Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 31 January 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The Irish News has reported that the DUP will hold its party conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday 26 February. The SDLP Conference will take place at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace on Sunday 20 February.

  • The Executive has published its draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, setting out strategic investment priorities for the next 30 years. Consultation events will take place virtually on Thursday 10 February, Friday 25 February, and Monday 14 March. To view the Strategy: LINK

  • The Department of Infrastructure will bring forward policy proposals “at the earliest opportunity” amending consultation requirements and other planning processes following a review of the Implementation of Planning Act (NI) 2011.

  • First Minister Paul Givan MLA has suggested the DUP’s new deadline for seeing changes to the Protocol will be on Monday 21 February when the EU-UK Joint Committee next meets.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced an Independent Review of Invest NI led by Sir Michael Lyons.

  • The BBC has reported that Edwin Poots MLA will seek the DUP’s nomination to run for the party in South Down.

  • The House of Commons Procedure Committee will meet with members of the Executive Office Committee on Wednesday 23 February to discuss intergovernmental relations.

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has received Executive support to establish an Infrastructure Commission.

  • The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will meet on Monday 28 February in London.

  • The Fiscal Council will publish a report in the summer detailing how Budget allocations can impact the sustainability of other departments.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has announced that the Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme will be extended to include hotels.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has launched a public consultation on reshaping adult social care. To respond by 18 May: LINK

  • Question Time will take place for the Finance Minister and Health Minister on Monday. The Infrastructure Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • The Second Stage of the Employment (Zero Hours Workers and Banded Weekly Working Hours) Bill will take place on Monday. The Consideration Stage of the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill is expected to take place on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday the Executive Office will receive an oral briefing from the Flags, Identities, Culture and Tradition (FICT) Commission Co-Chairs.

Other Stories this week

  • Doug Beattie MLA has remained as UUP leader despite backlash surrounding a series of controversial tweets.

  • Sinn Féin have blocked a DUP paper seeking Executive approval for the continuation of checks introduced by the Protocol.

  • A LucidTalk/Belfast Telegraph poll has found that Sinn Féin hold an eight-point lead over the DUP.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA has said that £100m has been left unallocated by this month’s January Monitoring Round.

  • Richard Kennedy has been appointed as the new Chairman of InterTradeIreland.

  • RTÉ have appointed Sean Whelan as its new Washington Correspondent.

Upcoming key political and business events

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

  • 20 February, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Bellaghy

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 26 February, DUP Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

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

  • 9 March, Post-Brexit Conference: Sustaining and Building Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade, Newry and Dundalk Chamber

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

  • 7 April, RTPI Annual Dinner, Titanic Belfast

Consultations

Executive publishes new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

First Minister Paul Givan MLA and deputy First Minister launching the Strategy today

The Executive have today published its new draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI).

The draft strategy sets out an approach to multi-billion-bound investment for infrastructure projects including new roads, schools, hospitals, social housing and public transport. It sets out the Executive’s priorities for investment over the next 30 years.

A public consultation on the draft strategy has been opened today, with responses from businesses, community organisations and individual citizens on the future of infrastructure planning accepted being encouraged. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 20 April 2022.

Please find below a rundown of the key facets of the new Strategy.

What is the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland?

The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) describes the public infrastructure that government intends to deliver. It is one of the Executive’s three high level policy documents, developed alongside the forthcoming Programme for Government and budget. The ISNI 2011-21 saw investment of over £14.8 billion being injected into Northern Ireland, but the next ISNI will take a “longer term strategic view, supported by a more detailed 10 year plan”.

What are the key priorities of the new Investment Strategy?

The next Investment Strategy will be set against the immediate priorities of recovery from Covid-19 and adaptation to Brexit. However, it will focus on the long term (30+ years) emerging trends such as resilience to climate change, meeting the needs of a growing ageing population, as well as new technologies.

Over £1.6 billion of capital expenditure per annum will be injected into the NI public sector including roads, hospitals, schools and college. Several thematic pillars are set out, including:

  • Community and Leisure - housing; regeneration; sports and heritage.

  • Health and Social Care - primary health care (e.g. GPs and pharmacies); hospitals; social care.

  • Energy - energy generation, including renewables; energy storage and distribution.

  • Learning and Skills - schools’ estate; further and higher education; libraries.

  • Digital Communications - digital services; data and 5G.

  • Transport and Mobility - airports and ports; public transport and strategic/local road network.

  • Industry and Innovation - R&D investment and support to primary industries (e.g. manufacturing).

  • Justice - criminal, civil justice system and prisons.

  • Water and Waste - water treatment; flood risk management and residential/commercial waste.

When will the final Investment Strategy be published?

The ISNI will be drafted following the Consultation. A major part of its development will be engagement with relevant stakeholders across Northern Ireland. The final document will then be subject to a period of formal consultation and equality screening.

How can I get involved?

The Executive’s draft Investment Strategy will be open for Consultation until 20 April 2022. To respond, visit: isni.gov.uk

Leading businesses help parents understand critical skills for the future of work

Allstate NI, EY and Herbert Smith Freehills are set to bring parents together in an online event to explore the skills and attributes needed to prepare school leavers for the future of work.

The latest instalment in the ‘Your Child, Their Future’ series will focus on ‘Future Skills’ and explore the technical abilities and personal traits required for a successful career in the industries and sectors of today.

As global businesses at the forefront of digital and professional services and with significant workforces in Northern Ireland, the companies will provide a diverse range of opinions and information from industry experts who are parents themselves.

The free online event, which will take place on Tuesday 1 February, will hear from:

  • Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive at Young Enterprise NI

  • Jenna Bell, Business Development Manager at the Chartered Institute of Building

  • Rose Mary Stalker, Founder of 4C Ur Future

Hosted by former BBC Northern Ireland journalist Sarah Travers, the Virtual Parent’s Evening is an informal opportunity to chat with professionals about how best to support the younger generations as they embark on their careers.

Rather than a lecture or recruitment event, it is a relaxed online session that will provide opportunities to ask questions or alternatively sit back and listen to expert advice.

John Healy, Vice President & Managing Director at Allstate NI said:

“We are looking forward to hosting another ‘Your Child, Their Future’ event and providing direction to parents and young people as they navigate the final years of education and consider their next steps. In technology, job roles evolve and change quickly in line with continued advancements and developments in the modern world. This can be daunting for pupils as they prepare for careers that don’t yet exist, but we know that a number of fundamental skills and attributes will always be valued by employers.”

“In our latest event, we will hear from professionals who are well regarded for their expert views and insights on how best to kickstart your career. I encourage anyone feeling uncertain about their next steps, or who would like to know more about the opportunities that exist for their children, to join us to discuss the skills of the future.”

‘Your Child, Their Future: Future Skills’ will take place from 5 – 6pm on Tuesday 1 February 2022. For more information or to register for the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-child-their-future-future-skills-tickets-223367687767

NILGA appoints new Chief Executive

Alison Allen, Chief Executive, NILGA

The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has appointed their new chief executive. 

Alison Allen will join NILGA as CEO on the 1st of February and brings over 20 years of public service experience including wide-ranging roles in Belfast City Council, Antrim Borough Council, the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland and the NI Assembly.

Her leadership experience, which includes Belfast City Council since 2013, has focused on working in partnership with a diverse range of political, voluntary, community, statutory and private sector stakeholders to deliver high quality services to the public.

Commenting on her appointment to NILGA, Alison Allen the incoming NILGA CEO said:

“I am delighted to be joining the NILGA team and look forward to bringing my passion for innovation, integration, sustainability and flexibility in public services in support of local government across Northern Ireland, particularly as we continue to work together to ensure local people and places prosper.

“The pandemic has had a hugely detrimental impact on local government, across the UK and Ireland, but our 11 local councils have led by example over the past two years, serving their communities and continuing to provide high-quality public services. I am excited to be taking the reins at such an important time, with the Assembly Election only weeks away at this stage, and other key milestones on the horizon.”

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess also said:

“I am thrilled that we have appointed Alison as NILGA’s new Chief Executive. Alison is an impressive and accomplished local government leader with over 20 years’ public service experience. The NILGA Office Bearers and wider NILGA Team look forward to working closely with her to support our members and our councils as they recover from the pandemic. Ahead of the Assembly Election in May, Alison has come on board at a crucial time, and her expertise and competencies will be vital in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 24 January 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Sue Gray is to publish her investigation into Downing Street parties during lockdown next week. It comes after the Prime Minister has faced calls for his resignation from his own backbench MPs.

  • The Executive has agreed to remove the rule of six in hospitality settings, the cap on the number of households meeting indoors and the need to provide proof of mask exemption from noon today. From 26 January nightclubs will reopen with covid certification and the requirement for social distancing in the workplace will be removed. The remaining covid measures will be reviewed on 10 February.

  • The Government is to discuss the reform of the roles of First Minister and deputy First Minister after the upcoming Assembly Election.

  • The Speaker of the Assembly has written to MLAs to say that any Bill which does not get through Committee Stage in the next few weeks is unlikely to pass. Plenary sittings on Wednesdays have now been introduced to ensure more legislation progresses before the end of March.

  • EU Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič has signalled that Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations could finish by the end of February if no breakthrough occurs.

  • The Fiscal Commission’s final report will be published in the next few weeks after minor changes are made.

  • The First and deputy First Minister will deliver a public apology to Historical Institutional Abuse victims at an event on 11 March.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a 22-point plan for the Path to Net Zero Energy in Northern Ireland to be delivered by 2050. The plan can be viewed here: LINK

  • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA is to seek approval from her Executive colleagues to run a third financial assistance scheme for the private bus and coach sector.

  • Maria McIlgorm will take up the position of Chief Nursing Officer in March 2022.

  • Belfast City Council is seeking views on their Draft Urban Innovation Framework. The consultation closes on 15 March. More information can be found here: LINK

  • Question Time will take place for the Executive Office and Economy Minister on Monday. The Education Minister will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Wednesday the Economy Minister will provide a Ministerial Briefing to the Economy Committee on the draft Budget and Energy Strategy. The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council will appear before the Finance Committee to discuss their draft Budget report.

Other Stories this week

  • After heavy criticism, the Government withdrew a House of Lords amendment to the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections, and Petition of Concern) Bill to bring back double-jobbing for MLAs and MPs.

  • The NI Fiscal Council published its report assessing the Executive’s 2022-25 draft Budget. It concludes that the draft Budget lacks strategic direction. It can be viewed here: LINK

  • The Integrated Education Bill passed its Consideration Stage in the Assembly by 58-27 votes.

  • DUP MP Ian Paisley has presented the Digital Devices (Access for Next of Kin) Bill before Parliament.

  • It was revealed that imports into the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland surged 64% during 2021.

  • Claire Cronin has been sworn in as US Ambassador-Designate to Ireland.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA announced plans to extend Project Stratum to an additional 8500 premises.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 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

  • 9 March, Post-Brexit Conference: Sustaining and Building Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade, Newry and Dundalk Chamber

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

2022 a crucial year for the North West City Region, says Derry and Letterkenny Chambers

(L-R) Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber; Kristine Reynolds, President, Letterkenny Chamber; Aidan O’Kane, President, Londonderry Chamber; and Toni Forrester, Chief Executive, Letterkenny Chamber

The Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce have met to discuss their shared priorities for the North West ahead of a significant year for the city region.

Representing over 600 businesses across the North West, the two Chambers agreed a partnership in 2021 to collaborate on issues affecting the membership of both bodies. The meeting was the first opportunity for new Chamber Presidents, Derry Chamber’s Aidan O’Kane, and Letterkenny Chamber’s Kristine Reynolds, to meet as they began their tenure.

With Protocol negotiations ongoing, both Chambers expressed their desire for the protection of the North West’s unfettered access to UK, Ireland, and EU markets. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to businesses on both sides of the border, with rising energy and material costs presenting further disruption to hard-hit retail and hospitality sectors.

The meeting comes as the Chambers submit their joint response to the All Island Strategic Rail Review, where they call for wholesale rail reform to strengthen the North West’s connectivity with the island’s other economic hubs.

Over the past year, the Chambers have also collaborated on a Masters in Research Programme examining cross border clusters, with a particular focus on the FinTech sector.

Londonderry Chamber President, Aidan O’Kane, said:

“I was privileged to meet with the Letterkenny Chamber to discuss our shared ambitions for the North West. For years, our close partnership with Letterkenny has reflected the progress we believe can be made through meaningful cross-border collaboration. The challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit have not gone away, and it is imperative that we work alongside each other to meet these issues head-on.”

“The vast economic potential of the North West City Region is well known. Derry and Letterkenny are thriving hubs of innovation and growth, and with proper investment, support, and stimulus, we can reach the heights seen elsewhere across the island. In the year ahead, Stormont, Dublin and Westminster must knuckle down, not work in their silos, and support the North West’s growth, as one coherent and conjoined region.

“I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Letterkenny Chamber in my tenure in what is a crucial year for the North West business community.”

Kristine Reynolds, Letterkenny Chamber President, said:

“We were delighted to establish a formal partnership with the Derry Chamber in 2021, an agreement which reflected how interconnected we are as a city region. Our collaboration has been instrumental in promoting our members’ interests to key stakeholders and elected representatives across the island. Now, with an important year ahead of us, we are looking forward to working together to tackle the key issues facing our local economy.”

“As a unique cross-border city region, the North West provides unfettered access to the UK, Ireland and EU markets. Regional infrastructure and connectivity are improving slowly, however, and there remains little to no rail connectivity to and within our region. Following the All Island Strategic Rail Review, both Stormont and Dublin must work to address the regional imbalance in transport infrastructure as part of a properly funded investment programme to bolster our region.”

“I was pleased to meet with my counterpart Aidan and I hope that, in working together, we can build a more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous regional economy that benefits everyone.”

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