Analysis

June 2020

Opinion Impact of coronavirus on global markets has long term implications for us all

Given the volatility that has engulfed world markets in the past three months it would be a brave analyst who is prepared to give a firm prediction on what might happen to them in the months and years ahead.

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The return to work: five step guide

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We need government to help us reopen our doors

When the coronavirus pandemic reached our shores, it was clear that the hospitality industry was going to be the first hit, worst hit, and last to reopen. Our industry thrives on social interaction – enjoying time with friends, family and even total strangers.

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Harbinson Mulholland: rooted in Northern Ireland’s business community

How are you doing? In this new world I’m finding this to be a common initial question before meetings. Before answering I think we all pause and consider a little more than we would have done in the past. So how are we really doing?

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Reopening: examing the road to recovery for Northern Ireland's economy

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Reopening: It’s now time for some long-term thinking for Northern Ireland

Winston Churchill aptly described his six-volume account of the First World War as ‘The World Crisis’ and several months into the Covid-19 pandemic, it is still unbelievable that we are dealing with our own ‘world crisis’ which is affecting lives and livelihoods in every part of the planet in the 21st century. It has been said many times, but the world will never be the same again, especially for the economy.

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What can we learn about how we work from the coronavirus crisis?

This year will undoubtedly be defined by coronavirus and the toll it has taken on society. But while many of us are now looking at how our businesses might respond in the second half of 2020, it would be unwise to think that things will simply go back to normal.

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Half of NI manufacturers 'could cut up to a third of workforces'

Half of manufacturers here say they may have to shed a third of their workforces while many say they may not survive to the end of the year, according to a fresh survey.

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Lack of social interaction 'impacting on wellbeing of Northern Ireland workers'

A lack of social interaction is having an impact on workers here will almost a quarter saying it is having the greatest effect on their wellbeing.

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By Diane Dodds Opinion Diane Dodds: Recovery is not a trade off between health and the NI economy

When I took up post in January I did not imagine that we would be facing a life-changing pandemic on such a global scale.

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May 2020

Companies 'should examine risks ahead' around coronavirus impact

Northern Ireland firms should look ahead and review the risks their businesses could face in the coming year with the pandemic and risk of a second wave, it’s been claimed.

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'We need a plan to move forward to ensure Northern Ireland development continues'

‘Sure, the Northern Ireland development industry can take it. Didn’t it weather the economic crash?’ Well, just about, if you discount the bankruptcies, the lights put out, the slow crawl back to well-being. But this is so much worse.

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Consumer confidence falls sharply in Northern Ireland as coronavirus effects felt

There’s been a sharp fall in consumer confidence in Northern Ireland as the effects lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic are felt.

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Two in five NI firms 'fear they will not reopen' amid coronavirus pandemic

Around two in five small and medium-sized firms here say they fear not opening again amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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A quarter of NI hospitality businesses 'could close without measures'

As many as a quarter of Northern Ireland’s hospitality businesses could go under with the loss of almost 16,000 jobs if fresh measures aren’t put in place to support the sector.

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NI retail: 80% drop in footfall 'of an unprecedented magnitude'

The retail sector here has suffered its greatest drop in footfall but there is an indication smaller high streets are likely to recover first.

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Northern Ireland grocery sales soar 14% amid coronavirus crisis

Grocery sales have surged by almost 14% in Northern Ireland amid the outbreak of coronavirus, new figures show.

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April 2020

NI to suffer huge contraction but could return to growth in 2021: report

Northern Ireland is set to suffer a huge economic contraction this year but gradually return to growth in 2021, a new report has said.

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Need for strong broadband connections in NI 'never more important'

The global coronavirus pandemic highlights the need for strong broadband connections across Northern Ireland and in rural communities, it's been claimed.

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Companies 'should prepare plan to resume business after coronavirus lockdown'

Companies across Northern Ireland should start preparing a plan to resume business once they are able to start trading again, it’s been claimed.

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Northern Ireland property market: ‘No boom, therefore no crash’

There may be no immediate change to Northern Ireland's housing market while online interest in properties has surged amid coronavirus lockdown, it's been claimed.

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Video

Northern Ireland private sector suffers sharpest slump in 20 years: survey

The business sector in Northern Ireland has suffered its harshest contraction on recent record - sharper than the fall felt during the global recession more than 10 years ago, a business barometer was warned.

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More than £600m allocated by Executive to tackle coronavirus: full breakdown

More than £600m of cash has now been allocated to help tackle the coronavirus crisis across Northern Ireland.

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Next 200: Profits up almost 8% among NI's SMEs

In August 2019 the Ulster Business Top 100, the definitive Northern Ireland Companies list showed that the provinces major companies saw sales rise by 9.4%.

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March 2020

Northern Ireland budget: Extra £912m to fight coronavirus and business rates reduced

Northern Ireland will get an additional £912m to help fight the coronavirus crisis while businesses here will see a cut in business rates in a bid to assist companies amid the ongoing situation.

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Clear purpose is a significant advantage in the war for talent

It has become increasingly apparent in the past few years that the reasons behind the career choices we make are becoming more deeply rooted in social purpose and the world around us.

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Next 200: Northern Ireland SMEs see profits rise 8%

Northern Ireland’s leading small and medium-sized firms have seen profits rise by almost 8% in a year, the Ulster Business Next 200 list has revealed.

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Businesses can take practical financial steps amid Covid-19 crisis

It will come as no surprise to you that we have seen a surge in calls from clients in dire need of advice about their response to the current Coronavirus crisis.

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Outlook 2020: Will this be one of the most important years of the 21st century?

Given the constant 24-hour multi-media news cycle, there is a significant risk that over the last couple of years, we have become anaesthetised to the significance of current events.

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Acorn IT Solutions continues to break new ground with two major accolades

Acorn IT Solutions, one of Sage’s Strategic Partners, has been awarded the Sage 200cloud Partner of the Year which has elevated them to the coveted Overall Partner of the Year for the first time in its history.