Business - Ulster Tatler

Exciting new premises for sustainable jewellery brand Monday’s Child

Posted on June 8, 2023June 8, 2023 by admin

Ulster Tatler’s spotlight on Northern Irish jewellery and accessories brand…

Monday’s Child is the brainchild of Kilkeel native Laura McBride. The brand was born out of a demand for affordable and sustainable life-proof jewellery that didn’t break the bank. Following a chat with a friend about her designer (very expensive) hoops tarnishing after a couple of months, Laura became obsessed with finding a better alternative.

After nearly a year of research and development, she launched Monday’s Child in December 2021 and never looked back.
Back then Laura and her husband were renovating an old farmhouse and living in a caravan on site. Laura said,

“I can’t explain the difficulty in getting aesthetic pictures for a new website in a 1993 caravan with floral curtains to boots, but we got there! One thing I’ve learned from starting a new business from scratch is not to let your current circumstances dictate your future outcomes too much. Get creative and find a way to make it work. My daily walks with my dog Cash became a great excuse to create content on the go. Thanks to my new venture with Linked permanent jewellery, I’ve now outgrown our spare room (much to my husband’s delight) and have moved into a new studio in Portview Trade Centre, Belfast.”

Laura loves chatting to her customers about what makes Monday’s Child unique. Every piece from her collection uses medical grade recycled stainless steel. Their innovative plating process is 10x stronger than standard gold plating, which means she can offer a guarantee that their jewellery will never tarnish or lose its colour. Laura often meet customers at markets that bought from her when she had just launched, and their jewellery looks good as new. She says, “It’s so lovely meeting people that feel as passionate about Monday’s Child as I do!”

Laura’s inspiration for each Monday’s Child collection is always underpinned by curating pieces that are wearable every-day and on every occasion, whether it’s at the beach or your best friend’s wedding. The shapes and geometry found in nature have had a massive influence on each piece. She likes to include fun sometimes with off the cuff details and not to take it all too seriously. Her goal is to provide jewellery that inspires confidence in the wearer and can be worn 24/7.

Linked permanent jewellery is Monday’s Child’s latest offering and Laura says the response has been incredible.

“Permanent jewellery has been trending on TikTok for a while, but there was no one offering it in Northern Ireland. I launched Linked in March of this year and while it’s a risk being the first to offer something new, I’m glad I went for it.

It involves welding a seamless, clasp less bracelet on the wearer, creating the ultimate Link between two people. It’s such a delightful thing to do with a loved one, mark a special occasion or even just to treat yourself. I’ve been a part of some really special moments with customers which I’m so thankful for.”

You can check out the latest Monday’s Child collection or book a permanent jewellery experience on their website- www.mondays-child.uk.

Make sure to follow Monday’s child on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out on their latest collections:

https://www.instagram.com/mondays_child_uk/

https://www.facebook.com/mondayschildjewelleryuk

Mills Selig’s Private Client Team reflect on a year of growth and success

Posted on March 21, 2023 by admin

Mills Selig’s private client team has experienced substantial growth over the past number of years as more people seek their expert advice on how best to protect to their assets, and future proof their retirement.

Led by Partner, Fiona McFall, and supported at a senior level by Senior Associate, Paula Gibson, the Private Client team are renowned for their skill, guidance, and expertise in all matters of private client law.

Their distinctive and proficient advice has attracted a client base of high-net-worth individuals who seek the guidance from the team to ensure their personal wealth and business assets are protected. Instructions from clients range from the creation of a Will, setting up personal trusts, succession planning, inheritance tax planning to advising on contentious probate matters.

Speaking of the growth of the department and legal guidance available to clients, Fiona McFall, Partner, and Head of Private Client said, “It’s been another busy year for our team. Clients know that when they come to us, we take the time to get to know them and to discuss their requirements. Every situation is unique.”

Long term care plans are also an important aspect of what the Private Client team at Mills Selig advise on. Last year, around 8,000 people in Northern Ireland were in care at residential nursing homes. Typically, nursing home care is paid by the NHS if the patient does not have the means, or assets, to pay for residential care themselves.

Fiona McFall continued, “Long term care is something that will affect everyone, so it’s vitally important to have provisions in place and to plan for the future, protecting assets where possible.

“We also advise our clients on the creation of an enduring power of attorney, to appoint someone who can help make decisions about their property and financial matters should they not be able to do so themselves. It is really important to plan for long term care, so you have a say in what happens to the assets in your estate later in life.”

Supporting the Private Client team and drawing in expert legal advice from within Mills Selig is Ciara Campbell, Property solicitor, who has particular expertise when dealing with property sales under powers of attorney and Christina McDowell, Litigation solicitor who advises and supports clients on contentious probate matters and litigation.

The personal approach from the full-service team is what positions Mills Selig’s Private Client Team as a leader in its field. Having been repeatedly highly ranked in legal directories for their exceptional reputation and expertise, the team are fast becoming known as the go-to legal advisors in all aspects of private client law.

If you would like more information, or to contact Mills Selig’s directly, visit www.millsselig.com

Green Day

Posted on March 9, 2023 by admin

AECOM launched its Ireland Annual Review 2023 at Ten Square Hotel in Belfast city centre on Thursday 2nd February.

Trevor Leaker, Head of Architecture + Design at AECOM, opened the evening and officially launched the Review, which was followed by a panel discussion with Wayne Hemingway, Debbie Caldwell and Sara Pearson of AECOM.

Jody Wilkinson, AECOM’s Regional Director for Project and Cost Management, closed the proceedings with commentary on the findings of the Review.

AECOM is a world-leading infrastructure consulting firm which provides design, engineering and project management services.

For full coverage of this event see our March issue, now on sale!

Hospitality Graduations

Posted on March 9, 2023 by admin

On Thursday 16th February Galgorm had the pleasure of hosting the graduation of 16 students from the Northern Ireland Hospitality School (NIHS) in their achievement of obtaining their Level 2 City & Guilds in Professional Bartending (Cocktails).

The NIHS overall goal is to link the hospitality industry into a community of mutual growth and understanding. They believe the first step to this goal is the spread of education and ideas.

To this end, they designed and introduced courses aimed at people preparing their journey into the world of hospitality whilst benefiting from ‘earn while you learn’. Events like these demonstrate the importance and value of investment in people and help to create new career opportunities. Galgorm extends thanks to all involved. The Gallaher Trust, Northern Regional College, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, MAPAL Group.

For full coverage of this event see our March issue, now on sale!

NEW BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE IS ROYAL HILLSBOROUGH’S LATEST TOURISM OFFERING

Posted on February 7, 2023 by admin

A new boutique guest house, Arthur’s, officially opened its doors on Thursday 26th January. Situated in an elegant Georgian building on Main Street, Arthur’s is the latest tourism offering to Royal Hillsborough and is set to attract visitors far and wide.

The accommodation features 12 individually curated rooms, each of which blends history, antiques and charm. Each room has been specifically themed in homage to famous local resident, the Marquess of Downshire.

The official launch event was attended by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council representatives and participants from across Northern Ireland’s tourism industry who are involved in the council’s ‘Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira’ programme. Launched in summer 2021, the programme has, to date, seen over 40 local businesses collaborate to boost the local tourism and hospitality economy within these areas.

Lynne McCabe, owner of Arthur’s, said, “We are delighted to welcome guests to our latest business venture, Arthur’s.

“This is very much a passion project for myself and my husband Jonathan, and each room has been carefully curated to reflect our local history and the rich tapestry of life here in Royal Hillsborough.

“It is also intended to pay homage to the Marquess of Downshire, who is very much synonymous with the area.”

Along with her husband, Jonathan McCabe, Lynne also runs two other guest accommodations in the Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira area, Ralph’s and Lisnacurran Country House.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, says, “It has been a pleasure to welcome representatives from the tourism industry here in Northern Ireland to Royal Hillsborough’s newest tourism offering. Arthur’s is a great addition to the local area and I would like to congratulate Lynne and Jonathan McCabe on this new venture.

“I would also like to thank the many other stakeholders who have collaborated to make our Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme a success. These are beautiful locations, steeped in history, and they offer an unparalleled tourism experience, with endless options to stay, eat, and explore.

“Whether seeking an historic getaway, a unique dining experience, or a fun filled catch up with friends, our visitors are always spoilt for choice.”

Councillor Scott Carson, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, adds;

“I was delighted to attend the opening of Royal Hillsborough’s latest tourism offering, Arthur’s and wish to congratulate its owners, Lynne and Jonathan McCabe.

“The Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme has been a resounding success and continues to showcase the wealth of experiences that these beautiful areas have to offer tourists. Many thanks to all the stakeholders involved.”

The Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira initiative is intended to integrate local businesses with tourism providers in Royal Hillsborough and Moira to create combined visitor experiences and itineraries to drive tourism in the areas.

To find out more about the Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme, visit: www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/royal-hillsborough-and-historic-moira

The programme is funded by the Department for Communities, through its Small Settlements Regeneration Programme under Destination Tourism Packages, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.