Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 18 October 2021

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  • The EU released its plan to reduce post-Brexit checks on goods and medicines arriving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The new plan outlines the removal of 80% of spot checks and a 50% reduction in customs paperwork. Changes will be made to the current laws to ensure no disruption to moving medicines across the Irish Sea and the plan pledges improved engagement with politicians and business groups in Northern Ireland.

  • Belfast High Court Judge Mr Justice Scoffield ruled the DUP’s boycott of North-South Ministerial meetings is an unlawful breach of the pledge of office. The boycott is in protest to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • First Minister Paul Givan MLA told The Executive Office Committee that The Executive Office’s Autumn/Winter contingency plan will be published next week and will be a “key reference point”.

  • The North-South Ministerial Council has approved the £1bn PEACE Plus programme.

  • Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD published the 2022 Budget for the Republic of Ireland, which will see the 9% VAT rate reduction for the hospitality sector ending in August 2022. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will remain in place until April 2022 and a carbon tax rise will raise over €2000m to retrofit 20,000 homes. Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath TD announced the Irish Government will allocate an additional €50m to its Shared Island Fund in 2022.

  • Northern Ireland’s Chief Planner Angus Kerr told the Infrastructure Committee that the NI Audit Office will very shortly be publishing its review of planning in Northern Ireland.

  • A new review to boost UK companies and markets has been launched, giving companies listed on UK stock markets more options when raising capital. The review will be chaired by senior Freshfields lawyer Mark Austin.

  • SDLP MLA Cara Hunter will replace Party colleagues Dolores Kelly MLA as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure and Matthew O’Toole MLA as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. Colin McGrath MLA is leaving The Executive Office Committee and will replace Cara Hunter MLA on the Health Committee.

  • On Monday, the Education Minister and the Finance Minister will face the Assembly for Question Time. The Health Minister is up for questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday, the Executive Office Committee will receive an oral briefing from the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU on the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Committee for Infrastructure will receive a departmental briefing on Controlled Parking Zones. The Economy Committee will consider the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. The Concurrent Committee of the Committee for Education and the Committee for the Economy will receive a joint briefing from departmental officials on the Transition of Young People into Careers.

  • On Thursday, the Health Committee will hear oral evidence on the Organ Donation Bill and will hold a formal clause by clause consideration of the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion Bill. The DAERA Committee will hear oral evidence from representatives from the environmental sector on the Climate Change No.2 Bill.

  • People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has submitted his Trade Union Freedom Bill to the Assembly Speaker’s office on Tuesday. The First Stage of the Bill is to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Other Stories this week

  • Deborah Erskine was officially signed in as the new DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, replacing Arlene Foster. Former world handball champion Aisling Reilly has been selected to replace West Belfast MLA Fra McCann who is stepping down in the coming days.

  • Professor Deirdre Heenan has been appointed as Austria’s Honorary Counsel, following the opening of Austria’s Honorary Consulate in Northern Ireland.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced the Department of Health is making up to £5.5m available to support general practice in Northern Ireland ahead of the Winter months.

  • The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill has passed its Second Stage by 58 votes to 29. It will now proceed to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has launched a public appointment competition for a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA told the Assembly during Question Time on Tuesday that he expects the banning of zero-hour contracts will be “top of the agenda in the next mandate” from 2022 – 2027.

  • Pat Catney MLA’s Period Products (Free Provision) Bill passed through the First Stage in the Assembly. The Second Stage is to be scheduled.

  • The first North-South Ministerial Council meeting since the DUP’s boycott was ruled unlawful, took place on Thursday, where Health Minister Robin Swann MLA met his Republic of Ireland counterpart Stephen Donnelly TD.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Minister Poots and Belfast Lord Mayor to join climate activists at TEDxStormont Countdown

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl will join the TEDxStormont Countdown to discuss her commitments to responding to the Climate Emergency.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl will join the TEDxStormont Countdown to discuss her commitments to responding to the Climate Emergency.

TEDxStormont Countdown is set to return with a thought-provoking event at the Long Gallery, Stormont on Thursday 4 November.

Coinciding with the COP26 Conference happening in Glasgow, TEDxStormont Countdown will bring together some of Northern Ireland’s leading climate change advocates to discuss and share ideas on how best to tackle the global emergency.

TEDxStormont Countdown is a part of TED’s global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.

Minister Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA will deliver remarks on his Department’s response to the growing climate emergency.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Kate Nicholl, who is taking on a Climate Pledge every month of her mayoral term, will deliver a TED talk on her commitments to making Belfast a greener society while looking to what more local governments can do to promote positive climate changes.

Other speakers include podcaster and climate change activist Rosalind Skillen who will delve into how younger generations are taking action and responding in creative ways to the climate emergency.

John Gilliland, Director of Global Agriculture and Sustainability at Devenish Nutrition will look at how businesses are looking at green and sustainable business models to help the bid to cut carbon emissions by 2050.

RSPB Northern Ireland will be unveiling the winning artworks from their Artist of the Year Competition and its Director will be making a presentation on why it’s time to act ambitiously and urgently to address the nature and climate emergency.

TEDxStormont Countdown will be streamed live online.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Kate Nicholl said:

“As a passionate environmentalist, I’m delighted to be part of this important event and use my platform as Lord Mayor to help bring a renewed focus to the urgent need to take action on climate. It’s my hope that the Countdown initiative and upcoming COP26 conference will act as catalysts for mobilising action here in Belfast, and to bring focus to this important issue and galvanise our city’s own climate action plan.”

Curator of TEDxStormont, Eva Grosman said:

“It is becoming more and more apparent urgent action is required to tackle the climate change emergency. The Countdown initiative is the ideal opportunity for Northern Ireland’s climate change and environmental leaders from a range of sectors to join together to discuss and action the key solutions that will prevent further damage to our environment.

“TEDxStormont Countdown live is set to return to coincide with the COP26 conference to raise even more awareness of the climate crisis and will provoke our leaders in Government and beyond to think ahead to what must be done to save the planet for good. We are thrilled to be joined by some of Northern Ireland’s best climate champions including Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Kate Nicholl, activist Rosalind Gillen, poet and writer Nandi Jola, and sustainable living advocate, Susan McEwen to discuss and share fresh ideas on how best to tackle this global emergency.

“There is no short-term solution for this emergency - TEDxStormont aims to provide resolutions that can last and sustain the planet for many more generations to come.”

TEDxStormont Countdown is supported  by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and RSPB NI.

Tickets for the online stream of TEDxStormont Countdown can be found: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qavJlaxmTxmYF6bsTamR6w

Three-year fintech roadmap will take sector to the next level - by Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy Andrew Jenkins

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 12 October

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy and Chair of FinTech NI Andrew Jenkins

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy and Chair of FinTech NI Andrew Jenkins

Cost competitiveness, a talented workforce, renowned expertise and a collaborative business environment are the credentials often cited for Northern Ireland’s growing position as a world leader in financial technology.

The last month alone has seen New York based technology firm Agio become the latest in a string of international companies that operate within financial services to choose Northern Ireland as its location for investment.

Bringing 100 jobs and £4.5 million in annual salaries to the economy, Agio joins a healthy mixture of global financial services institutions and innovative home-grown companies that conduct business here, a region with typically 40% lower salary costs compared to our neighbours in London and Dublin.

Consider that factor alongside the thousands of graduates that enter the world of business and technology here each year, and the case for Northern Ireland over other potential fintech hubs can be closed. But there is much to be done to ensure this level of success can be sustained.

Throughout the summer, FinTech NI, the representative organisation for the sector here, worked with leading advisory firm Deloitte to produce a strategy for the future of fintech in Northern Ireland.

The first in-depth study of its kind for the sector, it estimates we are now worth a significant £392 million per year to the local economy. Though we already rank highly in lists of the best places in the world to locate a fintech company, the report puts actions, timelines and measurable achievements in place to support this.

Our ambition is to supercharge the sector by 2024 by attracting an additional £25m in foreign direct investment, establishing over ten new international partnerships and taking our current total of 74 fintech companies over 100.

Given our understanding of Northern Ireland’s current state and knowing the strengths we currently have at our disposal, the strategy identifies six key streams of work to transform the sector and benefit the wider economy of Northern Ireland.

These will ensure fintech has an agreed governance strategy, that Northern Ireland is continually marketed as a world-class location and that collaboration with the wider UK and global ecosystems is stimulated.

The roadmap also sets out key objectives for developing talent, including both attracting skilled workers in, but also busting myths among young people to ensure fintech emerges as a reliable and attractive career prospect for the next generation.

We intend to enact improvements to the financial and business support funds available to indigenous firms with high-growth potential, while ensuring government policies and frameworks are attractive for fintechs and supportive of an agile and collaborative business environment.

While we may seem optimistic, this is a dynamic sector recognised for its industry-led innovation, supportive and collaborative community and strong track record in driving global engagement and investment. An industry that flourished in the face of a global pandemic, I have no doubt that the time for optimism is now.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 11 October 2021

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Forward Look

  • The Executive has agreed that from 31 October the legal requirement to maintain social distancing in hospitality settings will move to guidance, nightclubs will be permitted to reopen, and the restriction on indoor dancing will be lifted. A voluntary vaccine passport certificate for the hospitality sector will also be developed.

  • Brexit Minister Lord Frost has told the Conservative Party Conference that he expects the European Commission to formally respond to the UK Government’s calls for renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol by next Wednesday. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has reiterated that the DUP could potentially quit power-sharing and trigger an Assembly election if “substantial progress” is not made.

  • The Irish Budget 2022 will be announced to the Dáil on Tuesday. The Irish Government is also to increase corporation tax from 12.5% to 15% for firms with a turnover of more than €750 million.

  • The Irish Government has launched a €165 billion National Development Plan for 2021-30, with a focus on attracting all-island investment through the North West City Region and the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor initiative.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has made a bid for £55 million in departmental funding to mitigate against the removal of the £20 weekly uplift in universal credit. An additional £180 million received from the Treasury in September has yet to be allocated to Executive departments.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has encouraged businesses and trade bodies to submit rental information ahead of a major revaluation of non-domestic rates in Northern Ireland.

  • The Ulster Unionist Party Conference will take place today and Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in south Belfast. There will be speeches from Party Leader Doug Beattie MLA; Health Minister Robin Swann MLA; Conservative MP, Tom Tugendhat; and Deputy Leader of the Welsh Labour Party, Carolyn Harris MP.

  • Former First Minister Arlene Foster has formally resigned as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Her replacement, former DUP Press Officer Deborah Erskine, will be co-opted to the Assembly next week.

  • The TUV has announced its intention to run a candidate in every constituency in Northern Ireland in preparation for an early Assembly election.

  • The Assembly’s Bills Office has said that 28 January would likely be the cut-off point to have Committee Stages for Bills if they are to pass in this Assembly mandate.

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

  • On Wednesday, the Executive Office Committee will receive a briefing from the First and deputy First Ministers on the work of their department. The Economy Committee will receive a briefing from departmental officials on the Skills Strategy and from Bill sponsor John O’Dowd MLA on the Small-Scale Green Energy Bill. The Finance Committee will consider a written briefing from the department ahead of the October Monitoring Round.

  • On Thursday, the Health Committee will continue its consideration of the Organ Donation Bill, while the Communities Committee will receive briefings on the Charities Bill.

  • The Sunday Independent is to launch a Northern Ireland edition from Sunday 17 October.

  • Belfast Film Festival launched its 2021 programme this week with highlights including the Irish Premiere of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’, Alison Millar’s documentary on the life of Lyra McKee and ‘Here Before’ by Belfast-born filmmaker Stacey Gregg. The festival will run between 4-13 November. To view the full programme: LINK

  • The Londonderry Chamber will host its North West Annual Energy Conference at the City Hotel, Londonderry on 11 November. Tickets and registration: LINK.

  • NILGA will host the Annual Local Government Conference on Wednesday 24 November at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor and online.

Other Stories this week

  • The Truth Recovery Panel into Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries has called for the Executive to conduct a full statutory public inquiry and to establish immediate redress payments for survivors.

  • The Adoption and Children Bill has passed its Second Stage in the Assembly. It will now go to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

  • The Department of Health has announced that 130 community pharmacies will join the next phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme delivering the Moderna vaccine.

  • An Irish Times-Ipsos opinion poll has shown that Sinn Féin has the support of 32% of voters in the Republic of Ireland, ahead of Fine Gael (22%) and Fianna Fáil (20%).

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA is to provide housing associations with £15 million for schemes to deal with the increasing costs of building materials.

  • Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has announced a £500 million package of measures to support the over-50s and workers coming off furlough.

  • Nóirín Hegarty has been appointed editor of The Times and Sunday Times Ireland.

  • The Banbridge Chronicle will cease publishing at the end of the month after 151 years.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Allstate NI takes steps to end domestic abuse in Northern Ireland

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Employees at Allstate NI have raised almost £6,000 for Women’s Aid and the Men’s Advisory Project in a challenge to walk one million steps in one month.

Continuing its series of initiatives to help bring an end to domestic abuse, the technology giant challenged 78 staff teams to walk one million steps to raise funds for the deserving charities.

The company also trained a team of mental health first aiders, HR staff and managers to support employees experiencing abuse. Delivered by Women’s Aid, this covered the tools and best practices needed to help someone in an abusive situation.

Application Developer Veronica Owens, who is also an artist, also launched a series of art classes to provide a fun and relaxing creative outlet for those seeking refuge.

As the lead voluntary organisation addressing domestic and sexual violence in Northern Ireland, Women’s Aid believes abuse against women is a direct result of their unequal position in society, including the workplace.

The Men’s Advisory Project supports men who have left a violent or abusive relationship and offers anger management training for both men and women.

Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $85 million to end domestic violence through financial empowerment. The Foundation empowers victims with the tools to achieve financial independence and a life free from abuse and educates young people on the elements of healthy relationships to help stop abuse before it starts.

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Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said:

“Domestic violence sadly affects far too many in Northern Ireland. Through our work with Women’s Aid and the Men’s Advisory Project, we recognise the need for services that work to both stop domestic abuse while providing support for those who need it. I am proud to see employees applying their professional and personal skills to support fellow employees at risk.”

CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI Sarah Mason said:

“At Women’s Aid, we believe that integrating the corporate world into our fight is a vital step forward in ending domestic abuse. Partnering with Allstate has brought a wealth of new expertise and ideas to our advocacy, and we are thrilled to see so many initiatives up and running.”

Men’s Advisory Project Coordinator Rhonda Lusty said:

“Of the domestic abuse crime known to the PSNI last year, 31 percent was directed towards men. Ending domestic violence for all in society should be a goal for all, and I firmly believe that raising awareness across the corporate world will help us achieve this.”

RTÉ’s Tony Connelly to speak at Londonderry Chamber’s 63rd President’s Annual Dinner

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Brexit expert and RTÉ Europe Editor, Tony Connelly, will speak at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Dinner on Friday 8 October.

Chamber President Dawn McLaughlin will host the event attended by over 250 business leaders, politicians, and invited guests from across the North West in the Everglades Hotel, Derry.

The Dinner will feature St. Columb’s College alumnus, Tony Connelly, in a fireside chat with former BBC broadcaster Sarah Travers.

Sponsored by local corporate insurance firm Find Insurance NI, this year’s event celebrates the work of the North West business community after a very challenging 18 months during the pandemic.

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Dawn McLaughlin, President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said:

“I am delighted to be hosting this year’s President’s Annual Dinner, the first since 2019 due to Covid-19. The highlight of our social calendar, the Dinner offers the perfect chance to meet, network, and engage with leading business and political figures, colleagues, and friends from across the North West region. After all the hardship we’ve faced in the last 18 months, it will be wonderful to see everyone having a great time together and honoring the one-of-a-kind business community we have here.

“Tony Connelly is widely regarded as the go-to expert on Brexit, an issue that has a particular importance for the North West business community and has dominated the political and news agenda over the past five years. Tony will join us on stage to share his personal insights and behind-the-scenes stories with Sarah Travers, in what promises to be an excellent and enlightening discussion.

“This year’s event features a packed programme celebrating all that is best about doing business here in the North West and features a uniquely local focus with entertainment provided by local musicians and performers. I would like to thank our sponsors at Find Insurance NI for their ongoing and invaluable support, and I look forward to what promises to be an excellent occasion.”

Colin Mullan, Managing Director at Find Insurance NI, said:

“We are thrilled to be the main sponsor for this year’s President’s Annual Dinner. As proud Derry Chamber members, this flagship event is a celebration not just of the brilliant work done by our local businesses, but of their persistence and determination during what has been an incredibly challenging period. After such a long period without gala dinners and events like these, we are excited to be getting back together and I want to wish everyone a wonderful night.

Irish première of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ to headline 21st Belfast Film Festival

(From left to Right): Actor Lewis McAskie, who has roles in the opening and closing films of Belfast Film Festival, ‘Belfast’ and ‘Here Before’, Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival, and Jude Hill, star of ‘Belfast’ and ‘Mandrake’ which will feature at this year’s festival.

(From left to Right): Actor Lewis McAskie, who has roles in the opening and closing films of Belfast Film Festival, ‘Belfast’ and ‘Here Before’, Michele Devlin, Director of Belfast Film Festival, and Jude Hill, star of ‘Belfast’ and ‘Mandrake’ which will feature at this year’s festival.

'Belfast’, the latest film from acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh, and now the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award winner, will have its Irish première at this year’s Belfast Film Festival at The ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall.

The award-winning film is a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy’s childhood, amid the social and political tumult of the late 1960s. It stars Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds and introduces 10-year-old Jude Hill.

The special event, which opens the 21st Belfast Film Festival on the 4th November, will be introduced by Branagh himself and attended by some of the film’s A-list cast in what will be a glittering homecoming night for the film. Tickets for ‘Belfast’ will go on sale on Friday 8th October at 10am.

Bringing It All Back Home is the theme of the 21st Belfast Film Festival which features a plethora of Irish talent with new films including a psychological thriller starring Andrea Riseborough, ‘Here Before’ written and directed by east Belfast’s Stacey Gregg; and a special screening of the gripping occult tale ‘Mandrake’ directed by Lisburn-born filmmaker Lynne Davison.

The Irish première of filmmaker Alison Millar’s documentary on the life of murdered journalist Lyra McKee will première at the festival. Looking at the career and life of the young writer, as well as exploring the tragic incident that resulted in her death in 2019, ‘Lyra’ was made with the involvement of her family, friends and partner. 

Belfast based company Doubleband, better known for documentaries, will debut their first Irish language feature drama ‘Doineann’ (Storm) directed by Damian McCann, written by Aislinn Clarke and starring Bríd Brennan.

To mark the 100 year point since the partition of Ireland and the establishment of the Northern Irish state, the festival will host a special hybrid live music / film archive event.  Steering clear of thorny constitutional material, this event will bypass clichéd representations of the North by collating hundreds of clips of happier times during the past century. ‘100 Years of Happiness’ will take place at the Common Market and feature a live performance from The Organanuts. This event is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.

Belfast Film Festival Chair and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mark Cousins will screen one of his latest documentaries, ‘The Storms of Jeremy Thomas’ which takes an in-depth look at the illustrious career of Oscar-winning producer (‘The Last Emperor’ 1988) Jeremy Thomas, through a road trip Cousins and Thomas take from London to Cannes.

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Commenting on his attendance on opening night Kenneth Branagh said:

“I am fortunate to have attended film festivals throughout the world for this most personal of films, but it was always my hope that we might be invited to bring ‘Belfast’ home.

“To be included as a part of the Belfast Film Festival is a great honour for us. This year's festival is packed with local talent in all areas of the industry from acting and directing to producing, and shows the phenomenal strength of the film industry here. It is great to see our young actors, Jude Hill and Lewis McAskie appearing in not one but two feature films in the Festival and demonstrates the depth of new acting talent.  And I couldn’t be more delighted for Bríd Brennan receiving a special award; a truly great actress, and a cherished collaborator from the earliest days of my career”.

Commenting on the launch of Belfast Film Festival’s 2021 programme, Director Michele Devlin said:

“Belfast Film Festival is certainly ‘bringing it all back home’ this year with a much needed sprinkle of stardust, as we welcome home some of our most internationally successful filmmaking talents. The calibre of films being screened is inspiring, showing that cinema is well and truly back, and in particular, celebrating Irish film as it continues to thrive on the international circuit.

“We are thrilled to host the Irish première of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’. A real full circle moment as the writer and director returns to a city much changed to that depicted in the film.

“Since the tragic murder of Lyra McKee in 2019, director Alison Miller has been working alongside her loved ones, to tell the story of Lyra, her friend.  Alison’s film is both a painful and joyful tribute to the late journalist, a beautifully crafted testimony of a young woman, her untimely death and its devastating impact. The film is edited by Chloe Lambourne (‘For Sama’ 2019) with a soundtrack by multi-award winning producer/composer David Holmes.

“We are thrilled to welcome many other homegrown filmmakers, both new and experienced, including Bríd Brennan and Jim Sheridan who will join us to celebrate their impressive careers. We look forward to welcoming filmmakers and audiences back to 10 days of guests, talks, music, film and togetherness in front of the big screen… we’ve missed you.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said:

“We are brimming with pride that this year’s festival includes films from local directors Stacey Gregg, Mark Cousins, Damian McCann, Lynne Davison and Alison Millar and that their films are so diverse and wide ranging in their themes and storytelling.  That the local directors are being led by Kenneth Branagh, who brings his film ‘Belfast’ back home to open the Belfast Film Festival at the ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, makes this a truly remarkable festival programme timed perfectly to bring confidence and enthusiasm back to the cinema-going public.”

A host of special guests will participate in the festival in a series of events including;

  • Bríd Brennan will receive the Belfast Film Festival Realta Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema during an ‘in conversation’ event covering her celebrated career.

  • Acclaimed director, Jim Sheridan of 'My Left Foot', 'The Field' and 'In The Name of the Father' will talk about his work, in conversation with Trevor Birney.

  • Northern Irish writer Helen O’Hara will do a public talk on her new book, Women Vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film.

  • The creators of ‘H3’, Les Blair, Laurence McKeown, Juanita Wilson and James Flynn will join the festival for a panel discussion on the making of the film which depicts the H-Blocks in the midst of the 1981 crisis.

  • The Strand Arts Centre, Digital Film Archive and Belfast Film Festival honour the work of the Spence Brothers, two movie mavericks who produced and directed over 50 years of cinema in Northern Ireland. Brian Henry Martin will talk to them about their career. The day of tribute will feature workshops, screenings and an exhibition.

Belfast Film Festival is proudly sponsored by Birra Moretti, Hastings Hotels and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities, Tourism NI, Film Hub NI.

Film screenings and events will take place both online and in cinemas and venues across Belfast including Odeon Cinema, Queen’s Film Theatre, The Strand Cinema and Common Market.

 

Airporter confident of strong air travel bounce back as company celebrates 25th anniversary

Jennifer and Niall McKeever, Directors, Airporter

Jennifer and Niall McKeever, Directors, Airporter

The directors of North West-based bus company Airporter have said they expect a strong recovery for air travel as Covid restrictions unwind, with pent-up demand from people eager to travel again driving business.

The company, which is celebrating 25 years in business this October, is back to around 60% of its pre-pandemic levels of trade already. With rules on Covid-19 testing for international travel due to relax in Northern Ireland for fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red list countries from Monday 4 October, Airporter directors Jennifer and Niall McKeever are optimistic about the short to medium term prospects for the sector.

Airporter runs a regular direct service from Derry~Londonderry to both Belfast airports and provides a vital transport link for the people of the North West.

Opening in 1996 with just two drivers, two buses and around 5,000 customers a year, the company now carries 150,000 passengers annually, has a staff of 30, and a fleet of Mercedes coaches. In 2018, the company invested £1 million in a custom-built headquarters in Springtown, to futureproof the organisation for growth and development. 

Airporter continues to go from strength to strength and, currently, the company is well on its way to carrying 2 million passengers. The company has completed over 100,000 journeys and plays a huge role in improving connectivity to and from the North West region.

(L-R) Jennifer McKeever, Director; Kathy Coyle, Customer Service Manager; Niall McKeever, Director; Pamela Deery, Office Manager; and Carla McDevitt, Customer Accounts Manager.

(L-R) Jennifer McKeever, Director; Kathy Coyle, Customer Service Manager; Niall McKeever, Director; Pamela Deery, Office Manager; and Carla McDevitt, Customer Accounts Manager.

Jennifer McKeever, Director, Airporter:

“The pandemic has, of course, been a huge challenge for the wider travel and tourism industry but we’ve weathered the storm well and we’re pleased to be operating at around 60% of our pre-pandemic levels. We’re excited and optimistic about the bounce back of the industry as vaccine levels rise and people get back travelling again. We’ve already seen a positive return to trade during the summer with people eager to get back on holiday again and with students going to university across the water.

“We’re so proud to have reached this hugely significant milestone and of everything we’ve achieved over the past 25 years. When we set out in 1996, there was no formal or reliable transport link between the North West and the two Belfast airports, and we had just two small buses. Now, we carry over 150,000 passengers annually. We’re privileged to be so many people’s first choice for travelling to and from the North West – people going to work, students going to university, families reuniting, visitors coming to the North West.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support and loyalty over the past 25 years, all of our staff and colleagues who have worked with us on our journey, both Belfast International and Belfast City Airports for their ongoing partnerships with us, and the people of Derry and the North West for supporting us.”

Niall McKeever, Director, Airporter:

“As the infrastructure in the North West continues to improve all the time, we are hugely optimistic about the future. The completion of the A6 dualling project, scheduled for next Spring 2022, is not just a potential gamechanger for Airporter, but also for the North West economy. Improved connectivity between our region and other leading economic hubs across the UK and Ireland will bring increased investment, more jobs, and greater prosperity for the North West.

“Looking forward, decarbonisation and sustainability will become even more of a key priority for Airporter. The transport sector has a real opportunity to lead the way in terms of meeting our net zero goals and transitioning to more climate friendly and carbon neutral ways of doing business. We are conscious of the challenges ahead of us, but we are excited about meeting them head on over the next 25 years.

“A quarter of a century is a fantastic achievement for any business to reach. Airporter was born out of a need to serve the local community here in the North West and we remain absolutely committed to Derry and beyond. We have developed a recognisable and successful brand during this period, as well as creating and sustaining a crucial infrastructural link between our region and the two Belfast airports, and we want to thank everyone who has supported us since 1996.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 4 October 2021

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Forward Look

  • The first changes from new legislation to reform liquor licensing laws here will come into effect today. Some of the provisions include drinking-up time increasing to one hour, removal of restrictions on late opening on Sunday, pubs and hotels can apply to open to 2:00am up to 104 nights per year and smaller pubs will be able to open to 1:00am up to 104 nights annually.

  • DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donalson MP has called for unionist parties to work together ahead of next May’s Assembly Election to stop Sinn Féin becoming the largest party. Leader of the UUP, Doug Beattie MLA, has ruled this out.

  • It has been reported by the Belfast Telegraph that the Government could trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol as early as next week. It comes as the EU is expected to formally lay out their proposals to find solutions to the working of the Protocol.

  • The First and deputy First Minister have launched a public appointment competition for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

  • Alliance has called for a review of Northern Irelands 100 quangos. Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has insisted that progress has been made on cutting the number of arm-length bodies as the terms of reference for a review have been agreed.

  • Belfast City Council is seeking feedback on their Social Value Procurement Policy. Their first virtual consultation event will take place on 5 October. Register: HERE.

  • The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine boosters to Northern Ireland’s care homes is underway, the Health Minister has confirmed. The wider booster dose programme will begin in October for those eligible.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has published the terms of reference and the appointment of the expert personnel panel for the public inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim. It was also confirmed that the setting up date for the inquiry will be 11 October.

  • The Department for the Economy is to request an additional £21 million in case there is an overspend of the £145 million budget for the High Street Voucher Scheme. It comes after it was revealed over 400,000 applications have been completed for the scheme.

  • The Department of Health is inviting the public to participate in upcoming virtual consultation events for a new 10-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland. The consultation will close on 20 October.

  • Penguin Books Ireland have announced that the Political Correspondent for the Irish Examiner, Aoife Grace Moore, is to publish a definitive book on the rise of Sinn Fein. Interviews and research for the book will occur over the next year.

  • On Monday, the Infrastructure and Justice Ministers will take part in Question Time. The Agriculture Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Tuesday the second stage of the Adoption and Children Bill will take place.

  • On Wednesday, the Economy Committee will receive briefings from the Skills Strategic Advisory Group and the Department on the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. The Infrastructure Committee will receive a Departmental briefing on the Budget. The Commission for Victims and Survivors will brief the Executive Office Committee.

  • On Thursday, the Health Committee will deliberate on the Severe Fetal Impairment (Amendment) Bill. The Justice Committee will receive Oral Evidence on the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, while the Communities Committee will receive briefings on the Charities Bill and the Supporting People Policy.

  • The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce will host its 63rd Annual Presidents dinner next Friday at the Everglades Hotel, Derry. The keynote speaker will be the Europe Editor of RTE, Tony Conelly.

  • The UUP will host its Annual Conference next Friday and Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast.

Other Stories this week

  • New Labour Leadership rule changes, proposed by Keir Starmer MP, passed at the Labour Conference in Brighton. The new rules will give MPs more sway over leadership elections.

  • Northern Ireland’s Unionist parties issued a Joint Unionist Declaration in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol. It can be read and viewed: HERE.

  • The Climate Change (No. 2) Bill, the Small-Scale Green Energy Bill and the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill all passed their second stages. They will now go to Committee Stage for scrutiny.

  • Chair of the Fiscal Commission, Paul Johnson, has said that the Executive could have up to £600 million to spend if it brought some policies into line with other parts of the UK.

  • Education Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA has announced the independent panel which will undertake the review of education. Biographies of the panellists can be found: HERE.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a new £40 million Laboratory Management System to improve the delivery of Clinical diagnostic services for key areas of healthcare.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA announced a review of strategic planning policy on oil and gas development. The review will include the consideration of fracking.

  • New Sinn Foyle MLAs have taken up role on Assembly Committees. Padraig Delargey MLA has joined the Infrastructure Committee, while Ciara Ferguson MLA has joined the Communities Committee.

  • Louise Cullen is to be the new Environment Correspondent for the BBC from next week.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

Zero Carbon Message Driven Home - Emission Free Bus Tour Visits Stormont

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

The Zero Carbon Hydrogen bus visited Parliament Buildings today (Thursday 30 Sept) to meet with Ministers, MLAs and councils ahead of the global COP26 conference in Glasgow in November.

In the UK, the Race to Zero Carbon push is coordinated by Kwasi Kwarteng’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department working with Local Authorities, PlanetMark, the Institute of Directors, and others. It is the Government’s flagship campaign to raise awareness among the business community about the urgent need for firms – as part of a wider push - to cut carbon emissions. 

The Northern Ireland leg of the Tour sees Planet Mark partner with NILGA and Translink to explore learning across the region in Translink’s new zero emission hydrogen bus, visiting local businesses to hear how organisations are decarbonising. In addition, there will be net zero workshops for businesses that are starting out on their low carbon transition. The milestone visit and tour is supported by councils, with location support from Belfast City, Mid and East Antrim, Derry City and Strabane and Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

August’s hard hitting Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report is absolutely clear: “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land.” Businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, are therefore being dynamically encouraged to take action now to reduce their carbon emissions and create a healthier planet and society.

NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; Declan McAleer MLA, AERA Committee Chair; Harry Harvey MLA; Philip McGuigan MLA, AERA Committee Deputy Chair; Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships; Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA; John Blair MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess.

NILGA CEO Derek McCallan; Declan McAleer MLA, AERA Committee Chair; Harry Harvey MLA; Philip McGuigan MLA, AERA Committee Deputy Chair; Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships; Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA; John Blair MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess.

NILGA President, Cllr Robert Burgess, said:

“I am delighted to welcome the team from Planet Mark who have been on tour, demonstrating to Northern Ireland’s businesses how we can set our own very credible carbon reduction targets and get things done, now. It is vital that our local businesses begin their journey on the Race to Zero, and I trust that the events this week will have empowered local firms and workers to protect our environment, by demystifying what is needed to achieve net zero. The tour has also been highlighting the good work many companies are already doing to address their carbon output.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA said:

“It’s great to see the Carbon Battle Bus here on the Northern Ireland leg of its tour of the UK. The bus currently touring Northern Ireland has been manufactured locally in Ballymena and provides an ideal opportunity to showcase and highlight the innovative solutions to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in particular our budding hydrogen sector which I hope develops and grows. This is a great opportunity to showcase actions that business, government departments, charities, other organisations and individuals are doing to help combat climate change and make a positive difference in their communities which will be presented to the world in support of COP26.”

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess; Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA; Translink CEO Chris Conway; and Andrew Griffiths, PlanetMark, Director of Community and Partnerships.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA said:

“I am pleased to demonstrate my support for COP26 and our commitment to act now to address the climate crisis. I believe that COP26 provides us with a unique opportunity to ensure a step change in how we can work together to tackle the climate crisis and work together to deliver a just transition to net zero.

“Tackling the climate crisis is the single biggest global challenge we face and, as Infrastructure Minister, I have made addressing the climate crisis a top priority.

“I am committed to delivering on the decarbonisation of public transport and promoting modal shift, which will be key to reducing the reliance on the private car. Translink’s hydrogen bus project highlights Northern Ireland’s ability to produce sustainable hydrogen for use in state of the art, locally built, hydrogen buses to deliver public transport services across our network. I am delighted that local organisations, including Translink, are able to participate in the Zero Carbon Bus Tour which provides an opportunity to showcase these exemplary projects.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said:

“I am committed to ensuring the impacts of climate change on our economy are reflected within my Department’s economic policy priorities so I was very happy to meet with the team on the Zero Carbon Bus Tour. 

“Our Vision for a 10x Economy sets out a bold and ambitious vision for the Northern Ireland economy through a decade of innovation and recognises climate change as a generational challenge that must be addressed.

“My Department’s new Energy Strategy will also play a major role in our efforts to address climate change. Our overall goal is to achieve net zero carbon and affordable energy which, through focusing on indigenous clean energy sources, will ensure that more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy and helps to create jobs and wealth.”