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One of Northern Ireland’s most successful and exciting tech entrepreneurs is set to speak at this year’s Innovation Nation conference in Newry on Thursday 27th September.
Helen Lennon, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Secure Broadcast, will tell the story of the media communication technology company’s journey from a start-up six years ago, to fund-raising in Silicon Valley, to the present day where it has established itself as a ground-breaking media communications technology.
Secure Broadcast provide secure data-driven media communication technology to enterprise.
These new media platforms, powered by artificial intelligence, offer ground-breaking new technology that layers data over video in real time.
The technology is the world’s fastest way to create personalised professional branded video content.
Secure Broadcast technology embeds data driven smarts and analytics that maximises audience engagement.
Helen Lennon said: “Secure Broadcast’s story is one which many tech entrepreneurs will recognise. We’ve experienced rapid growth over the last few years and have to overcome the multitude of challenges which comes with that kind of growth trajectory.
“I look forward to sharing the journey at Innovation Nation and hearing from the other innovators and entrepreneurs on the bill in what promises to be a really exciting event.”
Cllr Mark Murnin, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “Helen represents the innovative culture which Innovation Nation embodies, and I can’t wait to hear her story. She joins a stellar cast of speakers who will help us drive the technology and innovation culture in the Newry, Mourne and Down District on to the next level.”
Other speakers at the event include Mark Little, co-founder of NevaLabs; INCISIV founder Dr Cathy Craig; Brian Conlon, Founder and Chief Executive of First Derivatives; Norbrook Laboratories Chief Executive Liam Nagle; Peter McCaul, Chief Executive Officer at Péarlaí; Adrian Toner, Chief Operating Officer at First Derivatives; STATSports Chief Commercial Officer Sean O’Connor and Steve Pette, Co-founder at Ormeau Baths.
As well as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the event is being sponsored by First Derivatives plc, Norbrook Laboratories, KPMG, STATSports and Invest Northern Ireland.
Innovation Nation 2018 is being held in Newry Town Hall and The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on 27th September 2018. For more details on the programme, speakers and how to get involved, visit: www.nmdinnovationnation.com.
Follow Innovation Nation on Twitter for live updates: @NMDInnovation / #InnovationNation18.
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Best Property Services held their annual Business Lunch this week in the Canal Court Hotel with special guest Ireland and Ulster Captain Rory Best, nephew of Managing Director, Garry Best.
Rory is the most-capped hooker for Ireland with an impressive 110 International and 208 Ulster Caps to his name.
From a celebrated rugby and farming family in Pontzpass, brought up in the ranks of Banbridge RFC, Rory spoke to the audience of Best Property Services clients and professional contacts about his career - from joining Ulster in 2004 and making his Irish debut the following year to a historic Grand Slam, Triple Crowns and Lions selection at international level.
Garry Best spoke of his pride at his nephews achievements “I’m delighted and very proud to welcome my nephew, Ireland and Ulster Captain Rory Best to the stage today. He is one of the most highly respected figures in Irish rugby and has matured into one of the game’s most athletic, inspiring and enduring forwards. As a family we have immense pride at his dedication and his achievements both on and off the field.
“This is our fourth Best Business lunch for clients. As our Directors mark 140 years combined experience, we continue to deliver expert property services and bring added value to our clients with events like these.
We are proud of our long history serving Newry and the South down region and grateful to our clients, business owners and professional contacts – many of whom are here today - for their continued support,” Garry added.
Sports journalist Adrian Logan was on hand to oversee a Q&A session expertly leading Rory through an intimate discussion about his career progression, his memories of historic games, as well as insights into leadership and motivation in the sporting field and how it can be utilised for business success.
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There are only days left until one of the most exciting innovation and technology events on the island of Ireland kicks off in Newry.
Innovation Nation 2018, which is being run by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and a number of supporting partners from the public and private sectors, will showcase how organisations can use the latest innovations and technology to drive their businesses and will shine a light on the burgeoning tech scene in Newry and the surrounding area.
The conference will take place on the 27th & 28th September, with the second day delivered in partnership with Catalyst Inc. which is lending its expertise to shape an exciting programme for up to 300 school children from 10 schools across the Council area, the Day of Ambition.
Speakers on day one include Mark Little, one of the world’s most prolific entrepreneurs, who will address the technology and innovation event on the opportunities in the digital age for companies from all sectors of the business world and will tell his story of starting successful technology companies and working for one of the most well-known social media firms, Twitter.
Other speakers at the event include Brian Conlon, Founder and Chief Executive of First Derivatives; Norbrook Laboratories Chief Executive Liam Nagle; STATSports Chief Commercial Officer Sean O’Connor; Secure Broadcast founder Helen Lennon; INCISIV founder Dr Cathy Craig; Peter McCaul, Chief Executive Officer at Péarlaí; Adrian Toner, Chief Operating Officer at First Derivatives; Matthew Scott from Navada Studios and Steve Pette, Co-founder at Ormeau Baths.
Mark Murin, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “Innovation Nation promises to be a landmark event in the calendar of this district’s economy,” he said. “We have a rich technology ecosystem and a culture of innovation which is second to none and we look forward to celebrating both, while also hearing from some of our local entrepreneurs and experts from further afield.”
As well as Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the event is being sponsored by First Derivatives plc, Norbrook Laboratories, KPMG, STATSports and Invest Northern Ireland, while The Irish Times is media partner.
Innovation Nation 2018 is being held in Newry Town Hall and The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on 27th & 28th September 2018. For more details on the programme, speakers and how to get involve visit /nmdinnovationnation.com
Follow Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for live updates: @nmdcouncil / #innovationnation18.
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The expansion of Newry company, First Derivatives continues at a pace with todays announcement that they plan to recruit 1,000 new employees in the next three years.
The new posts will be at graduate, experienced and senior levels and will facilitate the continued rapid growth of the business, which has seen an average annual growth of 31% over the past three years.
Brian Conlon, CEO of FD, commented: “This is an exciting time for FD and this expansion reflects the strong growth and development of the company. We have a highly skilled and accomplished team, and we look forward to bringing on more talent.”
Currently FD employs more than 2,400 employees.
The company recruits local and international personnel with a focus on STEM backgrounds. The new jobs will be across the company’s operations, including FinTech, where FD works with many of the world’s leading financial institutions, and a range of other industries, including manufacturing, digital marketing, retail, gaming, telecoms, automotive and space.
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The inaugural Innovation Nation conference in Newry will help the economy in Newry, Mourne and Down cement its growing reputation on the world map as a hub of innovation with the help of some fast-growing indigenous businesses and an energetic tech ecosystem.
That was the message from todays conference where some of the district’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders told how they have grown globally recognizable businesses.
Innovation Nation 2018 heard from Brian Conlon, Founder and Chief Executive of First Derivatives plc; Norbrook Laboratories Chief Executive Liam Nagle and STATSports Chief Commercial Officer Sean O’Connor, as well as inspiring entrepreneurs and tech leaders from elsewhere.
Keynote speaker and serial entrepreneur Mark Little addressed the conference on the opportunities in the digital age for companies from all sectors of the business world and told his story of starting successful technology companies and working for one of the most well-known social media firms, Twitter.
He said: “It has been hugely inspiring to see first-hand the brilliant energy which is to be found in the businesses we’ve seen from in and around the Newry Mourne and Down District. Some really exciting global companies have emerged from the area and if the talent from the start-up community is anything to go by, there will be many more to come in the years ahead.”
Mark Murin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “Innovation Nation 2018 has shone a light on the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and technology which has been building in this district for some time. It is great to hear the stories of how some of our local companies have got to where they are and to get the input from experts in the technology field.
“As a council we want to see the economy here flourish and we’re determined to make sure we do all we can to encourage even more innovation, more energy and more entrepreneurial spirit in the coming years. We want to work in partnership with our businesses and other key stakeholders to turbo boost the district and ensure it can take its place as a pivot city between Dublin and Belfast whilst building a connected web across the world.”
Other speakers at the event included Secure Broadcast founder Helen Lennon; Queen's University Belfast Director of Operations Claire McAlinden; INCISIV founder Dr Cathy Craig; Peter McCaul, Chief Executive Officer at Péarlaí; Adrian Toner, Chief Operating Officer at First Derivatives; Matthew Scott from Navada Studios and Steve Pette, Co-founder at Ormeau Baths.
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Hundreds of school students from throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down District took part in a 'Day of Ambition' as part of last weeks inaugural Innovation Nation 2018 conference in the city supported by Catalyst Inc.
Local businesses participating included STATSports, Humain, Kainos, Norbrook Laboratories, Queens University Belfast, First Derivatives, B-Secur and Ulster University.
The students took part in workshops, met with local entrepreneurs and got to interact with virtual reality headsets, driving simulators, robotic equipment, sports performance monitoring devices and a DeLorean car, amongst a host of other technology.
Mark Murin, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The Day of Ambition at Innovation Nation is a landmark event in the calendar of this district’s economy and has proved a resounding success. The school children here today have now got a taste of the brilliant things which are going on in the companies and universities on their doorstep and further afield.
“They have been inspired by their products, their systems and their ingenuity and I know many of them will now have a career path already mapped out. A huge thankyou to the companies involved who have put so much effort into the day.
“They have been an inspiration, not just to the students who attended, but to the whole of Northern Ireland.”
Liam Hannaway, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “This district has a rich technology ecosystem and a culture of innovation which is second to none. A demonstration of that was on show today at Day of Ambition and I know that these fantastic organisations have inspired a generation.”
As well as Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Innovation Nation and the Day of Ambition was sponsored by First Derivatives plc, Norbrook Laboratories, KPMG, STATSports and Invest Northern Ireland.
Innovation Nation 2018 was held in Newry Town Hall and The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. More info at nmdinnovationnation.com/
Follow Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for more information on how the council is inspiring innovation and technology: @nmdcouncil / #innovationnation18.
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Following the postponement of a previously planned meeting due to storm Ali, Warrenpoint Port has set Monday 15 October as the new date for an open drop-in event to allow members of the public and other stakeholders to learn more about proposed changes to how dredged material from the harbour is dealt with.
The event will take place at Warrenpoint Town Hall from 3pm to 6pm on 15 October.
Clare Guinness, CEO, Warrenpoint Port said: “We are pleased to announce a new date for the public to join with us at Warrenpoint Town Hall to find out more about proposals for a new placement site for dredged material.
“We are also extending the closing date for comments on this stage of the consultation process to 31st October.
“In our role as a custodian of the marine environment, we want to hear the views of all stakeholders before any plans are put into action.”
It is proposed that dredged material, is placed at a site in the mouth of Carlingford Lough between Cranfield Point and Greencastle.
A number of surveys, studies and assessments will be undertaken to determine the suitability of the location, the results of which will be made publicly available and will be subject to further public consultation.
The public drop-in event will be attended by staff from Warrenpoint Port and its consultants Royal HaskoningDHV. More information is available at www.warrenpointport.com while comments can be made by emailing Warrenpoint.Site.Characterisation.Study@rhdhv.com
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The recent Institute of Directors (IoD) Chairman’s Roadshow was held in Newry with concerns over infrastructure investments and Brexit among the main issues raised by local business leaders.
Hosted by IoD NI Chairman Gordon Milligan at the Flexi Work Space in Monaghan Street, the event brought together dozens of business leaders from the public and private sector across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area and beyond.
Gordon commented: “In Northern Ireland, we face specific challenges that are unique, including having no government for 19 months, challenges linked to Brexit and although unemployment is low compared to the rest of the UK, we have the highest level of economic inactivity.
“Added to these, the almost £2 billion of infrastructure projects currently delayed as a result of the pollical impasse and the requirement of transformation in health and education, there is much that needs to be done to improve outcomes for local people and our business community.”
Many of those in attendance called for progression on the delivery of the Newry Southern Relief Road and the Belfast City Region Deal which covers the local council area, while concerns surrounding Brexit and what it will mean for cross-border travel and trade continues to loom large.
Mr Milligan was joined at the event, which completed a series sponsored by KPMG, by Brexit expert, Allie Renison, the IoD’s Head of Europe and Trade Policy.
He added: “The events, which have also seen us on the road to Derry and Armagh, have been invaluable in terms of the level of engagement they have enabled with companies across the region as we seen to be the voice of business and creating a platform for the concerns of our members to be heard.”
To find out more about the IoD NI, including a full calendar of upcoming events, visit www.iod.com/ni
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With Newry company Around Noon lifting the Company of the Year Award last year, now is the time for local firms to enter the new look BEFTAs 2018 to help highlight our amazing businesses. closing date is 19 October.
The BEFTAs 2018, an exciting new version of Northern Ireland's longest running business awards, are the result of a partnership between the experienced team at Business Eye and lead sponsor, First Trust Bank.
The BEFTAs are a natural successor to the UTV Business Eye Awards which have been honouring our leading companies, organisations and business leaders for the past 13 years.
This year’s revamped awards will offer local companies and leaders the opportunity to enter a total of 18 categories covering every aspect of business in line with growth, emerging trends and focus across the region.
Last year's awards showcased an impressive array of winners at a memorable awards night held at the showpiece Belfast Waterfront venue in front of a 600-strong audience.
Newry convenience food manufacturer Around Noon lifted the coveted ‘Company of the Year’ award, while meat entrepreneur Peter Hannan was named as ‘Business Personality of the Year’.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, meanwhile, was presented to the recently retired former Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Roy Adair. Other key winners included Axiom Law in the ‘Employer of the Year’ category, Environmental Street Furniture in International Business with Wilsons Auctions named as ‘Family Business of the Year’.
This year's BEFTAs will take place once again at Belfast Waterfront on Thursday, 22nd November under its new name and backing of new lead sponsor, First Trust Bank, with a revamped category line-up for 2018. New categories include an award for Northern Ireland's Medium/Mid-Sized Company of the Year, the region's ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ and overdue recognition for our top Professional Services Firm as well as our leading Executive Support Professional.
First Trust Bank, a key supporter of the Northern Ireland business community, has partnered with Business Eye on the annual Business Eye First Trust Bank Small Business Awards for the past three years, a successful partnership that now moves to a new level.
Speaking at the launch of BEFTAs Seamus McGuckin, Head of Business Banking, First Trust Bank said;“In the last year against ongoing challenges and uncertainty, much of Northern Ireland’s business community has gone above and beyond standard practice, showing levels of creativity and innovation that can inspire others. We are delighted to join Business Eye in celebrating these stand-out organisations and leaders in our business community at the new-look BEFTA business awards this autumn.”
The closing date for entries to the BEFTAs 2018 will be Friday, 19th October. More information on criteria and how to enter can be found at www.businesseyeawards.co.uk
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