Allstate NI wins gold at both UK and Northern Ireland Contact Centre Awards

Gold winners for Allstate NI Sean Benson and Stephen Lomas

The contact centre team at Allstate Northern Ireland have achieved four gold and two silver awards across both the local and national contact centre awards events.

At the London ceremony of the UK National Contact Centre Awards last month, the team took gold in the Contact Centre Manager of the Year and Unsung Hero categories, and silver in the Best Diversity and Inclusion Culture award.

Employees at the Allstate Technology Support Centre (ATSC) celebrated further last week with three awards at the Contact Centre Network Northern Ireland Awards, winning gold in Support Team of the Year and Large Contact Centre of the Year and silver for Senior Manager of the Year.

Allstate’s Unsung Hero was Senior Division Leader Sean Benson, who was recognised for playing a key role in moving the company’s operations online in a matter of days due to the pandemic, while himself at risk due to a serious health condition.

Stephen Lomas was also celebrated as Contact Centre Manager of the Year for his outstanding leadership capabilities, unique approach to employee engagement, and his work at the forefront of Allstate’s digital transformation strategy.

Locally, the silver award for Senior Manager of the Year went to Sabrina Lynch, Senior Division Leader at the ATSC who has responsibility for over 250 contact centre operators across bases in NI, the US and India.

Sabrina Lynch, Senior Manager at Allstate NI presented her award by John Nesbitt of Jabra

With a focus on inclusive diversity and dedication to creating a culture of continuous improvement in the workforce, Sabrina was nominated for her determination across all areas of the business, including in driving initiatives to boost employee engagement. Sabrina led the team that established the ‘Flex It Up’ model, an employee-led flexible working approach, and spearheaded Allstate’s Digital First Strategy.  

Hosted by TV and radio presenter Vernon Kay, the London awards event saw the ATSC team recognised for their innovative approaches to achieving a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Silver win in the Best Diversity & Inclusion Category follow’s Allstate’s Silver Diversity Mark NI award that made it the first NI company to be recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Welcoming the awards, Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said:

“The response of our teams right across the Allstate operation to the changing ways of work could not have been possible without the service desk team at the ATSC. In four days, we had the entire NI operation equipped to operate from the comfort and safety of their homes thanks to an efficient mobilisation led by Sean, Stephen, Sabrina and the 300 strong service desk team.”

“Despite the challenges this caused, I am proud to have employees who continued to support their local communities by modifying our business practices and ensuring we live up to our people, community and environmental goals. Covid-19 may have changed how our working practices look, but our volunteering initiatives and participation in community events remain the same. These are exceptional leaders, and I am immensely proud to see Sabrina, Sean, Stephen and the wider ATSC team recognised on both a national and local level.”

Occupational Burnout is a hazard that can be fixed - by John Conaghan, Group Director of Professional Services, Inspire

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 19 October

As we reflect on another year of workplaces shifting, with many either still working from home or trying to find the rhythm on hybrid working, there are still clear challenges for both employees and employers. The issues posed by Covid-19 have impacted on us all including in the workplace which for many become kitchen tables and spare bedrooms. The increasingly blurred lines between work and home have resulted in people burning out which the World Health Organisation has defined as ‘a syndrome conceptualised from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.’ I have no doubt this description will resonate with many.

Burnouts occur when we become overwhelmed with stress, both in our working and personal lives, when we cannot seem to escape the all-consuming sense of burden and worry. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including too many responsibilities or excessive workload. The pandemic has only exacerbated factors leading to burnout, and it is important that people are aware of this and act to reduce the effect.

To ensure the positive wellbeing of staff, Inspire Workplaces believe it is vital that employers and employees can spot the signs of a burnout, and act to ensure staff can take a break and feel supported within their workplace which ultimately diminishes the chances of further burnouts occurring.

Some helpful tips to prevent burnout include;

  • Root out the problem – take a moment and reflect on what is troubling you.

  • Take care of yourself – simple steps like exercise and a healthy diet can have a big impact on mental wellbeing and stress levels.

  • Reach out to other people – meaningful conversations work well to help us feel supported.

  • Change the way you view your job – seeing purposeful action in what you do can change your outlook on you job, and in turn create a positive mindset.

  • Remember to prioritise yourself – by taking time for yourself, and separating that work-life balance, you are giving your head space to breath and calm to set in.

At Inspire Workplaces, we look to champion those workplaces who value and look out for employee wellbeing. We provide online resources giving advice on how best to deal with workplace stress and guidance for employers on how to support employees wellbeing.

This week, we will celebrate employers through our Workplace Wellbeing Awards, as we mark those who go above and beyond for employee wellbeing and ensure that mental health is as importance as physical health in the workplace.

The Awards are a further opportunity for Inspire to encourage other employers to look into how best to encourage workplace wellbeing. Through dedicated mental health and wellbeing programmes which include counselling and talking therapies, employers can help contribute towards the positive emotional wellbeing of their team, which in turn can help to nurture and develop employees and create happier and more productive workplaces.

This is not only possible but necessary. Organisations across Northern Ireland are already committed to the wellbeing of their staff and have been delivering excellent health and wellbeing programmes to deliver on this commitment rather than paying lip service to it. This is the embodiment of ‘we are all in this together’ and this must continue.

Belfast International Homecoming goes green for city's response to COP26

Belfast International Homecoming - the leading conference connecting Belfast with its global diaspora – will go green for its seventh annual conference in a hybrid event focused on the climate emergency.

Taking place at Titanic Belfast on 4 November during COP26, Belfast International Homecoming — The Green Edition, will be addressed by Pekka Timonen, Mayor of the EU’s 2021 Green Capital Lahti, Finland, who will be making his first visit to the city.

CEO of Plug Power, the world’s leading $20 billion hydrogen fuel company, Maria Bos and Assemblyman Mike Cusick, Chair of the Energy Committee in the New York State Legislature will also address the conference virtually.

Supported by Ulster Bank, Phoenix Natural Gas, Ulster University, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and MRP, the one-day event will focus on opportunities from the shift to a more sustainable economy, including the creation of green collar jobs in clean energy, electric vessels, and hydrogen fuel.

A gala celebration in City Hall will follow, including the ‘installation’ of a new cohort of Belfast Ambassadors who have been promoting the city globally.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

“Belfast City Council is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation and, as a council, we want to take the lead in setting a positive example for our residents to cut emissions. Engaging with our partners around the world is essential to this and we commend Belfast International Homecoming: The Green Edition for creating this valuable opportunity.”

Gabi Burnside, Entrepreneur Acceleration Manager at Ulster Bank said:

“As a conference sponsor, I am thrilled that Belfast International Homecoming will turn its focus to the climate emergency and the need for a transition to a green economy and society. With more and more businesses starting to contribute to the green economy, I am excited to see how we can learn from our diaspora to give Northern Ireland a cutting edge internationally.” 

Jonathan Martindale, Director of Business Development at Phoenix Natural Gas said:

“Belfast International Homecoming has always been an event which showcases the very best of Belfast. Each year, it provides the opportunity to hear from the Belfast diaspora sharing real-world experiences. I look forward to hearing from speakers talking about how they are promoting the awareness of the environment through their businesses and community advocacy work.”

The SDLP Reshuffles its Assembly Frontbench Team

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SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has announced a reshuffle of the party’s frontbench Assembly team. The Party Leader has also created new roles for the party’s MLAs to “reflect urgent political priorities”, with the creation of a Covid Recovery Spokesperson, a Climate Champion Spokesperson, and a New Generations Spokesperson.

The Foyle MP said the changes to the party is about “holding Ministers to account” and aim to deliver better outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.

The appointments are as follows:

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.