Sync NI

24/03/2025

The Chairperson of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, Gillian Sadlier, has called for urgent action on three critical priorities to secure Northern Ireland’s economic future: health service reform, infrastructure investment, and building a globally competitive, sustainable economy.

Speaking to over 400 guests at the Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner, sponsored by Danske Bank and MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy recently, Gillian Sadlier emphasised that bold, strategic action is now essential to unlock Northern Ireland’s economic potential.

“Our latest survey of almost 300 Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland shows that the outlook for the local economy is challenging,” said Gillian Sadlier. “Confidence in Northern Ireland’s prospects has halved in the past year, with only 8 per cent of our members viewing the outlook as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

Click the link below to read the article in full ⬇️

https://syncni.com/article/13152/the-chairperson-of-chartered-accountants-ulster-society-calls-for-urgent-action-to-secure-northern-ireland-s-economic-future

24/03/2025

Barclay Communications , in partnership with Three Mobile UK, has launched a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting charities and social enterprises across Northern Ireland.

The initiative encourages NI charities to use the Three network via Barclay Communications as their chosen communication providers and unlocks a not-for-profit donation to participating charities resulting in an average donation of £2600 per charity.

This scheme will provide these organisations with significant financial support, helping them continue their valuable work within communities when they switch their mobile phone contracts to Barclay Communications and the Three network.

Read more here ⬇️

https://syncni.com/article/13151/belfast-based-companies-barclay-communications-and-three-mobile-launch-initiative-worth-18-5million-in-donations-for-local-charities

📸 Britt Megahey, Founder and Managing Director of Barclay Communications and Susie Megahey, Business Improvement Director, Barclay Communications

24/03/2025

Auxilion, the leading Irish IT managed services provider, has announced the results of its survey which found that 61 per cent of senior managers working in financial services in Ireland are planning to change jobs within the next two years.

The study – conducted by Censuswide and involving 200 respondents – revealed that a similar proportion (59 per cent) have changed jobs in the past year, with some 80 per cent having interviewed for another job during the past six months.

Speaking about the findings, Niamh Cray, Chief People Officer, Auxilion, said: “Our research reveals a real risk to financial services firms in terms of talent. Not only are a significant proportion of senior managers contemplating leaving, but many are already actively seeking out new opportunities – indicating that it’s only a matter of time before the impact is felt.

“Companies in this sector in Ireland need to address this, otherwise they could be facing a mass exodus and a resource crisis."

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Auxillion, the leading Irish IT managed services provider, has announced the results of its survey which found that 61 per cent of senior managers working in financial services in Ireland are planning to change jobs within the next two years. The st...

24/03/2025

Rea Sound AV, one of Northern Ireland’s leading suppliers of audio and visual installations and products, beat competitors from the US, France and Germany to take pole position in the Innovation of the Year category at a recent awards ceremony hosted by renowned global supplier Kramer AV at the ISE Barcelona 2025 trade show.

The large-scale winning project, undertaken for Mid Ulster District Council at its buildings in Magherafelt and Cookstown, was recognised as being one of the first installations globally to use the new Kramer AV cloud-based platform Panta Rhei in the most highly complex integrated design, since the product was launched last year.

21/03/2025

Integrity360 is returning to Northern Ireland with its annual Security First Conference to ICC Belfast on 2 April, bringing together cyber security professionals for a full day of thought leadership, live demonstrations, and engaging discussions.

This year’s theme, The Human Cyber Equation, highlights the critical role people play in both strengthening and challenging cyber defences.

We spoke with Victoria Hogg, Head, of Business Development for Northern Ireland at Integrity360 to find out more. Read our full interview at the link below ⬇️

https://syncni.com/interview/13148/integrity360-brings-security-first-conference-back-to-belfast-with-a-focus-on-the-human-cyber-equation

21/03/2025

OutmoreNI.com, Northern Ireland’s leading online guide to outdoor trails and places, is celebrating a landmark year of growth, having increased its user base by 66 per cent throughout 2024.

The website now boasts approximately 50,000 users over the past year, reflecting a growing appetite among the public to explore Northern Ireland’s natural landscapes.

In 2024, Outmore NI added over 100 new trails and outdoor places, such as forest parks, nature reserves and beaches to its platform, making it the most comprehensive online resource for outdoor exploration in the region.

Kerry Kirkpatrick, who manages OutmoreNI.com said: “The incredible rise in users over the past year is a testament to the public’s enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors. At Outmore NI, we’re thrilled to be part of this movement, providing a resource that makes it easier than ever for people to plan their next adventure. The addition of over 100 new trails and green spaces in 2024 means there’s always something new to discover, whether you’re a keen hiker, a family looking for a scenic walk, or someone simply wanting to reconnect with nature.”

21/03/2025

Northern Ireland High Performance Computing – a national facility jointly managed by Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University – have teamed up with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing ICHEC to launch a new initiative set to grow the representation of women in the field of High-Performance Computing (HPC).

Women in High Performance Computing (WHPC) Ireland formally launched at a Dublin event on Thursday 20 March. This new chapter will see the island of Ireland join the global WHPC movement which has chapters and affiliates all over the world. The initiative will provide women and underrepresented groups in HPC with greater opportunities for learning, development and connecting with networks across the globe.

https://syncni.com/article/13135/cross-border-partnership-join-global-movement-to-grow-representation-of-women-in-high-performance-computing

20/03/2025

Explore the latest tech news, career opportunities and events from across Northern Ireland 🚀 - https://mailchi.mp/syncni/news-20th-march-10329324

20/03/2025

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, staying ahead of emerging risks is crucial. Discover the key trends shaping cyber security in 2025 and how to prepare.

Employees need to become the first line of defence, transforming them into active participants in safeguarding the organisation against evolving threats, while more advanced detection technologies help to look for such incidents.

https://syncni.com/view/13131/top-cyber-security-trends-to-watch-in-2025-insights-predictions

20/03/2025

Continuing its global expansion plan, Integrity360 has acquired leading cyber security specialist Holiseum headquartered in Paris, France.

The acquisition will enable Integrity360 to accelerate its growth in France and continental Europe, and significantly provide a new and exciting services practice focused on Operational Technology (“OT”) and Internet of Things (“IoT”) technologies which complement Integrity360’s existing service practices. Those include cyber risk and assurance, cyber security testing, incident response, infrastructure, Microsoft cyber, payments compliance, and a highly comprehensive range of cyber security managed services including managed detection and response (“MDR”) solutions. Holiseum will continue to operate from its existing three facilities in France but with the benefit of the full resources and capability of the wider Integrity360 business.

https://syncni.com/article/13134/integrity360-expands-into-france-with-acquisition-of-holiseum-a-leading-cyber-security-specialist-for-critical-and-industrial-infrastructure

20/03/2025

Students from Kilmoyle Primary School have been crowned the winners of Microsoft 's Dream Space Minecraft Education competition.

The announcement comes after eight teams across five schools representing counties Antrim, Dublin, Louth and Tyrone, made it through to the final of the competition, which was held in Microsoft’s Dream Space STEM and AI education hub at W5 LIFE in Belfast.

The winners, the Coral Crew from Kilmoyle Primary School from Antrim, impressed judges with their ocean research vessel inspired by sea turtles, showcasing innovative conservation strategies. Kilmoyle Primary School also secured second place with their project The Sea Serpents, featuring a solar-powered research vessel with an aquarium and turtle hatching incubators.

Holly Steele, a student from Kilmoyle Primary School, said: “Participating in the Minecraft competition was a great experience.

"We all learned so much about marine life while working together as a team. It was amazing to see our ideas come to life in Minecraft and present them to the judges.”

Read more ⏩ https://syncni.com/article/13130/winner-of-microsoft-s-dream-space-minecraft-education-competition-in-northern-ireland-is-announced

20/03/2025

Danske Bank has lowered its forecast for economic growth in Northern Ireland in 2025 as inflation, higher business taxes and global factors weigh on the outlook.

In its latest Northern Ireland Quarterly Sectoral Forecasts report, Danske Bank expects the local economy to grow by around 0.9 per cent this year, a downward revision from its previous forecast of 1.4 per cent.

Danske Bank said it expects the rate of growth to be modest this year, reflecting the lack of momentum in the economy, inflation being likely to run higher than previously expected, the increase in business costs following the UK’s autumn Budget and elevated uncertainty stemming from emerging global risks.

The bank then expects the rate of growth to pick up to about 1.4 per cent in 2026.

Conor Lambe, Chief Economist at Danske Bank said: “We expect the rate of growth to remain relatively modest this year. Additional government spending following the announcements in the autumn Budget may support output levels and the expected continued loosening of monetary policy should also gradually support household and business spending."

Read the full article here: https://syncni.com/article/13133/danske-bank-forecasts-economic-growth-of-0-9-per-cent-for-northern-ireland-in-2025

20/03/2025

Queen's University Belfast has secured £57 million in research across the United States during the past five yearsUniversity Belfast has secured £57 million in research across the United States during the past five years.

Queen's Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer revealed the figure speaking at a major event in Boston entitled ‘Peace, Prosperity and Future Relations: The United States and Ireland, North and South’.

Today’s event included former Irish Government Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney who reflected on the impact of Brexit and the impact on the European Union of the USA’s dramatic and deliberate change of policy direction, saying that the America First policy was inward looking and would reduce the US’s influence on the international stage.

https://syncni.com/article/13120/queen-s-research-revenue-approaches-60-million-across-us-in-past-five-years

20/03/2025

The Mind Tribe UK have been appointed by Belfast City Council to lead a new research and consultation project aimed at identifying the barriers faced by individuals from Newcomer Communities in accessing entrepreneurial support.

Katie Matthews Furphy, founder of The Mind Tribe UK, was awarded the contract due to her experience in business, mental health, inclusive training, and leadership. As an entrepreneur with lived experience as a disabled, female, in-migrant business owner with Travelling community heritage, she brings a unique perspective to the consultation process.

Speaking of the contract win she said: "I'm incredibly proud to be doing this work because inclusive economic growth is not just an aspiration - it’s a necessity for a thriving and diverse society.

Photo: Rupa Jain (Founder of Rupa Jain), delivery agent Katie Matthews (Mind Tribe UK), Maha Abdelmonim Mohammed Ali (Volunteer Transla)

https://syncni.com/article/13121/belfast-city-council-launches-consultation-on-entrepreneurial-support-for-newcomer-communities

20/03/2025

Ocorian, the specialist global provider of services to financial institutions, asset managers, corporates and high net worth individuals, has promoted 16 people in its Belfast team as part of its global round of promotions.

Among those promoted are Conor Cullen, who is now Senior Data Engineer in the Finance team, and Amy McMullan to Head of Company Secretarial in the Fund Services team.

Other promotions are across Technology, Finance, Fund Services, Human Resources and Marketing.

Read more ⏩ https://syncni.com/article/13128/ocorian-promotes-16-people-across-its-belfast-team-as-part-of-global-promotions

20/03/2025

Allstate Northern Ireland is partnering with charity Depaul in 2025 to support its work to end homelessness and change lives. Employees chose homelessness as the issue they wanted to focus their fundraising and volunteering efforts.

Stephen McKeown, Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate Northern Ireland, said:

“Each year Allstate employees choose important causes they wish to support in society and go above and beyond to raise vital funds to help make a difference.

“This year Allstate NI will amplify Depaul’s message that homelessness has no place in our community and will support its work preventing vulnerable people from having nowhere to turn. I look forward to seeing the impact that we can make together in the coming year."

https://syncni.com/article/13119/allstate-ni-announces-partnership-with-depaul-to-help-end-homelessness

19/03/2025

Logicalis, the leading global technology service provider, has released its annual CIO Report, which reveals that 95% of CIOs are actively investing in technology to create new revenue streams within the next 12 months.

According to the report – which surveyed 1,000 CIOs from across the globe, including Ireland – the CIO role is no longer focused on enablement but on shaping business strategy and driving value, with nearly all CIOs (94%) regularly reporting to the board on return on investment (ROI).

On this year’s report, Bob Bailkoski, Global CEO of Logicalis Group, said: “For almost every business, technology has become the primary engine of innovation, growth and resilience. With this dependence comes a new expectation of CIOs – they’re no longer just enablers of business strategy but drivers of commercial success."

Photo: Bob Bailkoski, Global CEO of Logicalis Group

https://syncni.com/article/13118/logicalis-2025-cio-report-95-of-cios-investing-in-tech-to-create-entirely-new-revenue-streams

19/03/2025

"Our commitment is to ensure Northern Ireland isn't just participating in the AI revolution but actively shaping it.

"We're already seeing local success stories, from manufacturing firms using AI to optimise production processes to healthcare providers developing innovative diagnostic tools. These early adopters are creating a blueprint for others to follow."

David Crozier CBE of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) writes his insights for the latest edition of the Spring Sync NI magazine.

Click here to read David's views on why AI is no longer a choice, but a necessity, as well as how the AICC is empowering businesses to thrive in the AI era ⬇️

https://syncni.com/view/13117/david-crozier-cbe-aicc-ai-is-no-longer-a-choice-it-s-a-necessity-how-the-aicc-is-empowering-businesses-to-thrive-in-the-ai-era