The Southern Area Hospice hosted their 51st Annual Gala Ball on Friday 3rd March.
The ball was held in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry. Guests were treated to a drinks reception upon arrival, followed by a five-course dinner plus a live auction and raffle.
The evening ended in style with music by local band ‘Mothers Little Helpers’.
Full coverage in our spring issue, now on sale!
Belfast Harlequins hosted a ‘Six Nations’ Gala Dinner on 9th March 2023 in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.
Heavy snow and poor road conditions didn’t hinder the large attendance.
The event, sponsored by All Sport Insurance Ireland, was chaired by BBC Northern Ireland sports presenter Steven Watson.
The huge line-up of special guests included former Six Nations internationals Andy Goode, John Barclay, Richard Hibbard, Stephen Ferris, Ian McKinley and Claire Small.
Members and friends of Belfast Harlequins had a wonderful evening of entertainment while raising funds for their ground improvement programme and ‘MY NAME’5 DODDIE Foundation’.
These photographs were generously sponsored by Lily Rose, Moira, Ulster Tatler fashion boutique of the year.
Full coverage in our April issue, now on sale!
Carrickfergus Enterprise recently hosted a Spring Lunch Event as part of the Enterprising Women initiative, which seeks to support new and established female entrepreneurs in the Mid and East Antrim area. Held on March 30th, the event saw delegates network and provide feedback on the 22/23 programme.
Established in 2018 and funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the scheme is managed by Carrickfergus Enterprise in partnership with Ballymena Business Centre. It provides networking opportunities and workshops for local women who have started a business or intend to.
In the last 12 months, the initiative’s membership has grown to include 142 entrepreneurs, 30 per cent of whom are running newly established businesses.
The scheme has seen multiple workshops take place over the last year, including a joint conference in County Donegal and an event to mark International Women’s Day, which took place at Ulster University earlier this month.
Designed by its members, Enterprising Women’s themed events explore issues that often affect women in the workplace, such as childcare, the menopause and imposter syndrome.
Enterprising Women member, Lucinda Graham, Owner at Galgorm Melts, says, “Enterprising Women has been an invaluable resource for me, and I would like to thank Carrickfergus Enterprise, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Ballymena Business Centre for providing such a vital support system for local female entrepreneurs.
“The scheme has provided me with much needed advice on topics like financial and social media management, along with the opportunity to network with other business owners from a range of different backgrounds and at various stages of their individual journeys.”
The initiative provides a holistic support network to equip local female entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to navigate obstacles and achieve success.
Ursula O’Loughlin, Head of Economic Development at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council comments, “We’re proud to support the Enterprising Women initiative, in collaboration with Carrickfergus Enterprise and Ballymena Business Centre.
“Enterprising Women has evolved over the years from a small, local network, to become a vital support system for female entrepreneurs across Mid and East Antrim, and we look forward to welcoming many more members over the coming years.”
Carrickfergus Enterprise was established in 1981 to address mass job losses in the local area, following the closure of key manufacturing companies.
As one of the oldest Local Enterprise Agencies in Northern Ireland, it has been responsible for a range of employability and business successes, both in the Carrickfergus area and across Northern Ireland.
Melanie Christie Boyle MBE, Chief Executive, Ballymena Business Centre, says, “We have seen great benefits from delivering the Enterprising Women programme in partnership with Carrickfergus Enterprise and with the support of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
“At Ballymena Business Centre, we are committed to promoting innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship in the Ballymena area and it is a pleasure to see so many local female entrepreneurs empowered by the Enterprising Women initiative.”
Since its inception, Carrickfergus Enterprise has played a pivotal role within the local business community. Kelli McRoberts, Manager at Carrickfergus Enterprise, says, “We were delighted to welcome members to our Enterprising Women Spring Lunch last week. We would like to thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for supporting the scheme, along with our delivery partner, Ballymena Business Centre.
“At Carrickfergus Enterprise, we have been providing support to the local business community, as well as budding entrepreneurs, for over 40 years and since its inception in 2018, Enterprising Women has proven to be an invaluable resource for female business leaders in the Mid and East Antrim area.
To find out more about Carrickfergus Enterprise, email: info@ceal.co.uk
The CIH award ceremonies exist to share good practice; highlight innovation; and showcase the work of housing professionals and their communities.
This year’s awards ceremony took place at Europa Hotel, which was a night filled with glitz and glamour.
Check our April issue, now on sale!
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Christina Black hosted a celebration event at City Hall today, March 23, for 52 Belfast residents who have successfully completed the first ever Classroom Assistant Employment Academy.
Made possible with funding from the Labour Market Partnership, Belfast City Council’s Classroom Assistant Employment Academy has exceeded all expectations, with 14 academy graduates already securing employment, and the remaining candidates going forward to interview in the coming weeks.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Christina Black explains: “Our Classroom Assistant Academy is helping to meet the demand that Belfast schools are currently facing in relation to recruiting entry level teaching support staff. We’re providing a direct link to a new talent pool of entrants into the education sector, and we’re supporting our residents to develop the skills they need to secure quality employment in the city.
“In addition to this, we’re meeting our Belfast Agenda commitment to support inclusive growth by providing free training – enabling people to apply for roles they otherwise wouldn’t be equipped to do. Thanks to our new academy, people can enter the labour market, perhaps for the first time, or get the support they need to re-enter the workplace after being unemployed. Belfast’s children are also benefitting – particularly those with Special Education Needs.’’
With the help of Labour Market Partnership and Belfast City Council funding, those who gain employment will also complete a six-week OCN Level 3 course in ‘Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs’ and have an opportunity to start a NVQ Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools this month. These qualifications will help learners to progress from an unqualified classroom assistant position to a qualified role, offering improved terms and conditions, permanent contracts, and better pay.
For information on how to apply for a future Belfast Employment Academy, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employmentacademies
With brighter evenings and a long weekend on the horizon, Coole Swan has launched three fresh new cocktail recipes with a touch of chocolate that are perfect for hosting
Coole Swan, the independently owned and family run Irish cream liqueur, has launched three fresh new cocktails to be enjoyed this Easter long-weekend and beyond. Whiskey, chocolate and cream are the three perfectly blended ingredients in Coole Swan and these serves offer grown-ups an alternative way to get their chocolate fix during the Easter long weekend and into summer. Perfect for creating a wow factor when hosting, the signature serves include the silky Coole Blue, the fresh Coole Smooth and a Coole Swan twist on a classic, the Coole Grasshopper.
Nothing on the drinks market compares to the versatility and quality of Coole Swan, a refreshing modern craft blend of whiskey, chocolate and cream. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy chilled, over ice or in a diverse and exciting range of cocktails. As always, the innovators at Coole Swan push boundaries when it comes to getting creative with cream liqueur. The silky liquid is lighter than traditional cream liqueurs and plays well with other drinks. For the Easter long weekend and then into summer, Coole Swan encourages fans of Irish cream liqueur to try a fresh and fun approach to cocktails. For those who want to add a drop of luxury to their every day, try one (or all) of these delicious serves:
Coole Swan is available in Tesco, Supervalu, Centra and a range of independent retailers across Northern Ireland. A full list of stockists is available here. Price from £22.
Customers can discover more information about this perfectly crafted Irish product and the inventive ways to serve it at www.cooleswan.com, or follow on social media for all the latest updates @cooleswan on Facebook and @coole_swan on Instagram.
For adults aged 18+ over. Drink Coole Swan responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
The future is looking very bright for solar energy specialist Next-Gen Power (NGP) on the back of a record year that saw the company DOUBLE its sales on the island of Ireland – fuelled by spiralling energy costs and the worsening global climate crisis.
Based in Belfast with an office in Drogheda, Next-Gen Power provides green energy solutions, powered by the sun, to help households and businesses save money on their monthly energy bills while also reducing their carbon footprint.
Now in its 10th birthday year, the company has even more reason to celebrate this significant milestone with the announcement that domestic installations of its solar panel and battery storage solutions increased by a staggering 100 per cent year on year in 2022.
Next-Gen also enjoyed its best year supporting industry in Ireland, more than doubling sales to a growing list of business customers, with new clients including Eddie Irvine Sports, Alana Interiors and Castlerock Golf Club.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. The first two months of 2023 have seen NGP enjoy its best ever start to a year with a sales increase of 50 per cent across its domestic and business operations, compared to the same period last year.
Next-Gen Power Managing Director Mark Bailie believes that the company is now being rewarded for its forward thinking and investment in those early years, and for its patience to see it through.
“From the outset, we’ve had a long-term vision of where we want Next-Gen to be and that is at the forefront of the green energy industry, providing innovative, sustainable and money-saving solutions to households and businesses across Northern Ireland and the Republic,” said Mr Bailie.
“The impact of global warming and climate change on the world we live in has been debated for decades but, to be honest, the reaction from governments and business at large has been pretty slow.
“We knew that this would only gather pace and saw not only a great business opportunity, but also an opportunity to build a company that would be part of the solution in helping people and companies reduce their carbon footprint for the good of the planet and everyone on it.
“So we created Next-Gen Power, invested in the technology we needed and now, after years of gradual but sustained growth, we’re starting to reap the benefits of our hard work and forward thinking,” he added.
While the world becomes increasingly aware of its environmental responsibilities, Mark has no doubt that the rapid increase in the cost of traditional energy sources such as oil, gas and electricity from the grid has been the biggest single factor in the company’s dramatic sales growth during the past 12 months.
“It’s been a year now since the war in Ukraine started and the impact that has had on energy prices has contributed massively to a fuel poverty crisis that is putting people’s lives and livelihoods at risk,” said Mark.
“We continually hear stories of households having to decide whether to ‘eat or heat’ or businesses folding due to unsustainable increases in their energy costs. So there is no doubt that this has pressed the ‘fast forward’ button on people wanting to make the switch to green – and, importantly, money-saving – energy solutions.
“It’s a ‘no brainer’ really,” he added. “The fact that we can help customers reduce their monthly energy bills AND their carbon footprint is definitely the key driver in Next-Gen enjoying a record year in 2022.”
Looking at 2023, businesses are a key target in what Mark Bailie already believes could be another record year for NGP.
“The business market is a key area for growth this year,” he said, “as more and more owners look at how they can take control of their own energy generation.
“Our product comes with a 25-year performance warranty so, with a return on investment of somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5 years, there is a real opportunity to create sustainability for their business.
“With our partnerships in the Retail and Hospitality sectors, we already see our commercial business growing to record levels in 2023 – which is reflected in our best ever start to a year.”
Next-Gen’s green energy solutions include the use of Solar Panels (PV) and/or Battery Storage to give customers a natural, efficient and cost-saving alternative to electricity from the grid.
Using the latest online technology, NGP can remotely conduct an energy survey for your home or business and offer a package of renewable options from LED lighting, solar, battery and heating solutions to reduce electrical demand, improve energy efficiency and provide savings of up to 70% on energy bills.
Prices for solar panel systems start at around £4.5k and, in the current economic environment, households and businesses will typically recoup or offset their initial investment in less than four years, compared to what once was a timescale of approximately 8-12 years. Then, customers will start ‘making money’ for the remainder of the lifespan of their solar system – which is typically 25 years.
For more information and advice on Next-Gen Power’s green energy solutions, call 01969 7851, email hello@nextgenpower.ie or visit www.nextgenpower.ie.
Down Royal Racecourse has announced soft drinks brand, Britvic is set to return to Down Royal as its exclusive soft drinks partner.
The renewed partnership will see Britvic Northern Ireland become the racecourse’s exclusive soft drinks partner throughout the 2023 racing calendar, with its iconic mixer brand Club Mixers the official sponsor of the May Day race meeting taking place on Monday 1st May 2023.
The partnership with Down Royal includes naming rights for the Club Mixers May Day race meeting and sees direct promotional and marketing support of the full Britvic brand portfolio including sponsorship of all seven race titles.
Kathryn Holland, Commercial Manager at Down Royal said: “We are pleased to once again partner with Britvic Northern Ireland as building relationships and working alongside local brands is something we strive towards and take much pride in.
“Working to create memorable experiences for our racegoers is our top priority, and partnering with a brand that shares this passion and works to encourage people to enjoy life’s everyday moments is incredible.
“Working to create memorable experiences for our racegoers is our top priority, and partnering with a brand that shares this passion and works to encourage people to enjoy life’s everyday moments is incredible.
Brian Greer, Marketing Manager, Club Mixers said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Down Royal as its exclusive soft drinks partner and we’re looking forward to showcasing our fantastic range of products and their associated attributes of heritage, quality and reliability.
“We’re excited to once again be a part of providing racegoers with a little joy at each of Down Royal’s 13 fixtures this year, while encouraging them to explore our market leading brands as well as our expertly crafted Club Mixers range which are the perfect accompaniment to various gins, vodkas and whiskeys or just as delicious on their own.”
Gates open at 12 noon. Admission is £20 and tickets are available at the turnstiles on arrival. Children under 14 go free and free car parking is available.
For further information on upcoming race meetings at Down Royal visit: https://downroyal.com/fixtures/
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, is the latest property to secure AA 4 Star Silver rating and secure prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence
Northern Ireland’s newest boutique hotel, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, part of Galgorm Collection, has achieved AA 4-Star Silver status and been awarded a prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2023.
The latest accolade for Galgorm Collection sees the group awarded AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence across its entire portfolio of hotel restaurants including Fratelli Ristorante at Galgorm, Hunter’s Bar at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick – currently AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland – and now its newest offering, the restaurant at The Old Inn.
Its new AA 4-Star Silver status was awarded based on the property’s superior level of high standards across hospitality, service and cleanliness, as well as the quality of its food and dining offering.
The award follows a multi-million-pound investment into refurbishing the historic property to Galgorm Collection’s exacting standards, including a full revamp of the 1614 bar, 120-seater restaurant, lobby and selected guest rooms. The hotel also opened its showstopping outdoor Treetop Spa to guests in December 2022.
Led by Executive Chef Gavin Murphy, the restaurant at The Old Inn has been establishing itself as a premier gourmet destination since undergoing refurbishment last year and its new AA Rosette award firmly cements the venue in the top 10% of culinary establishments throughout the UK.
Judged independently by an AA Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, the award is bestowed to the very best restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, using good quality ingredients and demonstrating understanding and skill in cooking and presentation.
Inspired by locally sourced, seasonal produce, Executive Chef Gavin Murphy has created an exquisite menu at the award-winning Old Inn Restaurant that marries homely classics with modern dining. From French-inspired dishes, to seafood, salads and new Afternoon Tea and £16.14 lunch menu offering, guests can enjoy a range of quality dining experiences in plush surroundings.
Commenting on the award, The Old Inn Restaurant Executive Chef Gavin Murphy said:
“This s a huge achievement for the team here at The Old Inn – it means so much to us all. As Executive Chef, I have the honour of working with a dedicated team that is passionate about the work they do – from creating exciting fresh menus using locally sourced seasonal produce to delivering the highest standard of service in the restaurant. This award is a testament to their continuous drive to always going above and beyond and we look forward to the journey and hard work ahead needed to gain our second AA Rosette.”
Galgorm Collection Managing Director Colin Johnston said:
“We’re very proud to receive the AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence for The Old Inn, bringing the historic property in line with our other award-winning restaurants. This is a fantastic endorsement of all the hard work that has gone into the extensive redevelopment at The Old Inn and by our Executive Chef Gavin Murphy who has developed a superb menu using the best quality, locally sourced food for an exquisite dining experience that really sets us apart. As Northern Ireland’s most exciting new hotel and restaurant offering, we’re committed to taking this iconic property forward into a new era for tourism and hospitality and that’s very much reflected in our enhanced new guest experience. We look forward to welcoming even more guests to enjoy all that The Old Inn has to offer.”
Since being acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2021, The Old Inn has achieved listing within Ireland’s Blue Book 2023 and was also named in the Irish Independent’s ‘FAB 50’ Top Stays in Ireland 2022. The new AA 4 Star Silver rating and AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence are the latest accolades in recognition of the historic property’s unrivalled guest experience across its accommodation, spa and gastronomic offering.
For further information on award-winning dining experiences at The Old Inn, or to book, please visit: https://www.theoldinn.com/the-restaurant.html.
Elizabeth Sands Beauty School added to their list of awards by scooping ‘Beauty School of the Year’ at The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2022/23.
The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards celebrates the recent success and continued achievements of businesses and individuals across a wide range of sectors and industries whilst also addressing some of the most pertinent issues facing key sectors today.
Over the past year 29,408 nominations were received by the awards team at Corporate LiveWire from over 30 countries around the world. Winners were chosen for innovation, ethical practice, industry recognition, and most importantly service excellence.
Awards Director, Andrew White, commented: “It has been inspiring to discover the passion, dedication, and enthusiasm with which our winners have approached their work. It has also been particularly heart-warming to learn about the positive impact they have had on their clients and customers.”
More information can be found at: www.corporatelivewire.com/awards
Gurus of gardening and curious horticulturalists alike can enjoy three months of seasonal blooms at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this year, with a programme of events and activities that will celebrate the half a million new bulbs that have been planted for 2023.
From early March, visitors can get their first taste of the Castle’s new ‘Spring Spectacular’ with a dander throughout the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils which will sprawl across 100 acres, before handing over to tulips, camassia and bluebells later in the spring. The Castle’s gardeners have planted over half a million bulbs, including a large selection of Northern Irish daffodils, and have curated exclusive walks and tours throughout the gardens that will bring their history to life, while also imparting some horticultural wisdom.
Garden walks and tours include Bulbs, Buds and Blooms in March, Wander Lonely as a Cloud Daffodil Walk in April and Planting a Productive Veg Garden in the Walled Garden in May, all of which are guided by Gardens Manager Claire Woods, who has been cultivating the estate with her team for the past four years. A series of workshops will also be held throughout the programme, from St. Patrick’s Day gardening and Mother’s Day Bouquet making in March, to seed sowing in April and a helping hand with spring planting in May.
At the end of March, Hillsborough Castle will also play host to the Northern Ireland Daffodil Group’s annual Hillsborough Castle Daffodil Show where over 600 different exhibits are expected to be displayed by daffodil breeders from all over Northern Ireland. Visitors will be able to experience the beauty of the various varieties up close, while the breeders themselves will be on hand to answer questions and explain the heritage of their gorgeous blooms.
Hillsborough Castle will then reopen its doors on 17 March, just in time for visitors to enjoy the annual Great Rabbit Runaround as part of its Easter events roster on 01 -02 and 05 – 11 April. Hosted on the grounds of Hillsborough Castle, families can complete a variety of challenges around the majestic gardens and discover fun facts along the way, before finishing their visit with a chocolate treat.
Claire Woods, Gardens Manager, said: “We have planted over half a million bulbs throughout the grounds of the Castle for our first ever ‘Spring Spectacular’, which will bring an extraordinary burst of colour across the estate. The iconic Yew Tree Walk will be lined with daffodils, while the South Terrance of the Castle will be adorned with pots of colourful tulips. Our stunning Walled Garden will continue to change with the seasons and will be home to many different tulips and daffodils during the Spring Spectacular, many of which will be Northern Ireland bred varieties not seen before within our gardens.
“Of course, the wilder areas of the estate will once again home our magnificent carpet of bluebells and our Magnolia Trees will wow once more. Our walks, tours and workshops will be equally as exciting for gardening gurus as for those who have an interest but just don’t know where to start, while those who simply enjoy the beauty of a walk to admire the blooms will have so much to feast their eyes upon this spring.”
The Hillsborough Castle and Gardens’ ‘Spring Spectacular’ will begin on 04 March and run until 08 May, with seasonal events beginning from 15 March until 17 May.
To learn more and to book an event, visit hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-castle.
Young artists have just five weeks to put finishing touches to their masterpieces in nationwide competition to drive fresh talent and creativity.
Young artists across Northern Ireland have just five weeks to put the finishing touches to their creative masterpieces and enter the inaugural Bradley Art Prize – a new art initiative led by renowned artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Radius Connect which aims to support fresh artistic ideas and talent.
With an unprecedented number of submissions already received the stellar panel of judges has also been expanded to meet demand for the competition, which closes on 31 March.
New judges include renowned award-winning tattoo artist Gigi McQueen and Bradley Art Prize sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Regional Director for Ireland at Radius Connect. They join an existing line-up of famed artists and critiques including Terry Bradley and wife Ashley, Hollywood film producer Martin Brennan and NI Executive Brussels Director Aodhán Connolly.
Launched in November, the inaugural Bradley Art Prize is open to young people across two age categories, from 14 to 18 and from 19 to 23 years and provides young creatives with a platform to showcase their work with some of the most prolific names in the local arts scene.
Alongside around a total of £4,000 in cash and art materials for the top winners and their schools or colleges, two winning artists will have their work framed and proudly displayed in the newly opened Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square, Belfast, for a week-long exhibition, including a launch night for friends and family in August.
The winning artwork will then be showcased at the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels’ European Quarter as part of a major initiative designed to encourage more young people to consider turning their love of art into a long-term career, offering local artists the chance to display their work internationally.
New judge and sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Radius Connect Director Ireland, said:
“With a longstanding heritage in Northern Ireland, Radius Connect is committed to supporting innovation and ambition, encouraging the next generation of leaders. I’m delighted to partner with Northern Ireland’s most revered artist Terry Bradley on this ground-breaking initiative for young artists and to bring my business experience and expertise to the judging panel.
We’ve been blown away by the interest and number of entries for this competition, which presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring artists to publicly showcase their art and work directly with Terry and the judges for an unrivalled career kick-start.
Northern Ireland is known for its inspiring creative talent and I’ve no doubt this competition will uncover our artists of the future. I would encourage all young artists interested in promoting their work with Terry to take the opportunity to enter the Bradley Art Prize before 31 March. Good luck to all entrants!”
Terry Bradley, who began his stellar, self-taught art career at the age of 14, said:
“I wanted to create an opportunity for young people who may not see an obvious career path in art. This prize will hopefully inspire and encourage those who have talent and want to find a way to make art part of their future. This inaugural Terry Bradley Art Prize has been carefully designed to show more young people what it’s like to be a professional artist and how to build a long lasting career in an area that needs confidence and passion to succeed, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Aspiring artists can enter the Bradley Art Prize by submitting up to four high-resolution images of original artwork along with a personal statement by 31 March 2023. Shortlisted artists will be announced in early June, with the winners selected at the end of the month.
For more information and to submit an entry visit www.bradleyartprize.com
