Allstate NI invests in future talent with 100 student and graduate opportunities this year

Talent and Acquisition Consultant at Allstate NI Shannon Ellis and Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy pictured with recent recruits to graduate roles within the company.

One of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, Allstate NI, has responded to the digital transformation of the economy by creating 100 roles for students and graduates since the summer of 2021.

The technology giant, which employs over 2,500 people in Northern Ireland, is currently bringing on 100 individuals for early career opportunities, including graduate roles, placements, internships and apprenticeships.

The drive follows a report by public policy forum Pivotal in August that found that over two-thirds of students who study outside Northern Ireland continue to live away from home after graduation. To address this educational migration and create a digitally competent workforce, Allstate included a landmark number of student and graduate opportunities in 2021.

Investing in areas where significant growth is expected, the company is creating roles in edge technologies, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity. Allstate is also recruiting for entry-level positions, internships and yearlong placements in data science and business analytics.

This focus on student recruitment builds on Allstate’s work throughout the past number of years, including recruiting over 300 individuals since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Over 20% of employees have also been promoted in 2021.

Winner of Digital DNA’s Workplace of the Year 2020, Allstate operates a flexible, employee-led working policy that allows individuals to design their arrangements around their personal lives. Staff at Allstate NI also get 15 hours of volunteering time per year to give back to the community.

To find out more about current opportunities at Allstate, visit: https://www.allstateni.com/careers.aspx

Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate Northern Ireland John Healy said:

“At Allstate, investing in the technological engineers of the future is something we have been passionate about for a long time. As we continue our steady emergence from the pandemic, business is not standing still. Modern technology is fast moving, and the demand for a digitally competent workforce is growing. With significant aspirations for the future, we’re investing in learning and are delighted to accelerate our student recruitment.”

Bronagh Doherty, Graduate Full Stack Developer at Allstate NI added:

“I was determined to find a role in which I could advance my skills and knowledge from university while still maintaining a work-life balance. At Allstate, challenge, opportunity and progression are a part of the experience, and I am encouraged to build my working life around what’s important to me.”

Leaders face new scale of challenge in managing a workforce beyond walls writes Donal Laverty, Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As originally appeared in the Irish News, Tuesday 30 November

Donal Laverty, Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

The changing world of work has been a principal point of debate for some time now. As business continues in the shadows of the greatest disruption of our time, many companies have opted to set out their stall on the hybrid working, modern business model agenda.

Though no one could blame those at the helm for wishing to draw a line in the sand and move on, the disruption to working life is unlikely to settle for some time. To navigate this, businesses require a new and improved type of leadership, and one that can effectively manage a workforce beyond walls.

Underpinning the well-worn logistical considerations of staff productivity and use of office space that frame this debate, there is a shift in the psychological contract that exists between employer and employee.

No doubt amplified by the ongoing resurgence of the job market; employee expectations have been altered by the great disruptor that is Covid-19. Both candidates and retained staff are seeking a sense of security and comfort that no matter their flexible working requirements, their employment will remain stable.

Given the untold levels of disruption to every aspect of how we work and live, this desire for a psychological safety net among employees adds a new dimension to business leadership.

For owners and managers, there is an awareness that every decision they make will have influence on the ebb and flow of productivity within their business. Some will be reluctant to give up the level of oversight that is possible with office working, while others will bet all their chips on the greater levels of staff contentment, and subsequent output rates, that they feel will come with a more home-based approach.

Whatever way you look at it, however, there is another side to the coin and some businesses will no doubt see a drop in creativity and productivity, while employees at home miss out on the social opportunities that come with work.

That is why, as society understandably pushes towards the end of the tunnel, our leaders must take a purposeful pause to let the dust settle on a time that severed all we knew to be normal about working life.

Going forward, the purpose of the business must be at the heart of operational decision making. Covid put an end to any sense of belonging and predictability we thought we knew, leaving leaders with structures no longer defined by the physical space they occupy, but rather by their ultimate end product or service.

If a business premises is not directly relevant to that purpose, it will otherwise be defined by its success, efficiency, and of course the contentment of the people within. Organisations therefore need to sit tight and let things stabilise, in order to understand their critical levers for change and put in place that all important forward plan.

Paired with the inevitable growth in competition and the ever-changing official guidance around office working, businesses face a new scale of challenge, with the onus very much upon each individual employer to do what is best for their company.

Managing this transformation and guiding an organisation through a period of continuous change therefore places a new type of pressure on leaders. At a CO3 seminar this week, we will discuss how best to respond, reset and reinvent your approach in the face of significant change. Find out more: https://www.co3.bz/event/responding-resetting-and-reinventing-%E2%80%93-looking-beyond-hybrid-working-and-managing

Further Education providing leading pathways to skilled workforce of the present and future - by Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College

As originally appeared in the Irish News on 30 November

As we enter into the recovery period, and life slowly begins to resemble normality, the six Further Education Colleges are primed and ready to continue to be key talent drivers providing the experts needed to plug the skills gaps emerging across our economy.

From BTEC courses in construction, health and social care, joinery and hospitality, to Higher Level Apprenticeships in FinTech, Accountancy and IT, the Further Education Sector is ensuring that the next generation of workforces are well equipped with the skills and know-how to add value to their sectors and thus the wider economy.

Each year, our sector, which injects £126m annually to the local economy, supports over 60,000 student reach their fullest potential in whatever career path they choose. This is achieved through dedicated courses and connections with over 9,000 employers across the country who are well-placed to offer valuable on-the-job training to our leaners and enable them to be ‘work-ready’ as well as industry leading lecturers training our students in what our employers need.  

As our sector works to ensure that we are providing this key talent, the ongoing economic recovery must look to new ways of ensuring growth across Northern Ireland. With huge changes in approaches to working we can already see how more and more businesses are committed to hybrid models of working post-pandemic, meaning a shift in people from densely populated centres to more rural locations. The Further Education colleges are committed to building a regionally balanced economy through providing these skilled workers in all our towns, cities and villages – however investment must be made to ensure these skills are adequately built upon.

Reviews of the education system show that post-16, more direction and investment needs to be pointed towards vocational study which offers young people options beyond academia and provides the key skills and knowledge to take up roles in many of the key economic driving sectors including manufacturing, fintech and health care. This can be done through the thorough implementation of the long awaited 14-19 Strategy and the investment in courses that allow students to access that real life working experience which sets our learners apart and gives them those vital skills to make them the key drivers in our economy.

Work must commence to ensure young people are made aware of the array of resources, courses and qualifications on offer across the six Further Education Colleges that will lead to fulfilling vocational careers. There is much discussion on the perceived ‘Brain Drain’ of our young people who move away for university. Our solution to this issue is enhanced awareness of the local further education system and what it can offer our young learners at a fraction of the cost.

Our schools have a duty to work in partnership with local Further Education Colleges to provide our young people with the information on options that are best suited for them. It will help set some of our younger generations on the right pathway which will be both right for them and create added value to our local economy and in turn society.

Tax implications a vital aspect of Christmas planning, says Belfast accountancy and advisory firm

Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Ahead of the festive season, Belfast accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore is urging businesses to consider their taxation obligations when planning their long-awaited festive celebrations and corporate gifting plans.

Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery said:

“If a work Christmas party is on your agenda, the tax implications will be the last thing you consider when arranging venues and purchasing gifts for employees or clients. With all the good intentions, however, rewarding staff and clients at Christmas can still leave you on the wrong side of your taxation obligations.”

“Getting this wrong can be costly to both you and potentially your employees, meaning that any goodwill generated in the festive period would surely be lost if they are faced with the tax bill for the privilege. Here, I set out how best to remain compliant and legal when arranging celebrations or purchasing gifts for employees or clients.”

Remaining Tax Compliant at Christmas:

• Provided the party or function is an annual event, this will qualify as a tax-free benefit if open to all staff, not just directors, and all events in the year come at a cost of less than £150 per person including VAT. This should cover any related costs such as food, drink, transport, and overnight accommodation. If you go over the £150, however, then none of it is exempt, so it is important we don’t party too hard.

• If you hold more than one annual event in the year, all will be exempt if the combined costs do not exceed the £150 and they are made available to all staff. If not, you may need to choose an event covered by the annual exemption where costs are below £150 per head, and the other events will be a taxable benefit for your employees.

• In addition to the Christmas party, many employers will also be considering making gifts to their staff. The tax treatment of gifts will depend on who will be receiving it, be that employees or customers.

• If opting for a Christmas bonus, these must be treated in the normal way and remain subject to tax and national insurance.

• Gifts to employees such as hampers will be tax free, provided they fall within the ‘trivial benefit’ exemption. This applies when the cost including VAT does not exceed £50; it is not cash or a cash voucher that could be exchanged for cash; it is not provided in recognition of past or future services by the employee and they are not already entitled to this within their contractual arrangement. Where the employer is a ‘close’ company and the benefit is provided to a director, the total value of trivial benefits they can receive in a tax year cannot exceed £300.

• In terms of gifts from third parties, such as suppliers or customers, employees can receive vouchers without tax as long as they do not exceed £250. This must be genuinely intended as a gift, however, and not provided in recognition for services rendered.

• While gifts to employees are tax deductible for a business, gifts provided to third parties are not an allowable expense, unless the cost does not exceed £50 (per person, per period), bears the name or logo of the business and does not include food, drink, or tobacco.

• Still apprehensive about your tax implications? Contact the tax team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore on 028 9032 3466 to find out more.

Executive must prioritise councils ahead of and after next Assembly Election

Jayne McCormack, event host; Cllr Robert Burgess, NILGA President; Robin Swann MLA, Health Minister; Cllr Matt Garrett, NILGA Past President; and Gary Middleton MLA, Junior Minister.

Candidates in next year’s Assembly Election have been urged at this year’s major local government conference to prioritise the further devolution of powers, resources, and finances to local councils for a better Northern Ireland. 

Over one hundred physical delegates along with virtual attendees attended the Policy & Investment event today (Wednesday 24th November) at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, the first major council-led summit since February 2020.

Jointly delivered by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE NI), the 2021 “Councils Make It Happen” event tackled dealing with the economic, environmental, investment, social and health issues facing all in Northern Ireland and developed practical and political solutions should partnership between local government and the NI Executive improve.  

Speakers included Health Minister Robin Swann MLA, Junior Minister Gary Middleton MLA, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA, NILGA President, Cllr. Robert Burgess, and senior figures across the public, business, community and voluntary sectors.

Hosted by broadcaster and political journalist Jayne McCormack, and supported by APSE, CCLA and TerraQuest, this was the first Local Government Conference since Covid restrictions began over 20 months ago. 

Cllr Martin Kearney, Mid Ulster District Council; Jayne McCormack, event host; Cllr Robert Burgess, NILGA President; Robin Swann MLA, Health Minister; Cllr Matt Garrett, NILGA Past President; Gary Middleton MLA, Junior Minister; Cllr Frances Burton, NILGA Past President; and Ald Alan McDowell, Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Speaking at the conference, NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess said:

“Today’s conference was a fantastic opportunity to bring together Ministers, business partners and community leaders, indeed anyone with an interest in the future of local democracy and sustainable local councils. It was clear from the discussions and presentations today that there is a real appetite for transforming our public services and civic representation here in Northern Ireland.

“Our local councils make it happen, and they are pivotal to the future of our local economies, to sustaining our communities, and to protecting our environment.  As President, let me restate emphatically that NILGA and councils should play a full part in designing, delivering and transforming the Programme for Government – including political scrutiny with other levels of government – so that it really works for all our citizens.

“With the next Assembly Election quickly coming down the track and as we move into the new year, now is the time for prospective candidates, future MLAs and Ministers, to commit to what NILGA has offered and to what so many of our strategic partners in business and the wider community are saying - devolving greater powers, resources and finances to and through councils will unlock the potential of local people deliver better enterprise, better services and a sustainable, modern Northern Ireland, within a healthy, local democracy.”

SOLACE NI Chair Stephen Reid said:

“SOLACE NI is pleased to be supporting this year’s Local Government Conference along with our colleagues at NILGA. During the last 18 months councils have, in difficult circumstances, continued to deliver key services for their communities. This year’s conference is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of elected members and council staff throughout the pandemic, and exchange ideas and best practice on how we can maximise the full potential of our local government sector in the recovery.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA said:

“In my role as Communities Minister I have a very clear message – a commitment to a rights based approach to addressing poverty, inequality and disadvantage and protecting the most vulnerable including those on low incomes, the disabled and children and young people.  

“Achieving these objectives require us all to work together. I commend the excellent work and valuable contribution that local government has provided and continues to provide to communities here, particularly throughout the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic.

“Working together, I believe we have achieved a great deal.  The Partnership Panel, which I chair, is a fine example of the cooperation and partnership between central government and local government. We have created a foundation for strategic thinking and delivery of joint proposals on a strategic and regional basis. I believe that if we are to achieve better outcomes for all our citizens all of us must show real leadership – we must work together, we must plan together, we must deliver together.”

Health Minister Robin Swann MLA said:

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to speak at today’s Conference. Now more than ever, we need sustained collaboration across departments and agencies, local government, the community and voluntary sector, and with communities themselves to address the factors which impact on health and wellbeing locally and regionally.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said:

“The Local Government Conference provides an excellent opportunity to engage with local authorities, ensuring we work together in a coordinated approach to face the challenges of our time. Councils have been, and will remain, key partners in the delivery of wider economic policy.

“City Deals investment of £1.5 billion over the next 15 years will play a key role in delivery of My Department’s 10X vision and support for our Economic Recovery Action Plan. The Deals are a key priority for me and I am very keen to drive momentum and support the councils and their partners to start delivering the projects.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the support provided by councils during the pandemic. I look forward to continuing to work together on my Department’s bold and ambitious vision for the Northern Ireland economy to become ten times better through a decade of innovation.”

Protecting your cash flow in global markets - by Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton

As originally appeared in the Irish News on 23 November

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Lockton

The post-pandemic business environment is shaping up to be one markedly different from the one we were familiar with before March 2020. Despite the challenges that have faced our business owners, entrepreneurs, and employers during the Covid crisis, there are new opportunities for businesses as we come out the other side that must be grasped.

With new, post-Brexit free trade deals being forged by the UK Government with countries around world including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US and beyond, as well as the Northern Ireland Protocol granting local businesses unfettered access to both UK and EU markets, export opportunities are growing for businesses in Northern Ireland.

And not just for large, multinational companies who already trade around the globe. More and more, we are seeing SMEs and micro businesses here starting on their own export journeys. For every sector and industry, businesses in Northern Ireland have export and global trade opportunities within their reach like never before.

For example, the latest Irish Government statistics show that imports from Northern Ireland to the Republic have risen an incredible 77% since the UK left the EU. For all its political unpopularity, it’s clear the NI Protocol is protecting and even driving trade between the two jurisdictions on an unprecedented level.

As we begin to leave Covid-19 and its disastrous impacts on business in the rear-view mirror, innovation and doing business in a new way will be key to recovery. Small businesses, independent traders, and online sellers have options before them like never before. But as they enter into new markets and engage with new, foreign buyers, they need to be confident that their cash flow is safe.

Trade credit insurance will be vital in enabling and bolstering global trade as we move past the pandemic. The UK Government recognised the importance of trade credit insurance swiftly after Covid reached our shores and put in place its Trade Credit Reinsurance Scheme, providing over £210 billion of cover for over £575 billion of business turnover, a strong signal and recognition of the significance our industry plays in the wider economy.

This scheme played a huge role in keeping trade and exports flowing in the most difficult of circumstances and kept the UK’s trade credit market afloat. While the scheme has now wound down as restrictions have tapered off and the economy reopened, now is the time for businesses to leverage trade credit and exploit the global export opportunities before them.

Trade credit insurance protects your business from non-payment of a supplier or buyer, political risk, customer bankruptcy or default. But it also provides you with valuable market insight as you prepare to move into a new market, it supports your cash flow, and it can help grow your existing customer base.

The pandemic’s effect on many businesses has been deep and severe. With restrictions thankfully all but gone now locally, firms are ready to get back to business, finding new customers, supplying new markets, making new leads. Trade credit insurance will be a crucial component of the new post-pandemic trading environment, giving local businesses the certainty and insight to export with confidence.

Councils Making It Happen – Bangor Venue Ready for Flagship Conference

(L-R) Broadcaster, political journalist, and conference host, Jayne McCormack; NILGA Chief Executive, Derek McCallan; SOLACE NI Chair, Stephen Reid

The 2021 Local Government Conference will take place on 24 November at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor.

Jointly delivered by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE NI), the 2021 policy & investment summit will focus on identifying the economic, environmental, financial, social, and health work of local authorities in Northern Ireland and how the 11 councils can deliver a faster, better recovery and new economy with the NI Executive.

As the first major gathering for anyone interested in local government in Northern Ireland since February 2022, and with the next Assembly Elections due in May 2022, this is a key opportunity to place council, public services and local democracy issues front and centre for member authorities of NILGA, future MLAs, Ministers, strategic partners in the community and political parties.

Speakers will include:

• Robin Swann MLA, Health Minister

• Deirdre Hargey MLA, Communities Minister (recorded address)

• Gordon Lyons MLA, Economy Minister (recorded address)

• Gary Middleton MLA, Junior Minister

• Declan Kearney MLA, Junior Minister

• Cllr. Robert Burgess, NILGA President

• Mark Huddleston, Deputy Chair, NI Skills Advisory Group

• Aideen McGinley, Deputy Chair, Carnegie UK

• Grainia Long, CEO, NI Housing Executive

• Stephen Reid, SOLACE NI Chair & CEO of Ards and North Down Borough Council

Launching this year’s conference, NILGA Chief Executive, Derek McCallan, said:

“We are thrilled to announce a brilliant line up at the 2021 Local Government Conference on 24 November at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor. The Covid pandemic has meant we have been unable to hold our policy & investment summit for over 20 months and we are all very much looking forward to gathering again, enabling virtual and in situ attendance, sharing crucial ideas with colleagues new and old, and determining a better public services approach with local government front and centre here in Northern Ireland.”

“We are pleased to have our Executive ministers lined up to speak at the conference, an indication and recognition of the importance of our 11 local councils, and we appreciate the input and engagement from central government. This engagement will be crucial as we begin to re-model our administration and our economy in a place and local people centred way. It’s important, ahead of next May’s Assembly Election, that political parties and prospective candidates ensure the potential of local government, deliver on our Offers and Asks confirmed at Conference and commit to unlocking more efficient, effective and innovative approaches to the Programme for Government. That should start with a devolution agenda which transfers powers like regeneration, immediately, to councils.”

SOLACE NI Chair, Stephen Reid, added:

“SOLACE NI is pleased to be supporting this year’s Local Government Conference along with our colleagues at NILGA. During the last 18 months councils have, in difficult circumstances, continued to deliver key services for their communities. This year’s conference is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of elected members and council staff throughout the pandemic, and exchange ideas and best practice on how we can maximise the full potential of our local government sector in the recovery.”

Hosted by broadcaster and political journalist Jayne McCormack, the conference is supported by APSE, CCLA and TerraQuest.

Conference details, agenda and virtual delegate booking form is available at: https://www.nilga.org/about/local-government-conference-2021

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore welcomes new graduates as recruitment for 2022 intake gets underway

Audit & Assurance Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Joanne Small pictured with Graduate Trainees Micheal Murphy (L) and Sergio Oliva (R).

Leading Belfast accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has welcomed two new graduates to its 50 strong team, while recruitment for the 2022 Graduate Training Programme gets underway.

A recognised ACCA Platinum Employer, the firm specialises in Audit & Assurance, Consulting, Taxation and Restructuring & Insolvency.

With the 2022 programme now open for applications, the company has welcomed recent graduates Micheal Murphy and Sergio Oliva to complete the three-and-a-half-year scheme.

Sergio, who joins the team following his degree in Accounting with Spanish from Queen’s University Belfast, joined to work in Audit and Accounts and is also gaining experience within the Tax Department.

Micheal, who currently works in Audit and Accounts, also joined following his accounting degree at Queen’s University Belfast and says the opportunity to work in a high-paced environment and get involved in a range of areas of accounting is what attracted him to the firm.

With a full induction programme and dedicated approach to the continual professional development of graduates, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore supports each individual to sit the professional Accountancy exams with either the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).

The firm is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, one of the world’s top ten networks of independent accounting and advisory firms, which provides opportunities for secondment to 148 territories upon completion of the Graduate Training Programme.

Joanne Small, Audit & Assurance Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“We are thrilled to have welcomed Micheal and Sergio as we continue our focus on graduate recruitment and training at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. Since joining us in September, they have each demonstrated significant capabilities in Audit and Accounts and bring a new level of energy and enthusiasm to the team. We are delighted to have them both on board and wish them every success in their qualifying years with us.”

“In light of a significantly busy period for the full practice, we have also launched a new recruitment phase for our Graduate Training Programme, to begin in 2022. We know that investing in graduates and their development will be key to meeting this surge in demand and have no doubt the next generation of graduates will leave university well equipped to join our busy firm.”

Graduate Trainees at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Sergio Oliva (L) and Micheal Murphy (R).

Sergio Oliva, new graduate trainee at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“The Graduate Training Programme with Baker Tilly Mooney Moore was an ideal opportunity following my accounting degree at Queen’s. After joining the Audit and Accounts team in September, I have already been given the chance to work in the Tax Department for a short period, which has given me an insight into another area of the accountancy and advisory world. Baker Tilly Mooney Moore offers the perfect balance of a medium-sized firm with endless opportunities, but still with the personal nature of a smaller practice. After an isolated few years for all recent graduates, I have been enjoying the social aspect of the firm and have already been taking part in the company five-a-side football games.”

Micheal Murphy, new graduate trainee at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“I am delighted to have joined the team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore after completing my final years of study in the midst of an uncertain recruitment environment. So far, I have been trusted to work with a range of clients, both small and large, across various different sectors which has been useful in my ongoing studies with Chartered Accountancy Ireland. I was pleased to take on the challenge of the marathon relay team with my colleagues in October and look forward to what other social opportunities the role will bring. To anyone considering their next steps after university, I would advise them to seriously consider joining us here at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.”

To find out more about the programme, which closes for applications for Audit & Accounting, Tax and Consulting positions on Friday 26 November, visit the Baker Tilly Mooney Moore website or email careers@bakertillymm.co.uk.

Communication Access UK has offered a lifeline to those with communication difficulties in Northern Ireland

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of Office at Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists NI

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is today marking one year since the launch of Communication Access UK (CAUK), which aims to make life easier for millions of people in the United Kingdom.

CAUK is an initiative developed in partnership with charities and organisations that share a vision to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties.

The free online resource was developed by RCSLT, in partnership with the Stroke Association, Headway, MND Association, Disability Rights UK, Business Disability Forum, Communication Matters, The Makaton Charity, and the National Network of Parent Career Forum.

CAUK is an online training course that provides individuals, businesses and organisations with the knowledge and understanding of communication difficulties and how best to support those living with them. Completion of the training allows for the service/business to display the CAUK symbol, demonstrating a commitment to providing an inclusive communicative environment for all.

Over 30,000 people live with long-term communication difficulties in Northern Ireland, including up to 90% of people with learning disabilities, 33% of Stroke survivors and more than 20% of people with a brain injury.

Research has shown that inclusive communication has wide ranging economic benefits for society including reducing hospital admissions and an increase in autonomy and independence for service users and their families, which in turn reduces pressure on public services.

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of Office at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists NI said:

“Many of us take for granted the ability to communicate freely but in reality, two in ten of us in our lifetime will experience a speech, language and communication difficulty. Having a communication difficulty can place a huge strain on a person, affecting day-to-day activities such as going to the shop or getting public transport.”

“That is why this initiative is so important. It has offered a lifeline to those with communication difficulties throughout the pandemic who have felt increasingly marginalised due to the range of restrictions.”

“To mark the first anniversary of the symbol, RCSLT NI are encouraging people to become communication inclusive by taking part in the Communication Access UK training. More people completing the training would be a positive step towards improving the lives of those in Northern Ireland living with speech, language and communication needs.”

Barry Macauley, Associate Director for the Stroke Association NI, explained that:

“On the first anniversary of the Communication Access UK initiative, we continue to encourage NI businesses and services, to sign up to CAUK and avail of the free training and publicly display the Communication Access symbol. We are very proud to have been the first partner organisation to adopt the scheme in Northern Ireland. We know that after a stroke, communication problems like aphasia are very common and can have a profound effect on the quality of a person’s life and that of their family.

“Around a third of people who have a stroke will experience aphasia which is a language and communication disorder. Communication is vitally important to all of us each and every day. I hope that as this scheme continues to gather momentum across the UK, those who are living with a communication difficulty for whatever reason, start to see a tangible improvement to how others in society engage and interact with them.”

AI Con returns to address the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence

. (L-R) Peter Campbell, Kainos; Nuala Kilmartin, Innovate UK; Tim Brundle, Ulster University; and Courtney Lewis, Datactics

AI Con, the leading conference on artificial intelligence, is set to return to face-to-face business with a hybrid event at Titanic Belfast.

Now in its third year, the event on 3 December will bring together world-leading technology professionals and business leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is changing our world and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

The themes for this year’s conference, which hosted 450 attendees in its first year and 800 in a virtual format last year, include Applied AI, AI Next and the Business of AI.

These are designed for a general audience, tech audience and business audience respectively, and encompass everything from how AI can add value to organisations to the next generation of AI and what startups in the space should know.

In person attendance will take place at Titanic Belfast. Supported by Kainos, Ulster University, Matrix, Allstate Northern Ireland, Innovate UK, Digital Catapult NI and Datactics the conference will feature some of the top figures in the field, with other leading professionals streaming in from across the globe from companies such as Microsoft and AWS.

Tortoise, who maintain the Global AI Index, will be sharing the latest update with attendees and will look at how small regions can have a disproportionate impact on the AI sector.

Speaking at the launch of AI Con, Director of Innovation at Kainos Tom Gray said:

“The success of AI Con over the last two years has proved that activity related to the field is growing significantly in Northern Ireland and expanding across every sector. This is a rapid growth area with a huge amount of work being done locally by tech companies.”

“The importance of AI as a tool for improving business and society is still emerging. This conference will provide an opportunity to showcase new developments in AI that can support societal and economic recovery. With Belfast now being a recognised tech hub, and with more and more business choosing Northern Ireland, AI Con provides the perfect platform to bring debate, discussion and the sharing of ideas to a bigger audience.”

Kathryn Harkin, AI CON Chair and Senior Manager at Allstate NI said:

“I am thrilled to be involved in AI Con this year following a hugely successful virtual conference in 2020. It is clear to see the appetite that exists for knowledge sharing and networking between tech companies and business leaders in this area of technology.”

“AI is changing all of our lives and the conference showcases how Northern Irish companies are bringing their expertise to the world stage and making our region a highly competitive one in the technology arena. These conversations between technology and business leaders are needed now more than ever on an area that can provide innovative solutions and open up opportunities for business.”