Tax team grows at Belfast accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Julie Hamilton pictured with Head of Tax Angela Keery and Tax Technician Lauren Patience

Leading Belfast accountancy and advisory practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has welcomed two new tax professionals to its growing team.

Julie Hamilton joins the firm as Tax Manager, while Lauren Patience takes on the role of Tax Technician.

With over 15 years’ experience, Julie joins with a background in mid-tier and Big 4 practices. She specialises in personal tax and will develop the company’s service in this area, particularly tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, sole traders, partnerships, and shareholders.

A qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, Julie also advises on cross border issues, capital gains tax and inheritance tax.

Lauren is a qualified Accounts and Tax Technician with experience in personal tax, corporate tax, and VAT compliance. Also a tax planning adviser for individuals and business, she joins the firm from a mid-tier practice.

The appointments come amid a period of sustained growth for the tax team and right across the firm which specialises in Audit & Assurance, Business Services, Consulting, Taxation and Restructuring & Insolvency.

Joining the team, new Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Julie Hamilton said:

“Today’s economic climate makes tax planning all the more critical as businesses and individuals face unprecedented financial challenges. They need reliable and informed advice now more than ever, and I am thrilled to continue this work as part of the dynamic Tax Department at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. Looking ahead, I look forward to supporting the further growth of the firm.”

Tax Technician Lauren Patience said:

“I am delighted to join the team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore where I know I will have the opportunity to build on my experience and specialist areas. We are looking ahead to a busy few months within the company and I am excited to get my work underway. As external factors continue to change and evolve, we as tax advisers will continue to stay ahead of the developments that impact our clients.”

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

“I am thrilled to welcome Julie and Lauren to the Tax Department. Both join the team with significant experience, and I can already see their impact on our work as a practice. It is certainly a busy time, yet if we are to support individuals and businesses through it, we need talented consultants within our team. Julie and Lauren are two excellent additions and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

'Green leases key to tackling the climate crisis' writes Hannah Boyd, Senior Associate, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, Tuesday 27 September

As businesses and corporations explore ways in which they can do their part to tackle the climate crisis, the role of commercial real estate cannot be understated. It’s estimated that a whopping 40% of global annual CO2 emissions come from real estate. While green considerations are more and more coming into focus during the construction and design of new buildings, it is also vital that existing properties implement long-term sustainable mechanisms to meet their climate obligations.

One way of achieving this is through green leases. These are leases of commercial premises which seek to incorporate clauses that push the landlord and tenant to be more environmentally responsible. This is not limited to reducing emissions and energy consumption. It also takes in issues like water management, waste management, use of sustainable materials, and green transport. And with investors, both private and public, increasingly keen to see strong ESG commitments from corporations, green leases may be an easy way to meet your own green targets.

Recent years have seen significant regeneration in Northern Ireland. In Belfast alone, there is the redevelopment of City Quays, the anticipated development of Translink’s Weaver’s Cross, as well as the former Sirocco site. With this ongoing regeneration and in the midst of the enduring climate emergency, the inclusion of green provisions in leases is becoming more commonplace in the Northern Ireland market.

In the legal space, we are certainly seeing it in negotiations, particularly where the tenant is a premium occupier and the landlord is a key landowner. However, unlike in England, Wales, and Scotland, the EPC regulations in Northern Ireland currently do not require a commercial premises to have minimum EPC rating of E before it can be let. The position, however, will inevitably catch up with that of the rest of the UK and we’re likely to see such a requirement down the line.

The age-old battle of service charge exclusions surrounding redevelopment and more recently “environmental performance” is also ongoing but there is ever increasing pressure on both parties to share the responsibility of improving the energy efficiency of commercial premises.

However, given the wealth of local talent in Northern Ireland, as well as the lower running and set up costs than the rest of the UK, there is no doubt it will continue to attract the type of occupiers who will be pushing green leases as part of their own ESG agendas.  That, coupled with anticipated changes in the EPC regulations to introduce a minimum rating, will see key landowners push green provisions as part of their commercial leasing agenda to ensure the sharing of cost.

It's likely that green leases will become increasingly popular as the onus on businesses of all sizes to help meet national net-zero targets becomes more prominent. Large retailers across the UK are already taking a proactive lead by implementing green leases across their property portfolios. Getting out ahead of the pack now can give your business a lead in the market, both in helping to tackle the climate crisis but also to highlight your commitments to ESG and green obligations.

Irish Budget 2023 - Brown O’Connor Communications Forward Look Special

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD has unveiled the Budget to the Dáil, setting out planned public expenditure and tax changes for 2023. Representing one of the largest non-Covid budgets worth €11 billion, new spending for 2023 will be accompanied by €4.1 billion in one-off cost of living measures. 

• A Business Energy Support Scheme (BESS) will be introduced. Business will be able to reclaim 40% of their electricity bills where costs are 50% higher than last year.

• The Irish Government will support forthcoming EU proposals on a windfall tax on international energy companies.

• The top income tax rate of 40% will now only be paid on income above €40,000.

• The temporary reduction in VAT on the supply of gas and electricity from 13.5% to 9% has been extended to 28 February 2023.

• The Help-to-Buy scheme has been extended until 31 December 2024.

• A rental tax credit of €500 will be available to each tenant.

• The 9% VAT rate for tourism and hospitality will expire on 28 February 2023.

• The cost of special exemption orders, required by venues to open late, has been halved from from €110 to €55.

• A contribution of €2 billion has been made to the national reserve fund to assist with future economic downturn. An additional €4 billion will be paid in 2023.

• VAT on Irish newspapers has been reduced from 9% to zero, taking effect from 1 January 2023.

• Inflation is expected to reach 7% next year, according to forecasts.

New HR Director appointed at fscom

New HR Director at fscom Jill Michael pictured with Managing Director Jamie Cooke.

FSCom Limited (fscom), a leading specialist consulting firm providing governance, risk and compliance solutions to financial services institutions in the UK and Ireland, has today announced the appointment of Jill Michael as HR Director.

 Jill will take on the responsibility for the strategic leadership of People and Talent at the award-winning consultancy, further building on its reputation as the leading subject matter experts in their field.

She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and is part of the independent assessor panel for the Diversity Mark in Northern Ireland and Winner of the Women in Business ‘Advancing Diversity in the Workplace Award’.

A senior HR professional, Jill was previously Head of Talent within a leading law firm and brings almost two decades of HR experience to the role.

New HR Director Jill Michael said:

“I’m delighted to be joining fscom, a forward-thinking company which already has some of the best people in the sector working across a number of practice areas. I’m looking forward to developing a HR approach that embeds people, diversity and inclusion at its core and underpins the firm’s wider business strategy and objectives.”

Managing Director at fscom Jamie Cooke said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Jill to her new role as HR Director. We’re a people centric business and our biggest asset is our team, so we’re really looking forward with the guidance and support of Jill to further investing in our current and future colleagues at fscom.”

Foyle Port backing major cross-border conference

Foyle Port CEO, Brian McGrath.

Foyle Port has been announced as the lead sponsor of a major cross-border conference which An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD will address later this month.

The Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference will take place on 29 and 30 September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk and focus on Commitment, Resilience and Perseverance: New challenges and approaches to cross-border cooperation, mobility, and relations, exploring important issues in cross-border cooperation across two days, bringing together government officials, policy experts and leaders in academia and civic society.  

The Taoiseach will deliver a keynote speech on 29 September focused on the Government’s commitment to work with all communities on the island to build consensus around a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, and civil rights activist Bernadette McAliskey will also address the conference.

Foyle Port is the marine gateway to the North West of Ireland, located at Lisahally terminal in the city. Established as the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners in 1854, the Port now handles approximately two million tonnes of cargo per annum at an estimated value of £1bn. Supporting over 1000 direct and indirect jobs, the Port facilitates crucial imports of essential agri-products, supporting approximately 20,000 farms, and has ambitious plans to expand into new and emerging areas like data, renewable energy, and decarbonisation.

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port said:

“Foyle Port is proud to be supporting this year’s Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference, at a particularly crucial time for relations across these islands. Both North-South and East-West relations are under strain due to common issues like the lack of an Executive, uncertainty over the NI Protocol, and major fiscal and economic challenges.

“As a major institution which thrives on all-island prosperity and a strong cross-border economy, Foyle Port has a strategic interest in good relations across our island and further afield. Significant events like this conference are crucial in fostering good relations, building on existing networks, and delivering the investment and prosperity which will be vital in levelling up our economy, society, and communities.”

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, added:

“A cornerstone of our political and social engagement is our Annual Conference that brings together influential individuals to discuss the need for cooperation based on mutual understanding. We are, therefore, thrilled to have the backing of Foyle Port as our lead sponsor.

“Foyle Port is a leading cross-border organisation which is deeply ingrained in the North West of our island. They provide a vital service for our businesses, workers, and households and maintain strong and positive relations with policy makers and key influencers across these islands. With relationships strained like never before, and with the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on the horizon, it has never been as important to renew relationships with a sense of energy and focus for all of our people. Foyle Port sets the exemplar for cooperation and relationship building across the island of Ireland.”

For more information, please visit https://crossborder.ie/conferences/ccbs-23rd-annual-conference/

Irish Budget 2023

Budget 2023 has been brought forward by several weeks this year due to the cost-of-living crisis and will be unveiled to the Dáil on 27 September by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath. The current backdrop, as well as inflation levels not seen since the 1970’s, will make it a cost-of-living focused budget.

The Government will have to take a targeted approach with their one-off cost-of-living package, to avoid further inflationary pressure. The package is estimated to be between €2bn and €3bn and will help households through top-ups to welfare payments and further energy credits.

Businesses will be helped through the package with measures that mirror the Government’s pandemic response, according to Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. Low-cost loans, grants, and flat payments or energy discounts are all options said to be explored by the Department of Finance. Extensions of both the excise cuts on fuels and VAT reductions on electricity are widely reported to also be included in the package.

The special 9% VAT rate on the tourism and hospitality sectors from the pandemic will likely be retained and the advice of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) to widen income tax brackets seems to be the preferred option of the Government. Ministers will not reduce Ireland’s dependence on corporation tax from multi-nationals, as advised by the IFAC. Instead, the Department of Finance suggests allocating a portion of the revenue to the ‘Rainy-Day Fund’ to hedge the dependence.

The spiralling energy prices are driving inflation in Ireland, like elsewhere. Therefore, the Government is likely to introduce structural changes to the energy market aimed at reducing the State’s reliance on imported energy to alleviate this issue in the future. The Government has already been granted emergency permission to build a new powerplant in Dublin.

The Irish exchequer’s healthy coffers, thanks to record levels of employment and tax receipts, give it room to manoeuvre. However, the cost-of-living crisis and the forecasts of an impending recession will make it a contentious Budget. The Opposition, industry groups and unions have already made their disagreements with several proposals known, with Sinn Féin’s alternative budget calling for a ‘sea change’ in how the Government approves public housing projects as well as pledging over €1bn for the health system and 100% redress for mica-affected homeowners.

Outside of the cost-of-living responses, other funding commitments may include the Government’s flagship National Development Programme, the Shared Island Fund, climate obligations, and further funding for housing.

Belfast to welcome delegation of New York legislators to the city

(L-R) Claire Guinness, Innovation District Director at Innovation City Belfast; Dr Terry Cross, Chairman of Hinch Distillery; Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michelle Kelly and Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University.

New York legislators will travel to Belfast as part of the Belfast International Homecoming from the 27 to 29 September.

With the support of Ulster University, Belfast City Council and Hinch Distillery, Belfast International Homecoming will welcome over 20 business, civic and political leaders from the diaspora to the city in person for the first time in three years.

The New York delegation will travel to Belfast to learn about landmark city projects such as Ulster University’s new Belfast Campus, Innovation City Belfast and the transformative £1bn Belfast Region City Deal.

Delegation members include:

·        Assemblyman Mike Cusick, President of the American Irish Legislators Society and Chairman of the Energy Committee in the New York State Legislature.

·        Michael Meade, Group CEO of Sullivan’s Brewing Company, New York.

·        Sean Tenner, President of KNI Communications, Chicago.

·        Steve Lenox, Director of the New Jersey Ireland Center.

·        Jay Hart, Chief of Police Torrance, California.

The programme of events for Homecoming will culminate in a Banquet Dinner at the Titanic Hotel on Thursday 29 September which will see the installation of a new cohort of Belfast Ambassadors who have been promoting the city globally.

New Belfast Ambassadors include:

·        Kerrie Sweeney, CEO of Maritime Belfast.

·        Kathryn Thomson, CEO of National Museums NI.

·        Raquel McKee, African Caribbean Society of Northern Ireland.

·        Elaine Smyth, Director of the Innovation Community at Catalyst.

·        Dr Victoria Manax, Chief Clinical Officer Immunicom Inc, USA

·        Edwin Donnelly, President New Jersey State Firefighters

·        Ken Walsh, CEO Alfond Youth Center, Portland, Maine, USA

Ballymoney-born businessman, Ian McLernon, President and CEO of the Rémy Cointreau, Americas will receive the Spirit of the Diaspora Award at the Banquet, where Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA will make remarks and Mike Nesbitt MLA moderate a panel on ‘Belfast on the Rise’.  

Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michelle Kelly said:

“Belfast International Homecoming gives us an important opportunity to re-engage in person with some of Belfast’s many friends in business, civic society and government in New York.  We’re a signature city on the rise – and proud to be shining the spotlight on our innovation credentials and vast potential during the conference programme. 

“Our engagement in this event is part of our international positioning strategy to encourage further US investment and business partnership – and gives us the chance to recognise the sterling efforts of our colleagues who will be installed as Belfast Ambassadors. Promoting Belfast is very much a team effort – and we’re very fortunate to have developed a strong, collegiate approach to attracting investment and forging mutually beneficial links with our US partners and diaspora.”

Prof. Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University said:

“It is fantastic that Belfast Homecoming is once again able to open the doors of our city to the wider diaspora for the first time since before the pandemic. Belfast International Homecoming has always been an event which showcases the very best of Belfast and Ulster University is proud to play a strong role in developing our city and region. I look forward to introducing our guests both to the landmark new Ulster University Campus offering learning spaces at the forefront of higher education practice in the heart of Belfast and to the groundbreaking health technology and virtual screen production innovation projects that will further revitalise the region.”

Dr Terry Cross, Chairman of Hinch Distillery said:

“Forging relationships and making connections is part of our human nature, it’s in our very fibre.  That’s why events such as Belfast International Homecoming are so important. They allow individuals to make connections and forge international partnerships that make a tangible difference to the city. 

“Belfast has a great deal to offer to businesses and this has already been recognised by American companies and suppliers in Europe. It has a wealth of talent, creativity and ambition and a strong track record of demonstrating how this can be applied to affect positive global change. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of social networks and we are delighted that events like this can take place in person once again."

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 21 September

Forward Look                                

• On Tuesday 27 September, Budget 2023 will be unveiled to the Dáil by the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure.

• This afternoon, the Seanad scrutinised the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. The Ministers for Finance and Transport took part in Oral Questions.

• The Government has published its Autumn Legislative Programme containing 38 priority bills. To view, click HERE.

• Environment Minister Eamon Ryan TD has launched a public consultation on Ireland’s gas and electricity systems. To view, click HERE.

• The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NSPC) has submitted a report to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment detailing 20 policy recommendations. To view, click HERE.

• Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien TD will shortly bring proposals to cabinet for overhauling the recruitment process for An Bord Pleanála.

• The Commission for the Regulation of Industries (CRU) will unveil proposed new tariffs to curb private sector energy use this week.

• Planning permission for a 245-bedroom hotel on Henry Street will be submitted to Dublin City Council this week.

• On Friday 23 September, IoD Ireland’s Autumn Launch will take place at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin. To attend, click HERE.

• On Wednesday 28 September, the Central Statistics Office will publish retail sales data for August.

• On 1 November, Justice Síofra O’Leary will become President of the European Court of Human Rights.

• From 1 January 2023, the National Minimum Wage will increase to €11.30 an hour.

Other Stories this week

• On Sunday 18 September, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD met with UK PM Liz Truss MP at Downing Street.

• On Monday 19 September, the Dublin Chamber met with Enterprise Minister and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD to discuss the Right to Request Remote Work Bill.

• On Tuesday 20 September, cabinet approved proposals to maintain the retirement age at 66, with additional pension benefits for those working to 70.

• This morning, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD provided an oral briefing to the Finance Committee on banking issues.

• Westmeath County Council has granted planning permission for a new 25-acre film studio in Mullingar.

• Ahead of the Budget, Sinn Féin has unveiled its ‘Funding Fairer Healthcare’ proposals. To view, click HERE.

• Investment in Ireland’s fintech sector fell by 70% for the first half of 2022, according to a KPMG report.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 22 September, IBEC President’s Dinner.

• 27 September, Budget Day.

• 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference.

• 30 September – 1 October, Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.

• 6 October, Construction Industry Federation Annual Conference.

• 11 – 12 October, Hospitality Expo 2022.

• 20 October, Dublin Chamber Annual Dinner.

• 22 October, Fianna Fáil Taoiseach’s Dinner.

Consultations

• The Future of Public Services. Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Deadline 30 September.

• Roadmap for Social Inclusion. Department of Social Protection. Deadline 7 October.

• Security of Energy Supply. Department of the Environment. Deadline 28 October.

• Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan. Department of Housing and Local Government. Deadline 9 November.

New Oireachtas Session: September 2022 - What are the Coalition's priorities?

Yesterday saw the return of the Dáil after its summer recess. After a weekend of think-ins across the country, where parties took stock and prepared their policies for the rest of the year, the three-pronged coalition government returns for its last few months of being led by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, with the Cork TD set to switch with his Fine Gael counterpart and current Tánaiste Leo Varadkar on 15 December. The next three months, however, are set to be exceedingly busy, with the cost-of-living crisis, a new British Prime Minister, and the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic set to take up the majority of the government’s time and energy.  

Addressing cost-of-living pressures

First up for the government is the Budget 2023 on Tuesday 27 September. Brought forward by several weeks this year, it will be dominated by the State’s response to the cost-of-living crisis, with significant supports likely for both businesses and households. As well as the usual recurring tax and spending measures, there will also be a separate one-off package to ease the crisis.

The Budget, however, will be a tricky political balance for the coalition to strike. The State’s coffers are healthy, with a €6bn surplus reported recently, thanks to large tax receipts. However, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is reluctant to spend this all in one go and has also warned about the country’s overreliance on corporation tax. Ministerial colleagues, however, will be cognisant of the need to act swiftly and decisively to both address the crisis and help their ailing polling numbers.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Economic and Social Research Institute have both argued strongly for a more targeted approach. They’ve also warned about the danger of adding to inflation by promising and delivering too much state intervention. The Taoiseach said as recently as Monday, however, that Budget 2023 will focus on safeguarding jobs and protecting people’s incomes ahead of a very difficult winter.

The war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis has also highlighted the weaknesses within Ireland’s energy infrastructure. Government documents have highlighted that Ireland could become fully reliant on the UK for gas by 2026 and notes the infrastructure might not be able to handle peak demand if this occurred. The Government has now sought approval for the construction of an emergency power plant and will seek to ban gas and oil heating systems in new homes. Not only this, but work could begin this year on the €1bn ‘Celtic Interconnector’, which will allow the export and import of electricity between France and Ireland.

Are the Coalition’s days numbered?

The coalition will also be acutely aware of its widespread unpopularity, to put it mildly. A recent Sunday Times poll put Fine Gael on just 20%, while Fianna Fáil had increased slightly to 24%, still a dismal return. Sinn Féin remains the most popular party in the State on around 35% of the vote. After the resignation of Fine Gael Donegal TD Joe McHugh and suspension of the party whip of a number of Green TDs, the government will be conscious of their lack of a working majority. In this scenario, the support of the substantial number of independent TDs will be crucial before Budget Day.

Harmony within the coalition will also be tested over Micheál Martin’s future position after he relinquishes the office of An Taoiseach. Despite a desire to show ‘stability’ and ‘business as usual’ to the electorate from Varadkar’s coronation from 15 December onwards, it is reported that the future of the Finance Minister remains the key sticking point. While Mr Martin told reporters on Tuesday that ‘parity of esteem’ was a foundational principle of the Programme for Government and that this would be Pashcal Donohoe’s last budget as Finance Minister, Fine Gael appears unwilling to step their man down from controlling the public purse strings. Despite Fianna Fáil protests that it was a Programme for Government commitment, Virgin Media Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly has also pointed out that no such explicit commitment was agreed to.

Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan, however, has reported that the “Keep Paschal Campaign” is merely political posturing to appeal to the Fine Gael base and that a deal has been done to swap Donohoe with his junior partner Michael McGrath as Public Expenditure Minister. McGrath will likely be Finance Minister for the second half of this coalition’s lifespan, but we can expect the uncertainty to rumble on for slightly longer.

What else is a priority?

As always, housing remains an issue for the Government. Ireland is facing record low levels of rental properties combined with a steep 12.6% rise in rent year-on-year in Q2 2022 - demonstrating the shortcomings of the Housing for All initiative. To combat this the Government has announced its intention to introduce a package of tax reliefs for renters, as well as tax breaks for landlords who provide long-term lets. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to tackle the long-standing challenge.

Enterprise, Trade and Employment officials are also currently combing through submissions to the Government’s consultation on the development of a white paper on enterprise, which will “ultimately serve as a cornerstone in protecting the core elements which make Ireland’s economy attractive for enterprise to flourish.” Ministers will also be keen to ensure there is no break in service for the State’s successful inward investment agency, with a replacement for IDA Chief Executive Martin Shanahan still to be appointed.

Finally, Brexit and the State’s relationship with the UK remains front and centre. Liz Truss, former Foreign Secretary who last week became Prime Minister, held her first phone call with the Taoiseach last Friday. No 10’s latest inhabitant has promised to address the issue of the NI Protocol. The Taoiseach has also said her victory presents an opportunity to reset negotiations with the EU and repair the damaged relationship between the UK and Ireland. Only time will tell whether this will come to pass or whether the Protocol and post-Brexit trading arrangements continue to dominate the relationship between the two countries.

Parents invited to explore careers of the future as new exhibition launches in Belfast

The Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment Fair takes place on Wednesday 21 September, 5pm - 8pm at The Catalyst Innovation Centre in Belfast

Your Child Their Future’s Sarah McKeag (centre) with daughter Harley, aged 12 (left) and son Rafferty, aged 15 (right).

The career opportunities available in Northern Ireland and the skills, qualifications, and subject areas best suited to them will be showcased to parents and guardians of teenagers as a new exhibition launches in Belfast.

Taking place at The Catalyst Innovation Centre and free of charge for all to attend, the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment fair will be an informative evening aimed at educating parents on the world of work, the trajectory of local industry, and the potential career routes it presents for their children.

Created by five leading employers in Northern Ireland, it will provide access to the advice and guidance of over 15 exhibitors including Workplus, Career Ready and The Prince’s Trust.

Parents are encouraged to attend with or without their children for an informal evening of conversation with leading businesses and training organisations to get a range of insights and guidance on the careers that exist in today’s society, and the routes to future employment for their children.

Organised by Allstate NI, EY, Herbert Smith Freehills, Camlin and EverQuote, the exhibition follows a series of successful online events that took place throughout the pandemic covering topics like Work Experience, Apprenticeships, Soft Skills, and Pathways to Employment.

As the new academic term gets underway, these organisations have joined together to transform the free online sessions into an in-person event. It is hoped the parents will leave with an understanding of the potential that exists for their child’s future and the subject areas, qualifications and soft skills that are highly sought after in Northern Ireland’s evolving world of work.

Your Child Their Future’s Sarah McKeag (centre) with daughter Harley, aged 12 (left) and son Rafferty, aged 15 (right).

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

“We are thrilled to bring Your Child: Their Future back bigger than ever before with the launch of the Pathways to Employment Exhibition. Young people preparing to leave school have never had so many opportunities, but we recognise that it can be a confusing time for them and their parents as they strive towards a promising career.”

“Returning with an in-person event, parents will have the opportunity to come along, enjoy a tea or coffee and chat with representatives from leading employers, universities, and training programmes. This is about informing them of their options, and we feel that bringing together all the organisations that provide pathways into employment in one room is the best way to do so.”

For more information or to register your attendance for the Your Child: Their Future Pathways to Employment Exhibition, click here.