INPRIO announces Dr Claire Shaw as Research Analyst

Dr Claire Shaw, Research Analyst at INPRIO

Commercial property consultancy INPRIO has appointed Dr Claire Shaw as Research Analyst.

Claire brings over 20 years’ experience in the sector, having previously spent several years as a research analyst for Lambert Smith Hampton.

Specialising in market analysis with a focus on the investment sector, Claire is a trusted property analyst and has published reports on the Belfast retail, office, and hotel landscape. She will specialise in commercial property intelligence and strategic commercial property analysis in her consultancy role.

The appointment comes amid a period of sustained growth and development for the firm which specialises in investment acquisitions and disposals, asset management, retail leasing and development consultancy.

With Belfast’s commercial property market continuing to improve, INPRIO Director Neil McShane has said Claire’s appointment will allow an expansion of the consultancy service.

New Research Analyst at INPRIO Dr Claire Shaw said:

“I am thrilled to be joining INPRIO as Research Analyst. Northern Ireland’s commercial market continues to grow in strength, and I look forward to providing quality market research for our expanding client base. The pandemic is still impacting corporate confidence, and the most informed acquisition advice and analysis will be critical to quantify the merits and demerits of any commercial property opportunity.”

“Having worked in the research sector for over two decades, I am delighted to be joining Neil and INPRIO to support property companies and high net worth individuals, creating or expanding their commercial property holdings.”

Welcoming the appointment, INPRIO Director Neil McShane said:

“Claire’s appointment is fantastic news for INPRIO. Her wealth of experience, considerable market knowledge, and trusted analysis will be invaluable as we strive to provide best-in-class acquisition advice and high-quality market analysis.”

“Investment volumes for 2021 have exceeded expectations, and this year has already shown a continued pipeline of market opportunity. Over £300 million was invested in Northern Ireland last year, and in the next 12 months, we anticipate that retail investments will return as the dominant asset class.”

“With an Executive no longer in place and inflationary pressures rife, Claire’s addition will strengthen our hand in providing property companies and private investors with up-to-date and in-depth market knowledge, the bespoke advice and commercial property expertise.”

'Early preparation key to avoiding licensing headaches' by Matthew Howse, Partner - Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 15 March

Matthew Howse, Partner - Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland

Last year saw the biggest shake-up to Northern Ireland’s outdated liquor licensing laws in a generation. After years of campaigning from our local pubs, hotels and business groups, the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill was approved by the Assembly and ushered in modern opening hours and the removal of restrictions on trade over the Easter period.

This was a well-deserved and hard-fought win for the hospitality industry, and this year’s Easter period will present the first opportunity to avail of the new laws, coupled with the added bonus of the removal of Covid restrictions which have so badly hurt the industry over the past two years. However, while the industry is now rightly focused on recovery, it’s also important that pubs and other licenced premises begin to turn one eye to September’s liquor licensing renewal deadline.

Early preparation and getting your ducks in order as soon as possible is the key to keeping yourself right ahead of September. And while this may seem a long while away yet, protecting the validity of your licence should obviously be your key concern during this process. The rules governing liquor licensing in Northern Ireland are complex, however, and can often trip up licence holders when they’re looking to renew.

The Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol, including governing who can hold a licence and which premises. However, the Covid pandemic has changed the way premises like bars, hotels and other hospitality venues operate. For example, many hoteliers or bar owners created outdoor drinking areas and made other alterations to accommodate social distancing, ensure proper ventilation and clean air, and ensure they stayed within the Covid regulations of the day.

Unfortunately, these licence holders could fall foul of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 through no fault of their own by being unaware that prior approval of the court may be necessary before an alteration can be carried out, depending on the nature of the alteration. This means that any unauthorised alterations could potentially invalidate the licence when it comes up for renewal.

This is further complicated by the fact that there operates in Northern Ireland a sort of ‘one in, one out’ system for licences for pubs, off licences, hotels, and other valid premises. This is because there is a finite number of licences available for all of Northern Ireland, a point which was raised repeatedly in the Assembly debates of the new legislation last year as being a barrier to the establishment of new pubs. This could leave licence holders in the sticky position of being denied a renewal of their existing licence and then having difficultly getting a new one as another party has been granted one.

There are reasons to be optimistic for the hospitality sector after an incredibly tough two years. The recent decision by the Health Minister to also lift all remaining Covid regulations and transfer them to guidance signals a new chapter, one hopefully defined less so by restrictions and more so by positivity and economic strength. However, it’s important that liquor licence holders make sure they have their renewal in order ahead of September and lay the foundations for a successful year ahead.

UK FinTech leaders to unite in Belfast for first ever Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium

(L-R) George McKinney, Director of Technology and Services at Invest NI, Andrew Jenkins, Chair of FinTech NI and FinTech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Roisin Finnegan, NI FinTech Lead at Deloitte and Chris Jessup, Finance Partner at A&L Goodbody.

The fintech community of Northern Ireland will come together with sector leaders from across the UK in Belfast next week for the first ever Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium.

 Hosted by FinTech NI, the symposium follows the launch of the NI FinTech Sector Strategy, which revealed that fintech now contributes £392 million to the economy, with the potential to create thousands more jobs and generate over £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment here in the next three years.

 Taking place on Wednesday 23 March in Belfast City Centre, the summit will focus on the need for national connectivity as the UK continues to cement its position as a globally recognised fintech hub.

 Representatives from other leading UK fintech clusters, including Scotland, the West Midlands, and the North of England, will address delegates at the conference. The event will also hear from Innovate Finance, the independent industry body for fintech in the UK.

 The symposium takes place just one year after the HM Treasury backed Independent FinTech Strategic Review chaired by Ron Kalifa OBE, which put NI among the ten leading emerging clusters for fintech in the UK.

Next week’s summit will examine how the sector has progressed since, including with the launch of the NI FinTech Sector Strategy.

 Produced by leading advisory firm Deloitte and launched in September 2021, the in-depth report found that we could set to benefit from the setup of over 20 companies, the creation of thousands of jobs and the establishment of over ten new international partnerships in just three years.

 Following the detailed roadmap and action plan, the event will examine the areas where work is required to realise that ambition and supercharge the sector here, including connecting SMEs with investors, addressing barriers to skills and talent, and developing new funding networks for young fintechs.

The Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium 2022 is supported by A&L Goodbody, Invest Northern Ireland, Deloitte and Fintech Nexus.

 Andrew Jenkins, Chair of FinTech NI and HMT FinTech Envoy for Northern Ireland said:

 “As the independent voice of FinTech in Northern Ireland, FinTech NI exists to promote the region as a leading global fintech hub. We have known for quite some time now that the local sector punches well above its weight, however significant advancements in the last few years, including the launch of the three-year strategy, have shown we are on the cusp of much more.”

 “On track to generate thousands more jobs and attract up to £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment in the next three years, now is the time to bring together the fintech ecosystem and celebrate its strength and vibrancy with our counterparts across the UK. We are thrilled to have the support of A&L Goodbody, Invest Northern Ireland, Deloitte and Fintech Nexus and look forward to welcoming the wider ecosystem to Belfast next week.”

 Chris Jessup, Finance Partner at A&L Goodbody said:

 “The fintech sector is on a hugely promising trajectory, and one that’s of significant interest to the wider professional service sector in Northern Ireland. At A&L Goodbody, we advise on UK and EU financial services regulation and have seen a growth in demand here in line with the expansion of the Northern Ireland fintech ecosystem. We see great potential in this area, which is why we are delighted to be supporting the inaugural Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium.” 

 George McKinney, Director of Technology and Services, Invest NI said:

 “The strength and potential of the local fintech ecosystem cannot be understated. This is a sector with a unique geographical advantage and world-class educational system that delivers a structured pipeline of new talent. We have leading capabilities in key areas such as banking & capital markets technology, regtech & compliance, data analytics & AI, insuretech, and a supportive and collaborative business community to go alongside it. Now is the time to showcase this ecosystem, and we are pleased to be supporting the FinTech NI Association to do so.”

Leadership is required to create awareness of HIV in Northern Ireland

By Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life - as originally appeared in the Irish News, Wednesday 9 March

Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life

For 35 years now, Positive Life has been making a difference to the lives of people living or affected by HIV in Northern Ireland as a driving force in research and campaigning.

Later this month we will launch the Northern Ireland Buyers Club at an event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, at Belfast City Hall. The Club is a membership based fundraising project which aims to bring together organisations and like-minded individuals to support the work of Positive Life.

The Buyers Club is a response to the need to modernise Northern Ireland’s attitudes towards HIV, while also contributing to the organisations growth and influence.

HIV is no longer a death sentence, but stigma in Northern Ireland is still prevalent and is life changing. A recent survey commissioned by Positive Life in Northern Ireland which had over 1000 respondents gave a concerning insight into how people view HIV and further highlighted the high level of stigma experienced here.

Over 30% would not approve of a family member dating someone with HIV. While 22% would not approve of someone with HIV looking after their child.

This stigma has a crippling impact on people living with HIV, often leading to mental health issues, family break ups and high levels of internalised shame that remains unaddressed. In the 21st century we should be providing people living with HIV with compassion and support, not stigma, prejudice, and intolerance.

HIV stigma, coupled with the lack of political will to deliver either a HIV Action Plan or Sexual Health Strategy for NI has meant that the support services we offer are needed more than ever. Tackling this issue requires leadership and for those in leading positions to acknowledge its impact, step up, address it, and help create awareness.

It is welcome that the latest statistics published by the Public Health Agency show that there has been a 5% decline in new HIV diagnosis. However sexual health testing has significantly reduced as a result of the pandemic and the number of people in Northern Ireland living with HIV currently sits at over 1200.

This is not generally an attractive cause for supporters with our research showing that financial support for those living with HIV in Northern Ireland has not traditionally been a priority for the public, or private sector organisations when considering charitable donations.

We are hopeful that The Northern Ireland Buyers Club will help us change this by developing new relationships that will help support our world to tackle the stigma surrounding HIV. The funds raised will drive public awareness campaigns to target the challenges of HIV related stigma alongside research and new projects to inform our responses to meet the challenging needs of our service users.

Leading organisations such as Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Phoenix Law and the Institute of Directors are already represented among our Founding members and have come on board to help us in our fight, why don’t you?

To find out more about the Northern Ireland Buyers Club visit www.positivelifeni.com/TheNIBuyersClub. To discuss membership opportunities, contact TheNIBuyersClub@positivelifeni.com.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 14 March 2022

Forward Look                                

  • The Green Party NI Annual Conference will take place tomorrow at Ulster University. The SDLP has rescheduled its spring Conference to Friday 25 March at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy.

  • Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has been co-opted into the DUP’s South Belfast seat to replace former MLA, Christopher Stalford. The DUP has to co-opt a replacement to the DUP Lagan Valley team in the coming weeks.

  • Stormont Party leaders met yesterday to find a solution to the Budget crisis. They will meet today for further ‘robust’ discussions.

  • Party leaders will today receive a briefing from the Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, and Department of Finance officials on what is possible regarding the £300 million of unspent funding.

  • The EU-UK Joint Committee met on Tuesday. Both parties reiterated the need to find solutions to the Protocol and agreed to discretely continue negotiations during the upcoming Assembly election.

  • Mark H Durkan MLA is exploring if a Private Members’ Bill on devolved competencies can be accelerated to allow £300 million of funding to be used to address the cost-of-living crisis.

  • Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, will swap roles with current Department of Justice Permanent Secretary Peter May, following a reshuffle of permanent secretaries taking effect in April.

  • Ivana Bacik TD is the only candidate for the leadership of the Irish Labour Party after the resignation of Alan Kelly TD. She will become leader at noon on 24 March.

  • Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA did not move the Consideration Stage of her Climate Change (No. 1) Bill after the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill passed its Final Stage. It is awaiting Royal Assent.

  • Alan Chambers MLA’s Preservation of Documents (Historical Institutions) Bill, introducing a legal requirement on record holders to preserve information relating to Mother and Baby Institutions and Magdalene Laundries, passed its First Stage.

  • Question Time will take place for the Education and Finance Ministers on Monday. The Health Minister and the NI Assembly Commission will face questions on Tuesday.

  • On Tuesday, the Public Accounts Committee will consider its report into Planning in Northern Ireland.

  • On Wednesday, The Executive Office Committee will consider a ‘Legacy Report (2017-22)’ on its work this Assembly mandate. The Economy Committee will receive a departmental briefing on Skills and the Future of Vocational Qualifications. Departmental officials will brief the Finance Committee on spending arrangements for 2022-23.

Other Stories this week

  • The DEC Humanitarian Appeal continues, with £2.2 million raised in NI. To find out more and donate: LINK.

  • The interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Council, Mark Parkinson, has resigned.

  • The NI Deal Tracker report found that £100.7 million was invested in NI tech firms in 2021, reaching its highest level ever.

  • The Assembly reversed a proposed 10% rent cut for tenants, that had been mistakenly supported last week.

  • The Budget Bill 2022, the Integrated Education Bill, and the Betting, Gaming Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill have passed their Final Stage and are awaiting Royal Assent.

  • Tina McKenzie was appointed Policy Chair of FSB NI.

  • Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre report found the NI economy is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 14 – 15 March, InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference

  • 15 – 18 March, MIPIM, Cannes

  • 23 March, In Camera with the Department of Finance

  • 23 March, Northern Ireland FinTech Symposium, Europa Hotel

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

  • 24 March, Positive Life Launch of the Northern Ireland’s Buyers Club, Belfast City Hall

  • 25 March, SDLP Conference, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy

  • 30 March, Retail NI’s Future High Streets Summit, Titanic Belfast

  • 7 April, BelTech 2022

  • 26 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

Consultations

Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse urged to seek support for upcoming Apology event

Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive Officer of the Victims and Survivors Service

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) is urging survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) to seek emotional and practical support as the formal apology approaches on Friday 11 March 2022.

 A public apology will be offered to victims and survivors of HIA by Ministers Michelle McIlveen, Conor Murphy, Nichola Mallon, Robin Swann and Naomi Long. 

 Ministers will deliver the apology in the Assembly Chamber of Parliament Buildings on behalf of government. This will be followed by apologies from each of the institutions where systemic failings were found in the Hart Report.

Together with its community partners WAVE Trauma Centre and Advice NI, the VSS provides services to support the health and wellbeing of survivors of HIA. The services have been co-designed with survivors and are available to anyone who has been impacted by HIA.

 A dedicated Health and Wellbeing team provide services including psychological therapies, pain management, education and training, and information recovery and retrieval. The VSS can also assist survivors in engaging with the HIA Redress Board.

 Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service, Margaret Bateson said:

“We recognise that this is a momentous occasion for survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse, and we are committed to providing survivors with the support and services they require before, during and after the apology.

 “The apology has been long-awaited and survivors will experience a range of emotions. It is important that all survivors know that we are here and are aware of the support and assistance available to them.

 “VSS has a dedicated and specialist team who will adopt a tailored approach that is responsive to the unique needs of each individual. We will work closely with the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA), and with our community partners, WAVE Trauma Centre and Advice NI, to ensure survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse receive the support they need and deserve.”

 VSS can be contacted by phoning 028903 11678 or by emailing hiaenquiries@vssni.org.  In addition to the usual operating hours of Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, VSS will also be available via telephone, email or webchat as follows:

Saturday 12 March 9am to 5pm
Sunday 13 March 9am to 5pm

 To find out more about the services provided, please visit www.victimsservice.org

Expert panel demonstrates value of occupational therapy in addressing health inequalities

(L-R) RCOT NI Region Chair, Vonnie McWilliams, Journalist Amanda Ferguson, Health Committee Chair, Colm Gildernew MLA, Professor Deirdre Heenan, interim CAHPO Suzanne Martin, and Belfast HSCT Occupational Therapist Manager Catherine Podris.

As part of its #OTsForEquity campaign, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has launched its ‘Roots of Recovery’ Report in Northern Ireland, pinpointing key contributors to health inequalities, and providing effective solutions.

The Report was officially launched today (Wednesday) with a virtual panel discussion on the role of occupational therapy in addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland.

The expert panel consisted of Health Committee Chair Colm Gildernew MLA, interim Chief Allied Health Professional Officer Professor Suzanne Martin, RCOT’s Regional Chair for Northern Ireland Vonnie McWilliams, Assistant Occupational Therapy Service Manager for Learning Disability Services Catherine Podris, and Professor Deirdre Heenan. The panel discussed areas that require major reform and offered practical and dynamic solutions that could improve the lives of those living in extreme deprivation under the expertise of an occupational therapist.

The panel covered issues such as mental health, education, the criminal justice system, primary care, rehabilitation, and housing.

Speaking following the event, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Region Chair for Northern Ireland, Vonnie McWilliams said:

“The Roots of Recovery Report provides a stark reminder of how prevalent health inequalities are in our society. However, it also provides practical and pragmatic solutions that can be used to address existing inequalities, with the expertise of occupational therapists.”

“Occupational therapists have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help tackle these problems, but we must have a seat at the table to do so. We must be involved at the earliest possible stage to ensure the support and services provided will be beneficial to those in need. We must have the resources to allow our workforce to maximise its capacity.”

“The upcoming Assembly Election will give us the opportunity to really look at these problems and transform our health service from the ground up but occupational therapists must be at the heart of this given our expertise across sectors, including education, justice and communities.”

“The Royal College of Occupational Therapists is committed to tackling these deep-rooted inequalities. Northern Ireland needs a health care system that provides health parity for all, whether that be in education, housing, or the criminal justice system. This is an issue that will require a cross-departmental approach, but it is essential that the work starts now to tackle health inequalities and transform our health service.”

Tánaiste to address Retail NI Future High Streets Summit

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI

Tánaiste, and incoming Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD will be among the speakers at the Retail NI Future High Streets Summit taking place at Titanic Belfast on 30 March 2022.

Launching today, the in-person conference will promote a new vision for our high streets post-pandemic, and will discuss how Stormont, Westminster and Dublin Ministers can deliver real change for local towns and cities. Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Alex Norris MP, will also speak on the implementation of the Government’s recent White Paper and how Levelling Up can be delivered on a local level in Northern Ireland.

Sponsored by DWF Law, the Summit will be hosted by broadcaster Tara Mills and will feature panel discussions with Executive Ministers on the Assembly’s future economic priorities ahead of May’s election. The conference will consider key strategic documents including the upcoming High Street Taskforce Report which will set out the transformation required to revitalise our local high streets.

The flagship event will conclude with a keynote address from Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, on the challenges facing the North-South economy. Mr Varadkar will take up the role of Taoiseach from December 2022.

Chief Executive of Retail NI, Glyn Roberts said:

“I am pleased that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up Alex Norris MP, and several Executive Ministers, will join us for our first major in-person conference in over two years. The pandemic decimated our high streets, and while we are beginning to see normality returning, a fresh, innovative approach to town and city centre planning is direly needed. Whether it is through Levelling Up, North-South collaboration, or on an Executive level through the High Streets Taskforce, it is imperative that government proposals across these islands are ambitious and help spark a renaissance of our local high streets.”

Head of Real Estate in Northern Ireland at DWF Law, Julie Galbraith said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Retail NI for its Future High Streets Summit. Our town and city centres are thriving hubs of innovation and growth, best evidenced through Northern Ireland’s ever-growing independent retail sector. Supporting our high streets does not just boost jobs and economic activity, it helps build stronger communities that work together to improve livelihoods and build prospects. I look forward to speaking to those business and political leaders in attendance at this excellent Summit.”

Looming National Insurance hikes best mitigated by non-traditional payment methods

By Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore - as originally appeared in The Irish News, Tuesday 8 March

Angela Keery, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

The pending rise in National Insurance contributions is arguably the most significant change to taxation we will see this year. Due to come into play next month, the increase will impact tax bills and pay cheques across the board at a time when rising costs and external factors are squeezing profit margins and disposable incomes to the extreme.

Announced last year as a taxation to help fund health and social care, National Insurance will rise by 1.25% from April 2022 for a year, before returning to current levels in 2023, when the standalone Health and Social Care levy will take effect.

With increases for all individuals currently liable for National Insurance, the pressure this will place on both employer and employee has sparked significant concern, particularly at a time when the costs of both doing business and living comfortably have skyrocketed.

Though essentially unavoidable, ways to mitigate the increase and enjoy a reduced NI Contribution for both businesses and employees do exist, most notably in the form of a pension salary sacrifice.

In practice, this is an arrangement that enables employees to boost their existing pension contributions to save money. Changes to the rules around salary sacrifice did eliminate many of the tax savings available through employee benefits in 2016, however pension salary sacrifice remained in place, meaning it is now more beneficial than ever in the face of the National Insurance hike.

The basic mechanics of a salary sacrifice are that employees agree to a reduction in their future salary in return for the benefit of additional employer pension contributions paid to their pension. Based on the extent the salary is sacrificed in this agreement, businesses stand to save a considerable 15.05% in National Insurance contributions, including the latest 1.25% increase, while employees save an attractive 13.25%.

This saving can be shared between employer and employee in this format, or alternatively paid as additional pension contributions on the employee’s behalf, or also a combination of both.

What’s important in following this route is that the agreement is reached explicitly between both employer and employee. It should be set out within their terms and conditions that they are fully aware they are forgoing their contractual right to further cash remuneration.

A hugely tax efficient option, it is attractive to all parties given the current economic climate that shows no signs of letting up. Considering current difficulties for many businesses in terms of recruiting and retaining staff, it may prove a useful advantage going forward.

With the world of work altered forever, this route may also have more appeal among workers after two years of uncertainty that have undoubtedly prompted many to consider their security, financial stability and the pension pot that ultimately awaits them in retirement. Many have used this time to reconsider their priorities, and we are seeing more appreciate the value of small sacrifices now to build a healthy pension for the future.

It is often commented that only death and taxes are certain in life, and there is little preparation we can do for the former. Businesses can, however, make use of qualified and reliable business advice to ensure they are best prepared for the latter, and we know that options do exist to mitigate the upcoming rise in National Insurance.

While salary sacrifice is not suitable for every employee, it is a viable option that could ease the impact of the upcoming change on businesses operating in this post-pandemic climate. My advice is to seek input from advisors early and explore the options to ease the financial strain of this change on both your employees and your company accounts.

£1.4 million raised in Northern Ireland as public rallies behind DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal HERE.

Ukrainian Red Cross staff and volunteers are providing food and other necessities to about 8,000 people who are sheltering in a subway station in Kyiv. Image credit: Maksym Trebukhov/Ukrainian Red Cross Society

The Northern Irish public has raised over £1.4 million in just four days in an outpouring of support for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Donations to the appeal from right across the UK have reached £100 million – the equivalent of more than £1 million an hour since the official launch on Thursday 3 March.

In a wave of generosity and goodwill, hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK have donated. More than 1.5 million people have been forced to flee Ukraine due to the conflict, and many more have fled their homes inside the country.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to save, protect, and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response in times of overseas crisis. In Northern Ireland, it is supported by the British Red Cross, Save the Children, Tearfund and Concern Worldwide.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine, border areas and neighbouring countries working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing the conflict. Most of the refugees are women and children, forced to abandon their homes and loved ones to find sanctuary in neighbouring countries. The UN estimates that up to four million people may be forced leave the country and seven million may lose their homes inside Ukraine.

Thanks to the public’s generosity, and £25 million in match-funding from the UK Government, DEC charities have already started to use funds to deliver vital aid and scale up their response.

Charities on the ground are urging people to show their support through cash donations rather than giving specific items, which although well-meaning are often not what people need and are expensive to transport. Funds donated via the DEC appeal will help these charities continue to meet the most urgent needs of food, water, sanitation, and health provisions.

The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal continues. Members of the public can donate at dec.org.uk, by calling 0370 60 60 900, or by texting SUPPORT to 70150 to donate £10.

Peter Anderson, Northern Ireland Director at Concern Worldwide (UK) said:

“It is heart-warming to see the people of Northern Ireland donate such a significant amount of money to humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Ukraine. Along with their local partners, DEC charities are delivering aid on the ground, working to meet people’s immediate needs of food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care for those fleeing the conflict. This money will go a long way in supporting that, however I would urge those who can to continue donating as the number of people affected will undoubtedly continue to rise.”

Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:

“The response in Northern Ireland has been overwhelming, and we thank each and every individual who donated in the last few days for their generosity. The circumstances facing the people of Ukraine are unimaginable, and we know the need for humanitarian support will exist in the long term. With this in mind, we would encourage those who feel they can to continue donating and help the people of Ukraine in their darkest hour.”

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“We are extremely grateful to everyone in Northern Ireland and right across the UK who has donated to the DEC Appeal. We also thank the UK Government who have matched pound for pound the first £25 million donated by the public. Giving through the DEC is the most effective way to get the right assistance to the right people. While wanting to collect clothes and other items for people in need is laudable, the things people give today may not be what people need tomorrow and aid workers say they can’t use much of what is arriving. Donating through the DEC is the most helpful way people can assist. While we have raised an astonishing amount in the initial days of the appeal, we urge people to continue donating as the need is great and the response needed is likely to run into months and years. Please help now.”