Lockton appoints Nigel Birney as new Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland

Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, has appointed Nigel Birney to lead its new specialist Trade Credit Insurance team.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance for Lockton

Mr Birney will head up Northern Ireland’s largest team of Trade Credit specialists providing Trade Credit Insurance services, assisting with business growth and protecting against bad debts.

The appointment comes as the company expands its service offering in Northern Ireland. With over 90 staff already providing business and commercial insurance services, the addition of Trade Credit Insurance further cements Lockton’s position as the leading and best-resourced brokerage in Northern Ireland.

Lockton is the only insurance broker in Northern Ireland to provide an in-house claims team and risk management service, providing clients with industry expertise and consistent qualified advice. The Trade Credit Insurance service will give clients access to intelligent market monitoring, a debt collection service, protection from bad debts and the potential for greater access to working capital facilities, which combined will help facilitate confident and secure trade both at home and abroad.

Gary Ennis, Partner and Head of Office for Lockton in Northern Ireland said:

“Nigel will play a crucial role in the development of our Trade Credit Insurance offer here in Northern Ireland as we enhance our services to a range of clients across the private sector.”

“This is a strategic hire for us and as a key player in the insurance industry, Nigel brings years of experience. His insights, market knowledge and expertise will significantly enhance the Lockton offer and strengthen our position within the local market and the island of Ireland.”

“As we emerge from the pandemic, and as business returns to a level of normality, the role that Credit Insurance plays for business is vital. With vast levels of debt amassed by companies of all shapes and sizes since March 2020, businesses must take sensible and proactive steps to protect themselves, particularly as they seek new markets or recalibrate their supply chains. Our new Trade Credit Insurance team, with years of considerable and combined experience in the sector, is here to help businesses get back on their feet post-lockdown and restore confidence as they begin trading again.”

The Lockton team, Julie McCallion, Leah Smyth, Ruth Hawkins with Nigel Birney who has been appointed the new Lockton Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance for Lockton, added:

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Lockton team during a period of ambitious growth for the company, particularly in the specialist area of Trade Credit Insurance. The availability of trade credit insurance and its many benefits will be absolutely vital as we emerge from the pandemic and look to reinvigorate the Northern Ireland economy.”

“The last number of years has been a tumultuous period for the local market here in Northern Ireland. Our businesses have gone through many big moments including Brexit, the pandemic, and an absent Stormont, which have affected their confidence when trading locally and overseas. The Trade Credit service we can now provide at Lockton means that businesses using our service can trade with confidence and explore new markets knowing that their business is protected against credit risk such as the insolvency of one of their customers.”

“What sets us apart is that we have a very experienced and dedicated team fully committed to building relationships who will work very closely with all our clients to really understand and make a difference to their business”

Fintech integral to Belfast's reset for growth, writes Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

As published in the Irish News, 10 August

An uncertain investment landscape is a legacy of the pandemic not even the most active technology hotspots could avoid. Many industries remain in a temporary stasis, while others have bolstered their position in this post-Covid world.

Just as people’s lifestyles and priorities have undoubtedly been altered, the past eighteen months triggered a shift right across the economy. Progressing from the ‘response’ to ‘recovery’ phase, the local economy has reached an inflection point as new patterns of trade and investment emerge.

The ability of fintech to adapt and overcome when the world’s economies grind to a halt was first displayed during the 2008 recession and again as we navigated the challenges of Covid-19. Despite no longer being in survival mode, cashless payments, mobile remittance apps and digital-only banking are trends that are here to stay.

But just as the digital world of fintech carved out a promising future during one of the most arduous economic climates, Northern Ireland has the potential to shape its own future as a thriving global investment hub home to world-renowned business clusters.

The sense that we have reached an economic tipping point is reflected in the recent ‘Reset for Growth’ report published by the Belfast Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission. With a range of propositions to revitalise the future economy, it sets out how Belfast can up its game in supporting trade and investment to capitalise on trade advantages and make the region more globally relevant.

The Commission is clear that our existing attributes must be rapidly scaled, and I was thrilled to see fintech recognised among the unique sectoral specialisms through which we can achieve a more successful, sustainable, and equitable future.

Setting a clear direction for skills and infrastructure development in the tech and digital sectors, the reset plans rightly focus on areas of industry with the proven resilience and capacity to drive city growth.

Employees are the oxygen of the workforce, and as an innovative and growing area of industry, the fintech sector needs a constant supply of highly skilled individuals to feed growing demand. Over recent years we’ve seen how partnership between higher and further education and industry can create new talent pipelines and increase the supply of talent into the sector.

While more needs to be done on the ‘supply side’, there is also work for the sector to do to create greater awareness of the broad range of roles available that make for an attractive and fulfilling career option.

If Northern Ireland is to truly reset for growth, gaps in our skills pipeline, digital infrastructure and levels of R&D investment must be addressed. Though the entrepreneurial spirit to get start-ups off the ground and engaging in active innovation does exist locally, early-stage companies require nourishment, and we must get better at signposting to finance opportunities.

As the world’s number one destination for fintech development investment projects, Northern Ireland is sitting on an industry with the momentum and potential to spur an economic revival. To use the words of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his recognition of Northern Ireland’s centenary year, the ‘world-class fintech industry’ is proving itself as integral to our viability as a centre of global excellence in innovation.

Vaccine key to recovery but employers must be aware of pitfalls by Lisa Bryson, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 10 August 2021

Lisa Bryson, Partner - Employment, Eversheds Sutherland

The issue of mandatory vaccines in the workplace has provoked lots of discussion, debate and concern. Tech giants Google and Facebook have told their US employees that they must be vaccinated to return to offices. Vaccination will be compulsory for care home staff in England from November onwards. As businesses in Northern Ireland also now turn to recovery, and getting back to the workplace for certain sectors, the question of whether employers can require employees to be vaccinated, understandably, forms part of the conversation.  So, can they?  

It depends. Requiring existing employees to be vaccinated is an intrusion into their autonomy to choose and determine their own medical care.  It may be justifiable but only if the health and safety benefit to the employee or others outweighs that intrusion.  

Employers have to ensure, as far as possible, the health and safety of employees and others who might be affected by their business. Existing Covid-secure measures, such as testing, social distancing, and face-coverings, are deemed by the Executive to be reasonable measures to address workplace infection risks.  Such measures do not currently include compulsory vaccination, however. Unless this changes, it is unlikely to be justified on health and safety grounds for most employers. As things stand now, many employers would be exposed to significant legal risks if they sought to mandate vaccination and if they disciplined or dismissed those who refused. 

Employers who can justify mandating employee vaccination must avoid a blanket policy and should be flexible to ensure equality laws are not breached e.g. where employees who are protected from discrimination are unable to have the vaccine, such as those with certain health conditions.

Regardless of the preferred approach, another practical question is can an employer demand to know the vaccine status of their employees?  An individual’s vaccination status is personal data concerning health, which is special category data under data protection law. An employer’s use of this data must be fair, necessary, and relevant for a specific purpose. Employee consent is not sufficient. According to ICO guidance, employers must have a compelling reason for recording employee vaccination status and whether such a reason exists will depend on the individual workplace risks.

Ordinarily, this will depend on whether it is necessary for the protection of public health or to satisfy the employer’s health and safety obligations. Any data processing justification will depend on the individual workplace or an employee’s role, for example, whether there are people at risk of serious illness from Covid-19 present in the workplace or perhaps where the employee is required to travel abroad to countries with higher rates of infection.

Employers should be reviewing and updating their health & safety risk and data privacy impact assessments regularly and, if appropriate, consider devising a draft vaccination strategy and policy.  Of course, if this is considered a necessary approach, engagement with employees and any trade union or employee representatives to obtain feedback, build support and ensure an understanding in relation to the proposed approach is vital. 

The vaccine will be crucial in reopening offices and returning to pre-pandemic levels of activity and productivity. However, employers should give sensitive consideration to how they will encourage uptake of the vaccine to protect workers and customers alike, especially if they intend on returning to regular workplaces.

New film to be screened on ‘the people’s priest’ and one of Belfast’s most loved peacemakers

Fr Des Wilson saying mass.

Docs Ireland will host a special screening of ‘Fr Des – The Way He Saw It’ on Thursday 12 August, in partnership with Féile an Phobail.

Vincent Kinnaird’s documentary focuses on the life of highly respected West Belfast priest, the late Fr Des Wilson. The film looks at the pioneering work of Fr Des in community, education and peace-making, and is narrated by Belfast born actor, Stephen Rea.

The film is primarily recounted in Fr Des’ own words, featuring interviews taken between 2011-2018 alongside earlier footage. It includes contributions from Stephen Rea; Rev. Brian Smeaton, a Church of Ireland minister on the Shankill road in 1969; Eilish Rooney, a senior figure in the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University and Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey, a Civil Rights activist and former MP.

Fr Des was affectionately known as “the people’s priest” and spent his life helping those in need, particularly during the time of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He criticised the authorities for perpetrating a sectarian state and placed his focus on building community relations.

Fr Des spoke with and encouraged discussion with Loyalist and Republican working-class groups for decades and opposed the leadership of his Church for not speaking out against bad decisions in Government. His disagreements with the then Bishop, Dr. Philbin led to his being ostracised from the Church.

Fr Des continued to advocate for justice and against inequality until the end of his life in November 2019.

Vincent Kinnaird, Director of ‘Fr Des – The Way He Saw It’ said:

“It’s an honour to be able to document the life of Fr Des Wilson. His incisive, well-informed, no-nonsense, humanitarian approach and perspective need to be heard, particularly today. He was an extraordinary man in extraordinary times and his words and lessons still resonate.

“The support I have received from Springhill Community House, Docs Ireland, Fine Point Films and many other individuals and organisations has been invaluable throughout the process of creating this documentary.”

Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival said:

“Wherever possible we strive to give indigenous talent, both in front of and behind the camera, the opportunity to showcase their work.  Fr Des – The Way He Saw It, is an important piece of our recent history which has been captured by this director. His vision, and that of the talented documentary sector we have here, will ensure we keep telling true stories about people like Fr Des who have enriched our society.”

Kevin Gamble, Director of Féile an Phobail said:

“Fr Des – The Way He Saw It showcases what Féile is all about. Celebrating remarkable individuals and the very best of our communities. It is a brilliant documentary on the life of an extraordinary humanitarian.”

To find out more about this year’s programme and book your tickets for Docs Ireland, visit docsireland.ie 

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 9 August 2021

Forward Look

• The Executive has published its 'Building Forward - Consolidated Covid Recovery Plan' to accelerate economic, health, and societal recovery over the next 2 years. To read: LINK.

• The establishment of an independent Infrastructure Commission to advise on the delivery of large-scale projects; a Green Growth Strategy; new skill and re-skill programmes for Further Education; and an AI Collaboration Centre have been included as key commitments in the Plan.

• Current Assembly Speaker and long-serving Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey is to step down from politics at the next Assembly Election in May 2022.

• The SDLP has announced its candidates for the Foyle constituency for next year’s election. Current MLAs Sinead McLaughlin and Mark Durkan will be joined by former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Councillor Brian Tierney. The TUV has selected John Ross (East Belfast) and Ron McDowell (North Belfast) as its first two election candidates.

• Ex-DUP leader Peter Robinson will conduct a review of the party’s internal structures amid recent divisions. Part of the review includes reforming how the party chooses its leader with a final report expected in October.

• The Executive is said to be considering the introduction of vaccine certificates for entering hospitality venues in Northern Ireland and is awaiting advice from the cross-departmental Covid Taskforce.

• The Department of Health has announced that from today Covid-19 vaccinations will be provided to all 16 and 17 year olds.

• The Department of Finance has issued a Procurement Advisory Note, to be reviewed in late September, which will allow construction firms to increase already agreed prices for public sector contracts to account for fluctuating building material costs.

• Climate activist and County Armagh student Emer Rafferty has been named as Northern Ireland’s ambassador for the COP26 Climate Change Summit in November.

• From Sunday, Northern Ireland’s international travel lists will change. Austria, Germany and Norway will be added to the Green List, whilst India will move to the Amber List. Those returning from an amber list country who have been fully vaccinated do not have to self-isolate or take the day eight post-arrival test.

• NILGA’s Annual General Meeting will take place next Friday at Belfast Castle and via zoom.

• The film schedule for this year’s Docs Ireland has been announced, to view: LINK. The festival will run from 25 to 29 August with both live and online screenings.

Other Stories this week

• The Electoral Office of Northern Ireland has clarified that the electoral register will not be wiped until later this year, enabling those who have not yet re-registered to still be eligible for the High Street Stimulus Scheme in September.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced plans to establish a £1 million fund to remove aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding from private residential buildings over 18 metres.

• In a letter to Mid and East Antrim councillors, Sir Peter Hendy, tasked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP to conduct the Union Connectivity Review, has said that the Government remains committed to delivering a Freeport in Northern Ireland “as quickly as possible”.

• The winners of Retail NI’s High Street Heroes 2021 campaign have been revealed. To view: LINK.

• A LucidTalk survey has found that 71% of people in Northern Ireland believe integrated schools should be the main education model, up from 66% eight years ago.

• Aer Lingus is expected to name Emerald Airlines as its new regional carrier this week, with a new service likely to begin in January.

• The UUP has co-opted Matthew Bell to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to represent the Omagh DEA.

• The Balmoral Show is the latest NI event which will require proof of a full Covid vaccination or negative test before entry, following Belsonic and Féile an Phobail.

• Baroness Margaret Ritchie has joined the Board of Directors of the Centre for Democracy and Peacebuilding.

• Gail Bell, Editor-at-Large of the Belfast Telegraph has announced she has left the newspaper, while BBC NI’s Environmental Correspondent, Conor Macauley has taken up a new role as RTE’s Northern Correspondent.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 13 August, NILGA AGM

• 19 August, Green Recovery Forum, Institute of Directors

• 1 September, Belfast City Council Meeting

• 5 September, Northern Ireland Assembly returns from Summer Recess

• 24 September, Annual Conference, Centre for Cross Border Studies

• 22 October, 2021 Business Awards, Belfast Chamber of Commerce

• 6 October, CIPR PRide Awards

• 24 November, Local Government Annual Conference, NILGA

Consultations

• Consultation on a Statutory Duty of Candour and Being Open Framework Department of Health. Deadline extended to 31 August 2021.

• Consultation on Skills for a 10X Economy Department for the Economy. Deadline 19 August 2021.

• Consultation on proposed changes to the Area-based Scheme Review of Decisions Panel Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 17 August 2021.

• Consultation for the Introduction of Standard Legal Aid Fees Department of Justice. Deadline 24 September 2021.

• Consultation on Phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit Project (BRT2) Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 4 October 2021.

• Consultation on Proposals to mandate Changing Places Toilet provision in Building Regulations Department of Finance. Deadline 20 October 2021.

Londonderry Chamber welcomes new Economy Minister to North West

(L-R) Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Chamber Vice President Aidan O’Kane; Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin; and Selina Horshi, Managing Director, White Horse Hotel.

The Londonderry Chamber has welcomed new Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to the North West, in his first official visit to the region since taking up post last month.

The Minister met with a Chamber delegation to discuss the ongoing impact of the pandemic on local businesses, the Executive’s plans for economic recovery post-lockdown, and the Department for the Economy’s High Street Stimulus Scheme.

Londonderry Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin said:

“We welcomed the opportunity to host the newly appointed Economy Minister as he visited the North West this afternoon. This was a very useful engagement with Minister Lyons as he takes up his position and we discussed a wide range of issues including the impact of the pandemic on our members, the Minister’s plans for recovery and post-pandemic growth, and his department’s upcoming High Street Stimulus Scheme.

“It’s been a busy summer for the North West as the economy has reopened and visitors from across the UK and the island of Ireland have returned in strong numbers. The summer tourism period has been vital in helping boost our small and independent businesses across all sectors and the influx of visitors has really helped them as they get back on their feet again.

“We discussed the Minister’s High Street Stimulus Scheme, which will be an important driver of economic growth and will support our local traders as they reopen, and the Executive’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan which was published this week. We stressed to the Minister that the plan’s actions to help the economy –  such as support for skills through greater access to apprenticeships, driving innovation, supporting job creation, and reinvigorating local high streets – must be rolled out as quickly as possible and receive the necessary financial backing from the Executive to become a reality. Businesses do not need more plans and strategies - they need swift action and committed support as they deal with the severe impact of the pandemic.

“We also urged the Minister and the wider Executive to state when all remaining Covid restrictions can be lifted, as in other parts of the UK, given the ongoing impact they are having on sectors, specifically hospitality.

“I thank Minister Lyons again for visiting the North West this afternoon and I look forward to further engagements with him and his department over the coming months as we recover and rebuild.”

Docs Ireland returns with five days of ‘True Stories on the Big Screen'

(L-R): Aisling Twomey, The Rainbow Project, Stuart Sloan, Docs Ireland Programmer, Connor Kerr of Another World Belfast and Deirdre McKenna of the University of Atypical launch the Docs Ireland programme of documentaries and events running 25-29 August.

Policing, justice and political activism are just some of the highly topical themes of Docs Ireland, the international documentary film festival which returns to Belfast from 25 - 29 August.

The third annual Docs Ireland festival will showcase some of the world’s most compelling new documentaries from countries including Ireland, UK, USA, India, Cuba, Palestine, Russia, Iraq and Hong Kong.

Special Events Festival Opening

Ahead of the five-day festival, Docs Ireland will partner with Féile An Phobail to present a special screening of ‘Fr Des – The Way He Saw It’, a work in progress documentary about the life of highly respected West Belfast priest, the late Fr Des Wilson. Screening at the Odeon, Belfast on Thursday 12 August, the film looks at the pioneering work of Fr Des in the community, education and peace-making, and is narrated by Belfast born actor, Stephen Rea.

Fresh from securing rave international reviews at the Cannes Film Festival, Belfast-born filmmaker, and Chair of Docs Ireland, Mark Cousins, will present an exclusive sneak preview of his new film, ‘The Story of Film: A New Generation’, an epic and hopeful tale of cinematic innovation from around the globe.

Politics and Activism

With activism as a key theme of this year’s festival, Docs Ireland will screen new documentaries including Ken Fero’s ‘Ultraviolence’, which looks at the struggle by black families for justice for their loved ones who have died in police custody in the UK. ‘Solidarity’, directed by Lucy Parker, delves into the lives of activists who have faced ‘blacklisting’ for expressing their right to protest.

Irish Documentaries

Through its commitment to highlight new and emerging Irish talent, Docs Ireland will also showcase some of the most powerful and compelling new Irish documentaries. ‘Untold Secrets’, by acclaimed director Teresa Lavina, looks at the life and upbringing of the late Anne Silke, a young survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

Other highlights of Docs Ireland include:

· Docs Ireland will open on 25 August with a special restored screening of the 1958 classic ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’.  The screening will be hosted at a unique outdoor setting at the Hidden Huntley Walled Garden, where audiences will enjoy a live set by Martello Jazz Band before the film.

· ‘Roadrunner - A Film About Anthony Bourdain’ will look at the life and career of the late and highly revered chef and travel writer.

· In partnership with the University of Atypical, ‘Her Socialist Smile’ will be screened outlining the untold story activism of disability rights activist, Helen Keller.

· Ric Burn’s ‘Oliver Sacks: His Own Life’ explores the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller, as he shares intimate details of his battles with drug addiction, homophobia, and a medical establishment that accepted his work only decades after the fact.

· Director Brendan Byrne will present ‘Debut’, his newest documentary on rising Northern Ireland star, singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan.

· Looking back on one of his most memorable TV appearances from After Dark in 1988, Eamonn McCann will reflect on his experience of the ground-breaking panel discussion programme and its contributors talking about the Irish civil rights struggle in 1968.

Stuart Sloan, Programmer of Docs Ireland said:

“There is so much going on - and going wrong - with the world at the moment, that we need to stop, take a breath and gain some perspective, so that we can share ideas and hopefully start to change things for the better.

“Documentary is the perfect medium to inspire and generate discussion on real-life issues, including racism, homophobia, gender inequality, disability rights, economic injustice and the climate crisis and to be inspired by those taking action on them. 

“We are really looking forward to getting back in front of a cinema screen, to the buzz of  the audience, and to sharing compelling stories from all over the world, with a unique selection of films that you just won’t see on Netflix.”

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, TG4, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Film Hub NI, BFI FAN, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon and Belfast Media Group.

To find out more about this year’s programme and book your tickets for Docs Ireland, visit docsireland.ie 

Allstate celebrates 20 years in the North West

Senior Leader at Allstate NI David Quinn, Senior Application Developer Tanya Adair and Business Information Security Officer Tony McElhinney.

Northern Ireland’s largest IT company, Allstate NI, is celebrating 20 years in business in the North West.

 The award-winning technology giant established operations in L’Derry in 2001 with just 20 staff, including a mix of seasoned developers and IT graduates, and now employs over 900 in the region.

 Allstate NI provides high-quality software development services and business solutions to support its parent company, The Allstate Corporation, one of the largest publicly held property and casualty insurance companies in the United States.

 Spearheaded by the initial North West team, 12 of whom are still employed by Allstate today, the operation evolved into a centre of excellence for mainframe technologies before settling at its current home on the Northland Road in 2008. Now, the team has a footprint in cutting edge skills including Machine Learning, Security Engineering, AI and Data Science.

 With corporate responsibility embedded firmly within their culture, the team at Allstate NI are committed to serving Derry and the wider North West area. Through the Allstate Force for Good NI committee, they have logged over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, benefitted 238 local charities and saw over £30,000 pledged to 23 projects in local communities.

 The company also sponsored a state-of-the-art computing lab at Ulster University’s Magee Campus in 2019 to bring sustained educational resources, jobs and enhanced investment potential to the area.

 When all 2,400 staff moved to remote work in March 2020, employees in the North West supported the corporation’s global operations through the Allstate Technology Support Centre and won several awards at the 2020 Contact Centre National Network NI awards.

 The company has also garnered local accolades, including Best NW Large Business in the North West Business Awards 2019.

 Managing Director and Vice President of Allstate NI John Healy said:

 “We are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of business in the North West, an area that is integral to our continued success in Northern Ireland. Our initial setup in Derry was about accessing the deep talent pool in the region. What we have managed to achieve in the past 20 years is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity and innovation of our community in the North West.”

Senior Leader at Allstate NI David Quinn said:

 “It’s fantastic to have played a part in Allstate’s expansion across the North West over the last 20 years. We have evolved from a small team in 2001 to a 900-person team that will continue to innovate for years to come.”

Post-pandemic recovery at risk if further powers aren’t devolved, warns local Councils body

The body representing Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils has warned that the post-pandemic recovery of local village, town and city centres is at serious risk if urban regeneration powers are not devolved from Stormont to local government as previously agreed in 2015. 

The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has said there is a growing body of evidence from across the country, particularly from business, which shows that there are significant constraints to the full recovery and transformation of local economies. In particular, the decision to not devolve powers for urban regeneration to councils in 2015, despite having previously been planned, is frustrating the rejuvenation of our communities and civic centres.

Local communities and councils across Northern Ireland have been seeking to remodel their shared spaces, village, city and town centres in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Initiatives like parklets have started to be trialled in Belfast’s Ormeau Road and Linen Quarter in the city centre and have been positively received by businesses and pedestrians alike.

However, councils and business improvement districts currently have to apply to Stormont via the Departments for Infrastructure and Communities to design, develop and deliver parklets in their areas as they do not have the powers themselves to progress them, which can slow down and frustrate the process. This has led to concerns that Northern Ireland’s post-lockdown recovery will not be led from the local level and will be hampered by red tape.

Derek McCallan, Chief Executive, NILGA said:

“NILGA is concerned that our recovery from the pandemic will be held back by the disjointed way in which powers like regeneration are devolved in Northern Ireland. While it is optimistic to see initiatives like parklets and positive changes to our high streets which will attract more people in, this is happening too slowly. It matters where regeneration powers are held – the more local, the better and more efficient.

“There are now growing examples from across the country that the failure to devolve regeneration powers to councils back in 2015 is actively holding back our post-lockdown recovery, hampering small businesses, and affecting local citizens.

“We have consistently argued for the full devolution of powers as planned back in 2015, and further powers, including regeneration, City and Growth Deals, all car parking, enhanced fiscal and enterprise powers, and neighbourhood services. These are powers which, if properly resourced and led by local councils with local knowledge, would dramatically transform our economic resilience and breathe life back into our high streets.

“As we move towards next year’s Assembly election, the granting of regeneration powers to councils should form part of a larger devolution piece to local government from Stormont as part of the new Programme for Government. The absence of the Assembly for three years has not only resulted in next to no legislative progress but has also heaped financial and capacity pressures on councils, which were, in turn, sharply exacerbated by the pandemic. Local government only makes up around £400m of Northern Ireland’s £24bn public sector budget. It’s time to properly resource our councils to unleash their potential for our communities.

“Local government urgently needs a new deal in Northern Ireland. It’s time to get real about councils and the role they play in our society. They can be hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship, enterprise, and community-led transformation – if they are given the legislative and financial tools to do so, as can be seen in other jurisdictions.”

Acclaimed new Irish horror film Boys from County Hell to open in cinemas next week

A special screening of Boys from County Hell will be held in Belfast on 4 August

New Irish horror film Boys from County Hell is to open across Northern Irish cinemas on 6 August. A special screening of the film will take place on 4 August before going on general release.

The film is written and directed by Chris Baugh and produced by Brendan Mullin and Yvonne Donohoe.  

Boys from County Hell is Chris Baugh and Brendan Mullins second feature following Bad Day for the Cut in 2017.

The film stars Jack Rowan (Peaky Blinders, Noughts and Crosses), Nigel O’Neill (from Baugh’s debut), Louisa Harland (Derry Girls), Fra Fee (Les Misérables) and John Lynch (The Banishing, Isolation).  

Boys from County Hell was entirely filmed in Northern Ireland and is the latest in a growing number of films that have been written, directed and filmed here.

Since receiving its World Premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival’s Midnight section last year, it has gone on to screen at numerous festivals globally including the Panorama Fantastic section at Sitges, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival and locally at Belfast Film Festival last year.

The film follows strange events unfolding in Six Mile Hill, a sleepy Irish town that claims to have been traveled by the framed author Bram Stoker, when construction on a new road disrupts the alleged grave of Abhartach, a legendary Irish vampire said to have inspired Dracula. Deadly and sinister forces terrorise a work crew led by Francie Moffat and his son Eugene, they’re forced to fight to survive the night while exposing the true horror that resides in the town’s local myth.

Boys from County Hell is rich in Celtic atmosphere, drenched in gore, wildly funny and splendidly scary.

Writer and Director of Boys from County Hell, Chris Baugh said:

“It’s been a long time coming. When I wrote Boys From County Hell it was always a hope that audiences would get to experience it on the big screen. When I actually got to make the movie I had the best cast, crew and partners I could wish for and it’s a testament to everyone's hard work and talent that the film is about to be released into cinemas all over the country.'

Producer of Boys from County Hell, Brendan Mullan said:

“We are delighted to be holding a premiere of Boys from County Hell in Belfast. We recognise the past year has been a difficult one for cinemas across NI and beyond, so it’s great to see their doors reopen and welcome back all those who enjoy movies up on the big screen. Hopefully audiences will have the same blast watching Boys From County Hell as we did making it.”

CEO of Wildcard Distribution, Patrick O’Neill said:

“From the very first time I met Chris and Brendan several years ago, I knew instantly these were filmmakers I wanted to work with.  I am so delighted that they are fulfilling their promise that was so evident back then, and we are having the chance to work together on Boys From County Hell, a film that is going to thrill audiences in Ireland and far beyond.”