Business First

08/12/2024

There is a new trend being set by Doypack containers in cosmetic packaging that combines functionality with eco-friendliness. These have become an alternative to traditional containers because, in the form of a capped, vertical pouch, Doypack reduces plastic use, supports recyclability, and allows flexibility in brand differentiation. With SPG's advanced manufacturing and printing technologies, brands can realize premium packaging solutions that meet specific needs.
What Are Doypack Containers?
Doypack containers are the most modern, innovative solution of flexible packaging for cosmetic industries. The stand-up design makes them very stable and apt for storing liquids, creams, and powders. The cap for resealing further helps to minimize spillage and waste.
Why Doypack for Cosmetic Packaging?
Reduced Plastic Usage
Doypack containers use considerably less plastic compared to traditional packaging.

There is a new trend being set by Doypack containers in cosmetic packaging that combines functionality with eco-friendliness

08/12/2024

We had an opportunity to test run the Dell EcoLoop Premier CP7625 backpack and have been pretty impressed with its capacious carrying possibilities combined with a comfortable feel on the back and a nice sense of quality.

The backpack is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic materials, confirming Dell's commitment to sustainable design. The manufacturer tells us the exterior features durable 600D fabric, cross-linked polyethylene (XPE) foam, and polyester, guaranteeing a water-resistant and scratch-resistant finish. This combination ensures the bag is both lightweight and resilient.

We were genuinely impressed with what the backpack has to offer by way of storage with a dedicated, padded laptop compartment the ensures secure storage for laptops up to 16". It also includes multiple pockets for accessories, a zippered side pocket for water bottles, and a trolley strap for convenient travel. The bag’s volume capacity is around18 litres.

We had an opportunity to test run the Dell EcoLoop Premier CP7625 backpack and have been pretty impressed with its capacious carrying posDell EcoLoop Premiersibilities

08/12/2024

There is a new trend being set by Doypack containers in cosmetic packaging that combines functionality with eco-friendliness. These have become an alternative to traditional containers because, in the form of a capped, vertical pouch, Doypack reduces plastic use, supports recyclability, and allows flexibility in brand differentiation. With SPG's advanced manufacturing and printing technologies, brands can realize premium packaging solutions that meet specific needs.
What Are Doypack Containers?
Doypack containers are the most modern, innovative solution of flexible packaging for cosmetic industries. The stand-up design makes them very stable and apt for storing liquids, creams, and powders. The cap for resealing further helps to minimize spillage and waste.
Why Doypack for Cosmetic Packaging?
Reduced Plastic Usage
Doypack containers use considerably less plastic compared to traditional packaging.

06/12/2024

Glentoran Football Club is proud to team-up with East Belfast Mission this Christmas to bring festive cheer and vital support to those in need.

The club has organised two collections that will take place during the club’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Ballymena United this Saturday.

The collections aim to provide essential resources to vulnerable individuals and families in East Belfast, helping them through the challenges of the winter season.

A bucket collection will take place at the ground, with all proceeds going directly to East Belfast Mission’s meal programme. This vital initiative provides hot, nutritious meals to individuals and families who are struggling within East Belfast.

Supporters are also encouraged to bring winter clothing items such as coats, hats, and scarves in good condition to donate.

Glentoran Football Club is proud to team-up with East Belfast Mission this Christmas to bring festive cheer and vital support to those in need.

06/12/2024

Imagine buying a gift this Christmas that would not alone bring joy to your loved one, but could also help to transform the life of a rural poor family in Africa?

The good news is that you can – with Lifetime Gifts seasonal gift catalogue of Irish development charity, Self Help Africa.As either a stocking filler for the kids or a thoughtful alternative seasonal gift for a friend or relative, the catalogue allows you to invest in chicks, goats, bees and cows, and support livestock programmes that are providing new sources of food and income for hundreds of thousands of rural poor families, each year.

You’ll receive a digital certificate or gift card for each purchase, while your Christmas gift will be invested by Self Help Africa in an amazing range of practical products that can have a real impact for families in Africa.

Imagine buying a gift this Christmas that would not alone bring joy to your loved one, but could also help to transform the life of a rural poor family in Africa?

06/12/2024

Guests from the Northern Ireland snacks industry and their families gathered in Belfast this week for an exclusive cinema screening of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster movie Wicked, courtesy of the UK’s best-selling popcorn brand Butterkist.

More than 120 invitees attended the private event at Cineworld, organised by Butterkist owners KP Snacks (NI), to enjoy the year’s biggest family movie, which is currently on release at cinemas nationwide.

To celebrate the release of the Wicked movie, which brings the stage musical phenomenon to life on the big screen, brand partner Butterkist is running an on-pack promotion across all its Wicked-themed packs until December 31, giving Northern Ireland consumers a chance to win a “Thrillifying adventure to London”.

Five prizes are up for grabs including a stay in a luxury London hotel, a potion-making experience, a makeover, a shopping spree worth £200 and a wizard-themed afternoon tea.

Guests from the Northern Ireland snacks industry and their families gathered in Belfast courtesy of the UK’s best-selling popcorn brand Butterkist.

06/12/2024

In today’s digital world, a social media campaign will either make or break your brand. But with the right approach, you can turn likes and shares into leads and sales. Whether you’re launching your first campaign or looking to refine your strategy, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to help you succeed. And no, the secret doesn’t involve just posting cat memes—although they are hard to resist.
Know Your Audience
The first rule of social media success? Know exactly who you’re talking to. Your audience isn’t just a faceless group of people; they’re individuals with unique preferences, habits, and needs. The more you understand them, the better you can tailor your content.

Start by digging into your analytics to identify key demographics—age, gender, location, and interests. Use tools like Google Analytics, Meta Insights, or third-party software to get a clearer picture of who’s engaging with your brand.

In today’s digital world, a social media campaign will either make or break your brand. But with the right approach, you can turn likes and shares into leads and sales

05/12/2024

When technology is here to showcase products in 3D, why would anyone go for 2D? So, as you all know visual communication has become an essential tool for companies in the modern competitive business landscape. Brands effectively communicate their ideas, and stories and put forth their products to customers visually pleasing way. It has been proved that people enjoy watching visual content. One technology that has changed the way businesses present their ideas, products, and services is 3D rendering. This powerful technique allows for the creation of photorealistic images and animations from digital models, offering a wide array of benefits to businesses of all sizes. Here, in this article, I’ve written about the benefits brands get after investing in 3D rendering services.
Improving Product Visualization
If you have an idea for a product in your mind, you can draw it out in a sketchbook in 2D, but now if you have the skills to render 3D, it’s easy to showcase your dream in reality.

When technology is here to showcase products in 3D, why would anyone go for 2D? So, as you all know visual communication has become an essential tool for companies in ...

05/12/2024

James Brown & Sons has hosted the second candlelit service ‘Light Up The Night, An Occasion to Remember’ in St Anne's Cathedral. Dedicated to bereaved people throughout Northern Ireland, the service celebrated loved ones, friends and family members, who are no longer with us.

After the positive feedback received from families who attended last year’s event, James Brown & Sons knew how important and uplifting this time of reflection on memories of loved ones can have. ‘Light up The Night’, in conjunction with Cruse Bereavement Support, was attended by 650 people including High Sheriff of Belfast Cllr Sammy Douglas - lifting spirits and thoughts of renewed hope for the year ahead.

Everyone was encouraged to write a personal message about the person being remembered on a remembrance token. These tokens were then lovingly and carefully placed on Remembrance trees which will remain on display in the Cathedral until Christmas Eve.

James Brown & Sons has hosted the second candlelit service ‘Light Up The Night, An Occasion to Remember’ in St Anne's Cathedral.

05/12/2024

AbbeyAutoline, Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker, has announced the acquisition of Coleraine-based Wallace Insurance Brokers' customer book of business.

The deal marks the third acquisition by AbbeyAutoline in 2024, following the purchases of Lisnaskea-based Martin Carey Insurance and Downpatrick-based Down Insurances.

This latest acquisition is part of AbbeyAutoline’s ambitious growth strategy to expand its footprint and enhance its commercial insurance service offerings across Northern Ireland.

Based in Coleraine, Wallace Insurance Brokers is a well-established family-owned business founded in 1960, highly respected for its expertise in providing tailored insurance solutions for the local Construction and Commercial industries.

As part of the acquisition, Peter Wallace, Principal of Wallace Insurance Brokers, will work alongside AbbeyAutoline to ensure a smooth transition for both clients and staff joining the AbbeyAutoline team.

AbbeyAutoline, Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker, has announced the acquisition of Coleraine-based Wallace Insurance Brokers'

05/12/2024

Jet2holidays is the UK’s leading tour operator to many leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands and provides great value package holidays you can trust to more than 600 resorts, all secured with a low £60pp booking deposit. Customers have a choice of thousands of 2-5-star hotels, with Jet2.com flights, an industry leading 22kg baggage allowance, 10kg hand luggage and airport transfers included.

Jet2holidays is the UK’s leading tour operator to many leisure destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands

05/12/2024

The outdoor advertising sector in Ireland, a vital part of the €5.8 billion European market, is facing unprecedented challenges as the European Union pushes for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In this rapidly evolving landscape, industry leaders are stepping up to set new benchmarks for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Quadra Consulting, a leading ISO consultancy firm with offices in Dublin and Belfast, is proud to celebrate its long-standing partnership with JCDecaux Ireland Ltd., the Irish arm of the world’s top outdoor advertising company.

This collaboration, spanning over a decade, demonstrates how industry giants are proactively addressing environmental challenges while showcasing Quadra’s commitment to delivering first-rate ISO consultancy and support services to businesses across Ireland.

Quadra Consulting, a leading ISO consultancy firm with offices in Dublin and Belfast, is proud to celebrate its long-standing partnership with JCDecaux Ireland

05/12/2024

Established in Belfast in 1915, Favourit has been at the heart of Irish kitchens for over a century, so when it comes to bringing out the best in food and drink, Favourit is the gift that keeps on giving.

Laimis Minelga, Marketing Executive, Favourit, said: “As Ireland’s oldest supplier of herbs, spices, and seasonings, we are committed to uncompromising quality which has made us a trusted name when it comes to elevating home cooked meals.”

Belfast Cookery School has announced that Favourit is their official herbs and spices partner and to celebrate this news, and the arrival of the festive season, they have created mouthwatering recipes to share with loved ones.

Laimis, continued: “We have over 40 herbs, spices and seasonings available in retail jars and the range is ever-growing. The variety of flavours available to home cooks allows Favourit to show up in every meal creating memorable mouthfuls every time - we’re a cook’s best friend.

Favourit has been at the heart of Irish kitchens for over a century, so Favourit is the gift that keeps on giving.

05/12/2024

An alarming 80% of electrical workers in Northern Ireland have experienced electric shocks on the job, with nearly three-quarters of incidents going unreported, according to a groundbreaking report by the Electrical Training Trust (ETT).

The findings, unveiled at the organisation’s annual ‘Stay Connected’ event for the NI electrical industry at Galgorm Resort & Spa, shed light on critical safety failings within the industry, highlighting what ETT has termed a culture of ‘shock silence.’

The report summarises the findings of a survey completed by almost 350 electrical workers from across Northern Ireland, with 80% revealing they have experienced an electric shock at work and 40% at least three shocks in their careers to date. Of those who have experienced an electric shock, 89% sustained an injury and almost all (95%) required time off work.

Despite the frequency of electric shock incidents, almost three-quarters were not reported to employers.

An alarming 80% of electrical workers in Northern Ireland have experienced electric shocks on the job according to a report by Electrical Training Trust

05/12/2024

Sarah Magennis from Crumlin has recently graduated with a Master of Science with commendation. Employed as Senior Receptionist at East Belfast Enterprise, Sarah completed her Masters with her new baby Freddie by her side.

Speaking about celebrating her graduation, Sarah said: “On my graduation day I was filled with nerves but I was also excited and slightly relieved that 10 years of study were finally over! It was such a joyous day of celebration and lovely to enjoy the occasion with my family, partner Carl and our son Freddie, who was born in December last year.”

Whilst still at school, Sarah got a taste for event management assisting as a festival planner. She studied Travel and Tourism at Northern Regional College before beginning her degree in International Hospitality and Event Management at Ulster University.

Sarah Magennis from Crumlin has recently graduated with a Master of Science with commendation.

05/12/2024

Power NI has teamed up with the Mary Peters Trust to help one of the province’s most promising athletes realise his true sporting potential.

The exciting partnership with the Mary Peters Trust – a leading sports charity set up by the former Olympic pentathlon gold medal winner Lady Mary Peters to support both able bodied and disabled young people – will see Power NI sponsor a ‘Make it Happen’ award.

This year’s beneficiary is 19-year-old Belfast boxing sensation Louis Rooney who fights in the light flyweight division – and he has been proving a real knockout at home and abroad.

He currently holds the belt for the Irish Under 22 age category and clinched the European Under 22 age category title in Sofia, Bulgaria, back in October. Louis was also victorious at this year’s Romanian Belts and Ulster Elite competitions respectively, while last year he was crowned Irish Under 18 champion and in 2022 the Irish & Ulster Youth champion.

Power NI has teamed up with the Mary Peters Trust to help one of the province’s most promising athletes realise his true sporting potential.

05/12/2024

With blockbuster movie 'Gladiator 2' currently packing out cinemas around the world, Malta is poised to become the next hot destination for movie lovers and holidaymakers alike.

The announcement of Paul Mescal as the film’s lead character sparked a frenzy and, according to Google search data*, caused a 48% surge in searches for Malta holidays and a 200% spike in interest in 'Gladiator 2'.

The sequel follows in the footsteps of the original 'Gladiator,' which prominently features Malta’s breathtaking Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, and once again shines a spotlight on this stunning island.

Malta’s allure as a filming location is undeniable. From the dramatic cliffs of Gozo in ‘Game of Thrones’ to the enchanting settings in ‘Troy’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the island has a rich cinematic history. With ‘Gladiator 2’ joining this prestigious list, Malta is poised to become a must-visit destination for the so-called set-jetters.

With blockbuster movie 'Gladiator 2' currently packing out cinemas around the world, Malta is poised to become the next hot destination