Anthony Miller encourages public to accept themselves as ‘enough’ in final TEDxStormont Studio talk

Final TEDxStormont Studio speaker, Anthony Miller

Celebrity columnist and law lecturer Anthony Miller has delivered the final of 12 TEDxStormont Studio talks which have taken place virtually throughout the summer 2021.

The talk, which will go live on Friday, looks at the idea of one being ‘enough’ and how the public can come to terms with who they are through the successes and losses in life.

The TEDxStormont Studio talks was aimed at encouraging the public to have a better understanding of themselves and the world around them, while also bringing together brilliant minds to change attitudes on some of today’s hot topic issues.

The series was kicked off by Belfast-based GP Dr Gareth Patterson who shared powerful testimony on his experience of Gay Conversion Therapy. 

Other speakers have included Irish cellist, Patrick Dexter; broadcaster turned pilgrim guide, Martina Purdy; founder of Craic NI, Eileen Chan-Hu, producer and writer Henrietta Norton and Rio Ferdinand Foundation Ambassador Leo Brown.

Curator of TEDxStormont, Eva Grosman said:

“The incredible and fascinating stories, lived experiences and ideas that have been shared with us through the Studio series have simply been an honour to be part of. Our twelve speakers have opened up and let us all into small parts of their lives, and inspired audiences across the globe.”

“In the past months, we have heard about a number of tough topics including conversion therapy, childhood trauma, and discrimination. But we have also heard hopeful messages of self-discovery and unimaginable resilience which have been lessons for us all. I hope that our audiences have enjoyed the talks as much as we had making them.

“TEDxStormont is always proud to be a platform to those unique voices and ideas. This year we have been thrilled to have a summer packed with insightful and meaningful talks that have laid bare the spectrum of human emotion and have motivated our audiences to drive change. It has been an exceptional year with exceptional speakers.”

Foyle Port posts resilient results despite pandemic challenges

Foyle Port’s latest financial results for the financial year ending 31st March 2021 show that performance at the Port has remained ‘resilient’ over the past year despite the severe challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figures published today show that trade has reduced by 9% to 1.7 million tonnes while the Port’s operating profit reached £1.5 million, reflecting a 12% reduction on the previous year. Turnover at the Port was £9.2 million, slightly down on last year’s pre-Covid £10.4 million.

Despite the unprecedented challenges that both the pandemic and the post-Brexit landscape posed to the Port, and the maritime sector more generally, Foyle Port reinvested approximately £1 million in fixed assets, taking the Port’s asset base to £42.7 million.

The Port, which employs 108 people and generates £4.3 million in wages annually, also sources 80% of its electricity from low carbon fuel sources and is continuing to meet its decarbonisation obligations by investing in electric vehicles. Over the last year, the Port has reduced its CO2 emissions by 76 tonnes.

The Port has also supported a number of charities and charitable initiatives over the past 12 months which includes forming a new partnership with leading mental health charity Aware NI, implementing a new Mental Health Policy at the Port, and ensuring that 1% of all Port profits go towards the Port’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund with donations to local charities and clubs.

Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port

Speaking at the Port’s AGM today, Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port said:

“Today’s financial results illustrate the scale of the challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic and grappling with the post-Brexit trading environment have posed to Foyle Port. Despite these challenges, however, the Port’s financial performance has remained impressively resilient. I want to extend a special thanks to all of our employees who have worked so diligently over the past 12 months and in the most difficult of circumstances. Ably led by our senior executive team, our entire staff have shown great professionalism and adaptability in transitioning to a difficult working environment.

“During this tough year, the Port played its role, as a key worker designated service, facilitating the vital trade flows into and out of the North West region. As this year progressed, Commissioners successfully ensured that our core business remained fully operational whilst, at the same time, continuity plans were quickly implemented as required.

“Foyle Port’s performance has shown great resilience in the face of challenge but the Commissioners remain focused on innovation and adaptability to ensure that we deliver a solid business model for future generations. The Commissioners remain steadfast in delivering for the North West region whilst mindful of the priority to continue to support our customers and safeguard the wellbeing of our employees.”

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port added:

“Our number one aim this past year throughout the pandemic was to protect our employees and keep Foyle Port operating in line with our statutory duties. We transitioned successfully to a home and hybrid working model for our office staff with no impact on the quality or efficiency of our work or productivity. We have expanded our HR, engineering, corporate services, and marine services teams with new team members. While this has been a challenging year for the Port, we are proud of our collective resilience and strength, and I want to thank every member of staff and the Executive Team for their personal contributions. I particularly appreciate the unwavering support from the Chair of the Board and the Commissioners during this time of crisis. 

“We are proud of the steps we continue to take to minimise our carbon footprint, having reduced our CO2 emissions this past year by 76 tonnes. Decarbonisation and diversification are key priorities for Foyle Port as we go forward. Our substantial landbank here at the Port, with a potential 500 acres expansion capacity and up to three million square feet of warehousing, gives us the ability and the flexibility to diversify our operations, meet our green obligations, and attract new investment.

“Looking forward, a wholesale modernisation of Northern Ireland’s harbour legislation and our designation as a Freeport would stimulate a step change in operational scale which will be driven by shipping, green energy, and innovation. Over the next year, we look forward to working closely with the Department for Infrastructure and the entire Northern Ireland Executive to recognise the potential offered by Foyle Port as a vehicle to ‘level up’ the North West regional economy.”

NI young people to develop climate action plan ahead of COP26

A group of 100 young people will come together next month to develop Northern Ireland’s response to the Climate Emergency, supported by Allstate Northern Ireland.

Ahead of the UN climate change summit COP26 in Glasgow, Northern Ireland2035 will challenge young people aged 18-25 to address the legacy of their generation on the climate and local environment.

The initiative comes after a report by the Climate Change Committee found the lack of green policy for NI has caused heightened uncertainty over the future impact of climate change on Northern Ireland. Two competing climate-focused Bills, each with varying targets for cutting emissions, are currently being considered by the Assembly.

Launching on Thursday 14 October, NorthernIreland2035 will unite young people aged 18-25 to consider the proposition: “How can we act together to transform Northern Ireland into a cleaner, greener place for all?”

The initiative is part of Legacy, a global campaign by international leadership development organisation Common Purpose, which aims to create a connected generation of leaders with a clear vision for their legacy by investing in young people.

Supported locally by Allstate NI, Belfast City Council, Belfast Metropolitan College, the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, Belfast Charitable Society and Power NI, the programme will empower the leaders of tomorrow to change the course of society’s actions on the environment.

This will be done through free, personalised leadership coaching sessions and connecting with established leaders from Northern Ireland. Individuals who complete the programme will also connect with young leaders from other global Legacy initiatives, including in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany.

One of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, Allstate is encouraging young people to sign up for the initiative and has donated the cost of two places to its partner Women’s Aid.

Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said:

“We at Allstate are thrilled to support Common Purpose in bringing their Legacy programme to Northern Ireland. As we emerge from one global crisis, there is no doubt that we are facing into another in terms of the damage caused by society to the environment. The challenge of making the world a cleaner and greener place for all is one that must be addressed and prioritised at all levels, including across the business world.”

“As we seek to develop leadership qualities among our young people, we must ensure they are equipped with the communication and collaboration skills necessary to work with all in our community. We encourage all young people, whether in or out of employment to join the programme and begin their journey to becoming a business leader of tomorrow.”

Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy

UK Managing Director of Common Purpose Marie Mohan said:

“Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic, but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives.”

“Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued. We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”

NorthernIreland2035 will take place over four days from 14-15 & 18-19 October. Young people aged 18-25 who are either in or out of work, studying, campaigning, or volunteering can apply at: https://commonpurpose.org/Northernireland2035

Civic Society can provide long-term solutions to the Protocol Committee told

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Convenor of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation

Engagement with civic society on the Northern Ireland Protocol will be key to finding long term solutions that work for everyone, TDs, Senators and MPs heard today.

Representatives from the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement that such groups can play a crucial role in finding solutions, by monitoring the impact of the Protocol on cross border cooperation.

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Convenor of the group; Tara Farrell, CEO of Longford Women’s Link; Aoife Ní Lochlainn, Brexit Policy Officer at the Irish Environmental Network and Chris Quinn, Director of the Northern Ireland Youth Forum briefed the committee today.

They stressed that no serious monitoring of the impact of the Protocol on the conditions for cross border cooperation can take place without hearing directly from those involved in such cooperation.

Convenor of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-South and East-West Cooperation, and Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Dr Anthony Soares said:

“Discussions over the last four years have been mostly focused on technical issues around trade. Even though this is important, relations between people, within and across these islands cannot be largely ignored.”

“Sustainable solutions will not be found if they are sought exclusively by speaking with one particular sector, nor will they be found by looking exclusively within Northern Ireland. Civic Society must be part of the conversation.”

“Civic Society organisations have been at the forefront of supporting communities during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The same can be said in the brokerage and maintenance of a more peaceful society.”

“With the proper support, they will be invaluable partners in the task of shaping the new context we find ourselves in so that it can properly accommodate all our hopes and aspirations and maintain positive relations within and across these islands.”

Speaking on the ongoing political decisions being taken currently, Dr Anthony Soares noted:

“Decision-makers must continually recall the fundamental place of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the totality of relations it encompasses.”

“Protection of the 1998 Agreement must mean protection of all three strands, and no party should seek to protect one strand at the expense of the others.”

Think ‘Pharmacy First’ this World Pharmacists Day to help alleviate pressures on the health service

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene visits Dundela Pharmacy in East Belfast with pharmacists David McCrea and Lesa McLoughlin.

Ahead of World Pharmacists Day tomorrow, the public is being encouraged to make use of their local community pharmacists and the variety of services they can offer.

Community Pharmacy NI, is highlighting the role our pharmacies are playing in alleviating pressure on other parts of the health service as we enter what is expected to be an extremely challenging winter period.

The theme of this year’s World Pharmacists Day is “Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health” and the representative body is urging the public to reflect on how pharmacies have been supporting their local communities. 

Last week, it was announced that community pharmacy is to have an expanded role in this year’s Winter Flu Vaccination Programme, taking responsibility for administering the jab to frontline health and social care workers as well as those aged over 50.

 A newly expanded ‘Pharmacy First’ service will soon be introduced to provide consultations, advice, and treatments for minor health conditions and, if necessary, recommend an appropriate referral. Through the service patients are encouraged to visit a participating community pharmacy rather than their GP for a defined list of common conditions. 

 To date, community pharmacies have also seen their role in the Covid-19 vaccination programme increase to provide a permanent vaccination setting in the months ahead. Currently in Northern Ireland, there are 350 community pharmacies still offering the Astra Zeneca vaccine, whilst 54 are currently administering the Moderna vaccine – with plans for this to be scaled-up. The sector is also hopeful of inclusion in the Covid-19 booster programme.

 Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“This World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to showcase the range of services our community pharmacies can offer and the role they will play as a crucial, accessible part of the health service. It is also a time to pay tribute to our pharmacy teams across the network and their dedicated work to all in the community who they work tirelessly for all year round.

 “Remaining agile throughout the course of the pandemic we introduced new services to meet the changing needs of the public, with the safe supply of medicines a major priority. Our community pharmacy network remains committed to supporting our communities and the wider health service by playing an increased role in primary healthcare ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter period.

 “We are all too aware of the pressures the health service is currently under. Community pharmacy is a vital community health asset, ready to provide practical solutions. I would encourage the public to think ‘Pharmacy First’ this autumn and winter.”

 Community Pharmacist, Peter Rice said:

“Throughout the course of the pandemic, community pharmacies have shown that they can make a real difference in our communities as we fight against Covid-19. We are ready to do the same again as we enter what looks to be a challenging winter.

 “Many are not fully aware of the impact community pharmacy teams have within their communities, for example, just recently a Northern Ireland community pharmacy pandemic delivery service identified patients who required ambulance call-outs, urgent referrals to ED, and prevented harm to many vulnerable and isolated people within our communities.”

 “I look forward to celebrating our network on this World Pharmacists Day as we continue to provide accessible healthcare at a convenient location to our patients with a clinician they know and trust.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 27 September 2021

Forward Look

• Please find attached a summary of the upcoming legislation – of particular note is the Organ and Tissue (Deemed Consent) Bill and the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.

• The High Street Voucher Scheme will open for applications on Monday. The £100 pre-paid card can be used in any brick-and-mortar retail outlet until Tuesday 30 November. To apply: LINK.

• The Executive will meet on Tuesday to discuss social distancing requirements, and will finalise its autumn-winter Covid Contingency Plan on Thursday 7 October. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for the implementation of Covid-19 vaccine passports requiring individuals to be fully vaccinated to enter hospitality and entertainment venues.

• Parliament has risen for Conference Recess and will return on Monday 18 October. The Labour Party Conference begins tomorrow in Brighton. The SDLP has cancelled its Annual Conference next month due to continuing high Covid-19 rates. Sinn Féin has confirmed it will hold a hybrid Ard Fheis on 30 October in Dublin and online.

• The Government has launched a new Office for the Internal Market (OIM). The body will support the effective operation of the UK’s internal market post-Brexit.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has warned that certain departments may face cuts in the next Stormont Budget as health concerns are prioritised. A new 3-year Budget is expected to be announced after the Chancellor’s UK Spending Review on 27 October. The Fiscal Commission is set to publish some of its preliminary findings next week.

• European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič will bring forward EU legislation related to the NI Protocol in the coming days, with proposals on customs formalities, agri-food checks, and an enhanced role for Stormont institutions expected to be announced. Mr. Šefčovič has said that outstanding issues on the Protocol should be resolved before the “end of the year”.

• Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has announced she is to establish a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.

• A single common transfer test is set to be introduced from November 2023 if agreed by grammar schools. A new company, the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), is being set up to run the test.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA is expected to launch a public consultation on reform of NI’s social care system later this year.

• A report on what form the investigation on Northern Ireland’s mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries will take will be published by the Truth Recovery Panel next month.

• On Monday, the Executive Office and Finance Minister will take part in Question Time. The Health Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

• On Wednesday, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA will brief the Economy Committee on the Economic Recovery Action Plan. Junior Ministers Declan Kearney MLA and Gary Middleton MLA will brief the Executive Office Committee on Brexit. The Finance Committee will receive a briefing on the Department of Finance’s 2021-22 Business Plan, and the Infrastructure Committee will receive a departmental briefing on the Road Safety Strategy. The All Party Group on Community Pharmacy will meet.

• On Thursday, Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the Health Committee. The AERA Committee will receive Oral Evidence from the department on the draft Green Growth Strategy, while the Communities Committee will receive briefings on the Charities Bill.

• The Centre for Cross Border Studies’ 22nd Annual Conference begins today. Register here: LINK.

Other Stories this week

• Jonathan Gullis MP has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has formally requested that the Planning Appeals Commission holds a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine project.

• The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill has passed its Second Stage by 69 votes to six. The Bill, which would make all adults potential donors unless they opt out, will progress to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

• Anthony Harbinson has been appointed as DAERA Permanent Secretary. Following the split of the Head of the Civil Service role, TEO Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon will now lead the Executive Office, focusing on NICS reform and policy. Jayne Brady, the new Head of the Civil Service, will oversee the strategic priorities of the Civil Service.

• Belfast City Council Chief Executive Suzanne Wylie has been appointed Chief Executive and Head of the Public Service for the States of Jersey. Ms. Wylie takes up her new role in January 2022.

Upcoming key political and business events

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

• 25 – 29 September, Labour Party Annual Conference

• 29 September, Women as Legal Changemakers, QUB School of Law

• 29 September, Options for Fiscal Devolution in Northern Ireland, Nevin Economic Research Institute

• 1 October, Public Affairs 101, CIPR NI

• 3 – 6 October, Conservative Party Conference

• 6 October, CIPR PRide Awards

• 6 – 7 October, NICON 2021, NI Confederation for Health and Social Care

• 8 October, Londonderry Chamber 63rd Annual President's Dinner, Everglades Hotel

• 8 – 9 October, Party Conference, Ulster Unionist Party

• 12 October, ROI Budget 2022

• 18 October, Annual General Meeting, CIPR NI

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

• 27 October, UK Comprehensive Spending Review

• 30 October, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

• 11 November, 2021 North West Annual Energy Conference, Londonderry Chamber

Consultations

• 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.

• Consultation on the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2021-2031 Department of Health. Deadline 20 October 2021.

• Consultation on Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (Amendment) Regulations 2021 Department of Justice. Deadline 5 November 2021.

Further Education Colleges join skills revolution as Northern Ireland receives world class skills boost

Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, Brian Doran, Belfast Metropolitan College Events Management student Laura Norris, Deputy Secretary Skills and Education for the Department for the Economy, Heather Cousins, Belfast Metropolitan College Events Management student Juliana Roche, and Chief Executive of World Skills UK, Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann.

Northern Ireland is to get a world-class skills boost thanks to a revolutionary scheme aimed at attracting inward investment and generating economic growth.

The Centre of Excellence from WorldSkills UK, in association with NCFE, is the brainchild of Belfast-born Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, a former Deputy Director General of the CBI.

Unique insights and expertise, gathered during decades of competing against and now collaborating with, world-class skills organisations in countries such as Japan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan, are to be cascaded to six Northern Ireland colleges to bring substantial benefits to learners.

The six colleges are among the leading FE institutions across the UK which have been selected to join the skills revolution by becoming part of WorldSkills UK’s Centre of Excellence.

More than 40,000 young people, from all socio-economic groups, are being armed with world-class skills in the pioneering project.

The three-year pilot project, which began last September, is already impacting more than 20 educational institutions and nearly 1,000 educators across the UK. The programme will see educators across the province receive exclusive training with over 60 hours of intensive Continual Personal Development.

The programme covers three strands: train the trainer modules; real time harnessing of international industry best practice through current preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2022; and influencing setters of training standards.

Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, who was born and bred in Belfast said:

“This is great news for Northern Ireland. In order to deliver the world class skills that employers demand to be internationally competitive, we need to invest in the educators that are training young people for the future. The Centre of Excellence is going through the gears. The initiative has proved to be hugely oversubscribed – and we are working tirelessly to help as many young women and men as possible.

“We are mainstreaming excellence in training standards and delivering it directly to tens of thousands of young students and apprentices at their places of learning which is key to boosting the economy by attracting inward investment and creating high quality jobs – and that is what we are delivering for the benefit of all. This new phase of the project means that we are now impacting young people the length and breadth of the UK – in all four UK home nations.

“World Skills UK are uniquely placed to undertake such a project - utilising over 65 years of international benchmarking experience, having mentored and trained thousands of young people to world-class standards, in dozens of technical disciplines and tested in elite international competition.”

Brian Doran, Chief Executive and Principal of Southern Regional College said:

“The six regional Colleges of Further Education are delighted to have been chosen to participate in the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence initiative. Through the curriculum HUBs that exists within the FE College network we aim to use this initiative to raise standards in technical education and training at all levels across all Colleges. By tapping into the expertise that already exists within the team of WorldSkills UK high performance coaches and using best practice from across the globe, we are building a more inclusive and higher skilled workforce that can support more young people to achieve high standards and work skills that meet employer needs, especially in growth sectors.

“Northern Ireland Colleges have a long and proud history of competing in WorldSkills UK competitions and currently have 9 participants in the UK squad preparing for the WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai in the summer of 2022. We look forward to building on this success through the new Centre of Excellence initiative, increasing our participation in skills competitions in priority sectors and giving more students the opportunity to enhance their skills while also delivering more world-class outcomes across the UK skills systems.”

Belfast-based plastic-free beauty brand ‘We Are Paradoxx’ sets sights on further international growth and expansion

Judith Totten, Managing Director, Upstream Working Capital and Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton with Yolanda Cooper, Founder and Chief Executive, We Are Paradoxx.

We Are Paradoxx, a Belfast-based sustainable, plastic-free hair and body care brand, has secured new funding to expand its export capability into new markets in the US, Canada, Russia, Australia and the Middle East. 

The Northern Irish start-up, founded in 2018 by Yolanda Cooper, has developed a hair and bodycare range which is plastic-free, uses natural and organic vegan ingredients and is cruelty-free. The company has also developed the patent pending Supernova, the world’s first 3-in-1 straightener, wand and tong.

Described by leading media as a ‘brand you can’t live without’, this summer CEO Cooper joined the ranks of the industry heavy hitters, listed in fashion and beauty bible Glamour Magazine’s Beauty Power List 2021, for her leadership in sustainable beauty. 

We Are Paradoxx has been successful in raising investment up to this point, hitting £3m earlier this year through various funding rounds. This latest funding, provided by local financiers and Northern Ireland’s largest independent provider of working capital, Upstream Working Capital, will enable the beauty company to expand into new markets and further its growth internationally. 

The finance has been underpinned by credit insurance arranged through the new trade credit insurance team at Lockton, the world’s largest privately owned insurance broker and Northern Ireland’s leading business and commercial insurance broker, which partnered with insurer Atradius.

Yolanda Cooper, Founder and Chief Executive, We Are Paradoxx, said:

“This latest funding is a significant step for We Are Paradoxx and will help us gain a foothold in large international markets. As a company, we are dedicated to innovation and sustainability.”

Yolanda Cooper, Founder and Chief Executive, We Are Paradoxx

“Access to working capital like this is vital as we seek to innovate, develop, and enhance our product lines. We have a clear vision for the company and how we aim to go from the start-up phase to the scale-up phase and access to capital is absolutely crucial in this vision.”

“Having a trade credit insurance policy in place also gives us greater confidence as we enter new foreign markets and expand our international trading. We are excited for the future and working with Upstream and Lockton gives us a real boost as we keep expanding and innovating.”

Judith Totten, Managing Director, Upstream Working Capital, added:

“Upstream Working Capital is proud to be working with We Are Paradoxx, a locally-based start-up which is truly innovating and doing things differently in its field. Coming out of the pandemic, it is the companies and entrepreneurs taking these leaps of faith, and those who seek new markets and customers, that will spearhead our economic rebuild. Companies like We Are Paradoxx need access to working capital to break into new markets and find new customers beyond our own shores. We are pleased to provide both supply chain funding and Invoice Finance to support the working capital needs of We are Paradoxx. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to work closely with Yolanda and her team as they embark on this important journey.”

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton with Andrew McBurney, Commercial Manager, Atradius

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton, said:

“It’s excellent to see Northern Irish companies and start-ups like We Are Paradoxx, who we are thrilled to partner with, expanding into new export markets. The pandemic has been extremely tough for entrepreneurs and young companies so it is positive to see businesses have the courage to look towards new markets. As well as providing access to working capital, having credit insurance in place will enable We Are Paradoxx to access critical market intelligence through their policy provider Atradius, which will enable them to trade with confidence in new export markets around the world and grow sales safely knowing that should one of their customers default in payment their financial loss will be almost nullified. 

Andrew McBurney, Commercial Manager, Atradius, added:

“Through our partners Lockton, we are pleased to be working closely with We Are Paradoxx as the company expands into new markets and trades with new customers. We are confident that our trade credit insurance will significantly bolster We Are Paradoxx’s trading capacity and resources and protect the company as they step into new markets both by paying out claims in the event of non-payment but also by providing access to real-time intelligence on new markets and individual buyers, creating opportunities for growth.”

Better gets Belfast active this National Fitness Day

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl joins Better Gym Belfast General Manager Jamie Cromie to take the Belfast Fitness Challenge.

A programme of free fitness assessments and gym memberships has launched at Better leisure centres across Belfast in a bid to get the city moving this National Fitness Day.

The initiative entitles members of the public to a fitness test and score, personalised workout plan and free month-long membership to be used across the 14 Better leisure centres in the city.

A state-of-the-art concept in fitness management, FitQuest provides an easy-to-understand measure of key metrics such as BMI (Body Mass Index), hydration levels and muscle percentage which will be mailed directly to the participant’s private inbox.

Individuals are encouraged to visit one of the four FitQuest kiosks at Andersonstown, Lisnasharragh, Better Gym Belfast and Olympia Leisure Centres for the confidential assessment.

Whether the recommendations be weight loss, muscle strength or cardiovascular fitness, a team of professional fitness instructors will provide a tailored workout plan and free four-week membership to allow them to build on their results.

Participants can then return for a further FitQuest test to track their progress and kickstart their journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

GLL, which runs the centres, hopes the initiative will empower the people of Belfast to improve their health and happiness through physical activity. A charitable social enterprise that exists to promote better health, it will welcome 500 individuals via the limited scheme. The first 100 places will be reserved for health service staff to encourage a focus on personal physical and mental health.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl visited Better Gym Belfast to take the inaugural fitness test. The £15,000 initiative is supported by Belfast City Council through the Leisure Transformation Programme.

Speaking following her FitQuest challenge at Better Gym Belfast, Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

“Improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens lies at the heart of Belfast City Council’s £105m Leisure Transformation Programme. With 14 leisure centres across the city, including brand new state-of-the-art gyms and swimming pools at Lisnasharragh and Andersonstown, Belfast is not without the resources or capacity to boost public health through physical activity.”

“While we envisage a city where people are active and committed to living a healthy lifestyle, a lot must be done to make this a way of life for everyone, particularly those living on the lowest incomes. The FitQuest initiative is an investment in this vision and I hope that it will help kickstart many people’s journeys towards more active and healthier lifestyles.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl takes the Belfast Fitness Challenge

Regional Director of GLL Gareth Kirk said:

“We at Better exist to make communities happier and healthier through the provision of inclusive, accessible and affordable leisure services. As a charitable social enterprise, we are thrilled to be offering free fitness assessments and citywide memberships as local people continue to battle the physical and emotional hangover of the global pandemic. There are no limits to the benefits of living an active lifestyle and we look forward to seeing hundreds of individuals come through our doors and begin their journey to a better lifestyle.”

Visit www.better.org.uk/get-fitter-belfast to sign up for the Belfast fitness challenge.

High profile Brexit health check conference set to take place on Friday

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies

The renowned Centre for Cross Border Studies will host its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Conference virtually this Friday.

The Conference will address the overarching theme; “Testing the health of conditions for post-Brexit cooperation: The evolving political and social contexts”. Key decision and policy-makers and leading civil society representatives from across the island of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, and America will delve into the social and political implications for post-Brexit society.

Speakers at this year’s Conference include:

• Director of Public Policy at the Institute of Public Health Ireland, Dr Helen McAvoy.

• Assistant Professor at the Trinity Centre for Global Health, Ann Nolan.

• Director of the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, Professor Pete Shirlow.

• Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon MLA.

• Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, Madeleine Alessandri.

• US Consul General to Northern Ireland, Paul Narain.

Across three panels, speakers will explore pertinent issues in cross border infrastructure and healthcare. The first of which will address the evolving political context of Brexit, the second panel will discuss the social context of Brexit, and a third panel will measure the cross-border impacts of healthy cooperation across a range of sectors, part of a larger piece of work supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Centre are also available, providing a range of benefits for organisations and individuals to enhance their own research and work.

Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Dr Anthony Soares said:

“The Annual Conference is an opportunity for policy-makers and decision-makers to discuss ideas and address pertinent issues on the island of Ireland, the UK, and the EU.

“Part of the process of influencing change involves discussion and debate on significant issues, such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education. At the Centre for Cross Border Studies, we encourage our stakeholders to discuss these issues and use their different outlooks to generate solutions.

“The Centre offers great opportunities for those looking to get involved in a wider conversation about the key issues impacting this region. We encourage anyone interested in taking part in this conversation to attend our Annual Conference to gain a deeper understanding of how the Centre facilitates these important discussions.”