. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA claimed the move is “dismantling devolution”.

• £15m has been committed for a range of skills interventions in the first allocation of the UK Government’s £400m ‘New Deal for Northern Ireland’ package.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA published the cross departmental interim autism strategy, available here: LINK.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has extended the suspension of the requirement to hold a public event as part of the pre-application community consultation process on major planning applications until 30 September 2021.

• Edwin Poots MLA resumed his role as Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Gordon Lyons MLA returned to the position of Junior Minister.

• Sinn Fein Councillor Mickey Cooper is to step down from Derry and Strabane District Council. The party will select a replacement in due course.

• Ellvena Graham has replaced Dick Milliken as Chair of Catalyst, who stepped down after seven years. She is joined on the board by new Non-Executive Directors Gerry Kindlon and Neil Crockett.

• Former Independent senator Ian Marshall has submitted his nomination papers for the forthcoming Seanad by-election. The ballot will take place next month.

• Belfast Chamber has launched a series of virtual events on restarting the NI economy after Covid-19, in partnership with Carson McDowell. View the full ‘Re-Energising Belfast’ series here: LINK.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 16 March, The Future of UK/EU Trade Relations: Building on the deal, NI Chamber

• 19-21 March, Liberal Democrat Online Spring Conference 2021

• 22-28 March, Imagine! Belfast Festival

• 26 March, Re-Energising Belfast – The Future of Work, Belfast Chamber

• 27 March, Conservative Virtual Spring Forum

• 15 April, NI Housing Conference, Agenda NI

• 19-23 April, UK FinTech Week, Innovate Finance

• 1-2 July, EmTech Europe virtual Conference, MIT Technology Review

Consultations

• Increased CPR Training Consultation Colin McGrath MLA, SDLP. Deadline 16 March 2021.

• Consultation on PfG draft Outcomes Framework 2021 The Executive Office. Deadline 22 March 2021.

• Consultation on Universities (Public Mission Agreement) Bill Caoimhe Archibald MLA, SF. Deadline 24 March 2021.

• Consultation on the Draft Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 Department of Health. Deadline 26 March 2021.

• Consultation on Suicide Prevention Training Bill Órlaithí Flynn MLA, SF. Deadline 31 March 2021.

• Consultation on an Areas of Natural Constraint Payment Bill Declan McAleer MLA, SF. Deadline 7 April 2021.

• Consultation on Adult Safeguarding Department of Health. Deadline extended to 8 April 2021.

• Consultation on a Work-Life Balance Bill Martina Anderson MLA, SF. Deadline 8 April 2021.

• Consultation on future options for the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme Department for the Economy. Deadline 9 April 2021.

• Consultation on a new Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity Department for Communities. Deadline 23 April 2021.

• Consultation on Publication of Annual Payments to Suppliers of Legal Aid Department of Justice. Deadline 29 April 2021.

• Consultation on Modern Slavery Transparency in Supply Chains Department of Justice. Deadline 12 May 2021.

Londonderry Chamber welcomes rates holiday extension

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin

Reacting to the announcement by the Finance Minister of a £230m 12 months rates holiday for airports, retail, hospitality, leisure, and tourism businesses, Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“This is excellent news which will help some of our most badly hit businesses. These sectors – hospitality, tourism, leisure, retail, our airports – have been among the worst affected by the pandemic and its lockdowns and restrictions. This is a common sense step from the Executive which will help relieve the burden on thousands of businesses as they look to rebuild and recover from Covid-19 over the next year.

“The Executive’s recent pathway out of restrictions is a cautious first step in the reopening of our economy and society but substantial government support will still be necessary as businesses get back on their feet. Support measures like the rates holiday are crucial in freeing up cash within these businesses to meet their ongoing costs but more support is needed to ensure that many of these companies are still here when the economy fully reopens. We look forward to engaging with the Executive to help form a sustainable and permanent way out of lockdown and to offer solutions which will help our struggling businesses.”

New anti-racism and diversity children’s initiative launched by Unite Against Hate and Still I Rise - Diversity Storytelling

Founder of Still I Rise – Diversity Storytelling and social inclusion advocate, Orla McKeating is joined by her son Elliott to launch the #FriendshipFriday initiative in partnership with Unite Against Hate.

The Unite Against Hate campaign challenging prejudice and hate crime has partnered with Still I Rise - Diversity Storytelling to encourage the education of diversity and racial inclusivity among children.

Throughout the month of March, Unite Against Hate and Still I Rise will host storytelling sessions and share resources focusing on the positives of kind, healthy and happy friendships.

On Fridays everyone will be encouraged to participate in the #FriendshipFriday initiative; use online resources, including colouring sheets, learn about the diversity; and share what makes us different and unique.

Aimed at children aged 5-11, parents, teachers and young people will be encouraged to promote racial diversity and the importance of social inclusion to children from an early age.

Still I Rise – Diversity Storytelling is a project set up during the pandemic which promotes the reading and sharing of literature which celebrates diversity, tolerance and acceptance within society. Working with children, sessions focus on creating a kinder, generation through reading books where their own experiences are represented and a sense of belonging and empowerment is created.

Founder of Still I Rise – Diversity Storytelling is anti-racism and diversity campaigner Orla McKeating who delivered a pioneering talk on the issues of social stigma, especially around race in Northern Ireland, to a packed audience at TEDxStormont in 2019. Since then, Orla has become an advocate for race inclusion, especially for women and children in BAME communities.

Diversity Storytelling and #FriendshipFridays has been supported by Belfast City Council, Community Foundation NI and Irish American Partnership.

Orla McKeating from Still I Rise – Diversity Storytelling said:

“In racial inclusion terms, Northern Ireland is progressing. However, the 2019 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey showed 25% of the population still believed themselves to be ‘a little prejudice’ towards ethnic minorities. This shows work still must be done to reach out and inform people about tolerance and acceptance of all races. At Still I Rise, our mission is to break down the barriers of race and discrimination in Northern Ireland and work with our communities to promote inclusivity and kindness through words and storytelling.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Unite Against Hate to promote the message of diversity. Through sharing stories and using pictures and drawings to share with children how tolerance and acceptance of people of all races and ethnicities is key to a kinder world, we hope to inspire our children to be better than previous generations.

“Diversity Storytelling is an excellent way to teach our children about both our differences and what binds us together. Children are never born with hate or prejudice attitudes. These are learned behaviours, often taught by society. If we can teach our children from an early age to be open and considerate to all people, then we can really work towards making our communities more open and inclusive, no matter age, gender or race.

“We are encouraging all parents and teachers across Northern Ireland to get involved and be part of the change our society needs. Our children are our future leaders. If we can show them from an early age that difference is something to be celebrated, then the very idea of racial intolerance and hate will be one of the past.”