From the Great Resignation… to the Great Reshuffle

Writes Donal Laverty, Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore. Article first published in the Irish News, Tuesday 30 April .

Donal Laverty, Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Recent economic data suggests the UK is in mild recession, with weak activity starting to take its toll on the labour market.

Office of National Statistics stats for February 2024 released this week show that the unemployment rate has now reached 4.2%. The number of people employed fell more than expected and job vacancies decreased for the 21st consecutive period, highlighting that the once red hot labour market has cooled significantly.

Further challenges are arising through the increasing rate of inactivity in 16–64-year-olds, which now stands at 22.2%. A wide range of historic and current issues concerning young people such as access to education, training, and employment have coalesced to create a situation where employers cannot fill vacancies while high levels of young people are not engaged with the labour market.

During the pandemic and its immediate aftermath, we witnessed the Great Resignation, when huge numbers of employees were leaving the workforce, primarily for financial reasons as wage gains from changing jobs reached record levels by June 2022. However, workers are now quitting their jobs at the same rate as in the six months that preceded the pandemic and are now sticking with the same employer after well above average rates of job switching.

Wage gains are now slowing. Annual growth in regular earnings slowed from 6.1% in January 2024 to 6% in February 2024. This marks the slowest rate of wage growth since October 2022 and a significant fall from the 7.9% peak of July and August 2023.

Employers have reacted positively to the challenges of the recent talent wars. Work for many people has improved over the past two years. Many jobs are paying more, improving benefits, investing in employee wellbeing, and becoming more flexible, inclusive, and diverse.

Given the fluidity of the labour market, a new trend is emerging in workforce data – the death knell of Great Resignation has rung, and we are now in the Great Reshuffle. Employees have begun to shift away from some industries into more sought-after ones. Unskilled or semi-skilled workers are now moving from sectors into new sectors where benefits and wellbeing allow them to work from home. For example, we are seeing cashiers moving to call centre positions to work and enjoy the benefits of working from home.

The labour market continues to flex, both in response to prevailing economic conditions and driven by change as the traditional norms of work evolve into different ways of working, driven as they are by changed employee behaviours, skillsets, and availability.

A busy week of politics for the UK and its devolved nations

A busy week of politics for the UK and its devolved nations

This week has been a busy one for the UK and its devolved nations, with a surprising resignation in Scotland, the UK Covid-19 inquiry landing in Northern Ireland, and local elections taking in place in England and Wales.

Humza Yousaf resigns

The week kicked off with frenzy and speculation as Humza Yousaf joined the ever-growing list of 2024’s surprise resignations when he stepped down as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). He will consequently resign as Scottish First Minister in the coming weeks when a successor has been chosen by the party.

Yousaf’s downfall as First Minister seemed to come as quickly as the downfall of his party’s agreement with their ex-partners in Government, the Greens. There was little word of the impending conclusion of the Bute House Agreement before the First Minister abruptly dropped his partners in Government last Thursday. If the Greens had underestimated Yousaf’s willingness to unilaterally terminate the agreement, the First Minister certainly underestimated the ramifications of his decision to let them go. In a political system where consensus, communication, and collaboration are key, none were present when Yousaf pulled the plug on the almost three-year-long agreement. All trust between the former coalition partners was broken and it soon became clear that the First Minister would have difficulty staying in his job with parliament ready to vote him out in a series of votes of no confidence. In the end, Humza Yousaf jumped before he was pushed, telling reporters that he would not make unwanted deals with other parties just to cling onto power.

Now, all eyes turn to his successor. All speculation and talk throughout the week centred around two potential candidates: John Swinney and Kate Forbes. John Swinney, former deputy First Minister to Nicola Sturgeon, announced his campaign to become leader on Thursday, signalling his desire for Kate Forbes, who narrowly lost to Yousaf in last year’s leadership election, to play a “significant part” in his team. Forbes then endorsed Swinney for the leadership, renouncing her own ambitions to lead the party for the meantime. Whilst nominations remain open until next Monday, it is expected that Swinney will be made leader without the need for a contest. For a party that prides itself on its dissimilarity to the Conservatives, a third leader within 16 months will not help defy comparisons to the challenges seen within the Tory leadership in recent years.

UK Covid-19 Inquiry comes to Belfast

Tuesday brought the arrival of the UK Covid-19 inquiry to Northern Ireland, where it will be hearing evidence for the next three weeks. Evidence is being heard for module 2c of the inquiry, which focuses on the decision-making and political governance processes during the pandemic. It wasn’t long after the hearings started that significant scrutiny was levelled at the fledgling and divided nature of the recently reformed Northern Irish Executive.

On Tuesday, critical messages from Chief Medical Officer of Northern Ireland Sir Michael McBride were shown as evidence to the inquiry, condemning the Executive ministers for their handling of the pandemic. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Sir David Sterling, who was then head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, wrote that ministers seemed to be keener on scoring political points off their opponents than helping the public. These revelations will be particularly shocking and pertinent seeing that many of the ministers in question still serve in the Executive today.

Controversy has also surrounded the deleting of messages between ministers and officials, as well as the alteration of meeting minutes, bringing into question the transparency of the Executive’s actions throughout 2020 and 2021. Stay tuned for more revelations and details of the Executive’s handling of the pandemic as the inquiry continues for the next fortnight. All eyes will turn to when senior politicians and members of the Executive of the time give evidence, including the likes of former First Minister Arlene Foster and then-deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

English and Welsh local and mayoral elections

Thursday brought with it a opportunity to vote for everyone registered in England and Wales. Elections took place in 107 local authorities across England as well as 11 directly elected mayoral contests, including London. A by-election was also held to select the new MP for Blackpool South, after former Conservative MP Scott Benton resigned a number of weeks ago because of a lobbying scandal.

Whilst turnout for these elections is consistently lower than at a general election, they will still prove to be an important bellwether for the upcoming Westminster vote if they confirm the poll averages between Conservative and Labour that have been seen throughout the last number of years.

Significant attention is being given to the two mayoral contests of Teesside and the West Midlands. Both are currently held comfortably by the Tories, and so any gains here by the Labour candidates would be seen as noteworthy. However, caveats should be applied to these contests as they are often decided on incumbent popularity. Potentially more informative therefore are the areas where mayoral elections are taking place for the first time, such as the new directly elected East Midlands mayor, where there is no incumbent.

Overnight into Friday came the declaration of the Blackpool South by-election, where Labour would have hoped to do well and pull off yet another by-election gain. They did just that, taking the seat on a staggering 26% swing away from the Conservatives, the second highest swing since the end of World War Two. The Tories only polled 17.5%, with Reform right behind on 16.9%, the highest vote share they have received at a by-election thus far. It will be important to keep an eye on the ramifications of such a result on Rishi Sunak’s leadership and the Conservative party more widely.

It’s clear that there will be a lot of results to digest for parties and election analysts alike with potentially far-reaching consequences leading into the next General election. However, the counting and reporting of these results won’t be completed until the end of the weekend, so this busy political week will last a little longer.  

WE'RE HIRING: Client Manager, Public Affairs, Brown O'Connor

Position: CLIENT MANAGER (PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Experience: Min 3+ years

Area: Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

Salary: £42k - £45k

Based: Adelaide Street, Belfast City Centre 

About Brown O’Connor Communications

Brown O’Connor Communications is one of Ireland’s most trusted and respected communications advisory firms.

Specialist in Public Affairs, Corporate Media Relations, Issues Management & Crisis Communications, the agency was awarded the CIPR Best Public Affairs Campaign 2022/2023 and was named the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Consultancy of the Year (Small) 2021/2022.

We have a track record for managing and delivering complex public affairs programmes for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with editors, government ministers and corporate decision makers. 

We are trusted advisors based on our:

Extensive experience working for high-profile, public facing organisations and delivering our services on a range of sensitive issues.

Credibility through the people who make up our team and the approach they take.

Clients who provide endorsement on the reliability and professionalism of our work.

Our Location

Our central office is based in Belfast City Centre managing clients based in Northern Ireland, London, Dublin and the US.

Our Specialist Areas

We are highly regarded for our specialist Public Affairs and Corporate and Strategic Communications services which includes Crisis Communications, Property and Planning Communications, Litigation Communications, Event Management, Political Monitoring and Communication Strategy Development. 

Our Clients

Our consultants work across a range of areas including legal, commercial, financial, financial technology, industrial, manufacturing, public inquiries, regulators, commissions, non-departmental public bodies and the third sector.

Our Approach and Company Culture

The success of Brown O’Connor Communications is based on the performance of its people.

Our rigorous approach delivers positive outcomes for our clients, and we go out of our way to ensure success.

We deliver excellence in all that we do and our team is accountable and responsible for all activity they undertake.

What we offer

22 Days Annual Leave and 11 Public Holidays

Flexible working 1 day per week (Friday)

Paid Annual CIPR Membership

An exciting and dynamic working environment in a city centre-based office

Training opportunities

Mobile Phone allowance

Regular team social events

The Person

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a talented and ambitious Client Manager (Public Affairs) to join the team.

This is an exciting and demanding role within a leading consultancy and requires a resilient individual with demonstrable client management and leadership ability.

You may be already working in public affairs or corporate communications in an agency; as an in-house communications manager; in politics; or as journalist.

You will have a deep professional interest in business, the media and politics and have a detailed understanding of the role that media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder relations plays.

Role Specification

Strategic Counsel

Proven client handling skills with experience in managing large accounts, providing proactive strategic advice.

Ability to manage a high level of client interaction and be able to design and implement strategies.

Day to Day Delivery

Proven ability to work in a fast paced, often pressurised, outcome orientated environment.

Create and manage lobbying campaigns securing policy change, legislative change and the smooth running of political engagement programmes.

Oversee the delivery of the Brown O’Connor Communications political monitoring services.

Manage and lead the forward work programmes of All-Party Groups at the NI Assembly.

Devise and manage pre-application community consultations for important planning applications.

Write strong editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs and ensure coverage across a range of media outlets.

Manage an entire range of suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

Manage public awareness campaigns integrating various methods to create significant public interest.

Be able to create engaging social media content across multiple platforms.

Forward plan to ensure smooth running of client campaigns on time, and within budget.

New Business Development

Take a leading role in new business development and organic growth opportunities alongside company directors and be comfortable in pitching and proposal development.

Supporting successful tender writing from start to submission.

Experience in identifying and converting new business opportunities.

People Management

Line management duties with wider members of team.

Understanding the requirement to work with efficiency and profitably.

Manage team members on client accounts to ensure work is carried out successfully and within allocated budgets.

Work as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

Deliver outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

Criteria

3+ years working in the areas of Public Affairs and/or Corporate/Strategic Communications or within a communications environment (Agency experience preferred).

Third Level Degree or equivalent in the preferred areas of Communications, Law, Politics, Business, Social Science or Humanities.  

Possess strong writing and editing skills with ability to write attention-grabbing media material, client correspondence and reports.

An excellent communicator both written and oral.

Commercially and politically aware.

Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

Strong initiative, leadership skills and work ethic.

Ability to hustle to make things happen.

Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by client and other activity. 

Clean driving licence and access to a car is a must due to client requirements.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in working in a similar role in the Republic of Ireland.

How to Apply

To apply in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV, covering email and the completed response to the set question below, by email, to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com by 5pm Monday 3rd June 2024

QUESTION: Please outline, with examples, how you meet the Criteria as outlined in the Job Specification (Word Limit 300).

Please state your name and ‘CM Public Affairs’ in the subject line.

Application Process

·       Initial shortlisting

·        Two stage interview

Fast Track Cities: Zero New HIV Diagnoses in Northern Ireland by 2030 is achievable

Pictured signing a United Nations AIDS Declaration to officially make Northern Ireland a Fast Track Region, aiming to reach zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030, are Bertrand Audoin of Fast Track Cities Paris, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, Jacquie Richardson, CEO, Positive Life and Councillor Jason Barr, Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

 Northern Ireland could lead the way, through United Nations AIDS declaration

Northern Ireland has been officially declared a Fast Track Region today (Tuesday 23 April 2024), with the signing of a United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) declaration aimed at reaching zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.

The Fast-Track Cities “Paris Declaration” was signed on behalf of Belfast City Council by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy and the Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Jason Barr.

Fast-Track Cities is a global partnership involving cities and municipalities around the world. In Northern Ireland, the initiative is being led by the region’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life.

The most recent HIV report from the Public Health Agency* showed that in 2022 there were 1,348 people living with HIV in Northern Ireland, of whom 1,049 were men and 299 were women. In 2022, this included 52 people who hadn’t previously been diagnosed.

 Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said,

“This is the most exciting step forward for HIV in Northern Ireland for decades.  While there have been improvements in diagnosis and care, we cannot be complacent.

“There remains a real need for ongoing public awareness and education around the very serious health risks and impacts of HIV; secondly, a lot of work still needs to be done to break down the public stigma around HIV, which is based on many myths, prejudices and outdated misconceptions. These deeply affect the way individuals with HIV – and their families and friends - live their lives.  Finally, we need to keep up the drive for regular HIV testing, because the statistics show that 1 in 3 people diagnosed in Northern Ireland were diagnosed at a late stage, meaning that they had the virus for some years prior to diagnosis.

“By joining in this global movement and with a stronger focus at a grassroots, community public health level, we firmly believe that Northern Ireland could achieve the Fast Track Cities goal of zero new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland by 2030. How amazing would that be for Northern Ireland?”

Speaking on behalf of Fast Track Cities, Dr. José M. Zuniga, President/CEO, IAPAC (International Association of Providers of AIDS Care) said,

“IAPAC welcomes Belfast and Derry’s inclusion in the Fast-Track Cities network, which marks a pivotal step in Northern Ireland’s response to HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV).  Their commitment to community, public health, and political leadership is critical as they strive to end their HIV epidemic and eliminate HCV infections by 2030. Together Northern Ireland’s two most populous cities exemplify the power of collaboration and solidarity to create healthier communities.”

Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick, along with major cities across the UK have been signed up to Fast Track Cities for several years. Internationally, work undertaken through various Fast Track HIV initiatives has shaped national HIV strategies and action plans.

The signing event in Belfast was attended by community health officers from councils across Northern Ireland, as well as sexual health clinicians and public health officials.

The event also heard from three individuals who have benefited from the support of Positive Life. The three men shared their very personal experiences of living with HIV in Northern Ireland, in particular the stigma they have faced in all circles of their lives, from family and friends, to the workplace.

Jacquie Richardson of Positive Life commented,

“For those who grew up in the 1980’s, we have come a very, very long way. However, stigma remains a serious concern for people affected by the virus and leads to feelings of shame and fear. We need to increase public awareness and ‘normalise’ the conversation around HIV. The key is knowledge, to get regularly tested and know your status, and to access treatment at the earliest opportunity. Our hope is to wipe out new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland, but there is much work still to be done.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said:

“I’m delighted to have signed the Fast Track Cities pledge today and to lend my support towards the goal of having no new diagnoses of HIV by 2030.
”The more we talk about HIV, the more we reduce the stigma around it. Signing this pledge encourages conversation about the continued risk and impacts of HIV and the need for ongoing awareness. It also encourages those living with a HIV diagnosis to take advantage of the support that it is out there.”

Journalist Duo Join Brown O’Connor as agency invests in growth phase with 3 new hires

New Hires: Louise O’Kane and Odrán Waldron join Brown O’Connor as team expands across Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.

Significant level of new business wins with high profile clients signals further expansion for firm across the island of Ireland with 3 new hires in Q1.

Brown O’Connor, one of Ireland’s leading political influencing and corporate communications advisory firms has announced Louise O’Kane and Odrán Waldron as new Client Managers. 

An experienced TV producer with ITV, Louise O’Kane joins from her most recent role as Audience Editor for the Belfast Telegraph. 

Odrán Waldron joins the firm as Client Manager from his role as Deputy Editor at eolas/agendaNi.

Louise and Odrán will be responsible for advising the agency’s clients across corporate communications, public affairs, crisis management, planning and property communications and litigation communications. 

Both will also play a role in the agency’s specialist Film and TV publicity practice area working with production companies, film distributors, investors and film festivals. 

Brown O’Connor has also announced Peter Gillanders as a third hire this month as Client Executive who will be responsible for political monitoring and support to the company’s significant public affairs client roster. 

The three new hires come off the back of the agency appointing Vicki Caddy as a Client Director at the tail end of 2023 adding significantly to its senior team. 

The set of new hires makes Brown O’Connor Northern Ireland’s largest independent public affairs led agency.  

Manufacturing Month returns to challenge and champion sector

Some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies and organisations announcing their sponsorship of Manufacturing Month at NOW Group: Chris Guy, Partner, Mills Selig, Jean McCullough, Branch Manager, Reliance Automation, Grainne McVeigh, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Invest NI, Mary Meehan, Deputy Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI, Rachel Doherty, Anchor High Summit Director, Aodheen Dougan, Business Engagement Manager, Manufacturing NI, John Mathers, Director, Barclays, Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI, Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive, NOW Group, and Johnny Hanna, Partner, KPMG.

Manufacturing Month, which showcases the success and strength of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and engineering sector, is set to return this May.

Led by Manufacturing Northern Ireland, the entire month will be dedicated to highlighting the companies, workers, and leaders who contribute to making Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector the global success story that it is.

Manufacturing Month’s flagship Anchor High Summit will take place on Thursday 30 May at The Slieve Donard Hotel, culminating in a Manufacturing Hall of Fame dinner to celebrate those who have led their business to create jobs, and who are contributing to local communities right across Northern Ireland.

This year’s Anchor High Summit will see a strong focus on challenging manufacturing firms to become more neuro-diverse and menopause-friendly workplaces, with the event set to feature a speaker line up of industry experts and pioneering leaders to inspire others to change the world of work.

The month is sponsored by some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies and organisations including Barclays, Invest Northern Ireland, Mills Selig, Reliance Automation, KPMG, and Smart Manufacturing Data Hub.

To purchase a ticket for Manufacturing Month’s Anchor High Summit and the Gala Dinner, visit: https://www.manufacturingmonthni.com/anchorhighsummit/

Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive, Manufacturing NI, said:

“There is much to celebrate in our sector this Manufacturing Month. As the second largest contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy, we punch well above our weight in terms of our scale and reach. Manufacturing and engineering accounts for just 6 per cent of the total private sector business population, but we employ 11 per cent of Northern Ireland’s workforce and account for 13.4 per cent of our local economic output, compared to a UK figure of 9.8 per cent.

“We continue to have remarkable success at home and overseas, solving problems for customers and mitigating against emerging existential threats to our planet.  This is due to the skilled and innovative leaders and colleagues that make up our manufacturing population.

“However, at Manufacturing NI, we’re acutely aware of the challenges that our sector is facing including the availability of labour, decarbonisation and driving productivity through technology. Manufacturing Month, and indeed our Anchor High Summit, is our platform to challenge our manufacturing leaders to think differently about their businesses.

“Making sure that our local manufacturing businesses are inclusive for women going through menopause and individuals who are neuro-diverse is something we are eager to explore. Manufacturing Month is the time for everyone in the sector to look inwards, learn from each other, and improve our practices to ensure that we create environments where all individuals feel valued, supported, and importantly, want to work”.

More speech therapists needed to tackle communication crisis in under fives

We are the village report

A new report, published today (17 April 2024) by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), reveals rising numbers of pre-school children with communication difficulties in Northern Ireland, with many of them waiting too long for speech and language therapy. Complex communication needs among children under the age of five are also on the increase.

Unsupported speech, language and communication issues in the early years have a lifelong impact on children, affecting their ability to learn, to form friendships, to remain in education, and their potential to find employment.

The RCSLT is calling for the Northern Ireland Health Minister to fund more speech therapists in order to tackle the early years communication crisis.

Research carried out by the RCSLT in 2023 found:

• an 85% increase in children waiting for speech and language therapy appointments: from 2,444 children in 2021 to 4,527 in 2023.

• a rise in the number of children coming into pre-school and Primary One with more complex speech and language needs, requiring longer and more intensive support from speech therapists.

• a huge workforce shortage, with one in five NHS speech and language therapy posts in Northern Ireland unfilled, and almost a third of posts vacant in some services.

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of the RCSLT NI said,

“Speech and language therapy is not a luxury – it’s about our fundamental ability to communicate.

“There are more children in Northern Ireland waiting for speech and language therapy per head of the population than in any other region of the UK.

“Families are facing long, frustrating waits for speech therapy at this crucial stage of their children’s development. They have every right to be concerned.

“Speech and language therapists are doing their level best to support the increasing number of children being referred to them, but they are stretched far beyond capacity.”

The RCSLT is calling on the Northern Ireland Health Minister to increase the number of speech and language university places (currently 28) and introduce alternative routes into the profession to meet this escalating need for speech and language therapy services, so children get the vital support they need early on in life.

Ruth Sedgewick

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of the RCSLT NI continued,

“The bottom line is we need more speech and language therapists, and we need them soon. The Minister has said he will commit to increasing the number of speech and language therapy undergraduate places to 40, but this would only be a start and it will take three years before students complete their degree. 

“We urge the Department of Health to work much more closely with the Department of Education to improve access to speech, language and communication support for every single child who needs it now. 

“This is an issue with far-reaching impacts for every part of Northern Ireland’s economic and community life.  Without more speech and language therapists and better workforce planning, this situation is not going to get any better.

“In these important early years, little ones can’t afford to wait six months for an initial speech and language therapy assessment, only to wait for many more months to begin therapy. It’s not good enough and families deserve more.”

2024 Belfast Chamber Business Awards to celebrate city's entrepreneurial spirit

Paul McClurg, Head of Belfast Business Banking, Bank of Ireland UK, Broadcaster and Launch Event Host, Jo Scott and Belfast Chamber President, Gavin Annon launching the 2024 Business Awards at Belfast’s Custom House.

Belfast Chamber has officially launched its 2024 Business Awards, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

The ninth edition of the Belfast Chamber Business Awards will take place in a glittering ceremony at Titanic, Belfast on Friday 18th October.

The highly anticipated event will showcase Belfast's business success stories with 22 competitive categories ranging from Business Innovation and Best New Business to Best Company to Work For and the Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Commenting at the launch of the Awards at Custom House, where Belfast Chamber now has its headquarters, Belfast Chamber President Gavin Annon said:

“We are thrilled today to launch the 2024 Belfast Chamber Business Awards, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland. These awards stand as a beacon of excellence, shining a light on the remarkable achievements within Belfast's vibrant business landscape.

“From cutting-edge startups to well established firms, the entrepreneurial spirit within our city knows no bounds. With an unparalleled flair for innovation, our local businesses are continuously evolving to meet changing demands and seize untapped opportunities, driving their products and services into global markets.

“This year, we are again committed to honouring the finest companies across a range of categories, recognising their outstanding performance, innovative practices, exceptional service, and the invaluable contributions of their workforce.

“I would encourage all eligible businesses to participate in these prestigious awards. Submitting your application is free and easy. Simply visit the Belfast Chamber website at www.belfastchamber.com before the deadline on Friday 6th September.

“Our winners will have the satisfaction of knowing they are truly the best in business thanks to our rigorous and independent judging process. I look forward to joining our esteemed business leaders and their teams in celebrating their achievements at our Gala Awards event on Friday 18th October, hosted at the iconic Titanic, Belfast.”

Speaking about the return of the Awards, Paul McClurg, Head of Belfast Business Banking at Bank of Ireland UK commented:

“The Belfast Chamber Business Awards recognise and champion the dedication, resilience and creativity of Belfast businesses. Belfast has a central role to play in the growth of the wider Northern Ireland economy, and Bank of Ireland UK are proud to continue to support the Belfast Chamber Business Awards and celebrate the ambitions and achievements of our business community.

“Our first Belfast branch opened in 1825, and Bank of Ireland has been a key pillar of economic support for customers, business and local communities ever since. While there have been many changes since then, our commitment to supporting Belfast business, entrepreneurship and enterprise remains.

“We continue to partner with our customers, helping them invest in new assets and acquisitions, increasing working capital facilities, providing a range of deposit solutions, and providing the financial support and services they need to achieve their growth ambitions.

“With much to celebrate in business right across Belfast, I would like to encourage local businesses across all sectors to enter. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to showcase you and your team’s creativity, achievements and ambition.” 

The Belfast Chamber Business Awards will take place at Titanic Belfast on Friday 18th October 2024. Entries at Belfast Chamber Business Awards website www.belfastchamber.com.  Submission deadline is midnight, Friday 6th September 2024.

Should We Have Been Shocked by Varadkar's Shock Resignation?

Jacinda Ardern. Nicola Sturgeon. Now, Leo Varadkar has announced his intention to resign as Irish Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader without seemingly any prior warning. The surprise was universal, with members of his own party and partners in government Fianna Fáil only being told the evening before of his decision. Only last week was Leo Varadkar in Washington, D.C. for the annual St. Patrick’s celebrations and meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden. So why is he resigning? 

Yet when we drill down into why Mr Varadkar may have resigned, it should not have come as much of a surprise. The two recent referenda defeats for the government on wording changes to the constitution may have been the final nail in the coffin for a leader who seemed to be growing tired of the job. There has been a burgeoning sense within the party that it was destined to lose ground at the next General Election, due before February 2025. Potential acceptance of this fate has been shown through the near record 30% of sitting Fine Gael TDs who have already announced that they will not be re-standing when the country goes to the polls. A more imminent threat to his leadership was on the horizon in the form of the upcoming local elections, where Fine Gael had been expected to suffer heavy losses. Is it the case then that Leo jumped before he was pushed? 

Reaction to Varadkar’s resignation has come as quick as the announcement itself. Unionist politicians have offered a more critical view, with some brandishing the Taoiseach as responsible for the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol. Others have been more kind to Varadkar, with SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP saying that he has symbolised the “huge change” in Irish society over the last number of decades and brought Ireland through many significant challenges including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Republic, leader of Sinn Féin and the official Opposition Mary Lou McDonald has said that the government have “run out of road” and so called for a general election to be held. 

Politics is a tough business and whilst yesterday was Varadkar’s day, today all eyes have turned to his potential successor. The leader is expected to be officially in place by the party’s Ard Fheis on 6 April, to be confirmed by the Dáil as Taoiseach on 9 April. Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, is widely tipped to be the next leader of the party and Taoiseach. Whilst it is understood that Fine Gael’s Party Executive have expressed a clear view that a leadership contest would be healthy for the party, whether another candidate with a credible level of support exists remains to be seen. As it currently stands, Harris has received a significant and virtually unassailable number of endorsements from his fellow TDs, Senators, and MEPs and looks set to be crowned without a leadership contest taking place. Another election in a year of many has potentially just been avoided... 

Alliance Party Conference 2024

Introduction

• With the Alliance Party Conference set to take place this weekend, all eyes will be on the ever increasingly influential party, watching for any significant policy announcements.

• Expect an emboldened Alliance Party still riding the waves of success from the 2022 Assembly election where they more than doubled their MLA intake, and more recently clinched two Ministerial roles for the first time in the party’s history.

• However, with this increased influence and responsibility comes increased scrutiny.

Justice on the Conference Agenda

• Party leader Naomi Long MLA has once again taken on the mantle of Justice Minister, so it is safe to say there is a high chance that justice issues will receive significant attention during her speech at the conference.

• There is certainly not a lack of these issues to be discussed – reform of the justice system, policing and its funding and recruitment, and the controversial Troubles Legacy Act are among the many issues waiting to be dealt with by the Justice Minister.

Agriculture and Change on the Conference Agenda

• This party conference will also be like no other for the Alliance Party – with Michael Martin giving the keynote address at the conference dinner tonight, this indicates that the party is attempting to widen its tent.

• Similarly, the traditionally urban party will now be the host to Northern Ireland’s concerned farmers with Andrew Muir MLA having taken on the role of Agriculture Minister. The appointment of the North Down MLA as Agriculture Minister will have left some in the farming community questioning as to whether he knows his Charolais from his Angus.

• With the Alliance party now the first port of call for rural affairs, it will be held to account by farmers and their relative lobbying groups - beginning with the conference this weekend where a fringe event on the future of food and farming in NI will feature.

• However, Minister Muir has a significant in-tray of issues to deal with – as he is also responsible for the environment, dealing with the Lough Neagh crisis and enacting a new environment strategy will be a top priority.

• The new Minister will need to conduct a balancing act, appeasing farmers on one hand and environmentalists on the other.

The Party

• There are key players within the party who have been selected to run as candidates in the upcoming Westminster election.

• Expect these rising stars within the party, such as Kate Nicholl MLA who will be taking on the SDLP’s majority in the Belfast South and Mid Down constituency, to be a prominent figure at this weekend’s conference.

• The party has consistently called for the reform of Northern Ireland’s institutions, and some may argue that this is better done from opposing benches.

• However, the Alliance Party being in government with two Ministerial posts provides a powerful platform to enact the change they desire.

What else can we expect?

• There are also a number of other pressing issues facing Northern Ireland that the party are seeking to address at this weekend’s conference, with a panel debate on childcare as the first order of business and an Early Years Strategy as the focus of one of their fringe events, demonstrating clear priorities for the party.

• The conference this weekend will provide an opportunity for the Alliance Party to further galvanise their base as a renewed party in government as well as making clear their priorities for the rest of this government’s mandate.