Thrilling first Irish language film ‘Doineann’ by Northern Ireland based production house released in cinemas

The first Irish language film to be filmed and produced in Northern Ireland is set to be released in cinemas across Ireland today, Friday 28 January.

 Doineann, meaning ‘stormy weather’ in Irish, was produced by award-winning Belfast based production house DoubleBand Films and is the feature debut from Damian McCann with the screenplay penned by upcoming local filmmaker, Aislinn Clarke. 

 Starring Love/Hate actor Peter Coonan, Bríd Brennan (Calm With Horses, Brooklyn), Clare Monnelly (Moone Boy) and Sean T. O’Meallaigh (Vikings), it tells the story of the disappearance of a woman and her baby on a remote Irish island. Her husband (Coonan) must put his trust in the island’s retired policewoman (Brennan) to help find his family before a storm hits the island.

“We are thrilled and excited that our feature film ‘Doineann’ can be experienced by Irish cinema audiences in the way we had always hoped from today.

 “It is an incredibly proud moment to have produced Northern Ireland’s first Irish language feature film and have Gaeilge spoken on the big screen. We think the audiences will be thrilled and excited too.”

 Since the film’s world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh earlier this year it has gone on to screen at Newport Beach Film Festival in California, the Foyle Film Festival and the Belfast Film Festival where star Bríd Brennan was presented with the Reálta Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema.

 DOINEANN was produced by Diarmuid Lavery, Christopher Myers and Michael Hewitt for the multi-award-winning film production company DoubleBand Films, with the support of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, BBC Gaeilge and TG4.

RCOT announce new strategy for championing the occupational therapy profession

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has announced a new strategy and rebrand, crucial to achieving its vision that people everywhere will value the life-changing power of occupational therapy.

The vision purposefully focuses on occupational therapy’s wider impact on society – enhancing the profession’s profile and positioning the role of occupational therapy in Northern Ireland for the future. 

The five-year strategy details what RCOT will do to make its vision a reality. It guides RCOT to rise up to be bold, progressive advocates and champions, open up to new opportunities and people, lift up every occupational therapist to be the best they can be. RCOT has also adopted new organisational values that define how it’ll act and make decisions to reach its vision.

The new brand signals a major change and is essential to achieving RCOT’s ambitions. It has ‘occupation’ and inclusivity at its heart to capture the positive, dynamic and deeply human spirit of occupational therapy.   

Commenting on this RCOT Chief Executive, Steve Ford said:

“I’m hugely excited to be announcing our strategic plans and revealing our new brand which is critical to achieving our ambitions for the organisation and profession.

“At RCOT, everything we do is so that one day people everywhere value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. Our vision purposefully focuses on our wider impact on society – enhancing our profession’s profile and positioning the role of occupational therapy in Northern Ireland for the future.

“We listened to our members to find out how we can best support them as individuals, to enable and grow the profession, and to boost awareness so that more people want to get involved with occupational therapy across Northern Ireland – and choose it as a solution, or as their profession.

“To reach our ambitious goals we must improve and change how we work to become a more forward-looking organisation. We will boldly lead the profession forward with a stronger voice than ever before. We will be the advocate and champion that occupational therapists deserve, sharing and celebrating the life-changing outcomes they help to achieve for people and society. We will be proudly inclusive – welcoming and supporting new generations of occupational therapists to join the profession so we reflect the diverse society that we represent and work with.

“It’s time to show the world the true power of what we do."

Achieving Better Business in 2022, by leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Love them or hate them, a New Year’s resolution can be a chance to start afresh and revitalise your business. Concern around your financial position is acceptable in today’s climate, but almost two years into the pandemic, we are no longer in unknown territory. A reluctance to plan too far in advance is understandable, but opportunities to expand and grow your company do exist.

Here, the team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore share their insights and learnings from the past two years, and their advice on getting ahead early in the coming year.

Embrace New Opportunity

Today’s uncertainty does not automatically mean new avenues and business opportunities are off the table. Challenge can, in fact, inspire a new way of doing things that may improve ways of working long after the pandemic is over. Embrace the New Year as a chance to seriously consider fresh ideas, whatever your plans for the year ahead may be.

Head of Tax, Angela Keery said: “Whatever your plans are for the year ahead, whether that be an acquisition, sale, share scheme, expansion or diversification, the experts can work through issues with you and ensure that you have the information to achieve your objectives in the most tax efficient and compliant way.”

Take Time to Consider Your Position

Businesses have withstood an unprecedented level of upheaval in the past two years. The world of work has been altered forever, and many companies have seen their ways of working completely transformed. As we edge our way towards recovery, Consulting Partner Donal Laverty suggests that the ultimate purpose and goal of your company must remain at the centre of the decision-making process.

“Covid put an end to any sense of belonging and predictability we thought we knew,” Donal explains. “This left leaders with structures no longer defined by the physical space they occupy, but rather by their ultimate end product or service. 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.”

Look to the Future

There is no doubt the past two years have presented challenges, but, we have also seen many success stories. In Northern Ireland, our business owners are innovative, pragmatic, and have shown they can adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

“2022 has the potential to bring more business opportunities and success for local companies,” says Business Services Partner Stephen McConnell. “Approach the New Year by setting a plan in place to manage any debts, explore where you may need to invest, and examine any areas where things could be more efficient.”

Learn from 2021

In times of uncertainty, reflecting on previous challenges is essential. Business owners could not foresee the full impacts of Covid-19, but they can learn from it this time around. Prioritising and managing your cashflow is vital, according to Restructuring and Insolvency Partner Darren Bowman.

Darren advises: “We know from experience that solutions to almost every business challenge or issue do exist. Company infrastructures have transformed completely in response to the pandemic, and the past two years have seen periods of both financial instability and fast recovery and growth. To avoid getting into danger, identify pressures on your cashflow as early as possible and seek advice at that time to maximise your options for recovery.”

Beware of Fraud

The online space continues to dominate many business activities and areas. As this grows, however, criminals grow more sophisticated in their fraudulent attempts. Take this time to ensure your company’s files and customer data are stored securely, advises Manager Debra Moore-McDevitt.

“Never let your guard down against fraud. Moving into 2022, it’s important to be vigilant online and use only trusted suppliers and online sites. An audit of your stored employee and customer details is a good use of time, and a responsible way to start the year knowing that all details are safe, secure and protected.”

Seek Expert Advice, Early

No matter the goal or challenge, professional support and advice is widely available to help navigate challenges. Eimear Brown, Head of Audit, finds that the most important step you can take for your business is to seek trusted advice, and seek it early.

Eimear suggests: “Too often, I see brilliant, entrepreneurial businesspeople seek expert advice too late in the day. It is important, in all your business endeavours to trust your instincts and give new ideas and opportunities the quality consideration they deserve. My advice in 2022 would be to always involve your advisors early and trust us to support you through every step of the process.”

'The rise of the Zombie companies' by Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Belfast, Lockton Companies LLP

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit, Belfast, Lockton Companies LLP

As we bid farewell to 2021, the Omicron variant and its potential impact on the economy has heightened anxieties among the business community. Talk of lockdowns or new restrictions dent confidence, lead to uncertainty, and drive customers away, as can be seen with the recent complaints of the hospitality sector. While the wider economy is forecast to bounce back considerably next year, many businesses are still in a perilous position as we enter 2022.

Publishing their latest financial figures in December, leading insolvency specialists, Begbies Traynor, warned that the UK could be in for a wave of new insolvencies in the new year. In their words, they are “waiting for reality” to return. While the speculation over lockdowns and harsher social distancing rules may raise expectations that comprehensive state financial supports will also be reintroduced, the reality is that, for many distressed firms, this will simply prolong the inevitable.

Zombie companies are defined as firms which earn just enough money to continue operating and service debt but are unable to pay off their debts. Zombies are often reliant on banks or independent financiers. Or, as has been the case for nearly two years now, government support. Corporate insolvencies have been historically low during the last 12 months due to the additional liquidity provided by the UK Government, relaxed insolvency laws, and heightened goodwill between companies. However, all three of these are unsustainable in the long term.

Data shows that the number of businesses in Northern Ireland in a state of “advanced financial distress” has doubled over the past year, reaching over 8,000 local businesses. Thanks in large part to both Brexit and the pandemic, zombie companies are now unfortunately on the rise here. The sheer amount of state aid since March 2020 has kept many businesses on life support. And with the cost of everything from materials to fuel rising weekly, more and more businesses are likely to be affected.

Robust credit management strategies incorporating trade credit insurance can protect your business from suffering a bad debt caused by the failure of zombie company. Trade credit insurance can also unlock export potential around the world as underwriters are able to provide a comprehensive insight into the constantly changing risk environment to ensure that you can trade with confidence both at home and abroad.

The Independent Fiscal Commission for Northern Ireland published its first interim report recently. Among its analysis of what the devolution of different financial levers and tax powers could mean for the public purse here, the most striking takeaway of the report was its grim reading of the state of our local economy. It states that our income per capita is 25% lower than in other parts of the UK, while our public spending is 20% higher.

The Northern Irish economy is primitive and underdeveloped in many ways, reliant on public spending and somewhat deprived compared to our neighbours in Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Having strong credit risk management measures in place to defend against the weaknesses in our economy will be as important as new ways of doing business as we emerge from the pandemic. Trade credit insurance is one way of giving you that peace of mind as you trade with other businesses and can provide the safety net you need to grow and expand securely.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 10 January 2022

Forward Look

  • DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has confirmed he will bring a paper to Executive colleagues later this month to transfer responsibility for the future implementation of NI Protocol checks to the Executive as a whole. Sinn Féin has said it will not allow the paper onto the Executive’s agenda.

  • The UK’s lead Brexit negotiator, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP will call for “rapid progress” on the Northern Ireland Protocol at a meeting with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič next week, according to The Telegraph.

  • The Executive has this week agreed to maintain the current level of Covid-19 restrictions, first announced on 22 December. The next review of measures will take place on Thursday 13 January.

  • The Assembly will be recalled on Monday 10 January following a Sinn Féin motion, supported by the SDLP and Alliance, on the reopening of schools amid increasing Covid-19 cases.

  • Report Stage for the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill has been scheduled for Wednesday 19 January. The Bill seeks to reform the use of the Petition of Concern mechanism by MLAs.

  • According to the Irish News, the British Government is preparing to introduce the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill before the end of the month. The Bill will include provisions for the Irish language and Ulster Scots and create an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.

  • Westminster’s Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee is accepting written evidence as part of its inquiry into investment in Northern Ireland until Monday 17 January. Next Wednesday, the committee will consider evidence from think-tanks, Pivotal and the Nevin Economic Research Institute.

  • The deadline for applications to the Department for the Economy’s Energy Group is Friday 14 January.

  • The Department of Health has said a consultation on whether to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol will open in “early 2022”. It comes as the policy takes effect in the Republic of Ireland.

  • On Wednesday, the Economy Committee will receive a briefing from departmental officials on the Budget 2022-25 and the Energy Strategy.

  • The Executive Office Committee will receive a briefing on EU Exit from Junior Ministers Gary Middleton MLA and Declan Kearney MLA, the committee will also consider in-year budgetary changes for January.

  • The next meeting of Belfast City Council will take place on Monday 10 January. The application process for the Council’s Chief Executive will close on Friday 28 January.

Other Stories this week

  • DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has reiterated that his party may withdraw from Northern Ireland’s political institutions this month if progress is not made on the Northern Ireland Protocol. The end of February has been suggested as an informal cut-off point for talks between the UK and EU.

  • Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Ian Young has told the Health Committee that he expects Covid-19 cases to peak “in the next few weeks” before declining thereafter.

  • A £2 million Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme has been opened by the Department for Communities and will run from 6 January until 31 March.

  • Fianna Fáil has established an internal Committee on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, comprised of Senators and TDs.

  • Deborah Turness has been announced as the new Chief Executive of BBC News.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 10 January, Priorities for Health in NI, Policy Forum NI

  • 14 January, A Seat with Sinn Féin, NICVA

  • 17 January, NI Assembly returns from Christmas Recess

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

Succession planning a vital aspect of family business leadership, writes Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 28 December 2021

IF the hit Sky Atlantic series Succession is anything to go by, the disintegration of a family dynasty is never off the cards when the time for succession planning comes.

Though entirely dysfunctional and somewhat detached from reality, the issues facing the family of media tycoon Logan Roy will no doubt have sparked some conversations among the many family-run and owner managed businesses in Northern Ireland, which have long been accepted as the heart of our economy.

Over 125,000 family firms operate locally, accounting for over 84 per cent of the private sector in Northern Ireland, according to the latest UK Family Business Sector Report. No matter the family dynamic, therefore, business owners must take time to consider their eventual exit from the firm, whether that be by way of sale, death, or incapacity.

With two or more generations often involved, disputes around how the business operates and the future structure and governance of the company can ignite when least anticipated. This is a situation that runs the risk of becoming a damaging one, yet it is imperative that these decisions are taken in plenty of time.

They must also be included, if appropriate, in the Family Constitution and Shareholders Agreement so that all stakeholders know what will happen as different situations arise.

For the senior generations planning for their departure, the company's share capital is often their most valuable asset. Though all will be aware that their will should clearly determine who will inherit the business, it is still important to decide, and let others know, the expectations for what should happen when the handover takes place.

If the value of the company depends solely on the owner, there is always the risk that it will not enjoy the same level of success in their absence. With other family members, including children, often relying on the firm for their main source of income, making preparations early is essential to ensuring it can survive, and hopefully thrive, without the current owner.

Another dynamic to consider is the relationship between existing business partners or shareholders and the family members due to one day take over the reins. It takes time and careful consideration to establish whether these individuals can work together to ensure the continued stability and ultimate profitability of the firm.

If wider family members want the option of selling shares to other owners, direction for the price to be paid and timing around payments must be set out. Without this, we have found that a lack of clarity on future sales can lead to bigger, and potentially more damaging problems down the line, especially if other partners or shareholders are family members.

Although it is a sensitive matter, managing the succession of your business is an important part of its lifespan. Family run-businesses are renowned for passing through the generations, and new generations can often bring with them new systems, new culture and new ideas.

There are no easy answers when you have built up your business through decades of hard work, yet the knowledge that suitable plans are in place for both you and your family gives peace of mind to all involved. It is important to find a trusted advisor who will work through these issues with you to maximise the value of your business and ensure a smooth transition when the time does inevitably come.

Why 2022 should be the year of the cross-border worker

By Aidan O’Kane, Co-Chair of the Cross Border Workers Coalition

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 4 January 2022

All-island collaboration gets results. From Brexit to the Good Friday Agreement, we know that working beyond borders means we can start to address the political, social, and economic issues we face here. And similarly, we know that working in our silos, or even against one another, achieves little for anyone, North or South.

As Patrick Kielty said in his address to the Shared Island Forum, sometimes sharing isn’t easy. “A shared island means challenging ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones”, he continued. In the last two years, the pandemic has presented the biggest challenge we have faced both personally, professionally, and as an island. Every day has involved pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, and looking ahead to 2022, this daily uncertainty is set to continue.

For cross-border workers, this insecurity is particularly rife. Approximately 12,500 people live in Ireland but work in Northern Ireland, and since March 2020, they have been able to work-from-home like everyone else. A temporary waiver from the Irish Government has suspended tax rules which, left unchanged, could have posed a ‘double tax’ for border employees working remotely. Initially applicable for the 2020 Tax Year, the waiver has since been extended twice, and currently offers vital protection for workers affected.

Under new Irish Government regulations, however, this support could be lost overnight. Revenue has confirmed that the waiver will only be in place insomuch as public health guidance recommends home-working. No timeframe, no certainty, no clarity, this cliff-edge approach simply does not work for the employees we represent. For example, what if advice changes late on a Thursday night, are border employees obliged to drop everything and commute on Friday morning?

Speaking about our issue last month, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD said that current legislation “was not designed to apply to remote working scenarios”. Current legislation is outdated and does not reflect the modern working practises operated by businesses across this island. The temporary Covid-19 waiver cannot be extended indefinitely and kicking the can down the road only achieves so much.

We are set to meet Minister Donohoe again in the coming weeks, and our message is clear: a permanent, pragmatic approach must be taken if this issue is to be resolved. Our calls for legislative change are echoed by businesses, employees, and border families North and South. The Minister has heard our concerns directly on three occasions, now is the time for him to listen.

Last month, I had the privilege of briefing the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement regarding this issue. Parties from Westminster, Leinster House, and everywhere in between, recognised the need for this issue to be resolved urgently. All-island collaboration in action, working towards addressing the real issues facing border communities.

As we look towards building a shared island, we must set markers, goals along the way that typify real success and progress. Let’s make 2022 the year of the cross-border worker and begin to address the real issues faced on-the-ground. As Kielty said, sharing sometimes isn’t easy. But by collaborating we can make this island work, one issue at a time.

Overcoming common anxieties surrounding the gym

By Kerrie O’Hanlon, General Manager at Better Gym Connswater

As originally appeared in the Belfast Telegraph, 4 January 2022

The New Year, for many, brings a renewed sense of motivation. Getting back into training or embarking on a new fitness journey is a positive way to kick off the year and, in light of the public health crisis, more important than ever.

For many, however, this can bring a sense of apprehension about navigating the dos and don’ts of the gym.

In leisure, we know that looking after our mind goes hand in hand with looking after our body and burning off steam is often just as important as the physical aspect. I have developed some techniques for managing those feelings of self-judgement.

Adapt your perspective

When it comes to getting in a fitness regime, mindset is everything. Think about what you want to achieve in your regular sessions or classes and remember that it is ultimately a time to focus on you, your body and mind. View it as a few afternoons a week without the kids or a chance to relax after work, and any physical gains you do make will be a bonus.

Talk to a team member

A common benefit of gym membership nowadays, including at our Better centres in Belfast, is a complementary gym induction or one-to-one chat with an instructor. This is not a test, but an optional opportunity to tour the facilities, have the equipment demonstrated and ask any questions. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the environment and you will feel much more at home when you return.

Know before you go

If your apprehension lies around feeling aimless or out of place, arriving with a plan of action is worthwhile. Not only is this a reminder that you are there for a reason, to take time for yourself and focus on your health and fitness, but it will keep you on track towards your goals.

Manage your expectations

Accepting that you can’t do everything in day one will allow you to focus on what you can. It is perfectly normal, and more common than you might think, to start off on just one or two machines. Accept where you are and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

Your apprehension is normal, and will pass

Just like a new job or your first day at school, joining a new gym or leisure centre brings with it concerns and anxieties around issues that may otherwise seem trivial. Unfamiliar faces, concerns about where to park or a new layout and feelings of general unease are normal. Consider visiting for an induction beforehand to get the lay of the land, and don’t be afraid to seek out a friendly face or staff member for advice. Plan some light sessions to get started, allowing you to get settled before attempting to make any serious progress.

Kerrie O’Hanlon, General Manager at Better Gym Connswater

Try out a fitness class

Fitness classes are a great way to get settled, fast. Though it may feel like a self-conscious, confidence-vanishing experience at first, starting off with group classes could be the motivation you need. Committing to a set time will keep you accountable and having instructors on hand to guide you when needed is an added bonus.

Exercise off-peak if you can

Peak times vary across every gym, but they can be useful in deciding when is best for you to exercise. If your schedule allows, going at a less-busy time or attending less in-demand classes will allow you to find your feet in a quieter environment.

Get started with a friend

If you fear your concerns may put you off, invite a friend you know and trust. This will help you stay more relaxed in your first few sessions and may also help keep you on track.

Consider the gym as an inclusive, social space

At Better, our leisure centres are made up of inclusive and sociable spaces with many fitness classes, clubs and spots to grab a coffee throughout. Focus on getting yourself into a regular gym pattern, or book your kids into a weekend swim class, and you will find yourself making connections with others in no time.

Remember to breathe

For us, leisure is about supporting all in the community to feel healthy and strong. Challenging your body and taking part in regular activity is an important part of this, but remember it is not the only reason you are there.

There is no shame in taking it easy, and we have many yoga and pilates classes on offer to help you do so.

Visit www.better.org.uk

The Fall star Bronagh Waugh joins DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

Northern Irish actor and star of the hit BBC series The Fall Bronagh Waugh has launched an appeal video for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Afghanistan Crisis Appeal.

 The DEC appeal launched last week to raise funds for urgent humanitarian response in Afghanistan. It comes as conflict and economic collapse, coupled with the worst drought in 27 years and the Covid-19 pandemic, bring the situation in Afghanistan to a tipping point.

 Today, actor and writer Bronagh Waugh is appealing to the people of Northern Ireland to donate what they can to support the appeal and help the millions of people staring into a winter without food, clean drinking water or shelter.

Bronagh Waugh said:

“The situation in Afghanistan has reached a crisis point. Families are struggling to feed their children; hospitals are running out of supplies, and many are sadly already dying. The winter is setting in, and people are cold, hungry and desperate. We cannot allow this to continue.”

“With the help of the DEC, we have a chance to support swift humanitarian action to step in at this time of need. The Afghanistan Crisis Appeal is a chance to mobilise the generosity of the Northern Irish people to get everyday basics like clean water and emergency food packages to the millions of women and children at risk of famine. I urge anyone who can to donate and support this vital work.”

Local charities Save the Children, Tearfund, Concern Worldwide and the British Red Cross are supporting the DEC appeal.

The funds raised will be distributed among the thirteen participating charities, and matched pound-for-pound by the UK Government’s UK Aid Match scheme to a total of £10 million. This support will double the impact of the public’s own donations and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach more people in need. 

Peter Anderson, Northern Ireland Director of Concern Worldwide said:

“Millions of people in Afghanistan are living through a nightmare of not having enough food. It is now clear that we urgently need to respond to this humanitarian crisis, and I am pleased to see figures like Bronagh join us to help. Over 22 million people don’t have enough to eat, and we must act quickly before the freezing winter sets in.”

“With the support of the DEC, charities like Concern Worldwide can deliver life-saving aid, generously donated by the people of Northern Ireland and across the UK, to those in desperate need. Thanks to the UK Government, the first £10 million raised will be doubled, reaching even more people in urgent need. I would encourage us all to donate whatever we can to help.”

How to donate:  
Online: dec.org.uk 

Phone: 0370 60 60 610

SMS: To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150. Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC AFGHANISTAN CRISIS APPEAL. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk 

Or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA. 

Londonderry Chamber welcomes support package but more needed to save businesses

Londonderry Chamber Vice President Selina Horshi

Reacting after the Executive announced a financial package for hospitality businesses, Londonderry Chamber Vice President Selina Horshi said:

“It is welcome that the Executive has listened to the pleas of businesses across Northern Ireland and announced a financial support package for the hospitality sector. However, while this is a start, £40m is simply not enough to support all our businesses, especially if they are closed or experience a much suppressed trade for any significant length of time.

“It’s now crucial that Land and Property Services and the relevant departments work speedily to identify which businesses are eligible, to ensure that money is allocated as quickly as possible to businesses in dire need of it, and without further delay. We continue to urge ministers to strongly lobby the Treasury and the UK Government to release further funding which can support even more businesses across the North West and Northern Ireland.”