Business First RSS Feed http://www.businessfirstonline.co.uk en-us Business First Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:54:04 GMT Rycoweb CMS http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/smarts_wins_uk-wide_pr_excellence_award-n398.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/smarts_wins_uk-wide_pr_excellence_award-n398.html Smarts has won the CIPR Presidents Grand Prix award in the Community Relations category http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_derry_city_traders_group_formed-n397.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_derry_city_traders_group_formed-n397.html City Centre Traders Forum established in Derry to address challenges. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rec_appoints_ni_regional_director-n396.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rec_appoints_ni_regional_director-n396.html The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), has appointed Jim Berrisford asregional director for Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_biz_joins_together_to_plug_green_energy_skills_gap-n395.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_biz_joins_together_to_plug_green_energy_skills_gap-n395.html Bombardier, NIE and B9 join forces to plug green energy skills gap http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/no_sign_of_recovery_says_intertradeireland-n394.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/no_sign_of_recovery_says_intertradeireland-n394.html Biggest challenges to businesses are cash-flow and late payments, says InterTradeIreland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lacklustre_recovery_expected_for_local_economy_-_northern_bank-n393.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lacklustre_recovery_expected_for_local_economy_-_northern_bank-n393.html Northern Ireland’s economy is expected to grow marginally more in 2010 than previously anticipated http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/john_killen_is_librarian_at_linen_hall-n392.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/john_killen_is_librarian_at_linen_hall-n392.html John Killen has become Librarian of the Linen Hall Library having held the position of Deputy Librarian for thirty-one years. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/_winner_of__2010_davy_portrait_award_announced-n391.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/_winner_of__2010_davy_portrait_award_announced-n391.html Stockbroking and Financial advisory firm Davy awards Ian Cumberland the 2010 Davy Portrait Awards. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mcguire_is_accountant_of_the_year-n390.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mcguire_is_accountant_of_the_year-n390.html Belfast man, Brian McGuire, announced as ACCA Ireland Accountant of the Year http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/employers_beware_as_substance_abuse_rises_in_workplace-n389.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/employers_beware_as_substance_abuse_rises_in_workplace-n389.html Companies have disciplined or dismissed employees for substance misuse without appropriate policy in place. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esbie_strategy_to_assist_businesses_in_sustaining_energy_efficiency_-n388.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esbie_strategy_to_assist_businesses_in_sustaining_energy_efficiency_-n388.html Gain competitive advantage and maintain productivity by developing an energy strategy to increase efficiency and reduce costs. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/3500_children_prove_that_now_is_the_time_to_read-n387.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/3500_children_prove_that_now_is_the_time_to_read-n387.html For some children the joy of reading is yet to reach its full potential. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/if_youre_not_measuring_your_marketing_youre_not_marketing-n386.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/if_youre_not_measuring_your_marketing_youre_not_marketing-n386.html 56% of companies rate their marketing measurement capability as non-existent or basic http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/consumers_savings_could_do_better_says_northern_-n385.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/consumers_savings_could_do_better_says_northern_-n385.html RoI consumers are better at saving than we are says report. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/continental_showcase_flat_bed_seats-n384.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/continental_showcase_flat_bed_seats-n384.html New BusinessFirst seat display to visit the city for the first time. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_figures_put_spring_into_tourist_boards_step-n383.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_figures_put_spring_into_tourist_boards_step-n383.html Domestic tourism figures light up NITB’s new spring campaign launch. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/annual_skills_conference_will_help_business__empey-n382.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/annual_skills_conference_will_help_business__empey-n382.html Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has said the Annual Skills Conference will help local business with their operations. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/reduce_the_deficit_and_scrap_the_nics_hike_says_chamber-n381.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/reduce_the_deficit_and_scrap_the_nics_hike_says_chamber-n381.html British business has sent politicians a clear message. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/unemployment_falls_to_6-n380.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/unemployment_falls_to_6-n380.html Neal Lucas and Angela McGowan comment on Northern Ireland unemployment rate fall to 6.0%. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/shredathon-_a_lesson_in_corporate_social_responsibility-n379.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/shredathon-_a_lesson_in_corporate_social_responsibility-n379.html After the success of last year’s Shredathon, ShredBank are proud to announce the launch of its second schools “Shredathon”. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/signs_of_recovery_for_companies_and_job_seekers-n378.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/signs_of_recovery_for_companies_and_job_seekers-n378.html BluePrint Specialist Appointments see optimism in recruitment figures http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/consumers_in_bouyant_mood_says_northern-n377.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/consumers_in_bouyant_mood_says_northern-n377.html Local consumers are in a more buoyant mood as encouraging figures show that consumer confidence has risen to its highest level since the peak of the financial crisis, http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/confidence_growing_says_grant_thornton-n376.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/confidence_growing_says_grant_thornton-n376.html Optimism among local privately held businesses on their economic outlook for 2010 has improved considerably over the last year, according to the latest International Business Report survey from finance and business advisors, Grant Thornton UK LLP. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_search_for_the_2010_apprentice_of_the_year_has_begun-n375.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_search_for_the_2010_apprentice_of_the_year_has_begun-n375.html The competition for the Department for Employment and Learning’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2010 has begun. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_new_business_startups_increase_30_in_quarter_4_2009-n374.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_new_business_startups_increase_30_in_quarter_4_2009-n374.html Antrim is the most popular county for company formations http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_hits_the_one_million_spot-n373.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_hits_the_one_million_spot-n373.html UK’s largest Wi-Fi supplier announces a million hotspots http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_leader_urges_companies_to_prepare_for_the_recovery_conference-n372.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_leader_urges_companies_to_prepare_for_the_recovery_conference-n372.html Hugh Crossey urged sales professionals not to waste a good crisis and prepare for the recovery. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_first_lady_of_football_speaks_for_princes_trust-n371.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_first_lady_of_football_speaks_for_princes_trust-n371.html The Prince's Trust is giving Northern Ireland Firms the chance to hear award-winning business woman, Karren Brady http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/raise_retirement_age_to_68_says_iod-n370.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/raise_retirement_age_to_68_says_iod-n370.html Responding to government consultation into  Retirement Age the Institute of Directors has called for the Default Retirement Age to be raised to 68. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_10_hottest_careers_for_2010_-n369.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_10_hottest_careers_for_2010_-n369.html A recently launched free Career Guide highlights the top ten career opportunities for people seeking to change their working lives in 2010.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/chamber_confirms_2010_lineup_of_events-n368.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/chamber_confirms_2010_lineup_of_events-n368.html The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has confirmed an exciting line up of events for the first half of 2010. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/what_are_cadburys_values_find_out_for_yourself-n367.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/what_are_cadburys_values_find_out_for_yourself-n367.html Cadbury's Head of Corporate Responsibility comes to Belfast in March http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/matrix_is_back-n365.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/matrix_is_back-n365.html Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster formally welcomes the recently reconstituted MATRIX panel. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_in_the_community_winner_in_quality_awards_scheme-n364.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_in_the_community_winner_in_quality_awards_scheme-n364.html BITC collect the Northern Ireland Quality Award at a gala ceremony in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/roi_confidence_up_despite_northern_spending_spree-n363.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/roi_confidence_up_despite_northern_spending_spree-n363.html Cross border shopping has cost the Irish Exchequer an estimated €810 million in 2009 http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_out_of_10__business_owners_freeze_their_own_pay-n362.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_out_of_10__business_owners_freeze_their_own_pay-n362.html Small business owners are taking the lead to ensure their firms stay afloat despite the recession. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_acts_on_independent_review_recommendations-n361.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_acts_on_independent_review_recommendations-n361.html Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster's action plan in response to IREP. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_over_but_recovery_fragile_mcgowan-n360.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_over_but_recovery_fragile_mcgowan-n360.html UK output increases by 0.1 per cent in Q4. Rise in output driven by growth in services & production. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/chamber_responds_to_haitian_call_for_help-n359.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/chamber_responds_to_haitian_call_for_help-n359.html Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce raises funds for Shelter Boxes http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/why_we_should_support_shelter_box-n358.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/why_we_should_support_shelter_box-n358.html Shelter Box is helping the people of Haiti NOW; today. They need your help. Please get involved http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/small_meetings_package_at_lagan_valley_island-n357.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/small_meetings_package_at_lagan_valley_island-n357.html Lagan Valley Island is delighted to announce its flexible ‘Small Meetings Package’. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_economic_and_labour_market_figures_released_-n356.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_economic_and_labour_market_figures_released_-n356.html Figures for the period September to November 2009 recorded a slight decrease in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate to 6.8%. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/10_ways_to_encourage_creative_thinking-n355.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/10_ways_to_encourage_creative_thinking-n355.html Creating a culture in which all employees are actively encouraged to put ideas forward can help your firm innovate. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_guide_helps_northern_ireland_businesses_to_secure_finance-n354.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_guide_helps_northern_ireland_businesses_to_secure_finance-n354.html A guide to help Northern Ireland businesses raise finance and secure bank credit . http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ski_scotland_with_stena-n353.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ski_scotland_with_stena-n353.html Stena Line tells skiers that Scotland has snow in abundance. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/continuing_professional_development_project-n352.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/continuing_professional_development_project-n352.html LLUK NI are currently working with employers in the lifelong learning sector to evaluate and explore the use of an identified CPD online tool (CPD Engage) embedded by LLUK Professional Standards.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/controlling_approach_to_leadership_counter-productive-n351.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/controlling_approach_to_leadership_counter-productive-n351.html Study reveals the essence of outstanding leadership http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/heartsine_-_we_save_lives_now_you_can_too-n350.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/heartsine_-_we_save_lives_now_you_can_too-n350.html Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at any time, it could be a family member, a friend, colleague employee, customer .... http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_ritz-carlton_powerscourt_offers_complimentary_internet_access-n349.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_ritz-carlton_powerscourt_offers_complimentary_internet_access-n349.html The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt has introduced complimentary, secure and reliable internet access to guests and visitors http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_optimism_growing_slowly_-_chamber_survey_reveals-n348.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_optimism_growing_slowly_-_chamber_survey_reveals-n348.html Business optimism is growing slowly, is the finding of the latest Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (Q4 2009). http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_tips_to_solving_the_challenge_of_the_icy_car-n347.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_tips_to_solving_the_challenge_of_the_icy_car-n347.html Considering the winter we're having, I thought these tips might be helpful to you. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/companies_urged_to_help_young_people_find_employment-n346.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/companies_urged_to_help_young_people_find_employment-n346.html Business leaders have joined the Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills Bill McGinnis in a call to local companies to offer worthwhile employment opportunities to young people. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/easyjet_launches_operations_from_belfast_city-n345.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/easyjet_launches_operations_from_belfast_city-n345.html easyJet has started operations from George Best Belfast City Airport with a twice daily service to London Luton. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/iod_pessimistic_about_prospects_for_the_uk_economy-n344.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/iod_pessimistic_about_prospects_for_the_uk_economy-n344.html GDP growth is forecast at just 0.5 per cent in 2010 and 1.5 per cent in 2011. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cbi_director_general_on_2010-n343.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cbi_director_general_on_2010-n343.html This will be a year of exceptional challenges for businesses in Britain. Looking 12 months ahead, the risks and the opportunities both seem strikingly clear http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/freeze_national_minimum_wage_for_lasting_recovery_cipd-n342.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/freeze_national_minimum_wage_for_lasting_recovery_cipd-n342.html CIPD launches ‘manifesto’ for a recovery that lasts, with call for National Minimum Wage freeze for younger workers to strengthen efforts to tackle youth unemployment http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ronnie_foreman_new_chairman_at_serious-n341.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ronnie_foreman_new_chairman_at_serious-n341.html Serious PR welcomes Ronnie Foreman as new Chairman. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/management__leadership_development_programme_mldp-n340.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/management__leadership_development_programme_mldp-n340.html The Management and Leadership Development Programme is simple and effective. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/get_it_together_niirta_tells_parties-n339.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/get_it_together_niirta_tells_parties-n339.html Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has urged the parties to resolve their difficulties over the devolution of Policing and Justice and to refocus their attention on resolving the difficulties on the local economy http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/restore_our_tax_competitiveness_says_iod-n338.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/restore_our_tax_competitiveness_says_iod-n338.html The IoD has published a major report on the long-term reform of tax system. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_business_needs_better_understanding_of_environmental_regulation-n337.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_business_needs_better_understanding_of_environmental_regulation-n337.html Organisations in Northern Ireland would benefit from a better understanding of environmental risks, such as waste and pollution, according to a recent study by international consultancy, WYG Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/labour_market_figures_indicate_cautious_optimism-n336.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/labour_market_figures_indicate_cautious_optimism-n336.html Recruitment market shows signs of recovery, says Neal Lucas of Neal Lucas Recruitment http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/w5s_nutcracker_book_makes_2009_childrens_books_of_the_year_list-n335.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/w5s_nutcracker_book_makes_2009_childrens_books_of_the_year_list-n335.html Last minute Christmas present for the children - sorted. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rd_remains_steady_despite_recession-n334.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rd_remains_steady_despite_recession-n334.html Total expenditure on R&D in NI down only 2%. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/uk_interest_rate_remains_at_05-n333.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/uk_interest_rate_remains_at_05-n333.html The Bank of England has held UK interest rates at the record low of 0.5% for the ninth consecutive month. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/have_an_ichristmas_with_citybeat_and_barclay_communications-n332.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/have_an_ichristmas_with_citybeat_and_barclay_communications-n332.html Starting Monday 14th of December Citybeat and Barclay Communications will be teaming up to celebrate the launch of the new, free Citybeat app with iPhone Christmas giveaways http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/management_analysis_and_planning_programme-n331.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/management_analysis_and_planning_programme-n331.html Leadership and Management for better business http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/translink_goes_100_green-n330.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/translink_goes_100_green-n330.html Translink has signed a £1.24 million contract with energy supplier ESB Independent Energy http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_economic_forecast_-_british_chamber_of_commerce-n329.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_economic_forecast_-_british_chamber_of_commerce-n329.html Ahead of the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published its latest Economic Forecast. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stomp_comes_crashing_to_the_waterfront_-n328.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stomp_comes_crashing_to_the_waterfront_-n328.html STOMP - storms its way onto the stage at Belfast Waterfront http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/awards_for_excellence_entries_now_open-n327.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/awards_for_excellence_entries_now_open-n327.html Business in the Community has launched its 2010 National Awards for Excellence, http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/energia_now_biggest_independent_in_single_energy_market-n326.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/energia_now_biggest_independent_in_single_energy_market-n326.html Energia has provided savings for a decade. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/employers_for_childcare_triple_impact_socially_politically_and_financially-n325.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/employers_for_childcare_triple_impact_socially_politically_and_financially-n325.html 2009 has been a year of outstanding recognition for Employers For Childcare, who’s triple impact as a Social Enterprise have been acknowledged across all sectors. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/beyonce_is_local_choice_for_a_happy_birthday-n324.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/beyonce_is_local_choice_for_a_happy_birthday-n324.html Beyonce is the superstar Northern Ireland would like to have sing happy birthday to them says survey from Belfst's Odyssey Arena http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/fix_planning_now_says_iod-n323.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/fix_planning_now_says_iod-n323.html IoD demands immediate changes in the culture and approach of the Planning Service. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/now_is_the_time_to_invest_in_your_peoples_skills_-_empey-n322.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/now_is_the_time_to_invest_in_your_peoples_skills_-_empey-n322.html Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has urged businesses that now is the time to invest in the skills of their employees. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/newry_accountant_forces_european_law_change-n321.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/newry_accountant_forces_european_law_change-n321.html Change in ROI law to save Northern Ireland companies thousands of pounds http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/change_someones_world_with_a_trcaire_global_gift-n320.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/change_someones_world_with_a_trcaire_global_gift-n320.html This Christmas, spread goodwill by sending a Trócaire Global Gift. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/great_offers_on_enterprise_from_translink-n319.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/great_offers_on_enterprise_from_translink-n319.html To celebrate the opening of the new train station in Newry, Translink is extending great offers on the Enterprise. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mercury_invests_in_the_spirit_of_new_anti_cowboy_laws-n318.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mercury_invests_in_the_spirit_of_new_anti_cowboy_laws-n318.html Security expert  welcomes imminent introduction of legislation to clean up the security industry. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/campaign_of_the_year-n317.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/campaign_of_the_year-n317.html Employers For Childcare wins Campaign of the year 2009. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/beware_of_the_circular_file-n316.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/beware_of_the_circular_file-n316.html Who gets their hands on the contents of  your circular, asks Philip Bain of Shredbank http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_search_for_business_excellence_is_on-n315.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_search_for_business_excellence_is_on-n315.html The IoD Lunn’s Award of Excellence, Northern Ireland’s most prestigious business award, was launched today to find the outstanding business person of the year. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/inform_pr_celebrates_25_years_with_charitable_initiative_-n314.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/inform_pr_celebrates_25_years_with_charitable_initiative_-n314.html One of Northern Ireland’s leading public relations and public affairs consultancies is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this month by offering to work for free http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/pace_of_economic_recovery_will_not_match_speed_of_decline-n313.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/pace_of_economic_recovery_will_not_match_speed_of_decline-n313.html As the recession continues to bottom out, InterTradeIreland’s latest Quarterly Business Monitor  has indicated that companies are taking extra steps to improve competitiveness and stimulate demand. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mlas_briefed_on_urgent_economic_requirements-n312.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mlas_briefed_on_urgent_economic_requirements-n312.html Business leaders talk with Assembly members http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/great_leaders_and_managers_are_made_not_born_says_empey-n311.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/great_leaders_and_managers_are_made_not_born_says_empey-n311.html Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has launched the ‘Made Not Born’ Programme to promote Management & Leadership Skills Development across Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/save_s_on_fire_safety_with_fire_safety_solutions_ni-n310.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/save_s_on_fire_safety_with_fire_safety_solutions_ni-n310.html Safety of your staff and business premises should never be put at risk. That’s why Fire Safety Solutions NI, are your one-stop-shop for all your fire safety needs http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/average_earnings_in_northern_ireland_increased_faster_than_in_the_rest_of_uk-n309.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/average_earnings_in_northern_ireland_increased_faster_than_in_the_rest_of_uk-n309.html Figures released today showed Northern Ireland average earnings in April 2009 increased faster over the year than in the rest of the UK http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/intro_graduate_programme-n308.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/intro_graduate_programme-n308.html Leadership and Management development leads to better businesses http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_company_formations_increase_by_29_in_quarter_3-n307.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_company_formations_increase_by_29_in_quarter_3-n307.html New figures released by ICC Formations show that the number of New Companies being formed in Northern Ireland has increased by 29% in Quarter 3 2009 in comparison to the same period in 2008. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_northern_ireland_labour_market_figures_released_-n306.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_northern_ireland_labour_market_figures_released_-n306.html Figures released recorded a further increase in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate during the third quarter of 2009. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rana_brings_ibis_to_belfast_-_twice-n305.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rana_brings_ibis_to_belfast_-_twice-n305.html Andras House has opened two new city centre budget hotels under the Ibis brand. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/workplace_pension_reform-n304.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/workplace_pension_reform-n304.html Cost and admin burden will fall on SMEs says ACCA http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/attraction_to_do_good_brands_is_escalating_-n303.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/attraction_to_do_good_brands_is_escalating_-n303.html Whether despite or because of the recession, consumers are more inclined than ever to spend their money with companies and brands that have dedicated themselves to a social purpose http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/aer_lingus_adds_4th_daily_flight_to_heathrow-n302.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/aer_lingus_adds_4th_daily_flight_to_heathrow-n302.html  A fourth daily flight to London Heathrow has been launched by Aer Lingus. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/volvo_xc60_drive__drive_easy-n301.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/volvo_xc60_drive__drive_easy-n301.html by Ian Beasant, motoring correspondent http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/changes_to_rules_for_northern_ireland_business-n300.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/changes_to_rules_for_northern_ireland_business-n300.html by Keith McManus, President ACCA, Ulster branch http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_enters_mobile_market_following_acquisition-n299.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_enters_mobile_market_following_acquisition-n299.html Belfast based Rainbow Telecom, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecommunications provider has purchased the mobile phone specialist Red Sky Communications. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_company_competes_for_top_uk_business_award-n298.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_company_competes_for_top_uk_business_award-n298.html Belfast based business telecommunications provider, Barclay Communications, has won Business of the Year in the Northern Ireland heat of the British Chamber of Commerce Awards http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/healthy_workplaces_seminar_in_belfast_on_november_10-n297.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/healthy_workplaces_seminar_in_belfast_on_november_10-n297.html Healthy Workplaces: Good for you. Good for business http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tourist_board_urges_people_to_explore_more_this_autumn-n296.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tourist_board_urges_people_to_explore_more_this_autumn-n296.html As part of its ongoing Explore More campaign, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is urging people to get out and discover the wonderful sights and attractions on their doorstep this autumn http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/innovation_vouchers_open_for_business_again-n295.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/innovation_vouchers_open_for_business_again-n295.html Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched Invest Northern Ireland’s new £2.7million Innovation Vouchers Programme, which will help small businesses use innovation to grow and succeed. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/trade_accelerator_voucher_-_your_first_step_to_exporting-n294.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/trade_accelerator_voucher_-_your_first_step_to_exporting-n294.html InterTradeIreland Director Aidan Gough got behind the wheel recently at Formula Karting in Newry to encourage Northern Ireland companies to take advantage of the Trade Accelerator Voucher scheme in a bid to get ahead of the game and prepare for the economic upturn http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/advice4debtni_help_reschedule_debt_-n293.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/advice4debtni_help_reschedule_debt_-n293.html advice4debtNI, a completely free and independent telephone debt advice service, has been advising people from every part of Northern Ireland with debt issues and has identified £1,580,811.35 worth of debt since phone lines opened on September 1st 2009 http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/steps_to_work_employer_subsidy-n292.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/steps_to_work_employer_subsidy-n292.html The Steps to Work Employer Subsidy will provide employers with advice and support, increased access to potential employees of all ages, financial assistance with wages and help with the cost of training for participants aged 18 to 24. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_business_angels_heaven_sent_for_early_stage_high_risk_companies-n291.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_business_angels_heaven_sent_for_early_stage_high_risk_companies-n291.html More NI Business Angels encouraged to come forward http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/five_star_studded_clandeboye_lodge_-n290.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/five_star_studded_clandeboye_lodge_-n290.html The Clandeboye Lodge Hotel is the first independent hotel in North Down to be awarded 5 stars for food hygiene standards, based on the Food Safety Agency ‘scores on the doors’ pilot scheme http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_your_business_eligible_for_energy_efficiency_loans_scheme-n289.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_your_business_eligible_for_energy_efficiency_loans_scheme-n289.html The Big Business Refit offers advice on identifying old equipment, and guidance on suitable replacements. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/technical_development_ranks_high_in_the_province-n288.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/technical_development_ranks_high_in_the_province-n288.html Belfast based telecommunications company, Barclay Communications blasts onto Deloitte Technology Fast 50 rankings for the second year running. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/freeze_business_regulation_and_create_300000_jobs_says_fsb-n287.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/freeze_business_regulation_and_create_300000_jobs_says_fsb-n287.html An overhaul of the UK's regulatory environment could provide the economy with a second economic stimulus http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/raise_retirement_age_to_70_says_institute_of_directors-n286.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/raise_retirement_age_to_70_says_institute_of_directors-n286.html IoD sets out a radical reform agenda for state and private retirement benefit systems. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cbi_blueprint_for_balancing_budget_-n285.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cbi_blueprint_for_balancing_budget_-n285.html Employers' group says radical public services reform needed to deliver savings of £120bn http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/queens_university_entrepreneurial_university_of_the_year-n284.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/queens_university_entrepreneurial_university_of_the_year-n284.html Queen’s University Belfast has been named as the Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the sector’s biggest awards in London. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/were_they_feckin_right-n283.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/were_they_feckin_right-n283.html For the first time ever, the editors of Business First rejected an ad from an advertiser. Were they right? You decide. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/easyjet_to_launch_operations_from_belfast_city_airport-n282.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/easyjet_to_launch_operations_from_belfast_city_airport-n282.html easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has announced that it will commence operations from Belfast City Airport, with a twice daily service from London Luton. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_local_companies_compete_for_top_uk_awards-n281.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/six_local_companies_compete_for_top_uk_awards-n281.html Six forward-thinking local companies are in line for top UK business awards. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_not_being_hit_by_skills_shortage_says_vodafone-n280.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_not_being_hit_by_skills_shortage_says_vodafone-n280.html New Vodafone UK Working Nation research reveals that, although overall UK companies are suffering from a skills gap brought on by headcount losses and shrinking training budgets, Northern Ireland companies are not suffering in the same way. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/large_firms_to_help_smes_punch_above_their_weight-n279.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/large_firms_to_help_smes_punch_above_their_weight-n279.html A major new initiative is being launched across the UK, which will give thousands of small and medium-sized businesses the chance to learn from some of the country’s biggest and most successful companies. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_kicks_off_tourism_campaign_in_great_britain_-n278.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_kicks_off_tourism_campaign_in_great_britain_-n278.html Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched a £1.2million tourism marketing initiative to promote Northern Ireland in Great Britain (GB). http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_iip-n277.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_iip-n277.html Investors in People (IiP) is the most successful framework for business improvement through people management. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_business_and_community_impact_of_recession-n276.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_business_and_community_impact_of_recession-n276.html A keynote debate at Queen’s University on 27 October will explore how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can thrive beyond the challenges http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_trade_association_for_northern_ireland_events_industry-n275.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_trade_association_for_northern_ireland_events_industry-n275.html Details were announced at ‘In Any Event’, a major conference and exhibition held at the Europa Hotel. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_the_disablement_advisory_service_-n274.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_the_disablement_advisory_service_-n274.html The Disablement Advisory Service (DAS) provides support for employers to help them recruit people with health issues or disabilities and enable them to retain employees who become sick or disabled in their jobs. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stena_line_expands_local_fleet-n273.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stena_line_expands_local_fleet-n273.html Leading ferry company Stena Line has announced details of a new addition to its Northern Corridor fleet. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/arabian_expansion_as_stakeholder_goes_international_in_joint_venture_-n272.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/arabian_expansion_as_stakeholder_goes_international_in_joint_venture_-n272.html Stakeholder Communications, the Northern Ireland-headquartered public relations company, has announced details of an expansion into Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cmi_goes_back_to_the_future_as_it_company_takes_shape-n271.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cmi_goes_back_to_the_future_as_it_company_takes_shape-n271.html The journey continues for Northern Ireland IT entrepreneurs Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/sps_ltd_celebrates_30_years_in_business-n270.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/sps_ltd_celebrates_30_years_in_business-n270.html SPS Ltd, which provides storage and interior fit out solutions for offices, commercial buildings and warehouses, has recently celebrated 30 years in business. Ron Hogg and Colin Reid, Joint Managing Directors, reflect on how the company has evolved and explain the key factors at the heart of the company’s continued success http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_essential_skills-n269.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/help_for_employers_during_the_downturn_-_essential_skills-n269.html We continue our series of informational pieces in association with the Department for Employment & Learning on what programmes are available for employers to help them during the downturn but with an eye to better times http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/call_for_consultation_on_irep-n268.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/call_for_consultation_on_irep-n268.html Short and long term challenges must be overcome in order to build a dynamic and innovative Northern Ireland economy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/how_does_a_weekend_in_a__lamborghini_lp640_sound-n267.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/how_does_a_weekend_in_a__lamborghini_lp640_sound-n267.html Million Makers is a national competition that challenges teams of employees to raise ￡1 million for The Prince’s Trust. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/1000_new_jobs_is_welcome_news-n266.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/1000_new_jobs_is_welcome_news-n266.html DEL has created funding for 1000 jobs within the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_backs_bt_campaign_on_mis-selling_-n265.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_backs_bt_campaign_on_mis-selling_-n265.html Rainbow Telecom, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecoms provider, is backing a campaign by BT and the Trading Standards Institute calling on Ofcom to put an end to mis-selling in the telecoms marketplace. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_alliance_respond_to_irep-n264.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_alliance_respond_to_irep-n264.html The Business Alliance (representing CBI, Centre for Competitiveness, Institute of Directors and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce) have responded to the Independent Review of Economic Policy http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_welcomes_independent_review_of_economic_policy-n263.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_welcomes_independent_review_of_economic_policy-n263.html Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the publication of the Independent Review of Economic Policy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_investni_response-n262.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_investni_response-n262.html The Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) questions the effectiveness of InvestNI's input into the local economy accusing it of supporting mostly low-cost low value jobs which provide little if any additionality. The Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) q uestions the effectiveness of InvestNIs input into the local economy accusing it of investing its monies in low-cost low value jobs which provide little if any additionality. The Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) q uestions the effectiveness of InvestNIs input into the local economy accusing it of investing its monies in low-cost low value jobs which provide little if any additionality. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_recommendations-n261.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_recommendations-n261.html A full list of the recommendations from the eagerly awaited Barnett Report  includes a new vision for the future of InvestNI and a call on the Executive to match rhetoric on the economy with action. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_executive_summary-n260.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_independent_review_of_economic_policy_-_executive_summary-n260.html The Independent Review of Economic Policy (IREP) was commissioned by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster MLA, in December 2008. Here is an overview of the Report. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_chamber_of_commerce_elects_vice_president-n259.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_chamber_of_commerce_elects_vice_president-n259.html The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has elected Francis Martin as its new vice president. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bridge_to_employment_-_employers-n258.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bridge_to_employment_-_employers-n258.html Bridge to Employment for employers http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/are_you_ready_for_october_1st_asks_acca-n257.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/are_you_ready_for_october_1st_asks_acca-n257.html Businesses should prepare for the new rules that come into play at start of October says ACCA. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_champions_of_social_enterprise_success-n256.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_champions_of_social_enterprise_success-n256.html Liam Black endorses achievements of Employers For Childcare and NOW. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/give_business_the_freedom_to_drive_uk_recovery_says_bcc-n255.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/give_business_the_freedom_to_drive_uk_recovery_says_bcc-n255.html BCC encourages party leaders to let business lead recovery. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/csr_its_just_good_business-n254.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/csr_its_just_good_business-n254.html Business in the Community launches first Corporate Responsibility Week, 2-9th October. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/college_saves_company_over_20k-n253.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/college_saves_company_over_20k-n253.html County Down based engineering company, John Huddleston Engineering, has saved over £20,000 on consultancy costs thanks to South Eastern Regional College (SERC). http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_figures_released_-n252.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_figures_released_-n252.html Fourth quarterly fall in Northern Ireland jobs and a further rise in unemployment levels. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/last_call_innovators_urged_to_propel_ideas_into_reality-n251.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/last_call_innovators_urged_to_propel_ideas_into_reality-n251.html Applications for Propel Programme Required by 18th September http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/alan_giles_of_fat_face_to_address_iod_lunch-n250.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/alan_giles_of_fat_face_to_address_iod_lunch-n250.html Alan Giles, chairman of clothing brand Fat Face will address the annual lunch of the Institute of Directors on October 23. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/police_rehabilitation_and_retraining_trust_marks_10th_anniversary_-n249.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/police_rehabilitation_and_retraining_trust_marks_10th_anniversary_-n249.html The Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary with conference. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_businesses_urged_to_make_the_italian_connection-n248.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_businesses_urged_to_make_the_italian_connection-n248.html Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce encourages local business to head to Italy in search of business http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_welcomes_appointment_of_us_economy_envoy_-n247.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_welcomes_appointment_of_us_economy_envoy_-n247.html US Ambassador to the UK makes Invest NI and Titanic Quarter first stops in Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/if_its_christmas_it_must_be_atthe_ritz-carlton_powerscourt_-n246.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/if_its_christmas_it_must_be_atthe_ritz-carlton_powerscourt_-n246.html The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is a magical place at Christmas and this year is no exception. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recovery_has_started_but_economy_still_faces_huge_risks-n245.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recovery_has_started_but_economy_still_faces_huge_risks-n245.html The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its September 2009 Economic Forecast http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/showcase_event_for_northern_ireland_events_industry-n244.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/showcase_event_for_northern_ireland_events_industry-n244.html Those involved in the events industry will soon be the star players on their own stage - instead of being involved in planning someone else’s big day. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/out_and_about_with_bt-n243.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/out_and_about_with_bt-n243.html BT is  all  set to showcase its latest products and services, across Northern Ireland,  as it heads out on the road over the coming months with the launch of its new Out and About with BT campaign.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_term_-_new_way_of_working_-n241.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_term_-_new_way_of_working_-n241.html Now that the children are back at school, many employers may find they are faced with requests from their employees for flexible working. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/liam_black_to_speak_at_employers_for_childcare_seminar-n240.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/liam_black_to_speak_at_employers_for_childcare_seminar-n240.html Employers For Childcare and NOW wish to invite you to take part in an event to endorse the work of social enterprises and the contribution they make to the Northern Ireland economy http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/gigi_is_recruitment_consultant_of_the_year_-n239.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/gigi_is_recruitment_consultant_of_the_year_-n239.html Gigi Wong, BluePrint Appointments specialist consultant for the Scientific Sector, celebrates being officially named as Highly Commended Recruitment Consultant of the Year at this year's NI Workplace and Employment Awards. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/swine_flu_wake-up_as_employers_relax_their_guard_-n238.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/swine_flu_wake-up_as_employers_relax_their_guard_-n238.html UK businesses should prepare for staff absence rates of up to 50% this winter. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/gilpin_plays_to_local_strengths_to_roll_out_new_brand_-n237.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/gilpin_plays_to_local_strengths_to_roll_out_new_brand_-n237.html Top local executive search and development company, Key Consulting, has marked its tenth anniversary by re-branding http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/envirowise_launches_free_online_training_tool_for_local_business-n236.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/envirowise_launches_free_online_training_tool_for_local_business-n236.html Businesses in Northern Ireland could unlock valuable costs savings by working with their staff to help improve environmental performance. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/start-up_initiative_launched_to_propel_business_success_-n235.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/start-up_initiative_launched_to_propel_business_success_-n235.html Invest Northern Ireland has launched a major programme which aims to establish successful new fast growth, knowledge intensive businesses which could generate significant export sales and boost the local economy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/jim_completes_100k_ride_for_charity_-n234.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/jim_completes_100k_ride_for_charity_-n234.html Fleet Financial sales manager Jim Humphreys has presented a cheque to a major Northern Ireland Charity following his completion of a 100k cycle event earlier this summer. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/complaint_follows_bts_disregard_of_ofcom_ruling-n233.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/complaint_follows_bts_disregard_of_ofcom_ruling-n233.html BT has been accused of deliberating misleading a Belfast based business, showing blatant disregard for an OFCOM ruling which forbids BT to claim it is one entity in Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_secures_massive_savings_for_o2_customers-n232.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_secures_massive_savings_for_o2_customers-n232.html O2 Centre of Excellence Partner, Barclay Communications offers financial relief to potentially 20 million O2 customers as it embarks on a massive money saving campaign. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_figures_released_-n231.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_figures_released_-n231.html Figures released on August 12 showed a further rise in Northern Ireland’s unemployment figures. Numbers are up, but still better than the rest of UK. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tomtom_work_maximises_reliability_of_service-n230.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tomtom_work_maximises_reliability_of_service-n230.html TomTom WORK, the B2B division of TomTom, has launched the TomTom GO 9000, a new connected navigation device for commercial vehicle fleets. Part of TomTom WORK Compact, it provides an easy way to manage the fleet and workforce. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/oaklee_housing_association_launches_new_web_site-n229.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/oaklee_housing_association_launches_new_web_site-n229.html Oaklee Housing Association has launched its new website www.oaklee.org.uk with a dynamic new look. The new site provides online visitors with dramatic improvements in navigation, appearance and extended content. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/graduate_manager_proves_to_be_a_real_plus-n228.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/graduate_manager_proves_to_be_a_real_plus-n228.html This year, 25 of Northern Ireland's top graduates will participate in PLUS+, a unique Food Cadetship Programme, which is funded by DARD and delivered by Parity Solutions in association with the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Development’s Loughry Campus.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ons_index_of_production_statistics_released-n227.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ons_index_of_production_statistics_released-n227.html “In the past few months we’ve seen production pass its worst point. However, experience tells us that there is no smooth road to recovery http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone_mobilises_for_fast-growing_m2m_market_-n226.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone_mobilises_for_fast-growing_m2m_market_-n226.html Vodafone is launching a global Machine to Machine (M2M) service platform to help companies deploy and manage large, wireless M2M projects.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_merchant_wins_a_hat-trick_of_world_accolades-n225.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/the_merchant_wins_a_hat-trick_of_world_accolades-n225.html Its official - The spectacular Merchant Hotel is the ‘World’s Best Hotel Bar’. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/peach_to_become_ljk-n224.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/peach_to_become_ljk-n224.html Due to considerable growth and advancement since its inception in 2005, Peach Public Relations will be embarking on a re-brand strategy that will see the company be renamed LJK (Larkin Jago Keane) Communications. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/take_data_protection_seriously_-n223.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/take_data_protection_seriously_-n223.html Belfast-based ShredBank has warned local businesses to ensure they have proper data protection procedures in place. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ofcom_reveals_uks_real_broadband_speeds-n222.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ofcom_reveals_uks_real_broadband_speeds-n222.html Ofcom has published the results of its research into fixed-line broadband speeds in the UK. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/local_companies_weather_the_storm-n221.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/local_companies_weather_the_storm-n221.html 65 percent of Northern Irish companies surveyed expect a decrease in headcount this year http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_ccjs_increase_to_11_million_in_q2_2009-n220.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_ccjs_increase_to_11_million_in_q2_2009-n220.html ICC Information can reveal that the number of County Court Judgements (CCJ’s) against companies in Northern Ireland for the recovery of unpaid debt has increased significantly, reaching £1.1 million in the second Quarter of 2009. This is an increase of 88% on the same period in 2008 with 229 CCJs being lodged. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esb_joins_business_in_community-n219.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esb_joins_business_in_community-n219.html ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE) has joined Business in the Community in Northern Ireland to develop its commitment to benefit society here through responsible business practice. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/harrington__mcilroy_go_head-to-head-n218.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/harrington__mcilroy_go_head-to-head-n218.html The opening of The Faldo Course at the Lough Erne Golf Resort will be marked by a head to head between three times major champion, Padraig Harrington and 20 year old Holywood man, Rory McIlroy on 22 July. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/going_on_holiday_avoid_high_roaming_charges_-n217.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/going_on_holiday_avoid_high_roaming_charges_-n217.html When you leave the UK on holiday normal call charges and data bundles may no longer apply. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esbie_supplying_green_energy_to_carbon-neutral_gps_colour_graphics_ltd_-n216.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/esbie_supplying_green_energy_to_carbon-neutral_gps_colour_graphics_ltd_-n216.html GPS Colour Graphics Ltd, Ireland’s first carbon – neutral company is one of the latest businesses in Northern Ireland to make the switch to renewable energy, by teaming up with ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE). http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tour_of_ireland_to_start_from_ritz-carlton_powerscourt-n215.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/tour_of_ireland_to_start_from_ritz-carlton_powerscourt-n215.html Organisers of the Tour of Ireland professional cycle race, held in association with Fáilte Ireland, have announced a three day format for 2009. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/av_browne_does_the_double-n214.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/av_browne_does_the_double-n214.html AV Browne enjoyed a double win at the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards held on Thursday 18th June 2009 at the Ramada Hotel. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_workers_no_strangers_to_graft-n213.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_workers_no_strangers_to_graft-n213.html Overtime is becoming the norm for over 40 per cent of staff in Northern Ireland since the financial crisis began, according to a new UK-wide survey from BT*. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stratagem_takes_online_politics_to_a_new_level-n212.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/stratagem_takes_online_politics_to_a_new_level-n212.html Belfast-based public affairs consultancy Stratagem has integrated a range of new technologies into its refreshed website. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/first_for_carson_mcdowell-n211.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/first_for_carson_mcdowell-n211.html For the first time ever a Northern Ireland law firm has been placed in the top three regional law firms at the prestigious Lawyer Awards in London. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/grafton_launches_new_brand-n210.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/grafton_launches_new_brand-n210.html The Grafton Employment Group today unveiled a new recruitment outsourcing and HR consultancy brand targeting both Irish and global markets in a move designed to deliver a major long-term expansion of the Irish-based international group. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/digital_britain_report_lacks_genuine_ambition-n209.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/digital_britain_report_lacks_genuine_ambition-n209.html Lord Carter has published the Digital Britain report which outlines plans for the future of the internet and communications industries. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_creates_new_employment_landscape_-n208.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_creates_new_employment_landscape_-n208.html The recession has dramatically altered the UK workplace landscape, as employers and staff work together to protect businesses and jobs. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/call_for_bog_snorkellers-n207.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/call_for_bog_snorkellers-n207.html The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has launched another search for a top bog snorkeller. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_announces_25million_boost_for_social_enterprises-n206.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_announces_25million_boost_for_social_enterprises-n206.html Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster launched Invest Northern Ireland’s new £2.5million support programme for social enterprises. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/revenue_generation_for_recovery_-n205.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/revenue_generation_for_recovery_-n205.html CIM launches position paper to help businesses kick start their recovery http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/peter_reshuffles_the_deck-n204.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/peter_reshuffles_the_deck-n204.html Peter Robinson’s promised reshuffling of the DUP was announced following the party’s worst European election results since 1979. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/savour_lunch_hour_at_the_fitzwilliam_hotel_belfast-n203.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/savour_lunch_hour_at_the_fitzwilliam_hotel_belfast-n203.html Belfast’s newest eatery Menu by Kevin Thornton, at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, has introduced a new lunchtime menu to encourage the people of Belfast to savour their lunch hour. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/living_history_at_titanics_dock__pump-house-n202.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/living_history_at_titanics_dock__pump-house-n202.html A piece of local heritage came back to life when vintage car enthusiasts visited Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and brought with them an Austin car… that was built in the same week that RMS Titanic left Belfast’s shores on its fateful maiden journey. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mary_peters_casts_place_in_olympic_history-n201.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mary_peters_casts_place_in_olympic_history-n201.html The National Lottery has recognised the sporting achievements of Northern Ireland’s Dame Mary Peters, by creating casts of her hand and foot prints as part of a nationwide campaign. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_businesses_give_a_little_gain_a_lot-n200.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ni_businesses_give_a_little_gain_a_lot-n200.html The national Give & Gain Day, organised by Business in the Community took place on Friday 5th May. This employee volunteering event is a national day of action, where business representatives bring skills, resources and expertise to issues of community concern. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bank_of_ireland_launches_cashflow_initiative_-n199.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bank_of_ireland_launches_cashflow_initiative_-n199.html Bank of Ireland has announced a new package of practical help for Northern Ireland businesses facing the effects of the recession. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/2million_tourism_innovation_fund_can_bring_local_stories_to_life-n198.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/2million_tourism_innovation_fund_can_bring_local_stories_to_life-n198.html Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has launched a £2million Tourism Innovation Fund to support tourism projects which will attract more visitors to Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/key_eco_survey_targets_top_green_companies-n197.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/key_eco_survey_targets_top_green_companies-n197.html Northern Ireland’s ‘greenest’ companies are being sought for the annual survey benchmarking their performance. For the eleventh year, the ARENA Network Environmental Benchmarking Survey will reveal the top performing employers who are best managing their local environmental impacts. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone_supports_call_to_innovate_for_success-n196.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone_supports_call_to_innovate_for_success-n196.html Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland can gain a commercial advantage and help overcome the recession by investing in innovation and research. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/unemployment_continues_to_rise-n195.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/unemployment_continues_to_rise-n195.html Figures released Wednesday 17 June recorded a third successive quarterly fall in the number of Northern Ireland jobs and a further rise in unemployment levels. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/search_is_on_for_the_spirit_of_enterprise-n194.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/search_is_on_for_the_spirit_of_enterprise-n194.html Enterprise minister Arlene Foster has launched business awards that will recognise Northern Ireland’s most innovative and entrepreneurial companies. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/qms_sign_partnership_agreement_with_institute_of_technology-n193.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/qms_sign_partnership_agreement_with_institute_of_technology-n193.html Pictured are the representatives of the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin and QM Systems from Carrickfergus prior to the signing of the partnership agreement between the two organisations at the Tallaght Campus in Dublin. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_is_responsible_company_of_2009-n192.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_is_responsible_company_of_2009-n192.html BT has been named Northern Ireland’s Responsible Company of the Year 2009. Scooping the top prize of the night at Business in the Community’s Gala Awards dinner in association with ™, BT was commended for its responsible business practices in the workplace, the community and the environment. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/build_our_way_out_of_recession_says_smyth-n191.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/build_our_way_out_of_recession_says_smyth-n191.html Leading University of Ulster economist Mike Smyth has produced significant evidence that investing in social house building can make a major contribution to boosting the economy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/seventy_percent_of_northern_ireland_now_online-n190.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/seventy_percent_of_northern_ireland_now_online-n190.html Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds has welcomed research which reveals that one in five adults here who do not have internet at home are likely to sign up in the next six months. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/growing_green_business_in_environment_week-n189.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/growing_green_business_in_environment_week-n189.html Caring for the environment is second nature for staff at Belfast-based GPS Colour Graphics, Ireland’s first – and still Northern Ireland’s only - CarbonNeutral ® commercial litho printing company. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/just_horsing_around_with_angels-n188.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/just_horsing_around_with_angels-n188.html Thousands gathered at Down Royal on Friday the 29th of May for the 6th annual Barclay Communications Race Evening. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/goal_goal_goal_for_barclay_communications-n187.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/goal_goal_goal_for_barclay_communications-n187.html Forget the European Cup Final; Barclay Communications performed the UK’s first mobile hat trick on Thursday 4 June. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/improving_management_skills_key_for_economic_success-n186.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/improving_management_skills_key_for_economic_success-n186.html Companies that apply best-practice management techniques perform significantly better than those which do not http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/sponsorship_riding_high_for_down_royal-n185.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/sponsorship_riding_high_for_down_royal-n185.html Rainbow Telecom expands its horseracing sponsorship http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/dont_gamble_with_your_vote-n184.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/dont_gamble_with_your_vote-n184.html As we all prepare to go to the polls today, the Electoral Commission is reminding voters in Northern Ireland to make sure they bring the correct photographic ID to the polling station on 4 June for the European Parliamentary Election. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_networking_moves_up_a_gear-n183.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/business_networking_moves_up_a_gear-n183.html Online business networking looks set to move on to a new level with the launch of a unique site that is focused on helping small and medium sized companies continue to succeed in the current economic climate. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/marketers_positive_on_economy-n182.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/marketers_positive_on_economy-n182.html The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s latest Marketing Trends Survey (Spring 2009) reveals that many marketers believe the worst of the recession is over, although the rest of 2009 will remain extremely challenging. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/credit_crunch_weakening_says_cbi-n181.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/credit_crunch_weakening_says_cbi-n181.html Access to finance remains a serious problem for businesses, but the rate of deterioration in credit conditions slowed further over the past three months, and conditions are expected to stabilise in the months ahead, the CBI said http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mayor_gives_airport_growth_seal_of_approval-n180.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/mayor_gives_airport_growth_seal_of_approval-n180.html Figures released from George Best Belfast City Airport show total passenger numbers during April 2009 were up almost three per cent on April 2008 http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lcn_hospitality_awards_announced-n179.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lcn_hospitality_awards_announced-n179.html A new prestigious awards ceremony has been launched for the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, which aims to celebrate excellence within the important industry and raise the spirits of all involved. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/coleraine_2009_business_awards-n178.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/coleraine_2009_business_awards-n178.html BBC’s Sarah Travers hosted the recent 2009 Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce & Industry bi-annual Business Awards.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/kelvin_is__underway-n177.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/kelvin_is__underway-n177.html Hibernia Atlantic, the largest, privately held, diverse TransAtlantic submarine cable provider, has announced that its Project Kelvin fibre network cable build is successfully underway.  This historic modern cable construction will connect Northern Ireland directly to Europe and North America. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/be_aware_of_car-selling_scam-n176.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/be_aware_of_car-selling_scam-n176.html Trading Standards is warning consumers about vehicle matching scams, which cost Northern Ireland consumers thousands of pounds every year. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_irelands_jobless_youngsters_cost_800000_a_week-n175.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_irelands_jobless_youngsters_cost_800000_a_week-n175.html Youth unemployment across Northern Ireland costs more than £800,000 per week and is on the rise, warns youth charity The Prince’s Trust ESRC Centre for Giving and Philanthropy, Cass Business School. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/entrepreneurship_education_essential_in_boosting_the_economy-n174.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/entrepreneurship_education_essential_in_boosting_the_economy-n174.html Northern Ireland’s future entrepreneurs were honoured at a ceremony at the Culloden Estate to celebrate local business talent amid calls for the Northern Ireand Executive to make entrepreneurship education a priority in its plans to boost the local economy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/down_royal_investment_on_track-n173.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/down_royal_investment_on_track-n173.html Down Royal Racecourse has entered the final stages of a £3.75m upgrade programme. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/arts_and_business_spell_success_for_ulster_festival_-n172.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/arts_and_business_spell_success_for_ulster_festival_-n172.html The University of Ulster has teamed up with leading Belfast law firm Carson McDowell to bring some of the world’s top commercial designers and artists to Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/small_business_sector_resilient_says_bank_of_ireland_-n171.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/small_business_sector_resilient_says_bank_of_ireland_-n171.html Northern Ireland’s small business sector appears resilient in the face of the overall downturn, Bank of Ireland said today. The bank reported that in the past year more than 1,400 separate enterprises had taken advantage of a special assistance package specifically designed for small start-up and growing businesses and it expects to exceed that figure in the coming year. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_visitors_top_7_million-n170.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_visitors_top_7_million-n170.html Visitor numbers released show that more people visited Belfast in 2008 than in any other year in the last decade. This significant increase tops ten years of progressive growth for the City’s burgeoning tourism sector, generating £437 million for Belfast and benefiting the entire Northern Ireland economy. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/empey_re-commits_to_stem-n169.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/empey_re-commits_to_stem-n169.html Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, reaffirmed his commitment to boosting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at the fourth Annual Skills Conference http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_announces_15million_scheme_to_help_businesses_-n168.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_announces_15million_scheme_to_help_businesses_-n168.html Enterprise minister Arlene Foster has announced a £15million scheme by Invest NI, to help businesses currently in difficulty to retain key skills. Full details on this programme is available from InvestNI. Click here to visit the InvestNI website http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rafal_is_apprentice_of_the_year_-n167.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rafal_is_apprentice_of_the_year_-n167.html Rafal Cherezniak has been announced as Northern Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year 2009. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/deloitte_2009_q1_cfo_survey_amid_the_gloom_glimmers_of_hope-n166.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/deloitte_2009_q1_cfo_survey_amid_the_gloom_glimmers_of_hope-n166.html Despite some tough economic conditions, better news could be on the way as many of the UK’s top finance professionals are detecting some tentative signs of improvement in the credit markets, according to the business advisory firm Deloitte. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/one_million_and_soaring-n165.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/one_million_and_soaring-n165.html More than one million bookings have been taken by Aer Lingus in Belfast since services began on December 10, 2007. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/intertradeireland_all-island_seedcorn_business_competition_2009-n164.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/intertradeireland_all-island_seedcorn_business_competition_2009-n164.html Are you an early stage/high growth company? Do you need new equity funding to help your business take-off? InterTradeIrelands all-island Seedcorn Business Competition has a new record prize fund of €360,000 and offers budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to: - http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_telecom_chief_challenges_bts_latest_rhetoric_-n163.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/rainbow_telecom_chief_challenges_bts_latest_rhetoric_-n163.html “BT is treating local businesses with contempt,” said Eric Carson, Director of Rainbow Telecom, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecoms provider. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_yours_a_best_run_business-n162.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_yours_a_best_run_business-n162.html Superior business performance to be recognised by Deloitte and Bank of Scotland (Ireland)’s All-Island Best Managed Companies Awards http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/have_you_entered_the_chamber_awards_2009-n161.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/have_you_entered_the_chamber_awards_2009-n161.html The prestigious 2009 Chamber Awards ceremony will be celebrated in London on the 26th November. The Awards provide businesses with the recognition they deserve for their hard work and contribution to innovation and business excellence in the UK. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_ireland_profits_up_despite_revenue_decline-n160.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_ireland_profits_up_despite_revenue_decline-n160.html Chris Clark, chief executive BT Ireland Despite BT's chief executive Ian Livingston reporting an overall loss of ￡134 million and announcing 15,000 job losses, BT Ireland has reported a strong performance at its all-island operation for the full year to March 31 2009 with improved margins, a major uplift in free cash flows and a commitment to achieve job reductions through natural wastage. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/jim_goes_for_it-n159.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/jim_goes_for_it-n159.html Jim Humphrey's, sales manager at Fleet Financial, is taking on a major fundraising challenge this summer as he attempts to ride 300km from London to Paris -  in three days. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/national_windscreens_choose_fleet_financial-n158.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/national_windscreens_choose_fleet_financial-n158.html Well known local windscreen replacement company National Windscreens have just replaced their entire NI and UK fleet of vans with Fleet Financial(NI) Ltd http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/over_100000_hits_for_bfonline_in_first_month-n157.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/over_100000_hits_for_bfonline_in_first_month-n157.html businessfirstonline.co.uk, Northern Ireland's business address, has registered over 100,000 hits in its first month. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_company_knocks_out_uk_competition-n156.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_company_knocks_out_uk_competition-n156.html Belfast based Barclay Communications won Business To Business Dealer at the recent prestigious Mobile News Awards in London, becoming the first Northern Ireland company to receive the award. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/labour_report_finds_net_employment_outlook_at_record_low-n155.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/labour_report_finds_net_employment_outlook_at_record_low-n155.html The jobs market will continue to shrink in the next three months as the number of employers planning to make redundancies continues to exceed the number of employers planning to hire according to the CIPD/KPMG Labour Market Outlook http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/its_sweet_to_tweet_stratagem_twitter_goes_live_-n154.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/its_sweet_to_tweet_stratagem_twitter_goes_live_-n154.html Public affairs company Stratagem has today launched a new service on Twitter, believed to be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The move coincides with the second anniversary of the return of devolution and comes in the run-up to the European elections. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lending_conditions_worsen_for_northern_ireland_business-n153.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/lending_conditions_worsen_for_northern_ireland_business-n153.html An Institute of Directors Northern Ireland survey shows 53 per cent of businesses found bank lending conditions tougher during the first three months of this year. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_kick-starts_summer_racing_-n152.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_kick-starts_summer_racing_-n152.html On Friday 29th of May, Barclay Communications will kick start the summer of racing at Down Royal Racecourse with their yearly race evening. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_appoints_colm_oneill_to_lead_sales_division-n151.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/bt_appoints_colm_oneill_to_lead_sales_division-n151.html BT has announced the appointment of Colm O’Neill as managing director of the company's Business division.  Prior to this, Colm worked for nine years in EMC, holding a number of senior management positions across the UK and Ireland, most recently as country manager for EMC Ireland between 2006 and 2009. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/get_ready_to_claim_your_free_tickets_with_ba-n150.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/get_ready_to_claim_your_free_tickets_with_ba-n150.html British Airways is helping businesses in Northern Ireland beat the recession by offering them free flights to help win new business abroad. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_create_new_jobs_with_o2_partnership-n149.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/barclay_communications_create_new_jobs_with_o2_partnership-n149.html O2 and Belfast based, Barclay Communications announced their new partnership deal, worth ￡16million and the creation of 50 new jobs within the province in the next 10 months. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/share_views_in_uk_wide_entrepreneurship_survey-n148.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/share_views_in_uk_wide_entrepreneurship_survey-n148.html Deloitte, the business advisory firm, has launched its annual survey of UK entrepreneurs for a major report: ‘Entrepreneurship UK: 2009’ and is inviting entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland to take part, so they can benchmark the attitudes of local business innovators against those across the rest of the UK. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/major_renovation_will_create_new_international_airport-n147.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/major_renovation_will_create_new_international_airport-n147.html Passengers at Belfast International Airport are set to benefit from a £10 million facelift as major construction work gets underway to update and improve facilities throughout the terminal. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cormac_gets_serious-n146.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/cormac_gets_serious-n146.html Cormac Austin has been appointed PR consultant at Moira-based Serious PR. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/register_by_may_19_or_lose_vote-n145.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/register_by_may_19_or_lose_vote-n145.html According to Séamus Magee, head of Electoral Commission’s office in Northern Ireland, Almost 200,000 people in Northern Ireland will lose their right to vote in the European Parliamentary Elections on June 4 if they do not register before May 19, according to the most recent figures available. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_congratulates_enterprise_ni_on_contribution_-n144.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/foster_congratulates_enterprise_ni_on_contribution_-n144.html Pictured at the Enterprise NI AGM at the CIDO Innovation Centre, Craigavon, are (from left) Gordon Gough, chief executive, Enterprise NI; Enterprise minister, Arlene Foster and Ken Nelson, chair, Enterprise NI. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/strong_annual_performance_but_challenging_times_ahead_-n143.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/strong_annual_performance_but_challenging_times_ahead_-n143.html Invest Northern Ireland’s provisional figures for the year ended 31 March 2009, show that, for the first time, clients made investment commitments of over £1bn in a single year, commitments which will ultimately see the local economy benefit from £165m annually in wages and salaries. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/changes_to_non-domestic_water_and_sewerage_charges-n142.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/changes_to_non-domestic_water_and_sewerage_charges-n142.html In April 2008, water and sewerage charges were extended to all non-domestic customers in Northern Ireland. With new 2009/10 bills due to commence shortly, Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) is advising customers of a number of changes to these charges. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/wizard_helps_business_conjure_up_savings-n141.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/wizard_helps_business_conjure_up_savings-n141.html Although there is no magic formula for improving resource efficiency and saving cash, sustainable business experts Envirowise, funded locally by Invest Northern Ireland, say businesses can maximise their chances of success by using the organisation’s online Publications Wizard tool. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/empowering_smes_to_lead_economy_-n140.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/empowering_smes_to_lead_economy_-n140.html Ian Jordan, right, Ulster Bank’s head of business centres with Northern Ireland advisory panel members, Damian Cranney, left, and Steve McIlwrath. A new initiative is bringing small firms together in a way that it says will empower them to lead the local economy out of recession and to long-term success. www.smallbusinesscan.com is designed to enable small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland and across the island to overcome the challenges they face together. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_needs_to_be_more_entrepreneurial-n139.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_needs_to_be_more_entrepreneurial-n139.html Belfast’s economy needs a larger and more dynamic private sector to continue to grow in the upturn according to a new report by the Centre for Cities. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/executive_ministers_in_online_discussion-n138.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/executive_ministers_in_online_discussion-n138.html NIcrunchtalk.com welcomes Sir Reg Empey, minister for Employment, April 30,  Conor Murphy, minister for Regional Development, May 19 Alistair Hamilton, chief executive Invest NI, June 26. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_venture_capital_fund_open_for_business-n137.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/new_venture_capital_fund_open_for_business-n137.html Invest Northern Ireland today announced that a new suite of initiatives to support start-up and early stage businesses in Northern Ireland will be open for applications from 1 May. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/no_recovery_until_spring_2010_-_cbi-n136.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/no_recovery_until_spring_2010_-_cbi-n136.html The UK recession deepened more than expected in the first three months of this year, but this should prove to have been the worst of the quarterly falls in GDP, and the recession is expected to moderate in the second half of 2009, the CBI said today. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_and_output_figures_released_-n135.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/latest_labour_market_and_output_figures_released_-n135.html Figures released today (Wednesday 22 April) showed a continued rise in Northern Ireland’s unemployment figures and a fall in production and service sector output. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_ready_for_tourism_challenge-n134.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/belfast_ready_for_tourism_challenge-n134.html Representatives from across the tourism industry in Belfast gathered in the newly opened Ulster Hall and the Park Inn to hear Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau (BVCB) chief executive Gerry Lennon outline the marketing and visitor servicing plans for Belfast for the three year period ending March 2012.  http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_business_adopts_blitz_spirit-n133.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_business_adopts_blitz_spirit-n133.html As recessionary pressures continue to bite and are clearly impacting on the survival of the nation’s small and medium sized firms, a number of business owners and mangers are embracing a blitz-type attitude and are resolute in spite of the ongoing challenge. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/another_film_blockbuster_in_northern_ireland-n132.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/another_film_blockbuster_in_northern_ireland-n132.html Universal Pictures will shoot a major multi-million dollar feature film in Northern Ireland this summer. The film, Your Highness, will shoot entirely in Northern Ireland’s premier studio facility, The Paint Hall, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. It is expected that the filming of Your Highness on location in Belfast could infuse as much as  £10 million into the economy, employing hundreds of cast, crew and extras from Northern Ireland. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/top_ten_tips_to_prevent_business_fraud-n131.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/top_ten_tips_to_prevent_business_fraud-n131.html  A recent survey by the Association of Chief Police Officers revealed that £20 billion is lost through weaknesses exploited in information security. Businesses are risking millions by having no confidential data policy in place. Fraud against businesses is rising and will continue to do so during the recession. Companies which protect themselves now will weather the storm of this increase in fraud. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/time_to_celebrate_training_says_empey-n130.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/time_to_celebrate_training_says_empey-n130.html Skills minister, Sir Reg Empey, today launched a new innovative category within the 2009 National Training Awards (NTA). The category is designed to identify and celebrate the businesses and volunteer organisations that have invested in training as a direct response to the recession. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_wont_be_ready_when_the_recession_ends-n129.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/northern_ireland_wont_be_ready_when_the_recession_ends-n129.html by Cliodhna Craig, Common Purpose Northern Ireland Northern Ireland’s organisations are failing to plan for after the recession according to a poll by leadership development organisation Common Purpose. The poll, asked 100 senior executives from Northern Ireland’s public, private and voluntary sectors if they thought that Northern Ireland’s leaders are too focused on the recession and aren’t spending enough time on planning for when the recession is over, with over half agreeing. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/future_of_the_mazelong_kesh_masterplan-n128.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/future_of_the_mazelong_kesh_masterplan-n128.html The first minister and deputy first minister have announced that the MLK Masterplan will not proceed in its original proposed form and that the current procurement process has now ended. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/performance_report_revels_invest_nis_positive_impact-n126.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/performance_report_revels_invest_nis_positive_impact-n126.html Invest Northern Ireland’s recently published third Performance Information Report shows that the agency has contributed to strengthening the economy by helping its clients to improve their performance, create employment, and boost competitiveness and levels of export. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_ban_on_working_more_than_48_hours_per_week_next-n125.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/is_ban_on_working_more_than_48_hours_per_week_next-n125.html The CBI warned on Friday of the risk to the working time opt-out, which lets people choose to work more than 48 hours a week, ahead of a conciliation committee meeting in Brussels next week. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/register_to_vote__or_lose_it-n124.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/register_to_vote__or_lose_it-n124.html A team of whistle-blowing Electoral Commission ‘referees’ brought parts of Belfast to a standstill recently as they trawled the city streets showing unsuspecting shoppers the yellow card for failing to update their details on the electoral register. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone-n123.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/vodafone-n123.html Vodafone Northern Ireland has appointed Joanne Fegan as Small Business manager to the Telephone Account Management Team responsible for the small business sector. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/businesses_urged_to_brace_themselves_ahead_of_new_tax_year_and_new_tax_burdens-n122.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/businesses_urged_to_brace_themselves_ahead_of_new_tax_year_and_new_tax_burdens-n122.html With the new tax year just around the corner and the small business community due to be hit by a five per cent rise in business rates after ministers reject reprieve, this year, now more than ever, small business owners and managers must ensure their business’s finances are in order. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_busting_deal_for_belfast_businesses-n121.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/recession_busting_deal_for_belfast_businesses-n121.html Rainbow Telecom, Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecoms provider, has launched a recession-busting special offer which will save Belfast businesses 35 per cent in costs over two years if they switch from BT Retail. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ccjs_and_insolvencies_increase_by_48_per_cent-n117.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/ccjs_and_insolvencies_increase_by_48_per_cent-n117.html The number of County Court Judgements (CCJ) against companies in Northern Ireland for the recovery of unpaid debt has increased significantly. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/can_your_company_avail_of_procurement_opportunities-n116.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/can_your_company_avail_of_procurement_opportunities-n116.html Finance minister, Nigel Dodds, has highlighted the number of opportunities that exist for locally based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to bid for Government contracts. The minister also encouraged local firms to register their interest in tendering for Government work, which they can do free of charge. http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/innovation_vouchers_-n115.html http://businessfirstonline.co.uk/news/innovation_vouchers_-n115.html If you are a small registered business in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland there has never been a better time to access innovation expertise and support from the University of Ulster.