Leeds to be showcased at London's top digital job fair

Renowned Leeds graffiti artist Bretski will join Herd founder Amy De-Balsi and other representatives from the city this weekend to promote its attractions to an expected 3,000 attendees at London’s premier tech industry job fair, the Silicon Milk Roundabout.

London-bound: Leeds graffiti and street artist Bretski

Supported by Leeds City Council and Leeds BID, the team will have a dedicated space at the two-day event on Brick Lane. They will be making the case for skilled candidates to move North to work in the burgeoning Leeds digital and tech sector and improve their quality of life.

There are now more than 1,350 digital companies based in Leeds employing a total of over 10,000 people and these numbers are increasing all the time.  

But such rapid growth has led to an upsurge in digital and tech vacancies in the city which local firms are understandably very keen to fill.

Ms De-Balsi, who organised the inaugural Leeds Digital Job at the First Direct Arena in February, said it was vital to be proactive in selling the many benefits of living and working in the city to graduates and experienced tech candidates from other parts of the country, as well as internationally. 

“There are currently around 640 tech job vacancies in Leeds, an increase of 50 per cent in just six months,” Amy said.

“But illustrating what has catapulted Leeds ahead of other major digital cities such as Manchester and Bristol, the Leeds Digital Board has formulated a Digital Skills Action Plan with a series of actions to address the recruitment challenges we face.

“This includes sending a team to London to promote the career opportunities available in the Leeds digital sector, alongside the superb quality of life employees and new investors will enjoy by relocating here. 

“With several thousand job seekers and more than 175 companies signed-up to attend on Saturday and Sunday, the Silicon Milk Roundabout is the ideal location for us to tell people why they should consider joining the Leeds digital and tech revolution.” 

Flting the flag for Leeds: Herd founder Amy De-Balsi

Amy will showcase the hundreds of tech vacancies currently on offer in Leeds through Herd, a specialist online jobs board.  

She will be accompanied by a number of other Leeds representatives able to talk with authority about the city’s universities, housing options, nightlife, cultural attractions and regeneration plans.

And adding unique element to the Leeds Tech Zone, Bretski will be there to create pieces of street art themed on some of the city’s best known landmarks. 

LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING FOR BANK HOLIDAY BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND

Hundreds of music fans from both sides of the border will flock to the village of Macosquin near Coleraine this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Big Marquee Weekend II which this year boasts an unrivalled line-up of dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars performing live in a giant marquee in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar.

Mallorca Lee

Scotland’s top-ranked DJ Mallorca Lee will get the three-day festival off to a spectacular start on Friday when he headlines a night of old-skool rave and upfront dance tracks also featuring sets from Craig Dalzell, Tizer and Booshanty.

Resurrection

Next up is Madchester Saturday as the original Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection top the bill alongside Oasis copycats Roll With It, supported by Cellar Door.

Roll With It

And on Sunday 1 May, Irish country’s man-of-the-moment Lee Matthews – whose self-penned number one hit ‘The Irish Way’ was named Best Original Single at last week’s Hot Country Awards - joins his big band to bring the weekend to a rousing finale.  Rising solo star Ben Currie and JD Country will warm up what is sure to be a capacity crowd.  There will also be the chance to a ride on a mechanical rodeo bull – adding a brand new element to the country carnival atmosphere.    

Lee Matthews

Drew Hutchinson - who is organising the event alongside Robert Todd, Elizabeth Todd and Hughie Hamilton – said that the second Big Marquee Weekend would be even bigger and better than the first.

“We are thrilled with the line-up across all three days and the ticket sales reflect that, with only a handful remaining.

“As well as the massively positive response we’ve had from the public, all of the acts have been in regular touch just to say how excited they are to be part of the event. 

“Mallorca Lee and Resurrection are coming across from Glasgow to make their Big Marquee Weekend debuts and couldn’t have been more helpful and encouraging to us. 

“Despite the huge demands on his time, Lee Matthews has also been terrific and Roll With It, who stole the show last year, cannot wait to get back to Macosquin.

“It’s going to be a Bank Holiday weekend to remember.”    

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II are still available from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day ticket can also be purchased for £25.

JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO UNTIL BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

There are just two weeks to go until the village of Macosquin near Coleraine plays host to a thrilling mix of big name dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars at Big Marquee Weekend II.

Scotland’s number one DJ Mallorca Lee will open the much-anticipated three-day event on Friday 29 April – staged once again in a purpose built marquee in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar - with a spectacular dance night also featuring sets from Craig Dalzell, Tizer and Booshanty.

Mallorca Lee

Macosquin will then be transformed into ‘Madchester’ for the night as Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast’s Oasis copycats Roll With It – who return after stealing the show at the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend - top Saturday’s bill with support from Coleraine’s ever-popular Cellar Door.

And on Sunday 1 May, singer-songwriter sensation Lee Matthews and his big band will bring the curtain down on a memorable festival of music when they headline a stirring line-up of local country talent which also includes rising star Ben Currie and JD Country.

Ricky Toner, who gives a brilliant live performance as Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, said Resurrection were looking forward to the trip across the Irish Sea as part of their UK tour. 

Resurrection

“We’ve heard about the success of last year’s Big Marquee Weekend and are excited about having the chance to take to the same stage next month,” Ricky commented.  “There are a lot of Roses fans in Northern Ireland and with rumours that the band might be releasing new material later in the year, a whole new generation will get to experience their music.  Resurrection love doing what we do and can’t wait to share all of the old Roses hits with festival goers in Macosquin.”         

Nick McCay from Roll With It – who will again strap on the rhythm guitar in the guise of founding Oasis member Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs - promised another gig to remember.  

Roll With It

“We filmed our promotional video at last summer’s Big Marquee Weekend and couldn’t have chosen a better gig to capture on camera,” Nick explained.  “The crowd were off the scale and, with Resurrection joining Roll With It on the bill this year, fans of the Manchester music scene are guaranteed a special Saturday night.  Are we madferit? You bet we are.”     

Sunday’s headliner Lee Matthews has already achieved eight Irish country download number one singles, penning four of them himself including ‘That Country Girl’ and ‘There's Irish In Our Eyes.’  The 27-year-old is currently enjoying commercial success with his second number one album, ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,’ featuring his re-worked version of ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ which also reached top spot in the charts.

Lee Matthews

Lee said the Big Marquee was an ideal venue for his full big band show.

“I love taking my music to new places and playing in front of big, knowledgeable crowds,” he said.  “I understand the marquee was packed to the rafters throughout the weekend in 2015 and there’s already a big demand for tickets this year. It promises to be a terrific three days of singing and dancing, and it’ll be wonderful for me to close the event with a taste of country on the Sunday night.”   

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II are available from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day ticket is also available priced at £25.

MARY PAT’S ‘KEEPS ‘ER COUNTRY’ ON FINAL DAY OF BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

Singer-songwriter sensation Lee Matthews and his big band will headline the last night of Big Marquee Weekend II on Sunday 1 May as the curtain comes down on the three-day festival with a stirring line-up of country music in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin.

They will be supported on another hugely impressive bill by rising local star Ben Currie, also making his debut appearance in the village, and JD Country who won rave reviews after playing at last year’s inaugural event.

27-year-old Lee has already achieved eight Irish country download number one singles, penning four of them himself including ‘That Country Girl’ and ‘There's Irish In Our Eyes.’ 

He is currently enjoying commercial success with his second number one album, ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive,’ featuring his re-worked version of 'Cotton Eye Joe' which also reached top spot in the singles charts.

IRISH IN HIS EYES: Lee Matthews will top Sunday's eye-catching bill at Big Marquee Weekend II

Lee said the Big Marquee was an ideal venue for his full big band show.

“I love taking my music to new places and playing in front of big, knowledgeable crowds,” he commented.  

“I understand the marquee was packed to the rafters throughout the weekend in 2015 and there’s already a big demand for tickets this year. 

“It promises to be a terrific three days of singing and dancing, and it’ll be wonderful for me to close the event with a taste of country on the Sunday night.”   

Drew Hutchinson - who is organising the event in partnership with Robert Todd, Elizabeth Todd and Hughie Hamiliton – said Big Marquee Weekend II was set for a memorable finale.

“We knew it would be a challenge to put together a Sunday afternoon and evening line-up as good as last year’s, but we’ve topped it,” he said.

“Lee Matthews is the man of the moment on the Irish country music scene.  He’s playing to sell-out crowds wherever he goes and recently picked up the award for Best Album at the 2016 Sunday World Country Music Awards.

“We’re also thrilled to have Ben Currie coming to Macosquin, a brilliant young talent who has already built up a loyal following of his own and is winning new fans all the time as more people get to hear his music. 

“And having JD Country back – this time with their big band – will ensure that the day gets off to a perfect start.”

SUNDAY NIGHT CURRIE: Magherafelt country star Ben on his way to Mary Pat's

Drew, aka DJ Steady, will keep the crowd entertained between live performances with a selection of classic country favourites.

Last month it was announced that Scotland’s number one DJ Mallorca Lee will open Big Marquee Weekend II on Friday 29 April with a spectacular dance night, also featuring Craig Dalzell.

And the following day, Macosquin will be transformed into Madchester as Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast’s Oasis copycats Roll With It top the bill with support from Coleraine’s ever-popular Cellar Door.

Tickets for Big Marquee Weekend II go on sale on Friday 18 March from Mary Pat’s Bar, Card Land in Coleraine, Lou’s Boutique in Ballymoney, Jingles of Portrush or by calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.

Day tickets are priced at £10 for Friday, and £15 for Saturday and Sunday.   A two-day pass is also available priced at £25.

IT’S ‘MADCHESTER’ SATURDAY AT BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

The village of Macosquin near Coleraine will become ‘Madchester’ for the night on Saturday 30 April when two of the UK’s best tribute bands take to the stage at Big Marquee Weekend II in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar.    

In another major coup for organisers Robert Todd and Drew Hutchinson, it can now be confirmed that Glasgow-based Stone Roses tribute band Resurrection and Belfast Oasis boys Roll With It will top the bill on the second night of the three-day music festival.

Formed in 1998 and originally touring under the name The Complete Stone Roses, Resurrection have been described by legendary Stone Roses bassist Mani as “the best Stone Roses tribute around.”

And with the Manchester indie kings now back together and set to play a series of sell-out stadium gigs this summer, Resurrection – who have toured with The Inspiral Carpets and count Northern Ireland’s Snow Patrol amongst their celebrity fans - have never been in greater demand. 

MADE OF STONE: Glasgow band Resurrection confirmed for Big Marquee Weekend II

Ricky Toner, who gives a brilliant live performance as Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, said Resurrection are already looking forward to the trip across the Irish Sea as part of their UK tour. 

“We’ve heard about the success of last year’s Big Marquee Weekend and are excited about having the chance to take to the same stage next month,” Ricky commented.

“There are a lot of Roses fans in Northern Ireland and with rumours that the band might be releasing new material later in the year, a whole new generation will get to experience their music.  Resurrection love doing what we do and can’t wait to share all of the old Roses hits with festival goers in Macosquin.”         

And the Madchester nostalgia will not end there with Belfast Oasis look and sound-alikes Roll With It making a triumphant return to the Big Marquee Weekend stage after stealing the show at last year’s inaugural event.

ROCK AND ROLL STARS: Oasis copycats Roll With It promising fans another special night in Macosquin

Nick McCay, who will again strap on the rhythm guitar in the guise of founding Oasis member Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, promised another gig to remember.  

“We filmed our promotional video at last summer’s Big Marquee Weekend and couldn’t have chosen a better gig to capture on camera,” Nick explained.  “The crowd were off the scale and, with Resurrection joining Roll With It on the bill this year, fans of the Manchester music scene are guaranteed a special night.  Are we madferit? You bet we are.”     

Also back by public demand, energetic Coleraine four-piece Cellar Door - who went down a storm in Macosquin last summer – will again kick-off a mighty Saturday night of live music, with Steady and Tigger taking to the decks between sets to blast out a procession of celebrated Madchester anthems.

Last week it was announced that Scotland’s top-ranked DJ Mallorca Lee will open Big Marquee Weekend II with a spectacular dance night on Friday 29 April, featuring top notch support from Craig Dalzell.

The artists performing on Sunday 1 May – the final day of the event - will be revealed next week when tickets also go on sale.

FIRST ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR BIG MARQUEE WEEKEND II

Scotland’s top DJ Mallorca Lee will be the big name headliner on the opening night of Big Marquee Weekend II in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin from Friday 29 April until Sunday 1 May.

The ground-breaking international DJ/producer has performed hi-octane sets to huge audiences around the globe for more than two decades.  His incredible CV includes appearances at major venues in the United States, Japan, Ibiza, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and across continental Europe, earning him the number one ranking in the Scottish Vestax DJ20 Poll for three years running.

On his way to Macosquin: Mallorca Lee

Providing the support on what is guaranteed to be an immense dance night in the Big Marquee will be DJs Craig Dalzell -  best known for a critically-acclaimed run of 10 consecutive summers in Ibiza – and the ever-popular Tizer, who has thrilled clubbers around Northern Ireland and far beyond for 23 years. 

Old Skool master Booshanty will be first on the decks with some warm-up tunes.

Big Marquee Weekend II will follow a similar format to last year’s inaugural three-day festival, with Friday’s clubland line-up being followed by two equally high profile bills on the Saturday and Sunday, each with a radically different theme.

The event is being organised by Robert Todd and Drew Hutchinson, aka DJ Steady, who will also be playing regular sets.

Drew said he believed the first night line-up would get a thrilling weekend of live music off to the best possible start. 

“Mallorca Lee remains at the top of his game, where he has been for a very long time,” he commented. 

“Coloursfest, Judgment Fridays Ibiza, Planet Love, Homelands, Creamfields, Gatecrasher and the Reading and Leeds Festivals are just some of the legendary promotions where he has triumphed, and it will be a real treat to welcome him to Macosquin.

“And we could not be more excited that he will be supported on the night by Craig Dalzell and X-Ray, both DJs with massive reputations of their own and ready to show the crowd why.”      

The identities of the artists performing on the Saturday and Sunday of Big Marquee Weekend II will be revealed in the coming days, together with ticket details.   

One week on: Business leaders praise Leeds Digital Job Fair

The inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair has won acclaim from local business leaders seven days after more than 1,300 candidates filed through the doors of the First Direct Arena to talk to employers about the hundreds of tech vacancies on offer across the city.

Google, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky Betting & Gaming, Provident Financial, Sky and Lhasa Limited were just some of the 33 firms with exhibition stands at last Wednesday’s event, all with real jobs – from entry level through experienced industry professional - ready to be filled.

The event was organised by Herd, the Leeds-based technology job board, after its research revealed that the number of unfilled tech jobs in Leeds had risen from an estimated 400 in December 2014 to more than 600 in less than 12 months.   

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi described the Leeds Digital Job Fair as, “a resounding success.”  And she revealed that a follow-up was already in the pipeline.

Amy De-Balsi (Photo: www.thecapturelab.com)

Ms De-Balsi said: “We did it and we did it well.  Almost all of the companies who came to exhibit and offer jobs said they would return, and planning for another tech job fair is now underway.  Herd has also been contacted by firms that weren’t there but want to be involved in a future event.

“I was particularly taken aback by the number of candidates who travelled from outside Leeds to gain access to the numerous positions we had available.

“The city’s digital and technology sector is growing remarkably quickly and we can’t fill the vacancies at the pace they’re currently being created.  This is an opportunity that cannot be lost.  It is essential that we keep the digital talent we have, rather than lose it to London as has been the case in the past.  We must encourage skilled tech people to build their careers here.

“The first Leeds Digital Job Fair set the bar high but its success demonstrates beyond question that we’re on the right path.”

The event – which was co-sponsored by Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID – has been roundly applauded by company bosses who were there.

Andy Williams, Managing Principal of Answer Digital, said:  "The digital transformation movement in Leeds is really catching fire.  Leeds City Council and Herd are to be commended for setting up, in the space of six months, a Leeds Digital Board with broad representation from many different stakeholders, identifying the skills gap and organising the first digital recruitment fair to begin addressing that gap.

 "What a fantastic opportunity to showcase Answer Digital's message, create further links with academia, network with other exhibitors and crucially check out the talent that Leeds has to offer. 

 “It was great to see that so many business, both SMEs and large companies, felt able to support the day, pulling together with the academic institutions and the Council to show the art of the possible and the true potential of the Leeds digital market."

Leeds Digital Job Fair (Photo: www.thecapturelab.com)

Emma Cheshire, CEO of Dotforge, said: "The first tech-focused careers fair in Leeds highlighted just how much opportunity there is in the area for coders, project managers and marketers to build an amazing career working for digital companies with national and international clients in sectors as diverse as health, fintech, gaming and betting.

"The event was a great opportunity to see many of these companies in one place, to reconnect with great teams and to hear how quickly and successfully all the companies are growing."

Alex Bradley, Director of Axiom Futures, said: "The buzz was brilliant and exactly what the city needs.  There were some excellent conversations happening, not just about attracting current talent, but about how we grown our own and put Leeds ahead of the competition."

Last call to sign up free for Leeds Digital Job Fair

Software engineers, web designers, developers, digital marketers and project managers are just some of the hundreds of positions on offer to candidates who sign up for free to attend the Leeds Digital Job Fair at the First Direct Arena next Wednesday (10 February).

Sky Betting & Gaming, Google, Provident Financial, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky and Lhasa Limited will be amongst the more than 30 employers with vacancies for tech specialists from entry level through to experienced industry professionals.

The event has been put together by Herd, the Leeds-based technology job board, to help fill more than 600 jobs currently available in the Leeds digital sector.   

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi said: “This will be the first digital job fair held in Leeds and the first job fair of any kind staged at the magnificent First Direct Arena.

 "All of the city’s major tech employers will be there to talk about the wide range of career opportunities available for good candidates.

 “It’s free to register and I urge anyone seeking to advance their career in the digital sector to sign up.  With just a few days to go, places are now filling up very quickly.”

 Sky Betting & Gaming chief executive Richard Flint said the event was an ideal vehicle to showcase his company’s plans and ongoing recruitment drive.       

He commented:  “I’m really looking forward to the day and the opportunity to meet with potential Sky Betting & Gaming employees.

“We’ve hired almost 400 new people in the last year but continue to expand and have many more vacancies to fill.

"The Leeds Digital Job Fair will enable us to talk about what's in the pipeline including our software and commercial academies that will help students into a role at Sky Betting & Gaming."   

The event is being sponsored by Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID.   

Tom Riordan

Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan said: “Leeds is now rightly regarded as one of the country’s leading digital cities. 

“But we want to maintain our remarkable record of success which means keeping our outstanding technology talent here. 

“The inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair is a forum for the city’s finest digital employers to talk directly to skilled people and provide a further boost to the local economy.  The Council is delighted to be involved.”    

Students, graduates and digital professionals wishing to attend the Leeds Digital Job Fair can register for free at www.herd.careers/jobfair/attendees  

Statement: Macosquin to host Big Marquee Weekend II

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, it can now be confirmed that Big Marquee Weekend II will take place at Mary Pat’s Bar in Macosquin from Friday 29 April until Sunday 1 May 2016.

The event will follow the same format as last year and feature a thrilling mix of returning artists and acts brand new to the area.

Ticket and line-up details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Get the dates in your diary!

Herds of candidates expected at first ever Leeds Digital Job Fair

Hundreds of jobs for tech-savvy candidates from Yorkshire and far beyond will be up for grabs at the First Direct Arena on Wednesday 10 February when doors open for the inaugural Leeds Digital Job Fair.

Google, Sky Betting & Gaming, William Hill, Callcredit, Sky and Lhasa Limited will be amongst the big-name employers offering eye-catching career opportunities for apprentices and recent graduates through to experienced technology professionals.

The event is being organised by Herd, the Leeds-based online jobs board, with support from Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University, Tech North and Leeds BID. 

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi said the rapidly-increasing number of tech vacancies in Leeds had led her to the view that a job fair could provide a catalytic boost to the city’s burgeoning digital sector.

As well as visiting the many exhibition stands over two floors of the First Direct Arena, attendees will also be able to participate in a series of seminars.  Each session will be led by an industry leader from a company showcasing its digital and technology career opportunities on the day.     

“Herd recently conducted research which found that the number of vacancies in the Leeds digital and technology sector had risen by half over the last twelve months from around 400 to more than 600,” said Ms De-Balsi.  “This is costing the local economy millions of pounds and risks losing some of the momentum our tech firms have worked so hard to establish.”       

Herd founder Amy De-Balsi

She was confident that bringing the city’s digital leaders together under the same roof as talented tech individuals wishing to advance in the sector would pay real dividends.

“We are expecting up to 40 technology businesses to join us to talk about their latest projects and the hundreds of vacancies they have to offer dynamic, capable people seeking an exciting new challenge in the digital industry,” Ms De-Balsi continued.  “There is still room for more employers and candidates to join us, but places are going very quickly.” 

Companies wishing to take a stand at the Leeds Digital Job Fair can obtain an exhibitor pack by emailing amy@herd.careers

Candidates wishing to attend and find out what jobs are on offer can register for free at www.herd.careers/jobfair/attendees  

How's this for a Trump card?

British tabloid newspapers are rightly - indeed, proudly - famed for their novel and often cutting headlines.

But there is competition out there.

You may have heard that, overnight, failed US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin offered her unique style of endorsement for Donald Trump's campaign to enter the White House.   

"Are you ready to stump for Trump?" the world's most notorious moose killer (pictured) shrieked to a roomful of hollering madsters.   “This is gonna be. So. Much. Fun!” 

Well, this was the front page response of this morning's New York Daily News.

Pretty good, eh?  Not that either he or she are likely to care.  

Reasons to shop at Morrisons - rediscovered

A bit of surprise news from the supermarket sector today as Morrisons announced that like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, had gone up by 0.2% in the nine weeks to 3 January.

Many of those paid handsomely to “know” about these things expressed surprise at the development.  And not without good reason. 

Last year the Bradford-headquartered chain saw its annual profits fall by 52% to £345m - its worst results since 2007 – and suffered the ignominy of falling out of the FTSE 100.

But in response to today's sales figures, Morrisons shares shot up by 9% to 166.7p.   

All good news for the firm although, with Sainsbury’s due to release its third-quarter figures tomorrow and Tesco on Thursday, the joy may yet be short-lived.      

Up, up and...hold on (tight)

Good news for the Northern Ireland economy today when it was confirmed that Ryanair is to open a new hub at Belfast International Airport. 

Flights to London Gatwick will begin in March with 90 jobs created initially. 

Five additional routes – including to Leeds Bradford – were also due to be confirmed this morning. But as one has come to expect with Ryanair, it was never going to be that straightforward.  Instead, the company’s chief commercial officer, David O’Brien, took the opportunity for a pop at local ministers over Air Passenger Duty.

"We're not asking the Government for money, we're asking them to stop taking money from us," he protested.  "And if they don't we will make decisions on that basis."   

The Republic of Ireland Government has already scrapped APD with the country enjoying significantly increased visitor numbers as a result.

But an Assembly decision to cut APD in Northern Ireland would see the Treasury in London reducing the amount it gives Stormont to run public services.

Still, don’t expect Mr O’Brien and Ryanair’s ebullient boss Michael O’Leary to cease grandstanding any time soon. 

Leeds ice rink plan set to glide

More good news for Leeds today as the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that work will begin next week on a long-awaited and certainly impressive new indoor ice rink for the city.  

Sited adjacent to Elland Road, the facility is due to open before the end of the year.

Artist's impression

Although its primary purpose will be to offer paying patrons the opportunity to skate, its owners - Ice Rink Company - have made clear that it could also act as home to a professional ice hockey team.  

It is therefore notable that the original plans have been changed to increase the number of seats from 1,000 to 1,500, surely raising the chances of Leeds one day hosting an Elite League franchise and all the benefits that would bring.

One to watch. 

New Year cheer for Leeds rail users

Some much-needed New Year cheer for Leeds commuters this morning with the opening of the new £20.4 million southern entrance to the city's railway station. 

An estimated 20,000 passengers are expected to walk through its doors each day, while additional customer information screens, ticket machines and automated ticket gates should help to reduce congestion and generally improve the experience for station users.

The Government contributed £12.4 million to the project which was delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail.  

Commenting on the development - that includes a new concourse, escalators, stairs, lifts and additional cycle storage -  Transport Minister Andrew Jones said he believed journeys would now be "quicker and more convenient for thousands of passengers every day."  

He added: "We’re determined to provide Leeds and Yorkshire with a transport network to support its ambitions with new rail franchises, new rail stations and major road upgrades to drive the region’s growth."

Let's hope his intentions stay on the rails.  

Shadow Chancellor ridiculed as Commons stunt backfires

Here at Vanbar Associates, we are strictly non-party political.  But we are also unashamedly pro-high quality public relations.

It would therefore be wrong - nay, unprofessional - not to point out that Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell's decision to quote from Chairman Mao's 'Little Red Book' in the House of Commons earlier today was, in our view, not a good move.

As you'll most probably be aware, Mr McDonnell was replying to George Osborne's Autumn Statement which, on the face of it, had gone well for the Chancellor.  Having shot Labour's tax credit and police budget cuts foxes, easy targets were always going to be tough to find for the Hayes and Harlington MP. 

So he choose to shoot himself instead.

Already being successfully characterised by his opponents as an old-style socialist with extremist left-wing views, Mr McDonnell would have been well-advised to play it straight or, at the very least, be boring.

But no.

Instead he rose in our nation's Parliament and offered credence to the views of Mao Tse-tung, a man widely held responsible for an estimated 40-70 million deaths.

In a subsequent TV interview, the Shadow Chancellor condemned what is thought to be the top incidence of democide in human history.  And no doubt his words were heartfelt.  But the fact he was forced to do so tells you something about the success of his Commons tactic, which aides later described as "a joke."  Yes indeed.

Rumours are circulating tonight that the Labour Party are considering the recruitment of a communications agency to guide them out of their predicament.      

Vanbar Associates would like to wish whoever wins that account the very best of fortune.  

Osborne announces cyber support for British businesses

An announcement of note this morning when the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed overnight reports that the UK Government is to increase spending on tackling cyber crime by £1.9 billion over the next five years   

Chancellor George Osborne 

Speaking at the GCHQ listening hub in Cheltenham, George Osborne outlined details of a new National Cyber Security Plan which, he said, would protect the country from a “rising tide of online attacks.”

He said: “It is a bold, comprehensive programme that will give Britain the next generation of cyber security, and make Britain one of the safest places to do business on line.  

“It will give our companies and our citizens’ confidence that their cyber safety is being properly protected.

“It will ensure that Britain remains at the cutting edge of the global cyber economy.”

Mr Osborne said that the Government had what he described as a “collective interest in the cyber defences of individual companies across the British economy.”

He contiuned: “The experience in the last month of TalkTalk shows how cyber attack can suddenly go from a theoretical risk to a massive business cost.

“We will work with businesses across the economy to ensure that they have the right defences in place.”

The new National Cyber Security Strategy will be published in 2016.

The Open secret is out

Stupendously good news for Northern Ireland this morning when it was confirmed that Royal Portrush Golf Club will host the 2019 Open Championship.

Last held there 64 years ago, it has long been rumoured that the greatest golf tournament of them all would one day return to what many experts regard as the world's premier links course.

And today the dream shared by so many in that corner of the Wee Country has come true.

It is estimated that the Northern Ireland economy will benefit to the tune of around £70 million from staging the four-day event, which will be watched by global television audience of half a billion people. 

But it's not all about the exposure or the cash.       

A few years ago, the reigning British touring car champion brought his four-wheeled demon to the Causeway Coast for a demonstration lap of the North West 200 road circuit.  And promptly drove it into a hedge near Coleraine.

Interviewed afterwards, the red-faced racer praised the local organisers for the way they went about things.

"I travel to all sorts of events around the world and am often told why I can't do something," he said.  "Since I arrived here in Northern Ireland, all I've heard are reasons why I can do something."

Expect players, officials and spectators at the 2019 Open Golf Championship to depart with similarly positive thoughts on their minds.

Bring it on.      

Leeds golden girl tops the bill at Unity AGM

Olympic boxing icon Nicola Adams was the star attraction at Unity Homes and Enterprise’s Annual General Meeting, which also heard a speech from Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan praising Unity’s work.

Unity Housing Association was formed in 1987 with the objective of building a strong, BME-led, community housing association to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds.  Unity currently manages almost 1,200 properties, providing homes for single tenants, families, older people and those with special needs, from all communities.  The initial focus was on Chapeltown, but this has widened to other areas of the city. 

Unity Enterprise was established in 2000 to support local entrepreneurial activity, followed later by Unity Employment Services which helps tenants access employment and training.

Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan addressing Unity's AGM 

“There is a really positive feel about the work Unity is doing,” Mr Riordan said.  “Leeds is a diverse place encompassing many different communities.  Unity’s activities in Chapeltown, Harehills, Holbeck, Beeston and elsewhere are fundamental to how the city operates.”       

In the last financial year, Unity’s turnover increased by 6% to £5.6 million. 80 new homes were built, including a small development in Huddersfield – the organisation’s first project outside of Leeds.  More than £1.3 million was invested in home improvements to 180 existing properties, with a further £1.4 million spent on the refurbishment of Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Unity Business Centre, the latter now home to around 80 different companies.  Unity Employment Services helped 60 people into work, delivered accredited skills training to 61 others and enabled 20 to gain work experience.

Unity chief executive Ali Akbor told invited guests at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance that assisting people was in the organisation’s DNA. He said: “Unity will continue to do our very best to provide high quality housing and other professional support to as many individuals and families as we can.”  

Nicola Adams, who was born and educated in Leeds, offered an insight into her preparations for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.  She said: “I am a proud Leeds girl and hope that my success will inspire many other young people in the city to work hard and achieve their dreams.” 

Closing the meeting, recently-appointed Unity chair Shruti Bhargava thanked staff, shareholders, tenants and board members for their contributions over the past year.  She said: “I look forward to playing a leading part in helping Unity to further enhance its well-established reputation for aspiration, excellence and delivering results.”   

Reigning Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams (centre), flanked by Unity chair Shruti Bhargava (left) and chief executive Ali Akbor