Northern Irish psychological thriller, ‘Here Before’ set to be released in cinemas across Ireland and UK on 18 February

HERE BEFORE is the debut feature from Belfast-born writer/director Stacey Gregg and stars the BAFTA-nominated Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Birdman) with Jonjo O’Neill (The Fall), Eileen O’Higgins (Brooklyn), Martin McCann (Wildfire) and introduces Niamh Dornan.

When a new family moves in next door to Laura (Riseborough) and her family, their young daughter, Megan (Dornan), quickly captivates her, stirring up painful memories of her own daughter, Josie, who died several years previously. Before long, Laura's memories turn to obsession as Megan’s unsettling behaviour begins to convince her of something supernatural. As Laura's determination to get to the bottom of it becomes all consuming, her family begins to fracture and the line between the extraordinary and the real becomes ever more obscured in this haunting story about a mother’s love.

Since its world premiere at the renowned SXSW Film Festival last year the film has gone on to screen at numerous festivals including the Belfast Film Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh where it picked up the Best International Feature Award.

HERE BEFORE was produced by Julia Godzinskaya and Sophie Vickers for Rooks Nest and co-produced by Chris Martin. The film is financed by BBC Film, Pia Pressure and Northern Ireland Screen.
The film will be released in cinemas across Ireland and the UK on the 18 February 2022 by Wildcard Distribution.

'Vital role for retail in scaling up electric charging infrastructure' by Corrina Cassidy, Associate, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 18 January 2022

Corrina Cassidy, Associate, Eversheds Sutherland

A key part of the move towards net zero and greater sustainability will be the electrification of the road network. Electric vehicles (“EV’s”) will play an important role in driving this change across the UK and Ireland – if you pardon the pun. The increase in the adoption of electric vehicles, however, provides both a challenge and an opportunity for real estate owners.

The need to charge EV’s provides an incentive for EV drivers to visit and spend time at locations where fast and rapid charging points are available, which for retailers could help to support out-of-town shopping centres and retail parks. With occupiers and investors increasingly focused on ESG and achieving net zero, having significant EV charging infrastructure also helps landlords to ‘future-proof’ assets.

Therefore, it isn’t surprising that we are seeing a focus by both landowners and tenants actively looking at developing sections of their estates as electric vehicle charging points (“EVCP’s”) for use by staff and customers. We expect this trend to continue with an imminent rise in EVCP’s at retail parks, shopping centres, and drive-thru restaurants.

This growing demand for EV’s requires much greater quantum and variety of charging points. Across all kinds of real estate, from residential and retail to logistics and commercial offices, there is a shortage of EVCP’s and a growing need for investment. As the shift to EV’s continues to gather momentum, real estate asset owners need to consider now whether or not their assets have sufficient EV charging infrastructure to meet current and future occupier demand.

There are a number of hurdles to overcome prior to the installation of EVCPs, not least engagement with your landlord, EVCP providers, and Northern Ireland Electricity (“NIE”). Once a grid connection has been procured with NIE, a new substation (and associated cabling easements) may also be required to power the charging infrastructure. You will then need to consider the location of the substation – for example, if it’s to be located elsewhere on the landlord’s property, a separate lease may need to be entered into for the substation site. There are also considerations including planning permission which one must consider, as well as a requirement to undertake a survey of the area to confirm it is suitable.

With transport in Northern Ireland making up around a fifth of our total emissions, greater investment in EVCPs across the country will be vital in meeting our net zero obligations and targets. The Executive’s recently published Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland sets out the path to grapple with the climate emergency in this part of the world. The Department for Infrastructure’s EV Infrastructure Task-Force held its inaugural meeting last month also, which will explore how we “deliver a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network, in the context of decarbonising our transport systems”.

There is much for tenants and landlords to consider including service charges, grid connections, and rent arrangements. However, it’s clear that the direction of travel is swiftly towards scaling up NI’s EV infrastructure. It is crucial that landlords and tenants play their part and ensure they are ready for these changes.

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore announces Michael Branniff as Business Services Partner

New Business Services Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Michael Branniff

Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has appointed Michael Branniff as Business Services Partner.

Michael brings over 20 years’ experience in the sector, having joined the firm’s Graduate Training Programme in 2001.

Previously Business Services Director, Michael consults across a wide range of sectors including Construction and Engineering, Hospitality and Entertainment and Waste Management. The senior appointment comes amid a period of sustained growth and development for Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, which specialises in Audit & Assurance, Taxation, Restructuring & Insolvency and Consulting.

Michael joins Stephen McConnell at the helm of the Business Services department and has ambitions to continue expanding the consultancy service throughout 2022.

Business Services Partners at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Stephen McConnell and Michael Branniff

New Business Services Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Michael Branniff said:

“I am thrilled to become Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. This is a significant time for the firm as we continue to grow and expand, and I am pleased to begin 2022 as Partner. Dealing with the outworking of the pandemic, Brexit, and the constantly evolving business landscape in Northern Ireland places significant pressure on entrepreneurs across a range of sectors who require sound and reliable support.”

“After beginning my career within the highly regarded Business Services team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, I am delighted to be working with Stephen to expand and grow our consultancy service to enable us to provide advice and support to more companies in the coming months and years.”

Welcoming the appointment, Business Services Partner Stephen McConnell said:

“It is a pleasure to see Michael progress to Partner after so many years delivering for clients at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. A regarded advisor who provides full consultancy and support services to many businesses, Michael is a respected and trusted member of the Business Services team both here and right across the industry in Northern Ireland.”

“With clients exposed to more external pressures than ever before, the need for specialist business advice has never been greater. This appointment further strengthens our strategy to grow our practice and continue offering a depth of experience and knowledge to businesses operating in Northern Ireland.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 17 January 2022

Forward Look

  • First Minister Paul Givan MLA said the Executive may be able to lift Covid-19 restrictions at its meeting next week following an "optimistic" update on transmission rates and hospital figures.

  • Talks are ongoing between Foreign Secretary and Brexit lead negotiator Liz Truss MP and European Commission vice president Maroš Šefčovič to address Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit deal.

  • The Executive approved Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA’s £55 million plan, providing a one-off £200 payment to people needing support with energy payments.

  • The Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill will be debated in the House of Lords on Wednesday.

  • Danske Bank revised its forecast of economic growth this year in Northern Ireland from 4.7% to 4%.

  • Department for the Economy officials outlined to the Economy Committee that the loss of EU funding to Northern Ireland could result in losses up to £100 million for core services over the next three years including skills, further education, and a rise in higher education fees.

  • The Executive Office Committee is set to seek a meeting with all Committees involved in the High Street Task Force to discuss the progress of the scheme.

  • The UK Government published the Intergovernmental Relations Review, which will see the establishment of a council chaired by the Prime Minister, made up of the Heads of the Devolved Governments to oversee and strengthen relations between the governments.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA will brief the Economy Committee on Wednesday 26 January on the High Street Stimulus Scheme, the Department’s Energy Strategy and the Budget 2022-25.

  • The Further Consideration Stage of the Financial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies) Bill will take place on Monday.

  • Question Time will take place for the Justice Minister and DAERA Minister on Monday. The Communities Minister will face the Assembly for Questions on Tuesday.

  • The Economy Committee will receive a departmental briefing on the Economic Recovery Action Plan.

  • The Fiscal Commission will brief the Finance Committee on its interim report into devolving additional tax-varying powers to Northern Ireland.

  • The Executive Office Committee will receive a departmental briefing on Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

Other Stories this week

  • The Executive Office launched a public appointment competition for five new board members of the Victims and Survivors Service.

  • Finance Ministers from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales called on the Treasury to guarantee that money allocated to support Covid responses will be provided in full.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis MP confirmed the UK Government is focused on passing Irish language legislation before the end of the Assembly mandate.

  • Belfast-based IT firm Kainos bought US procurement management company Blackline Group to grow the firm’s international practice.

  • The Department of Finance said the process to apply for the Omicron Hospitality Payment fund will begin next week.

  • Henry McDonald is the incoming Political Editor of the News Letter.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 17 January, NI Assembly returns from Christmas Recess

  • 11 February, Succeed North West, Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, Londonderry Chamber

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 3 March, Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Lunch, City Hotel, Derry

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

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.