The acquisition secures the continued independent ownership of the Bradbury Place hotel, bar and restaurant while retaining the established Benedicts team and the character that has made the venue a familiar part of Belfast’s hospitality scene since 1998. 

Colin and Louise bring more than fifteen years of experience across hospitality, accommodation and property operations.  They are already planning for a busy festive season with Benedicts set to welcome more than 5,000 festive diners and thousands more party goers over multiple Christmas party nights and events, with some 3,000 overnight guests across November and December.  

Colin Johnston said: “We wanted to take on a business with a strong identity, an experienced team and a real connection with its customers, and Benedicts has all three. It is a venue people know well, and our priority is to build on that success, retaining all that makes it special. That cannot be said without paying tribute to The Simpson Family, to whom Louise and I express our sincere gratitude for their continued support, further backed by Mona Callaghan which has gone beyond what could reasonably be expected in a transaction of this nature. 

“Following on from our Westlife Brunches, our first Christmas at Benedicts is an important moment for us and the response so far has been very encouraging. Alongside delivering the warm welcome, good food and lively atmosphere customers expect, we are also building some exciting plans for 2027.  

“The support from Gavin, Tommy and the wider Bank of Ireland team made a real difference. They took the time to understand us, the business and what we wanted to achieve, and were with us at every stage of the acquisition. We really valued their straightforward guidance and hands-on approach.” 

Gavin North, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Colin and Louise understand what makes Benedicts successful. We are delighted to support two experienced local business owners who are committed to protecting its character, its strong team and the warm welcome customers know and value. 

“Backing businesses with the ambition to grow is at the heart of what we do. With local knowledge and strong relationships, we can help customers like Colin and Louise move their plans forward, creating opportunities for their business, their people and the wider community.” 

The post Benedicts’ New Owners Prepare For First Festive Season appeared first on Business Eye.

The award-winning writer, director and journalist will act as a high-level ambassador and advisory figurehead for the organisation, which was founded in 2016 to raise standards in tour guiding across Northern Ireland through professional independent accreditation and regulation.

A decade of continued growth has seen Tour Guides NI (TGNI) grow from just 35 members in the beginning to more than 160 members, each with an accredited OFQUAL regulated qualification in tour guiding and the skills to deliver consistently high-quality visitor experiences to tourists visiting our shores.

TGNI Chairman Donal Kelly believes that this is a major milestone for an organisation that has played a significant role in enhancing visitor experiences across Northern Ireland.

“Ten years ago, our founders had a simple ambition – to create an organisation that would champion professionalism, excellence and opportunity within the tour guiding sector,” said Mr Kelly.

“Today, we have over 160 members who proudly represent Northern Ireland to visitors from all over the world. Whether they are welcoming cruise passengers arriving in Belfast, showcasing our heritage, sharing local stories or guiding visitors through our cities and countryside, our members play a vital role in creating memorable experiences and positive impressions of Northern Ireland.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved during our first decade and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are fully focused on the future and committed to showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland, while ensuring that the stories, people and places that make this region so unique continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.“

The anniversary comes at a time when Northern Ireland’s tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength. Over the last decade, Belfast has established itself as a leading cruise ship destination, growing from 81 cruise calls (with 145,000 visitors) in 2016 to more than 140 cruise calls (and approximately 300,000 visitors) in 2026.

The appointment of Declan Lawn as TGNI’s first Honorary President is particularly timely as Northern Ireland experiences growing international recognition as a screen tourism destination, on the back of hit TV shows such as Blue Lights, Game Of Thrones, Derry Girls and Line Of Duty.

Accepting the role, Declan said: “I am honoured to accept the role of Honorary President and look forward to supporting Tour Guides NI as it enters its second decade.”

“I’ve always believed that stories help us understand places and people – and nowhere is that more true than in Northern Ireland.

“Tour guides are among our most important storytellers and ambassadors. They help visitors experience the richness of our history, culture and identity in a way that is personal, authentic and memorable,” he added.

“As interest in Northern Ireland continues to grow, whether through television, film, literature or tourism, guides have an increasingly important role to play in helping visitors connect with the places they are exploring.

“Through the success of Blue Lights, I feel proud and privileged to have had an opportunity to play my own small part in promoting Northern Ireland and I relish the opportunity to build on that through my new role as Honorary President of TGNI.”

Speaking about the new appointment, TGNI Chairman Donal Kelly said that Declan was the perfect man for the job.

“Declan’s appointment perfectly reflects the vital connection between storytelling and tourism,” said Donal. “His work has helped showcase modern Northern Ireland to audiences across the globe and we are delighted to welcome him as our very first Honorary President.

“Screen tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the visitor economy, and guides have an essential role to play. Visitors want to discover the places they’ve seen on screen, but they also want to understand the history, culture and communities behind those locations,” he concluded.

Over the past decade, Tour Guides NI has worked closely with colleges, tourism bodies, councils and industry partners to help develop and promote professional guiding.

Supported by organisations including Belfast Harbour, Visit Belfast, OCN NI, National Museums NI and local councils such as Ards and North Down Borough Council, TGNI has driven the expansion of accredited guiding qualifications, helped establish Level 4 guiding within the national framework, delivered a continuous programme of professional development and successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

More recently, the organisation achieved charitable status, another significant milestone in its development.

For more information, visit www.tourguidesni.com.

The post Declan Lawn Joins Tour Guides NI For Ten-Year Milestone appeared first on Business Eye.

Mark Stockdale is an experienced Corporate and M&A partner, who has headed the firm’s energy practice in Northern Ireland for many years having joined the firm in 2012. He is one of the leading energy lawyers in Northern Ireland and has advised on many of the most significant transactions in the jurisdiction, including the acquisitions of Phoenix Energy and Energia Group last year.

In recent years ALG has grown significantly to become one of the largest law firms in Northern Ireland with over 140 professionals. In the last nine years its revenue has more than doubled and it is widely regarded as one of the leading corporate law firms in the country. Mark Stockdale will now lead the firm in its next stage of growth.

Michael Neill will assume the role of chairman after leading the firm for nine years, succeeding Mark Thompson who has been chairman for eight years. Michael is a highly experienced litigator and one of the most respected insolvency lawyers in Northern Ireland. Alongside his role as a senior partner in the firm, Michael will focus on supporting the firm’s strategic direction and engaging with clients and the wider business community.

David Widger, ALG Managing Partner, said: “First of all, I would like to sincerely thank Michael for his immense contribution as Head of Northern Ireland for the last nine years. I’m delighted he will continue to have a leadership role as Chairman of ALG NI. I would also like to thank Mark Thompson whose stewardship over many years has been instrumental to ALG’s success in Northern Ireland.”

“The office in Belfast has gone from strength to strength during their tenure, providing our clients with an offering that is second to none, particularly on an all-island basis. I would like to congratulate Mark on his appointment. He is steeped in our culture and ambition and I wish him and his team every success in the future.”

Mark Stockdale said: “Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned between the UK and the EU and has a real opportunity to leverage this to its advantage. Our clients want advisors who understand the opportunity and can act on it across the island of Ireland and beyond. As a top tier all-island law firm this is exactly what ALG offers. My priority is to continue to invest in our people and our business to make this possible. Michael has built an outstanding law firm and I am delighted to be working with him in his new role as chairman.”

Michael Neill said: “I am very proud of what we have built in Belfast, not only as a business but also the ways in which we have been able to contribute more broadly to our society. Mark has been a part of that journey for the last 15 years and he is the right person to lead the office into its next phase. I look forward to taking on the role of Chair from Mark Thompson, who has so ably stewarded the firm through the last eight years and leaves the role with our sincere thanks and appreciation.”

Mark’s appointment coincides with the 20th anniversary of the opening of the office in Belfast, which was founded in 2007. The firm is also undertaking a multi-million pound redevelopment of its offices in Northern Ireland which will be officially opened in January 2027. This follows on from the redevelopment of the firm’s Dublin office last year and demonstrates its long-term commitment to colleagues and clients across the island.

ALG’s Northern Ireland office advises domestic and international companies, financial institutions, investors and public bodies. It has won multiple awards in recent years, including Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2026 at the Northern Ireland Dealmaker Awards. The firm has offices in Belfast, Dublin, London, New York and San Francisco with 950 colleagues working seamlessly across the various jurisdictions.

The post A&L Goodbody Appoints Mark Stockdale As Head Of Northern Ireland Office appeared first on Business Eye.

The launch event on Friday 6 November brought together local businesses, elected representatives, partners and community representatives to celebrate the opening.

The two-storey building has around 9,100 square feet of accommodation in total, including a mix of office space, meeting and conference facilities and an expanded mezzanine level. Improvements include upgraded office accommodation, better circulation and access, and upgraded heating and building services. The redevelopment provides an enhanced environment for local businesses, entrepreneurs and growing enterprises, while strengthening LEDCOM’s capacity to support economic development in the wider Ballyclare area.

The project represents a total investment of almost £600,000, including £300,000 of funding from the Council through its Workspace Development Fund. SPACE Ballyclare at LEDCOM Foundry is the second site to open under the Council’s SPACE brand, following SPACE Antrim.

Over the next 10 years, the centre aims to help 200 businesses start up and create approximately 300 jobs, while supporting 200 individuals into employment through support programmes. The project is expected to deliver an economic impact of over £8 million, with £1 million recirculated into the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey economy.

In its first two years, the project is also expected to safeguard 10 jobs and create a further 15 through tenancy. Businesses have already moved in and there is a healthy pipeline of enquiries from others.

Speaking at the opening, Ken Nelson MBE, Chief Executive of LEDCOM, said: “Opening SPACE Ballyclare marks an exciting new chapter for LEDCOM and for the Ballyclare community. We now have a permanent, modern hub in the town where start-ups and growing businesses can find the workspace, support and networks they need. As the enterprise centre for the Ballycalre area, we hope this investment will bring more people, businesses and opportunities to the area. 

“With a proven track record of successful and sustainable delivery, LEDCOM continues its focus on regional economic growth, aiming to support local communities whilst boosting employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We’re working with ANBC and the Local Economic Partnership on how to provide future managed workspace facilities for the Ballyclare area. We want to help encourage business start ups, business expansions and attract businesses to the area.”

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said: “It was a pleasure to join LEDCOM to mark the opening of SPACE Ballyclare. This investment shows the Council’s commitment to strengthening our town centres and giving entrepreneurs the facilities they need to start and scale successful businesses. With the growth of the Ballyclare area, this centre will provide the kind of facilities a growing population needs, and I am confident that even more entrepreneurs will choose the town as their base.”

Businesses interested in space at SPACE Ballyclare at LEDCOM Foundry can find out more at www.ledcom.org.

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Running from 9–15 November, the festival features more than 30 free events designed to spark conversations and actions. Organised by LQ BID and sponsored by SONI – Systems Operator Northern Ireland, the programme brings together businesses, community organisations, creatives and the public through film, storytelling, workshops, experiences and discussions.

While international negotiations focus on the global response to climate change, RE[act] will explore how those ambitions connect with everyday life in Belfast. The festival provides a platform to celebrate sustainability initiatives already happening across the city and encourage everyone to play a part in its future. Across five themes- People, Planet, Peace, Partnership and Prosperity – it will explore the connections between environmental action, fair pay, thriving communities and a resilient local economy.

With events for different ages, backgrounds and interests, the programme aims to ensure no one is left behind in the sustainability conversation, creating opportunities for people to share experiences, ask questions and discover ways to get involved.

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, said:

“Global climate conferences play an important role in setting ambition and bringing countries together, but people also need to see what those conversations mean for their own lives and communities.

RE[act] gives people a way into that conversation. Someone might come along because they enjoy film, photography or local history, and leave with a new perspective. We’re investing in UN-certified Carbon Literacy training to give people in our community the knowledge and confidence to turn ideas into practical action.

Our ambition is for the conversations started during the festival to lead to lasting relationships and practical action that help make Belfast a greener, fairer and more welcoming city.”

The programme uses familiar interests and shared experiences to open up those wider discussions, featuring experience-based events which will give people opportunities to explore sustainability through practical activities and personal encounters with the city’s places, people and environment. Alongside creative and interactive events, RE[act] will open up conversations about fair pay, urban biodiversity, community involvement in energy infrastructure and the practical steps organisations can take to support a circular economy.

By bringing different perspectives together, RE[act] aims to help people move from awareness to involvement, building the skills, connections and confidence needed to contribute to Belfast’s future.

For the full programme and booking information, visit: reactfestival.co.uk

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The city welcomed thousands of shoppers to Victoria Square as Santa was joined by Peter Corry and friends, and Cool FM’s Pete, Paulo and Rebecca for the official countdown, transforming the centre into a twinkling winter wonderland under the iconic VSQ tree. 

Acting as the conductor of the VS Express bound for the North Pole, Peter Corry led Santa, his elves, and his train staff including ballerinas Sugar, Plum, Nuts and Crackers to ‘The Christmas Destination.’ Children from the Belfast School of Performing Arts also joined in song, leading up to the highly anticipated countdown, which illuminated Victoria Square under its iconic glass dome, and signalling the start of Christmas in the city. 

At the heart of this year’s festive offering is the return of the centre’s popular Santa’s Grotto experience, The Victoria Square Express. Following a hugely successful debut in 2025, the immersive Christmas experience is back for another season, inviting families to embark on a magical train journey to the North Pole.

Promising a Christmas adventure like no other, the journey begins as visitors board The Victoria Square Express, a beautiful festive train that transports passengers through the winter skies. 

As they travel, they can watch through the windows as snow falls, reindeer take flight and Christmas magic unfolds on the way to Santa’s Village.

On arrival, visitors can step inside Santa’s Village Stores and explore an enchanting festive world, complete with four magical themed spaces: 

• Reindeer Stables: Discover where Santa’s faithful reindeer team rest before their big Christmas Eve journey.
• The Wrapping Room: Get a glimpse of where Santa’s busy elves have been preparing and wrapping presents for children around the world.
• Snowglobe Snug: Step into a sparkling wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive magic.
• Santa’s Grotto: The highlight of the journey, where little visitors can meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes and capture a special festive photograph.

Throughout the experience, a cheerful train conductor and Santa’s very own elves will be on hand to guide visitors, ensuring a heartwarming adventure filled with smiles, festive spirit and plenty of Christmas magic.

The Victoria Square Express runs from 7 November until 23 December. Tickets for the train experience and Santa’s Grotto are available to book online via the Victoria Square website.

Commenting on the switch-on, Michelle Greeves, Centre Manager at Victoria Square, said: “The response to The Victoria Square Express last Christmas was incredible, so we’re thrilled to bring it back by popular demand for a second year. It was wonderful to see so many families join us under the dome to switch on the lights, and we can’t wait to welcome even more families in the weeks ahead.”

The festive celebrations don’t stop at the train station, with Victoria Square offering plenty more opportunities to soak up the seasonal atmosphere throughout the Christmas period. Visitors can enjoy the sparkling Christmas lights, seasonal entertainment and a host of festive surprises throughout November and December, making it the perfect destination for a family day out in the run-up to Christmas.

With over 70 top international and local brands, cafes, restaurants and the Odeon Cinema, Victoria Square has everything you’ll need this Christmas under its twinkling dome. The popular Christmas Fayre also returns to the mall, running on weekends for the next three weeks; Fridays to Sundays from Friday 27^th November, and daily from 14 December through to Christmas Eve, offering a variety of handcrafted gifts and local sweet treats. 

Late-night opening is back too, starting from Monday 7 December, with stores open until 9pm on weekdays through to 23 December, giving shoppers extra time to find those perfect gifts.

For those with a friend or family member that’s tricky to buy for, you can fir-get any stress this Christmas and give them the gift of choice with a Victoria Square Gift Card. 

Accepted in Victoria Square stores, restaurants and the Odeon Cinema, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can ‘gift as a group’, pooling your money with friends and family to gift a VSQ Gift Card to a loved one. Gift Cards are available to purchase in-centre at Customer Services on the lower ground floor.

To find out more about Victoria Square’s festive entertainment, opening hours or to purchase Gift Cards, visit www.victoriasquare.com/christmas

The post Victoria Square Kicks Off The Christmas Season appeared first on Business Eye.

Colleagues across seven SHS sites went head-to-head in the virtual cycling challenge, competing to cover the greatest distance while raising funds for their locally nominated charities. SHS Group then matched the money raised by colleagues, doubling the overall donation to £5,308.

Now in its third consecutive year, the SHS Cycle Challenge has become a highlight of the Group’s Responsible Business Week, combining colleague engagement with fundraising for causes that matter to the communities in which SHS operates.

Alongside the cycling challenge, sites boosted their fundraising totals through bake sales, raffles, mini games and breakfast stations, creating a day of activity across the business.

This year’s fundraising will support a range of charities including Air Ambulance NI, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Louth Disability Cycling Club, Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Hope House Children’s Hospices.

The Cycle Challenge forms part of SHS Group’s Champion a Charity campaign, through which colleagues at each site nominate a charity to support over a two-year period through fundraising and volunteering.

The funds raised will help support a range of causes across the UK and Ireland, including emergency medical services, children’s healthcare, disability inclusion, animal welfare, dementia research and hospice care.

Kellie-Ann Hoey, Communications & Responsible Business Director at SHS, said:

“The SHS Cycle Challenge has become a fantastic engagement event at SHS. Every year, colleagues come together during Responsible Business Week to make a meaningful difference to the charities they support.

“This year, more than 140 colleagues across seven sites got involved, collectively cycling over 1,520km in just five hours. I am incredibly proud of the commitment and enthusiasm of our colleagues, and we are delighted to further support their efforts through SHS Group’s match-funding contribution, doubling the funds raised and enabling us to make an even greater impact for our charity partners.”

The initiative supports SHS Group’s wider responsible business strategy, built around its People, Planet and Place pillars. Through these, SHS is focused on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace, building a more sustainable business and empowering colleagues to contribute to local causes.

Colleagues will continue fundraising and volunteering for their nominated charities over the coming year, extending the impact of these partnerships and helping to make a positive difference in the communities in which they operate.

The post SHS Colleagues Go The Extra Mile In Charity Challenge appeared first on Business Eye.

The former Chief of Staff to Sir Keir Starmer during his time as Prime Minister said businesses should not wait for change to happen but actively engage with politicians and government to help develop a model of devolution that works for the region. She also highlighted the potential to draw on elements of England’s Metro Mayor model to bring greater decision-making powers closer to local communities.

Speaking during a fireside conversation hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick, Baroness Gray said there are opportunities for Northern Ireland to focus on, arguing that devolution should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-off transfer of powers. Reflecting on the experience of businesses during Brexit and the Covid pandemic, she said there was considerable value in businesses coming forward, making their views known and working with government to influence outcomes.

The discussion also featured a contribution from Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, who joined via video link to share insights into the experience of regional devolution and the potential for devolved powers to drive growth.

Belfast Chamber’s annual Economic Forum brought together leading voices from business, economics and policy to assess the opportunities and challenges shaping Northern Ireland’s economic future. Deloitte was returning as principal partner for the fifth consecutive year.

Lynsey Mallon, President of Belfast Chamber, said:

“Belfast Chamber is committed to championing the opportunities available to Northern Ireland and ensuring our city and wider regional economy are well positioned to compete, attract investment and deliver sustainable growth.

“This year’s Forum provided an important opportunity to examine how we can unlock that potential, from greater devolved powers to maximising our unique competitive position and dual-market access. Translating these advantages into tangible opportunities for businesses will be critical to driving growth across Belfast and Northern Ireland.”

The economic outlook was explored by leading experts, with Kate English, Chief Economist at Deloitte Ireland, examining the macroeconomic environment, while John Wyn-Evans, Head of Market Analysis at Rathbones, explored global markets. Gareth Hetherington of Ulster University provided a further perspective on the local economy and the factors influencing local economic performance.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion, chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick, which brought the three speakers together to consider the implications of the economic outlook for businesses and the wider region.

Marie Doyle, Senior Partner at Deloitte, added:

“Deloitte is proud to partner with Belfast Chamber for a fifth consecutive year in delivering its annual Economic Forum. At a time of significant change across the global economy, it is important that businesses understand the forces shaping markets, trade and investment, while recognising the opportunities available to Northern Ireland.

“Bringing together perspectives from business, government and economics is an important part of identifying how the region’s distinctive strengths can be translated into sustainable growth.”

The Windsor Framework and its implications for trade and investment were considered in a second panel session. Bringing together perspectives from across business and economic development, the panel featured Alistair James, Head of Market Access at Invest NI; Greg Bradley, Founder of BLK BOX; Ronan Callan, Director of Operations at Exact Group; and Lauren Dougherty, Regional Export Finance Manager.

The discussion examined how the region’s distinctive trading position can be maximised, the practical opportunities available to businesses and the potential for improved trading arrangements to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and open up new markets.

The programme concluded with a keynote from Chris Cook, Olympic swimmer and high-performance coach, before Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Clare Guinness delivered the closing remarks.

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Entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland, representing each council area, will make one final pitch to a panel of expert judges for the chance to secure £5,000 in investment for their business – having already captured £1,000 by winning their local heat.

The final of the competition, organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed, will take place in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 18th November.

Members of the public also have the chance to vote for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award.

The 11 finalists that will each make a five-minute pitch in the final, include Haris Ali of CarerCore, a technology enabled care provider that connects families with trusted local carers; Padraic Little who is developing SEAG Quest, an app to add a fun and engaging layer to transfer test preparation; and Adam Lockhart whose business ParkinSense uses digital technology to improve the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s.

Others include Tiarnan McCarthym, founder of Redefining the Alpha which works to improve the lives of working class men and boys; Sharon Gault of Kingsbarn Farm, which rears grass fed additive free meat; Tyrone McCullagh of Stout N’ About, an app that allows users to discover new pubs and rate pints of stout; and Lorraine Browne who is developing an AI-powered consultation platform Belleverita for aesthetic clinics.

Finally, they’ll be joined by Clem Fitzgerald of Eco Balance which aims to use technology to tackle pollution; Siobhan Kearney whose business Menopause ChangeMaker®, helps companies support employees experiencing menopause; Oliver Woodward who is developing an app SwingSight to analyse and improve users’ golf swings; and Ben O’Connor whose business FarmFlow aims to digitise and streamline agricultural tasks.

Alderman James Baird, Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, said:

“The Ultimate Pitch showcases the ambition, creativity and entrepreneurial talent we have right across Northern Ireland. The 11 finalists have already impressed by winning their local heats, and each has a compelling business idea with the potential to make a real difference, whether through innovation, addressing an unmet need or creating new opportunities in their communities.

“Go Succeed is all about helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas and ambitions into reality, providing practical advice, mentoring and support to help businesses start, grow and scale. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that journey, give these entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their ideas and provide further investment to help the overall winner take their business forward.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting final and would encourage the public to get involved by voting for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award.”

Entrepreneurs will pitch to a panel of judges which includes Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI; Christopher Morrow, Northern Ireland Chamber; Kevin O’Reilly, Toastmasters; and Laura Murphy, Oatco, who secured investment on BBC’s Dragons’ Den earlier this year.

The overall winner will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment, and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.

Winners of sub-categories at the regional final, which include the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring young entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.

To vote for their favourite finalist, members of the public can visit www.go-succeed.com/theultimatepitch.

The post Entrepreneurs From Across Northern Ireland Compete To Make Ultimate Pitch appeared first on Business Eye.

Successful applicants will gain invaluable hands-on training while working towards industry-recognised qualifications.

Paddy Hughes, Airport Fire Service Manager at Belfast City Airport, said:

“Now in its 12^th year, the High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme is all about investing in the future workforce of aviation and fostering an environment where individuals can succeed.

“It plays an important role in building a skilled workforce, creating new pathways for young people to develop specialist, future-focused skills while supporting the airport’s long-term growth.

“Throughout the past number of years, we are privileged to have had 20 talented firefighters through the programme, the majority of which have gone on to become valued members of our Airport Fire and Rescue Service.

“We look forward to welcoming the new intake of apprentices who are ready to take on this unique opportunity.”

Since its launch in 2014, the programme has expanded to include an IT apprenticeship, reinforcing the growing demand for employment and specialised training in Northern Ireland.

Daniel Fusco, Trainee Aviation Apprentice Firefighter at Belfast City Airport, said:

“The High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme allowed me to work in a real operational environment, learn from senior colleagues and gain industry-recognised qualifications along the way.

“It is an excellent experience, so I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested to apply and take the first step towards a rewarding career.”

Aoibh Carroll, High Flyers Graduate, added: 

“The encouragement and guidance I received throughout my apprenticeship have helped me grow both professionally and personally.”

“If you’re interested in a role that challenges you and encourages continuous learning and skills development, there’s no better place to start.”

To find out more about Belfast City Airport’s High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme, visit belfastcityairport.com. 

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