Consumer

Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) has welcomed five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team of lawyers and business support professionals in Northern Ireland. Pictured are Lauren Hudson, Eoin Culliton, Liam Fox, Louise Bailey, Holly Johnston and Niamh Flanagan

NI law firm welcomes five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team

Belfast-based private equity firm Cordovan Capital Management has announced a significant equity investment into BLK BOX Fitness Limited. Pictured are Ben Stocks, managing director, BLK BOX, Daniel Anderson, partner, Cordovan Capital Management and Greg Bradley, founder and sales director of BLK BOX

Belfast private equity firm announces significant BLK BOX investment

Belfast has been announced by Cruise Critic as the ‘Best UK & British Isles Port of Call’. This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the teams, who welcomed 159 cruise calls and 32 different cruise lines to Belfast Harbour in 2023. Cruise Critic, part of the Tripadvisor family, is the world’s leading cruise reviews site

Belfast named ‘Best Port of Call’ by world’s top cruise reviews site

Trade NI, the alliance of Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI is hosting Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade on his first official visit to the Northern Ireland. Pictured are Trade NI chief executives, Glyn Roberts, Colin Neill and Stephen Kelly

Trade NI hosts NI visit for Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Planners have approved major modifications to Royal Portrush that ‘will improve the visitor and golfer experience for the Open 2025’

Planners approve major modifications to Royal Portrush golf course

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Crowds pour into Belfast City centre for Christmas shopping

Consumer Council offers advice on saving money on Christmas food

Northern Ireland property investment firm, Alterity Investments has acquired three prominent sites in Belfast city centre which are home to some of the UK and Ireland’s best known retail brands. The company is currently developing The Keep on Castle Lane and owns a number of other buildings in central Belfast

Alterity Investment acquires three prime retail sites in Belfast

£2.35m investment transforms Maxol Braid River with expansion and re-development. Pictured are Brian Donaldson, chief executive officer, Maxol with Nicola Farrell, Braid River site manager

Ballymena's Maxol Braid River is transformed with £2.35m investment

Lambert Smith Hampton senior management team pictured at their new office in The Kelvin, Belfast. Pictured are Darren Fitzsimons, Gary Nesbitt, Phillip Smyth, Niki Alderdice, Jonathan Martin, Neil Workman, Douglas Wheeler, with Criona Collins, Neil McShane, Keith Shiells

Lambert Smith Hampton announces new £1m home at The Kelvin

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson councillor Valerie Harte pictured with Jillian Gilmore, head of city and growth deals, Department of Finance, Mel Chittock, interim chief executive, Invest Northern Ireland, Donal Durkan, executive director strategy and partnerships, Invest Northern Ireland, Deirdre McCloskey, DAERA rural affairs division representative, alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Jason Barr, deputy mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr John Laverty BEM, chair of the regeneration and growth committee, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Cllr Jennifer Gilmour, mayor of Ards and North Down, Cllr Meta Graham, deputy chair of Mid Ulster and Cllr Áine Groogan, deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast

Launch of Digital Transformation Flexible Fund will stimulate innovation

Una Burns, manager and third generation of family owned Charlie’s Bar Enniskillen is joined by Sarah Thompson, founder of embroidery company, Ted and Stitch, at the announcement that the two local businesses have teamed up to launch of a limited edition apparel range after the bar’s Christmas advert went viral around the world and captured the hearts of millions of people

Viral ad inspires Charlie’s Bar and Ted and Stitch to launch loneliness appeal

Tate Liverpool has appointed a Belfast construction and fit out company, Gilbert-Ash as the main contractor for a major reimagining of the landmark gallery

Tate Liverpool appoints Belfast's Gilbert-Ash for £29.75m plans

The new President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland Darren Toombs pictured with the presidential and chief executive team including Brian Archer, senior vice president and Colin Mitchell, junior vice president

New president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland appointed

Along with a record year of sales, Jollyes is set to open its 99th store at Connswater Shopping Centre in Belfast. Pictured are Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes with spaniel puppy Teddy

New Belfast store opening revealed as Jollyes accelerates growth

Jeremy Eakin, a Non-Executive Director at Eakin Healthcare Group, is set to share the company’s incredible growth story with members of NI Chamber at a ‘Grow with Danske Bank’ event on Wednesday, December 6. Pictured are Gillian McAuley, Eakin Healthcare Group, Jeremy Eakin, Eakin Healthcare Group, Suzanne Wylie, NI Chamber and Julie Skelly, Danske Bank

Eakin Healthcare Group chef to share the company’s incredible growth story
Jeremy Eakin, a non-executive director to address NI Chamber at a ‘Grow with Danske Bank’ event

Northern Ireland's first banking hub is set to open next week with four more to help protect access to cash services following the closure of traditional bank branches. The first hub will be located in Kilkeel and is due to open at 47 Greencastle Street at 11am on Wednesday, December 6 by the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, councillor Valerie Hart

Northern Ireland’s first banking hub opening date confirmed with more to follow

Nine companies from across Northern Ireland have made it on to this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector on the island of Ireland. Pictured at The Ewart in Belfast are Syndeo co-founders Oliver Lennon and Catherine Ewings with Deloitte partner Aisléan Nicholson

Nine Northern Ireland companies make the 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 50

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous family-run hospitality venues The Plough Inn Hillsborough is changing ownership to another of the sector’s best-known families, the McGlones of Magherafelt. Celebrating the completion of the deal are Richard Patterson with new owners Ryan McGlone and Henry McGlone. The McGlone family brings a wealth of industry experience to The Plough Inn having successfully founded and developed a number of venues in the mid Ulster area, including Dormans, Mary’s Bar and Secrets

Hillsborough’s iconic Plough Inn acquired by McGlone family

Green light to full planning approval for a proposed industrial unit at lands within Invest NI Strabane Business Park at Melmount Road in Strabane. Pictured is a CGI of the factory

Planning approval granted for new factory at NI business park

After almost 45 years building The Plough Group into one of the most successful hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, brothers William and Richard Patterson have sold The Plough Inn. Credit ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd

End of an era at The Plough in Hillsborough after almost 45 years

The Financial Services Union has intensified their campaign against the proposal by Ulster Bank to close ten bank branches in Northern Ireland. Pictured is John O’Connell, general secretary of the FSU

FSU step up campaign to reverse Ulster Bank decision to close 10 NI banks

MRP celebrates 'topping out' of new student residence in England

Belfast Harbour, in partnership with Ulster Wildlife, has installed an oyster nursey in the port to help restore the native population of the species, improve water quality and boost marine biodiversity. According to Ulster Wildlife, one oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water per day, which is the equivalent to a bathtub. Pictured are Rachel Millar, marine conservation officer, Ulster Wildlife, Dr Dave Smyth, marine conservation manager, Ulster Wildlife and Simon Gibson, marine, environment & biodiversity officer, Belfast Harbour

Oyster nursery at Belfast Harbour to help improve water and boost marine life

Belfast City Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EoI) for sponsorship of its public bike hire scheme. The deadline to receive Expressions of Interest is Friday, December 8 at 4pm

Belfast Bikes sponsorship opportunity now open

Belfast Harbour begins work on £3million first phase of City Quays Gardens

Belfast alcoholic beverage firm announces multi-million pound investment
The move by Drinksology Kirker Greer Ltd will ensure resources to support the on-trade across key UK and Irish cities while also supporting its global growth plans

As a natural monopoly, it said NIE Networks is subject to economic regulation which provides protection for all electricity consumers in terms of quality and cost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Large energy users could face bill increase under plans to upgrade the grid

Climate Essentials, a London-based carbon intelligence platform, has appointed Sam Evans (pictured) as business development manager for Northern Ireland. Operating out of the Belfast office, Sam will work to promote growth and support the strategic direction of Climate Essentials across Northern Ireland

Climate Essentials welcomes first member to its Belfast team

Northern Ireland saw the largest annual percentage increase in start-up numbers of all the nations and regions in the UK, well ahead of Greater London (21.9% increase), East Anglia (17.6%) and Scotland (16.3%) Pictured highlighting October as a ‘milestone month’ is Ian Leonard, chair of R3 in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland start-ups almost double year-on-year, R3 research finds

Belfast-based facades manufacturer, Spanwall, has been recognised at the prestigious Façade Awards UK for its involvement in creating an innovative façade solution for leading hospitality group, Whitbread. Pictured are Philip West, Anna Hanna, Gemma Patterson, Chris McFarlane and Paul Jesus from Spanwall collecting their award

NI manufacturer scoops top at Façade Awards UK for their 'ground-breaking work'

Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group, Andras Hotels, is delighted to announce that five of its hotels within the portfolio have attained silver accreditation through the Green Tourism programme. Pictured are Julie Armouet, Ashutosh Kumar, Vicky Green, Taroon Missry, Aidan Murtagh, Jac Cullan, Stephen Sellers and Rebecca Tyagi

NI’s largest hotel group is leader in sustainability with green awards

Belfast's MKB Law celebrated their 20th anniversary with an event at the Ulster Museum recently, with food and drinks provided by Craft Catering and music by the Ulster String Quartet. Pictured outside the Ulster Museum are directors David McAlinden, Anne Marie Kelly, Maria Conway and Gordon McElroy

Belfast’s MKB Law celebrates two decades of 'legal excellence' in NI

Cathal Geoghegan, president, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

View: No game changing economic initiatives for NI

The slowdown in venture capital-led tech sector investment hasn’t proven to be a setback for Cloudsmith, a Belfast-headquartered software supply chain management firm, which has announced $11 million (£8.8 million) in Series A2 financing. This latest funding follows the recent appointment of new CEO Glenn Weinstein (pictured)

Belfast software firm announces $11 million funding round

Green Energy Engineering Limited, based in Dromore, has received £500,000 funding from Bank of Ireland UK to enable them to fulfil a number of public sector contracts to de-carbonise schools and universities in GB and facilitate future growth in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Pictured are Diane McCall, senior business manager, Bank of Ireland UK with George Higginson, managing director NI and UK Strategic Partnerships, Bank of Ireland UK and Diane Morrow, general manager, Green Energy Engineering

Dromore engineering firm’s renewable energy expansion thanks to £500,000 boost

Ballymena-based Clarke Facades has secured £57m of new contracts across the UK and Ireland in the twelve months since BGF invested in the business, the company announced today. Pictured at The Paper Exchange in Belfast are Clarke’s CEO Eugene Clarke and Chris Nixon from BGF. Clarke has worked on the project for developer Wirefox

Ballymena firm secures record £57million of new contracts in 2023

Danske Bank staff celebrate the reopening of the Abbey Centre branch following the completion of a major expansion and refurbishment project

Danske Bank opens Abbey Centre branch after major expansion and refurbishment

Progressive Building Society’s chief executive Michael Boyd (pictured) from Ballymena has said it’s a 'privilege' to be the new boss of the stalwart savings and mortgages institution. Michael, a qualified chartered accountant, assumed his post at the helm Northern Ireland’s largest locally owned building society on November 1

Progressive Building Society appoints Ballymena man as new chief executive

Belfast-headquartered recruitment software company SeeMeHired has announced the appointment of Sam McIlveen as its managing director. He is pictured with co-founder and recruitment veteran Gary Irvine

NI's SeeMeHired has appointed of Sam McIlveen as its managing director

Northern Ireland's Graham appointed for £86.9m A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme in East Riding of Yorkshire. Pictured at the Jock’s Lodge junction site with the A1079 in the background are Andrew Humphrey (ERYC principal engineer and project manager for the scheme), councillor Gary McMaster, Alastair Lewis (Graham contracts director) and Richard Lewis (ERYC civil engineering service manager)

Northern Ireland construction giant lands £86.9million contract in England

Marie-Thérèse McGivern has been appointed chair of Visit Belfast, the city’s official destination marketing and management organisation. Pictured after the appointment was confirmed at the organisation’s annual general meeting are Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Ryan Murphy, Visit Belfast chief executive Gerry Lennon, Visit Belfast’s new chair Marie-Thérèse McGivern and outgoing chair Kathryn Thomson

Marie-Thérèse McGivern appointed chair of Visit Belfast

Finlay team members enjoy the 65th anniversary celebration

Pioneering NI manufacturer celebrates 65 years of innovation and success

Christmas dinner

NI consumers left feeling anxious and “caught off guard” by rising food prices

Hospitality Ulster members have branded the lack of direct focus and support for the local hospitality sector by the British government and the NI Secretary of State as a “disgrace” and “dereliction of duty” towards such an important part of the Northern Ireland economy. Pictured is Colin Neill, chief executive, Hospitality Ulster

Calls on Secretary of State to explain why no rates relief for NI hospitality

There’s still time to share views on the pavement café licensing scheme with consultation closing on Thursday, November 30. Photo shows Councillor Gary McKeown, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Licensing Committee

Consultation on Belfast’s pavement café licensing scheme closes soon

Lost City Golf to create 15 jobs as it opens at Odyssey Place, Belfast in time for Christmas

Lost City Golf opens another Belfast venue in time for Christmas

Black Friday sales shopping in Belfast city centre. Photo: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

This year's Black Friday sales on track to be the 'best ever' for retailers

Eversheds Sutherland, has appointed Lisa Boyd as Partner in its procurement team in its Belfast office. Pictured are Peter Curran, head of procurement, Eversheds Sutherland, Lisa Boyd, procurement partner, Eversheds Sutherland and Alan Connell, managing partner, Eversheds Sutherland Northern Ireland

Global law firm bolsters Belfast procurement team with new partner appointment

Former Minister of Finance, Conor Murphy MLA, Enterprise NI chief executive, Michael McQuillan and UUP Leader, Doug Beattie at the Enterprise NI Barometer Dissemination today (Thursday) at the Dunadry Hotel. There are 140,000 registered businesses and self-employed people in Northern Ireland, 99.2% of them are small, micro, or self-employed. The Enterprise NI Barometer is an important snapshot of the state of business in Northern Ireland, the results can be accessed at www.enterpriseni.com

52% of SMEs in NI say cost pressures are impacting their future sustainability

Magherafelt's Henry Brothers received the prestigious accolade for its work on SportPark Pavilion 4, built for Loughborough University

NI construction firm scoops international award for environmental best practice

The £15m Merrow Resort and Spa scheme next to the NW200 paddock on Portstewart’s Ballyreagh Road was first lodged in 2016. The hotel is to include 119 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and conferencing facilities for up to 350 people

Developer 'committed' to delivering £15m hotel and spa in Portstewart

Independent advisory Turley has made three new appointments in its Belfast office, strengthening its offering to clients and reflecting growing demand for its unique multi-service offer. Pictured are Leo Kilkenny, assistant planner, Rosemary Daly, director, Catherine Norris, senior planner; Dr Michael Gordon, senior director; Angela Wiggam, director, head of planning Ireland, Andrew Smith, associate director, Strategic Communications, Ryan Watt, assistant planner and Aoife Byrne, assistant planner

Growth for independent advisory firm across Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland drivers queue for cheap fuel as Black Friday deals begin across garages. Motorists were queued outside the Centra Stewartstown Road forecourt on Wednesday morning

Garages across Northern Ireland slash fuel price in Black Friday deals

The £15m Merrow Resort and Spa scheme next to the NW200 paddock on Portstewart’s Ballyreagh Road was first lodged in 2016. The hotel is to include 119 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and conferencing facilities for up to 350 people

Plans for £15m Portstewart hotel and spa deferred over 'land ownership' issues