Baker Tilly Mooney Moore announces Eimear Brown as new Head of Audit

Eimear Brown, new Head of Audit at leading accountancy and advisory firm, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, with Joanne Small, Partner, Audit & Assurance.

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

The senior appointment comes in a period of sustained growth for the established firm, which specialises in Audit & Assurance, Taxation, Restructuring & Insolvency and Consulting.

Eimear joins the well-known accountancy brand with over 16 years of experience in roles in Dublin and Belfast, both in ‘big 4’ and ‘mid-tier’ practices.

Commenting on the new appointment, Joanne Small, Audit & Assurance Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“This is a significant hire for us at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and is a real statement of intent for the business, adding another highly respected and trusted adviser to our ambitious team.”

“Eimear brings with her a wealth of experience and insight gained in previous senior positions in Dublin and Belfast and will play a critical role as we enhance our services for our established and new clients.”

“As the new Head of Audit, Eimear will also be responsible for staff training and development, ensuring that our exacting standards are maintained across our team. Her leadership skills and her sense of purpose will have significant impact as we emerge post pandemic.”

Eimear Brown, new Director and Head of Audit at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore added:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Baker Tilly Mooney Moore team during a period of expansion at the firm. I am hopeful that as our clients get back to business, back trading, and back to full operations, that the future will be one of positive economic growth. It’s the right time to join such a highly regarded and dedicated firm.”

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, has appointed Eimear Brown as its new Head of Audit.

She added:

“The evolving regulatory environment means that there are always new challenges that provide opportunities for firms such as Baker Tilly Mooney Moore to stand out and I’m looking forward to embracing those.” 

“Dealing with the outworking of the pandemic, the new trading environment shaped by Brexit, and the increased emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, has placed extra pressures on businesses and organisations and I am confident that our team can rise to those challenges, making sure our clients are in the best position.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 23 August 2021

Forward Look

• The First and deputy First Ministers have said that the Executive is “ready to do what it can” to help Afghan refugees. A further announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

• The Department of Health is holding its ‘Big Jab Weekend’ to give people even more opportunities to get vaccinated against Covid-19. The promotion, which will end on Sunday will see Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination centres offer walk-in first jabs.

• Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young told the Health Committee he expects Covid-19 case numbers “will peak within the next week” while he also predicts there will be a further increase once schools, colleges, and universities return.

• Pam Cameron MLA outlined that the first tranche of cards as part of the High Street Voucher Scheme is to roll out in mid-September with a further four tranches expected after.

• The Financial Times has reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to delay a much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle until after COP26 and the worst of the pandemic is over.

• Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Aine Murphy, announced that it is her intention to introduce a Private Members Bill to the Assembly in the Autumn to ban fracking.

• The Irish News has reported that local political parties are preparing to hold annual conferences in the autumn. The UUP will host its conference on 8 and 9 October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sinn Féin is expected to hold its Ard Fheis in Dublin at the end of October while the SDLP is expected to hold its in Derry in the same month.

• The Government published its UK hydrogen strategy, which sets outs its approach to developing a low carbon sector in the UK to meet their ambition for 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Link to strategy: HERE

• The Department of Health has reminded stakeholders to respond to the Public Consultation on the introduction of a statutory Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland. The consultation deadline is on 31 August. For more information: LINK

• A Belfast City Council Brexit Committee heard this week that port infrastructure in Belfast that is required for NI Protocol checks will not be in place until 2023. Councillors were told that hiring new port staff will be ‘challenging’.

• The Economy Committee will meet next Wednesday to receive a Departmental update on the High Street Voucher Scheme.

• The Centre for Cross Border Studies will hold its 22nd Annual Conference on 24 September. To register attendance: LINK

• Tickets are now available for the Docs Ireland film festival, running from 25 to 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK.

Other Stories this week

• Labour market statistics published this week by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showed that the number of proposed redundances in July has been the highest of 2021.

• House prices in Northern Ireland are 9% higher than the same period last year, according to official figures. It is the biggest annual rise since 2007 and the biggest quarterly increase since 2016.

• The Flagship Centre in Bangor, County Down, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to developers Brookland Property.

• The Department of Health released details of the NI Health and Social Care Workforce Census as on 31 March 2021. To view the report: LINK

• Jude Webber is the new Financial Times Ireland correspondent replacing Laura Noonan. She was previously the Mexico and Central America correspondent for the paper.

• Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA published revised Covid guidance setting out how schools and educational settings should plan for the next academic year. The guidance can be read here: LINK

• Ciaran O’Neill announced he is joining the Sunday Independent. He was previously the manging editor of Derry News and Derry Now.

• The total value of imports from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland jumped by more than three quarters in the first six months since Brexit compared to the same period last year, according to new data from the Republic’s Central Statistics Office.

Trailer released of highly anticipated 'Ryan McMullan: Debut' ahead of special screening at Docs Ireland

Fine Point Films and Cyprus Avenue Films are pleased to share the official UK and Irish trailer for the highly anticipated documentary Ryan McMullan: Debut.

The documentary will screen on Saturday 28 August at the Docs Ireland Film Festival in Belfast and then open in cinemas across Ireland from Friday 3 September.

The documentary is funded by BBC Northern Ireland and YellowMoon and produced by Fine Point Films and Cyprus Avenue Films. It follows the up-and-coming singer songwriter as he prepares for the release of his debut album.

Ryan McMullan: Debut had its critically acclaimed world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on 24 July.

The film centres around a 4-day recording and listening session in Cruit Island, County Donegal at the end of 2019, where Ryan and his team assess all the songs competing for a place on the album.

Against this majestic landscape, we get to know the film’s key players – the film’s principal, Ryan McMullan, his artist/mentor Foy Vance and manager/drummer Paul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton. Threaded throughout is the back story of how Ryan has reached this point, including footage from his support tours with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol.

Jazz legends hit the big screen at Docs Ireland opening event

Louis Armstrong performing in ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’.

The music of jazz legends including Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Thelonious Monk will be celebrated at the opening event at next week’s Docs Ireland festival.

A special outdoor screening of the newly restored classic jazz documentary, ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ will be shown in the intimate surroundings of the Secret Garden at Hidden Huntley in South Belfast, on Wednesday 25 August.

Co-directors Bert Stern and Aram Avakian’s legendary film is set at the now famous 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, and features some of the greatest jazz performers of all time such as Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O’Day, and Louis Armstrong.

Setting the scene for the screening will be the Martello Jazz Band, who will treat the Docs Ireland audience to a special live performance before the film is shown.

Docs Ireland Festival Director, Michele Devlin said:

“’Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ is quite simply the best feature length jazz film ever made, so we’re setting the bar high with our first screening at Docs Ireland this year.

“As well as showcasing new talents at the festival, we also feel it’s important to celebrate our cinematic heritage and to bring rarely screened masterpieces to Northern Ireland audiences.

“With a beautifully restored film; the gorgeous surroundings of the Hidden Huntley gardens and a live music performance by the wonderful Martello Jazz Band, audiences will be in for an unforgettable night of music and cinema.”

Tickets for ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ at Hidden Huntley are £8 full price, £7 concession and can be booked online now at www.docsireland.ie

Docs Ireland is supported this year by NI Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Arts & Business, Yellowmoon, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland.

Spotlight recognised for outstanding contribution to documentary filmmaking

(L-R) Jennifer O'Leary, Darragh MacIntyre and Mandy McAuley, the reporting team on Spotlight on The Troubles: A Secret History.

BBC Northern Ireland's flagship investigative current affairs programme Spotlight will be awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Documentary Film this year by Docs Ireland.

The hard-hitting investigative programme has shone a light and unearthed some of the most important stories in Northern Ireland since it first aired in 1973 and a range of its work over the years will be shown at this year's festival.

Over the past five decades, Spotlight has covered stories about the Troubles, social issues like poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, and some of the most explosive political scandals in recent years like RHI, as well as compelling human interest stories.

Two years ago, it broadcast the much-lauded series Spotlight on The Troubles: A Secret History, fronted by Darragh MacIntyre, Jennifer O'Leary and Mandy McAuley.

The programme has spawned some of the finest investigative journalists and documentary filmmakers. Broadcasters Jeremy Paxman, Gavin Esler and Alex Thomson spent the early part of their careers in Spotlight.

Stephen Hackett, Head of Programming at Docs Ireland, said:

"Docs Ireland is delighted to award the BBC Spotlight team this Outstanding Contribution to Documentary Film award. Spotlight's work during the past 47 years is exceptional in both its scope and detail. The team have told essential stories, investigated corruption, and examined a wide range of socio-political issues that impact all our lives.

"The dedication of the many journalists, reporters and production teams in making these programmes deserves to be acknowledged. Their work over the years has had far reaching implications and effected real change in our society. We are thrilled to celebrate their work at our festival and present this award."

Spotlight will be celebrated throughout this year's Docs Ireland festival with four special screenings to be held in the Ulster Museum:

*       Spotlight: Tourism, Thursday 26 August

*       Spotlight: The Pit Bull Sting, Thursday 26 August

*       Spotlight: Alcoholism, Friday 27 August

*       Spotlight at 40, Sunday 29 August

Gwyneth Jones, Editor of Spotlight, said:

"It's an honour that our work is being recognised in this way. It's a reflection of almost 50 years on the air and acknowledges the team's commitment to telling significant stories, asking hard questions and holding to account. So many brilliant journalists have worked on Spotlight down through the years, serving the audience and contributing to its place in broadcasting here. We're delighted to receive this award."

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

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

New NILGA President calls on NI Executive to ‘get real’ about local councils

Newly-appointed NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess (UUP, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) at Belfast Castle

The new President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has called on the NI Executive to ‘get real’ about local government and recognise local councils as being absolutely essential to Covid recovery.

Speaking at his inauguration at NILGA’s AGM this morning at Belfast Castle, the Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Robert Burgess (UUP) outlined what local government can do to make Northern Ireland a more inclusive and sustainable place to work, live, visit, and do business in.

The Covid pandemic has seriously hit the finances of the 11 local councils, as revenue streams like leisure and tourism facilities, off-street car parking and other vital services were forced to reduce or stop.

Laying out his vision for the next 12 months, Cllr Burgess stated that improvement within councils themselves would be key, focusing on areas like learning and development, new ways of providing services, and prioritising issues like recruitment, back-office services, planning, and economic development.

He also looked ahead to the COP26 UN climate summit being held in Glasgow in November, followed by NILGA’s annual conference in Bangor on November 24th, with the Association showcasing the positive climate work of all our councils.

Speaking at the AGM, new NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess (UUP, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) said:

“While I don’t underestimate the challenges facing local government right now, I am excited to take up this role on behalf of our 11 local councils. After nearly 18 months of operating during the pandemic, we are more financially strapped than we were before Covid, while our capacity and resources remain stretched to the absolute limit.

“It’s time that central government at Stormont and Westminster got real about the challenges facing our councils, as well the opportunities of devolving powers and resources to them. Local government remained stable when Stormont was down for three years. We deliver day in, day out for our constituents and local citizens. While we have had a commitment from central government that powers like town and city regeneration will finally be devolved down to councils, we need to see words followed by action, including the progression of important legislation like an all-encompassing Devolution Bill.

“As NILGA President, I plan to work collaboratively with all 11 councils, members, senior officers, council officials and Stormont to redefine the relationship between central and local government in our region. I will work tirelessly to get the proper funding and resources that we require and deserve. Despite everything that it contributes to our communities, local government equates to less than £900 million of Northern Ireland’s annual public sector budget of £24bn. Councils can be hubs of economic vitality and lead the recovery from Covid-19, but they need the right tools and resources to do so.”

Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Matt Garrett (Sinn Féin, Belfast City Council) said:

“It has been a privilege to be President of NILGA over the past year. As an organisation, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to deliver solutions for our communities, in the toughest of circumstances.

“Covid has dominated my presidency, but I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in this time. I want to thank my local government colleagues in all parties and independent members, as well as officers right across the 11 councils, for their positive solution-finding attitudes, and our partners in the Assembly and Executive, for their significant support which has helped our councils stay afloat.

“I have seen the very best of local government, in the worst of times, when our existence was called into question. I sincerely hope that our councils are recognised fully by those at Stormont with a new deal for local government, which properly finances and resources us, and allows us to deliver better and faster for our communities.

“I wish Cllr Burgess every success for the next year and I and my colleagues in the cross-party NILGA Executive will support him and the rest of the team at every turn.”

O’Donovan Rossa GAC to Inspire Healthy Minds with new programme

(Left to Right): Chief Executive of Inspire, Kerry Anthony, O’Donovan Rossa Senior Football Captain, Richard Gowdy and Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA at the unveiling of the O’Donovan Rossa Championship 2021 jersey.

Inspire has partnered with west Belfast's O’Donovan Rossa GAC to provide the club with mental health awareness training.

The Healthy Minds programme aims at providing information, skills and advice on key areas of mental wellbeing, including nutrition, mindful breathing, addiction awareness and the importance of sleep. These topics were chosen by the senior team players as important issues that impact their wellbeing and on-field performance.

To mark the establishment of the Healthy Minds programme, O’Donovan Rossa has unveiled the new team shirt with the Inspire logo, in order to encourage more GAA players to look after their mental health and promote resilience within the sport. The new jerseys will be worn for all of the club's 2021 championship games.

Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey said:

“I want to commend O'Donovan Rossa GAC and Inspire on this project. This is a grassroots, player-led initiative aiming to break down barriers of stigma and to create a positive focus on mental wellbeing as well as physical. Rossa players have shown leadership in their club, as well as their community, and demonstrated by example that mental health issues can affect anyone.”

Kerry Anthony, Chief Executive of Inspire, said:

“The Healthy Minds programme has been a fantastic initiative, which has allowed the senior players of O’Donovan Rossa to learn about the best ways to deal with mental health issues, along with the pressures that come with playing in high-level team sports.

“Often, the focus will be on the physical health of players. However, to be resilient and ensure that their head is in the game, the mental wellbeing of players must also be considered. It is not easy to talk about mental health and the players are a real testament to both their club and their local communities for standing up and learning how best to be mentally well.

“Everyone at Inspire is very proud that O’Donovan Rossa will have our logo on their jersey and we wish them the best of luck for the championship.”

O’Donovan Rossa's senior football captain, Richard Gowdy, said:

“It has been really beneficial for myself and all my teammates to be part of the Healthy Minds programme and work with Inspire on mental health issues that are important to us as players and teammates.

“The Healthy Minds programme has really opened our eyes to how being mentally fit can help make us more resilient and competent players, while also making sure we are all in good headspaces, on and off the pitch.

“There is still a stigma around talking about your mental health in sport. However, through our work with Inspire, we feel that it is key to break down those barriers and make sure all involved in GAA know the importance of mental health awareness – for themselves and their teams. It will help us all get to the top of our game.”

Maura McMenamin, Ulster GAA's Community, Health & Wellbeing Manager, said:

"Congratulations to O'Donovan Rossa on their Healthy Minds Programme. The mental and emotional wellbeing of our members is of paramount importance and I'm delighted to see O' Donovan Rossa make this a core part of their club activities.

“We would also like to congratulate Inspire on this fantastic initiative, and whom Ulster GAA have partnered with on a number of mental health programmes. I look forward to launching our emotional wellbeing winter programme with Inspire later this year."

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 16 August 2021

Forward Look

• The Executive has announced the rules on self-isolation will change on Monday, whereby fully vaccinated people who are a close contact of a Covid-19 case, will no longer have to self-isolate. They are advised to take a PCR test on day two and day eight of the process. There is no limit on the number of people who can gather outdoors in a domestic setting and the rule of six in hospitality venues will be scrapped, this includes weddings. Conferences, exhibitions and raves can also resume. Social distancing on public transport will be lifted and there will be a full return to face-to-face teaching in FE Colleges, Universities and Non-Statutory Contractors. School bubbles will be removed for the beginning of the school year and the requirement to wear a face covering will remain in place for the first six weeks of the new term, remaining under review. The rules around face coverings and social distancing will be considered in September.

• DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said he will continue to run the party from Westminster until the Assembly Election next year. Sir Jeffrey added that due to issues such as the Northern Ireland Protocol and the legacy proposals, it is important that “the leader of Unionism is at Westminster”.

• The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report assessing the global climate crisis. The Report found that global temperatures will reach 1.5C above 1850-1900 levels by 2040, breaking the global target set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. The Report concludes that cutting global emissions in half by 2030 could halt the rise in temperatures. To read: LINK.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has announced the NI Executive will convene for a Climate Summit ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in October.

• Auditor general Kieran Donnelly has expressed concern at how the Department of Health has accounted for £135m of expenditure in its annual budget, commenting that it was not in line with international accounting standards. The DoH said it will consider the report and “respond through the appropriate channels.”

• Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA issued a statement to the Assembly outlining her priorities for the next regional Area Plan, which will cover a five year period from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027. The proposals to be addressed include the issue of primary pupils being taught in composite classes of more than two year groups and the issue of small sixth forms. To read: LINK.

• Nichola Mallon MLA announced that £8m will be invested into the delivery of a new LED street lighting programme in Northern Ireland this year.

• Independent experts appointed by the UN have expressed “serious concern” over the UK Government’s amnesty proposals for Troubles related crimes.

• The Irish Government has published its Annual Taxation Report 2021. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, income tax revenue fell by 1% in Ireland compared to 2020. To read the report: LINK.

• Tickets are now available for the Docs Ireland film festival, running from 25 to 29 August. View the film schedule and get tickets here: LINK.

Other Stories this week

• Ulster Bank published its PMI report for July, showing an increase in output and new orders, with rates of expansion easing from June. Job creation was accelerated, while inflationary pressures remained elevated.

• Green Party NI representative Councillor Kathryn McNickle resigned her seat from Ards and North Down Borough Council for Holywood and Clandeboye DEA and will be replaced by Lauren Kendall.

• Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young has outlined the effectiveness of the vaccine, with every 1,000 Covid-19 cases resulting in 22 hospitalisations. In December 2020, every 1,000 Covid-19 cases resulted in 80 hospitalisations.

• The Department for Communities has launched the Uniting Opportunities programme. The programme provides funding for projects that create opportunities for participation for 11-24 year olds in underrepresented groups.

• The Department of Justice has launched an appointment competition for a minimum of 15 Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) Members. The IMB is an independent statutory body whose role is to monitor the treatment of prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment.

• Students across the UK received A-level and GCSE results. 51% of students in Northern Ireland were awarded an A* or A grade and 40% of GCSE students received an A* or A grade.

• Irish-American lawyer Kathy Hochul has assumed office as the first female governor of New York, following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.

• Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker, has appointed Nigel Birney as Head of Trade Credit Insurance in Northern Ireland.

• Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA announced the extension to the term of NI Screen Chair, Dame Rotha Johnston. It has been extended from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 19 August, Green Recovery Forum, Institute of Directors

• 1 September, Belfast City Council Meeting

• 5 September, Northern Ireland Assembly returns from Summer Recess

• 2 September, End of Summer Networking Reception, Belfast Chamber of Commerce

• 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 on the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) Department of Health. Deadline 17 September 2021.

• Consultation on the Point of Care Manufacturing Department of Health. Deadline 23 September 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.

Ormeau Road crowned as the public’s High Street of the Year

Representatives from Ormeau Road Business Association pictured with (L-R) Glyn Roberts, Retail NI CEO; Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA; Gary McDonald, Irish News Business Editor; Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank.

Ormeau Road has scooped the prestigious High Street of the Year, battling High Streets across Northern Ireland for the coveted prize. Thousands of votes were cast for Retail NI’s High Street Heroes campaign, with old favourites and new faces picking up gold, silver, and bronze. The initiative shone a light on Northern Ireland’s independent retailers, with the public choosing their favourite retailers.

Belfast had huge success in the campaign picking up eight awards this year, including Off-Licence of the Year and two awards for Deli of the Year.

Crawfords of Maghera picked up the sought-after Overall Retailer of the Year, as well as Convenience Store of the Year and Community Covid-19 Champion.

Retailers across the region were celebrated, with Brolly’s Butchers in Cloughmills, McCrum’s Motorcycles in Portadown, and Newcastle’s Wraps Fashion all picking up gold.

High Street Heroes NI was a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News supported by Camelot and Translink. The awards come as retailers are preparing for the roll out of the High Street Voucher Scheme. 

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA said:

“I am thrilled to see so many great retailers acknowledged in the High Street Heroes campaign. The support for independent retailers proves how important they are to their local communities.

“Retailers have shown a huge amount of determination over the past year and should be immensely proud of their work. It is great to see Ormeau Road pick up the High Street of the Year, which is a testament to all the fantastic independent retailers in our towns and cities.”

Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:

“The High Street Heroes campaign has been a wonderful celebration of Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. The winners are based across Northern Ireland showing a brilliant regional response to the campaign and emphasising the community support for the retailers.

“It has been a very difficult year for independent retailers, but this campaign has shone a light on how valued they are in their community. I hope the roll out of the High Street Voucher Scheme will continue to boost support for our independent retailers.”

Cross border workers’ concerns must be addressed if we are to make Derry a remote working hub

Conor Dowds, Co-Chair of the Cross Border Workers Coalition

Since the pandemic began, there has been a fundamental re-think in not just how we live and work, but also, where. Remote work has grown to be a mainstay of our working lives, throwing in doubt the importance of factors such as office facilities and your daily office commute, considerations which previously dominated any question of location. Flexible working practises are here to stay, and businesses and employees alike are benefitting from the so-called “new normal”.

In recent weeks, spurred on by this shift, Invest Derry City & Strabane have launched an exciting new campaign aimed at promoting the North West as a premium remote working destination. This welcome initiative seeks to attract highly skilled home-workers to Derry, Tyrone, and Donegal by highlighting the excellent living standards and employment opportunities available here.

From our beautiful scenery to the growing, dynamic, economy here, it is no surprise that, for example, Derry City & Strabane was ranked fourth in the UK-wide USwitch Remote Working Index 2020, finishing much higher than hotspots such as London, which placed 88th. If capitalised on, remote work has the potential to transform the North West economy, especially in border areas like Donegal which have the most to gain from this fantastic campaign.

For remote workers, the North West can offer employees a fantastic place to pursue an exciting career while raising a family. For the thousands of cross-border workers who live in the Republic of Ireland but work in NI, however, restrictive Irish tax laws could see the loss of this opportunity.

If you live in Donegal, but work in Derry, an outdated tax stipulation means that if you work-from-home at all, you can face a ‘double tax’ on your income. Even if you work in the office four-days-a-week and look to work remotely on a Friday, you’ll face a significant financial penalty.

These rules restricting home-working have been suspended until January 2022, and if re-introduced, would significantly disadvantage businesses in the North West looking to attract remote workers. Businesses may even be forced to restrict their workforce to one side of the border, which, reports show, could have devastating consequences. A EURES 2020 report found that as many as 75% of businesses in the border region employ staff from the opposite jurisdiction.

As we look to make Derry and the entire North West a future remote working hub, the concerns of cross border workers must be addressed. Left unchanged, these personal tax rules not only threaten to stifle this fantastic initiative from Invest Derry City & Strabane but could lead to businesses and employees to look elsewhere, away from the border region.

Looking forward, it is vital that this issue is addressed before the broader North West economy loses out. We live in an era of change, and as we look to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities remote working offers, we must not leave cross-border workers behind.