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We are award winning publishers of membership magazines in Northern Ireland. If you would like to get in touch, then you can do so by visitng our website (www.businessfirstonline.co.uk), send us a Tweet (), or contact us on Facebook.

Expanding into⁠ a new city is o⁠ne of the mo​st exciting growth opportunitie​s for a business‌.‌ It⁠ ope⁠ns the door to ...
22/10/2025

Expanding into⁠ a new city is o⁠ne of the mo​st exciting growth opportunitie​s for a business‌.‌ It⁠ ope⁠ns the door to ne‌w market‌s,⁠ diverse talent​, and greater b‌rand​ visibilit‌y. At the same t⁠ime, it‍ also brings ch‌allenges—ra‍nging from cultural difference⁠s⁠ to logistical hurdles. Having a structured p‍lan helps expansion teams reduce risk​s, save c‌osts,​ and‍ set up opera‍tion⁠s smoo‍t‍hly.‍ Here’s a prac​tical checkl‍ist for com‍pan⁠ies preparing to take that important step.

- Conduct a thoro‌u⁠gh mar​ket analysis

Befo‌re making the leap​, it's crucial to understa​nd the new city's market dynamics.‍ Anal​yze local deman⁠d for your p‍r​oduct or se⁠rvice, study competitors, and evaluate purchasing⁠ pow⁠er. Consider surveys, pilot projects, or partnerships​ with local consultants to gather accurate‌data. This‍ step ensur⁠es ​your company t​ailors its approach to local consumer n⁠eeds rather than r​e​lyi​ng on assumptions.

Here’s a prac​tical checkl‍ist for com‍pan⁠ies preparing to take the important step of expanding to new cities.

It’s tough for smaller businesses—they work in markets where nearly every decision is picked apart and, often, instantly...
21/10/2025

It’s tough for smaller businesses—they work in markets where nearly every decision is picked apart and, often, instantly copied. Instead of rigid playbooks, some seem to be leaning into probabilistic game theory these days. Mixed strategies, to be a bit more precise, don’t tie a company to one approach. They mix things up. Over the past ten years or so, applications of probability-driven thinking have crept out of places like high-frequency trading, turning up in, oddly enough, local shop promos and some online entertainment—think fishin frenzy.

A handful of recent papers suggest randomizing business moves might throw off rivals just enough to stave off being predictable, at least for a while, and possibly maintain a little extra margin.
Defining Mixed Strategies in Modern Competitive Arenas
In the landscape of modern game theory, mixed strategies are still something of a staple.

Online testbeds for probabilistic planning

Litecoin is one of the oldest and most recognised cryptocurrencies after Bitcoin. Launched in 2011, it was designed to b...
21/10/2025

Litecoin is one of the oldest and most recognised cryptocurrencies after Bitcoin. Launched in 2011, it was designed to be a faster and more efficient way to send digital money. Often referred to as the “digital silver” to Bitcoin’s “digital gold,” Litecoin plays a special role in the broader crypto landscape.

Its appeal lies in its low transaction fees and quick settlement times, making it a practical option for everyday use. With growing support across wallets, payment processors, and trading platforms, Litecoin has become a familiar name in the market. It’s available on nearly every major UK crypto exchange, making it easily accessible to retail investors looking to diversify their holdings.

This article will explore Litecoin's definition, how it works, and why it continues to be relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
What Is Litecoin?
Litecoin (LTC) is an open-source cryptocurrency created to improve upon Bitcoin's limitations.

Often referred to as the “digital silver” to Bitcoin’s “digital gold,” Litecoin plays a special role in the broader crypto landscape.

The Kennedy Centre in West Belfast is continuing to go from strength to strength, reporting a 3% increase in footfall ye...
21/10/2025

The Kennedy Centre in West Belfast is continuing to go from strength to strength, reporting a 3% increase in footfall year-on-year, full occupancy across all retail units, and new investment in its electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

The popular shopping and leisure destination has confirmed that every unit within the main mall is now fully let, underscoring its position as one of Belfast’s most vibrant and successful community pillars. The latest addition to the retail mix is Robinsons Boutique Aromas, an independent retailer offering luxury home fragrances, candles, and gifts, with further new retailers and leisure providers set to be announced in the coming months.

In addition to strong trading performance, the Kennedy Centre continues to invest in sustainability and accessibility. The latest initiative sees the installation of six new Zest EV Rapid Chargers joining the centre’s existing network to further enhance facilities for environmentally conscious visitors.

The Kennedy Centre in West Belfast is continuing to go from strength to strength, reporting a 3% increase in footfall year-on-year

The female entrepreneur behind a digital property rental portal has taken the top prize in the Belfast heat of Go Succee...
21/10/2025

The female entrepreneur behind a digital property rental portal has taken the top prize in the Belfast heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

Donnamarie Robertson of Landlord and Tenant Protection secured £1,000 investment for her business, and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final next month where she’ll be in with the chance of an additional £5,000.

The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.

Donnamarie wowed judges with her business that provides a digital platform for landlords, agents, and tenants to deliver an easy online solution for the letting process, handling everything from property ads to tenancy agreements.

She was among ten entrepreneurs to pitch at the local Ultimate Pitch heat at the Innovation Factory, with others including Michael Bezborodov of Amnis AI, an AI system that prevents pharmacy errors, who was awarded the local Rising Star award.

The female entrepreneur behind a digital property rental portal has taken the top prize in the Belfast heat of Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch.

A tiny van with a big story has rolled into town. HEBA, a family-run speciality coffee destination on wheels, is now pou...
21/10/2025

A tiny van with a big story has rolled into town. HEBA, a family-run speciality coffee destination on wheels, is now pouring at 26 Stockmans Way, bringing Belfast a vibrant blend of Libyan coffee heritage, Irish-language love, and home-baked goodness — all powered by one close-knit family.

Founded by Helmi Dneni (30) — an Irish speaker, fitness coach, and proud son of a Libyan father who came to Belfast in the early 1980s — HEBA (Arabic for “gift from God”) began as a simple family ritual. Helmi has invested his life savings to launch the van and has already created two new jobs in the city.

Helmi, his partner Melisse (28) — a biomedical science graduate — and Helmi’s sisters Sumaia (36) and Jazmen (42) juggled babies, prams, and precious adult chat during maternity-leave meet-ups while hunting for coffee that truly hit the spot. Unable to find the perfect cup, they decided to create the experience they’d been craving.

HEBA, a family-run speciality coffee destination on wheels, is now pouring at 26 Stockmans Way, bringing Belfast a vibrant blend of Libyan coffee heritage

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About Business Firt

We are an award winning publisher of Northern Ireland’s business to business website. Our mission is to help Northern Ireland companies do business together and better. We bring your brand onto the desktops and mobiles of 15,000 of Northern Ireland’s business decision-makers to help you build your profile, your sales and your profitability.

If you would like to get in touch, then you can do so by visiting our website (www.businessfirstonline.co.uk), send us a Tweet (@bfonline), or contact us on Facebook.