Capital Markets Sector Create CMCN - Sync NI
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.syncni.com
SUMMER 2014
Issue 14
TEAM SOLUTIONZ 07
ALLEN & OVERY 10
Northern Ireland’s Tech & Business Community SBS 2014 14
JYROBIKE 16
06 Capital 11 The Little App,
Markets Sector Hungry with Ideas
Create CMCN – Little Deli
www.syncni.com visit us online Northern Ireland’s Tech & Business Community
DON‘T JUST WORK
WORK FOR GOOD
Allstate Northern Ireland Receives Queen’s
Award for Sustainable Development
Award winning company, Allstate NI is celebrating after being named US-owned Allstate Northern Ireland was established in Belfast in 1998
as winners of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable and has grown to over 2,200 employees in a relatively short time to
Development - the UK’s highest honour for business success. The become Northern Ireland’s largest IT company. It provides high quality
company received its award for Sustainable Development in software development services and high end business solutions in
recognition of a sustainable employment model which creates support of its US parent's operations, the Allstate Corporation, the
prosperity, promotes work-life health and uses resources efficiently. largest publicly held personal lines property and casualty insurer in
America.
Rose Kelly, Vice President & Chief Administration Officer, Allstate
Northern Ireland said: Allstate NI is hiring! – For a list of current vacancies please go
to www.allstateni.com
"Winning the Queen's Award is a huge accolade for Allstate. We operate in
the global arena not just in Northern Ireland so winning an award of this
stature further endorses the quality of work and the talent that is on offer
here. We are thrilled to be rewarded for our continuous efforts in looking
after our people, our community and our environment."
www.allstateni.com
Search for AllstateNI on:
SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 3
Welcome to the Summer edition of the
Sync NI magazine Northern Ireland’s Tech & Business Community
foreword
from Kate Marshall, Women in Business NI
CONTENT & EDITORIAL
Nicola McNair
Email: nicola.mcnair@syncni.com
Phone: 028 90820944
MARKETING
Caoimhe McKenna
Phone: 02890820942
Email: caoimhe.mckenna@syncni.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Email: subscribe@syncni.com
O
ur passion in Women in Business NI We heard time and again from the speakers GENERAL ENQUIRIES
is to help our members grow their about the power and impact of having a good Sync NI
28 Adelaide street
businesses or have greater impact mentor, particularly in the early stages of your Rochester Building
Belfast
in their organisation and it’s an exciting career or as your business grows. With over BT28GD
time to do business in Northern Ireland. Our 1000 members we offer opportunites through Phone: 028 90820944
Email: info@syncni.com
talent pool is brimming over with innovative, our network for members to find a mentor Website: www.syncni.com
ambitious men and women. Our Vision is to who will challenge them and help them grow.
create a “new economy” and to do that we We continually work to provide opportunites
must ensure our businesses maximise the for our members to build their knowledge and
potential of our most important resource – skills and to find ways to unlock their potential,
our people. whether employed or self employed.
Last month, Women in Business NI played Our ‘30/30 Vision’ was launched at the IBWC
host to a groundbreaking event in Belfast, 2014 event. This initiative aims to drive gender
the first International Business Women’s diversity up the agenda within the Northern
Conference on the island of Ireland. IBWC Ireland private sector where currently only 5%
2014 brought together over 500 local and of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies are
international delegates to hear inspirational led by females. Global evidence shows that a
keynote speakers; to learn from skills diverse workforce is more productive and more
development workshops and to join topical successful and we believe this is the force that
panel debates. Entrepreneurial spirit was will drive the “new economy”. We challenged
on display in droves amongst our delegates NI’s leading businesses to sign up to our ‘30/30
and throughout our exhibition area, where Vision’ through pledging to focus on gender
COPYRIGHT
start ups and global organisations were diversity in the workplace. By the time IBWC No part of this publication may be
showcased side by side. 2014 opened, 31 had already signed up to the reproduced without the written
permission of the copyholder
commitment – and that figure continues to rise. and publisher. SyncNi accepts no
responsibility for the accuracy of
The event was a unique opportunity for I urge you all to consider how you can tap into contributed articles or statements
business people to tap into new networks this most powerful economic lever. appearing in this magazine and any
views or opinions expressed are not
and create new Connections. To succeed necessarily those of SyncNi , unless
otherwise indicated. No responsibility
in this competitive market place we must I hope that the spirit of IBWC 2014 will be for loss or distress associated to
look for opportunities to collaborate both harnessed by the business community and that any person acting or refraining from
acting as a result of the material in
locally and globally. From this we find the positivity it created will mark the start of an this magazine can be accepted by
the authors, contributors, editors or
inspiration, working partnerships, mentors economic ripple effect, felt throughout Northern publishers. SyncNi does not endorse
and customers and we recommend that Ireland and beyond. any goods or services advertised, nor
any claims or representations made in
all businesses should prioritize facilitated any advertisement in this magazine.
The recruitment agencies listed are
networking as part of ongoing employee and Kate Marshall acting as employment agencies on
leadership development. Chair, Women in Business NI behalf of their clients.
4 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Contents
03 Foreword
05 IBWC 2014
06 Capital Markets Collaborative Network
07 MinutePad
08 Galgorm - A Personal Concierge
09 Liberty IT
10 Allen & Overy’s Belfast Operation
05
11 The Little App, Hungry with Ideas
12 Chain Reaction Technology
14 Smart Business Show 2014
16 Jyrobike
18 University of Ulster
20 You vs. The World
21 Event Spotlight
22 Logging Off
12
16
16
14
SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 5
IBWC 2014 to leave ‘lasting economic legacy’
First International Business Women’s Conference on island of Ireland inspires global mentorship programme
and positions gender diversity high on the private sector agenda
T
he first International Business Women’s Conference
to take place on the island of Ireland, which brought
over 500 delegates to Belfast (12th- 15th May
2014), will leave a ‘lasting economic legacy’ according
to organisers Women in Business NI. IBWC 2014: ‘Creating
a New Economy’ brought the issue of gender diversity in
business to the fore within the private sector and will see the
creation of a global business mentoring programme for local
business women, led by Women in Business NI.
IBWC 2014, which was attended by delegates from
across the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA, UAE, Croatia, Indonesia,
Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Rwanda and Somalia, was centred
around ‘creating a new economy’ – a diverse and sustainable
economy which celebrates empowerment, encourages
cooperation between both genders in business and focuses on
maximising the full potential of the talent pool.
diversity up the agenda within the Northern Ireland private
sector. Women in Business NI’s ‘30/30 Vision’ stemmed from
the fact that only 5% of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies
are led by females. Women in Business NI laid a challenge
to those businesses to sign up to its 30/30 Vision through
pledging to support gender diversity in their respective
businesses. By the time IBWC opened, 31 of the top 100
companies had already signed up to the commitment.
“By putting the spotlight on the power of diversity in
business and the huge untapped economic resource that
females in business represent, we hope that IBWC will create
a shift in mind set among the private sector which recognizes
“IBWC 2014 allowed over 500 inspirational business leaders that to truly maximise our full economic potential, we must
from across the globe to connect in a very positive forum and encourage the most talented individuals, both male and
share experiences, business knowledge and insights,” said female,” said Roseann Kelly.
Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive, Women in Business NI.
Speaking at the close of IBWC 2014, Chair of Women in
“The connections made at IBWC 2014 will undoubtedly go Business NI Kate Marshall said, “Women in Business NI is a
on to develop into business relationships. We have already small but ambitious organisation and IBWC 2014 was the
had feedback from delegates who plan to connect again to result of a vision to create a world class business networking
discuss collaborative projects and partnerships and several event in Northern Ireland. IBWC 2014 demonstrated the
individuals and companies have joined our membership power of connecting and highlighted the huge pool of talented
this week. As such, Women in Business NI are planning to and inspiring women in business locally and worldwide. We
lead a global mentorship programme, whereby we will help will now focus on ensuring that the economic legacy of our
our members maximise international connections and seek conference is long lasting.”
out potential mentors and mentees of mutual benefit, to
further drive economic growth and value for our growing IBWC 2014 was supported by Visit Belfast, Invest Northern
membership.” said Roseann. Ireland, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister,
Department for Employment and Learning, Belfast City
IBWC 2014 also marked the first step in an initiative Council, Ulster Bank, NYSE Euronext, Queen’s University
spearheaded by Women in Business NI to drive gender Belfast, Equality Commission NI, Enterprise Ireland.
6 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Capital Markets sector come together to create
Collaborative Network
C
apital Markets Collaborative Network is an exciting
new initiative which brings the best innovative
research and technology to the Capital Markets sector.
The collaboration, which is supported by Invest NI,
has been formed by 5 key partner companies (Citi, NYSE
Technologies, First Derivatives, Fidessa and Kofax) as well as
Northern Ireland’s two Universities, (University of Ulster and
Queen’s University Belfast). We caught up with CMCN’s newly
appointed facilitator, Peter Devine, who told us about the
exciting initiative which will positively impact the NI economy.
Could you tell us about the formation of CMCN?
Northern Ireland may not have a stock exchange or a
real-life trading floor, but it does have a growing cluster of
companies in the Capital Markets technology sector. In recent
years we have seen continued investments and expansions
by international firms such as Citi, Fidessa, NYSE Technologies
and indigenous companies including First Derivatives which
all provide technology solutions and consulting services to the
Capital Markets industry.
In addition Northern Ireland has 11 globally recognised ICT
related research centres including the Institute of Electronics, collaborations commitment to research. The grand challenges
Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) at of Capital Markets Engineering have been articulated by the
Queen’s University Belfast and the Intelligent Systems company partners who provide the students with domain
Research Centre (ISRC) at University of Ulster. With support expertise as well as historical data, real time market data
from Invest Northern Ireland, these founding companies, and access to facilities. The application of expertise from the
along with the two University research centres have come students and the support provided by the company partners
together to create the Capital Markets Collaborative Network. will lead to world class applied research.
This is a key initiative working in partnership to strengthen
the research base and graduate skills within Northern Ireland. How does CMCN hope to make a positive impact in Northern
Each of the companies involved in the network has previously Ireland? What are your long term goals?
worked individually with one or both universities, but this is According to recent figures from Invest NI the financial
the first time they have collectively used their combined effort services industry in Northern Ireland employs around
in an organised programme. 33,000 people in more than 1,200 firms. A recent article in
the Financial Times reported that Belfast is globally the top
CMCN have recently received support from Invest NI, what destination city for financial technology investment projects.
has this funding allowed the collaboration to do? The Capital Markets technology companies are an important
Invest NI has played a leading role in the development of the and significant cluster within this sector and we want to
network and has recently provided financial support through facilitate the continued growth of the sector.
the collaborative network programme. This has allowed
the network to appoint a facilitator to focus on building We work together on collaborative R&D, skills development
the network and I am proud to have been appointed by the through the Capital Markets Academy, marketing of the sector,
partners to this important role. engaging with diaspora and promoting entrepreneurship.
Our long term goal is to position Northern Ireland as a global
CMCN are currently supporting a group of PHD students, centre of excellence for R&D in Capital Markets Engineering.
tell us about this?
The partners have provided support and resources for PhD For further information please visit cmcn.net or email
studentships at Ulster and Queen’s, this support highlights the p.devine@cmcn.net
SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 7
New cloud software product signals
the end of paper based meetings
L
ocal software company Team
Solutionz has sounded the death
knell for paper based meetings.
The company’s revolutionary software
enables organisations to have paperless
meetings, bringing to an end the
mountains of printed meeting packs.
MinutePad has already been proving
its worth in six councils across Northern
Ireland. Instead of using large meeting
packs with hundreds of pages of
agendas, minutes and supporting
documents, councillors and senior
managers reach for their iPads to
quickly access the relevant information.
The potential cost and time savings
are staggering. Tens of thousands of
pounds have already been saved by
removing the print and postage cost (l to r): ‘Team Solutionz Managing Director Geoff Higgins with Michael Browne, Head of
for large meeting documents. One Development Services and Audrey Junkin, Chief Executive’s Secretary from Magherafelt
customer has reported annual savings District Council’.
of almost £1,000 per councillor in
printing costs alone. a software company specialising in and expertise in this area we feel we
helping organisations improve their are ideally suited to helping with this
‘MinutePad has transformed the performance. Founded in 2003, the process.”
way we distribute and access meeting company has grown rapidly and now
documents for our members,’ said works with a broad base of private, Team Solutionz has a vision that
Michael Browne, Head of Development public and non-profit customers. One extends further than Northern Ireland
Services at Magherafelt District Council. of their key customer groups is Local with campaigns about to launch in
‘In the initial stages we found that the Government. England and the Republic of Ireland to
intuitive interface and functionality bring their products to new markets.
helped members to quickly embrace the Geoff Higgins, Managing Director
technology.’ of Team Solutionz said: “With the Technical Director David Braziel said:
Review of Public Administration and “We have spent a lot of time and energy
Other organisations have also been an environment of increasing financial building and developing our products
quick to see the benefits and currently constraints local councils are facing a making them both easy to use and
the solution is being implemented in challenging time. powerful in providing efficiencies. We feel
Central Government and the Health and that we are in a great position now to sell
Housing sectors. Streamlining processes, reducing these products to a much wider market.”
costs and improving efficiencies are all
As a cloud-based solution MinutePad going to be vital in ensuring that our The MinutePad product has recently
can be used on a range of devices Councils continue to deliver the high been included in G-Cloud, an online
including laptops, desktops and quality services that the public have catalogue which provides an easy way for
tablets such as iPad, Android and come to expect. As a local software the whole of the UK public sector to buy
Microsoft Surface. Team Solutionz is company with significant experience cloud computing software and services.
8 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
A Personal Concierge at the Touch of a Button
Galgorm Resort & Spa Launches Northern Ireland’s First Concierge App
B efore the dawn of the internet there
were few more reliable sources
of local information, insider tips and
helpful contacts than the dependably,
exceptionally well groomed hotel
concierge, that was until now.
Northern Ireland’s exclusive Galgorm
Resort and Spa is the first in the province
to take the personal service a step
further with the launch of the Galgorm
Concierge App. Available now, the
instantly accessible app has extended the
traditional concierge service to mobile
phones and tablets and is available in
both Android and Apple formats.
At the touch of a button the innovative
App allows guests to find out what there
is to do inside and outside the resort,
either by date, time of day or depending music and cocktails be the order of to instantly tailor your own personal
what mood they are in. the day or fine dining with wonderful experience, catch up on news and offers
views more the case, the Galgorm App or look for inspiration.
So whether guests are in an active, will be able to guide guests in the right
sightseeing, relaxing or shopping mood, direction. In addition booking a dining For further information regarding the
the app will provide a wide range of venue couldn’t be simpler as the App app or Galgorm Resort & Spa visit
suggested activities, locations and also allows new and returning guests to www.galgorm.com or call 028 2588
venues. From fishing in the amazing River easily reserve a table on-line in any of 1001.
Maine, Jungle Activity Centre with the the hotel’s three fantastic restaurants.
kids, a wonderful spa treatment, walk
on beautiful beach to vibrant shopping With links to Facebook and Instagram,
centres and cultural hotspots, there’s the Galgorm Concierge App gives
no shortage of inspiration whatever the users an even greater insight into the
frame of mind. unique feel and atmosphere of the
splendid resort as well as showcasing
Paul Smyth, Galgorm Resort & Spa the unrivalled wedding venues and
Operations Director, commented: “We sumptuous spa facilities on offer.
constantly strive to be ahead of the
game and this is a great technological Downloading the novel state-of-the-
first for Galgorm Resort & Spa, not only art App has financial benefits too with
will guests receive great personal service users guaranteed to be the first to know
and attention from the staff whilst at of any offers and special hotel details
the Resort but now they can also access as soon as they are released. There will
many of these services directly via their also a number of exclusive last minute
phones and iPads.” App only offers available each month.
The app also offers an array of So having a personal concierge
entertainment and food and drink options on hand couldn’t be easier, simply
suitable for the time of day. Should live download the Galgorm Concierge App
SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 9
Liberty IT is recognised as one of the Best Places to Work in UK
L
ocal company, Liberty IT, has been recognised in the medium sized
recognised as one of the best category which includes organisations
places to work in the UK by The that employ between 50 – 499 people.
Great Place to Work® Institute.
“It is an honour for us to be
Based in Belfast and Dublin, Liberty recognised as one of the best places
IT employs 400 people and is part to work in the UK,” said Dr William
of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group’s Hamilton, Managing Director, Liberty IT.
IT operation. Liberty IT was the only “Achieving this recognition for the third
Northern Ireland organisation to be time is a major accomplishment for our
included on the 2014 Best Workplaces company.
UK list. This is the third time Liberty IT organisation. Participation in the survey
has achieved this accolade. We understand the importance has increased year on year, with 93% of
of creating an enjoyable working employees contributing their feedback
The Best Workplaces Programme is environment that is open, friendly and this year. This enables us to create
the largest of its kind in the world and respectful. This has allowed us to build action plans which are focused on what
helps businesses improve performance a team of highly engaged employees is important to our employees, and in
by encouraging them to understand and a strong company culture, helping turn continually improve our workplace,
and improve their workplace culture us to become a leading IT organisation.” engage and retain our talented
by building trust and engagement. One employees and secure business
hundred businesses from throughout Cathy Donnelly, HR Director, Liberty success.”
the UK were recognised at a gala IT added, “Taking part in the Great
awards dinner in London and Liberty Place to Work Programme has made For further information visit www.
IT was one of only 45 businesses an extremely positive difference to our liberty-it.co.uk.
Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the
Russell Group, a select band of the top 20 UK
research-intensive academic institutions. Its
Centre for Secure Information Technologies
(CSIT) is a GCHQ accredited Academic Centre of
MSc IN Excellence in Cyber Security Research and is the
UK’s largest university research lab in this field.
CYBER
CSIT is fast developing a reputation as a global
innovation hub for cyber security.
SECURITY
Our MSc in Cyber Security aims to develop the
next generation of industry leaders and address
the shortage of cyber security professionals
globally. The programme offers students a
syllabus informed by CSIT’s world-class research
in the areas of data, network, media and physical
security, and is influenced throughout by its strong
history of commercial engagement with world
leading companies (Infosys, Cisco, IBM, Thales,
BAE Systems, McAfee, Roke, Altera), its “Open
Innovation” model and an entrepreneurial spirit.
(1 & 2 YEAR OPTIONS)
A key differentiator of our MSc programme is
the opportunity to closely engage with CSIT
For further information go to http://www.csit.qub.ac.uk/msc industry partners. This includes the facilitation
of industrial internships with leading security
or contact: Dr Kieran McLaughlin, professionals, as well other commercially specified
Email: csitmsc@qub.ac.uk, Tel: +44 28 90971890 and co-supervised projects. Invited seminars and
special guest lectures from influential industry
A GLOBAL INNOVATION and academic leaders offer students a chance to
engage with those at the pinnacle of the cyber
HUB FOR CYBER SECURITY security profession.
10 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
IT Expertise at the Heart of Allen & Overy’s
Belfast Operation
I
n 2011 one of the world’s largest law
firms, Allen & Overy (A&O), unveiled
plans to move its core IT support
services from London to Belfast.
It was a significant move for the firm
and one that opened up a range of new
opportunities for IT professionals in
Northern Ireland.
Andy Glenn, IT Service Management
Team Leader, was one of the first to join
the A&O Belfast Support Centre having
spent more than six years working in the
local industry.
He said, “At Allen & Overy, IT is
delivered on a global scale and that Andy Glenn, IT Service Management Team Leader (Centre) with Belfast
brings great opportunities. I knew there Metropolitan College Apprentices Niamh Donegan and James Reynolds.
was good potential to forge a rewarding
career and the challenge of working for
an international law firm was appealing. In recent months, teams in Belfast implementation and testing programme to
have also played a critical role in setting ensure no downtime and minimal risk to
The firm has a reputation throughout up the telephony and IT infrastructure the business.”
the legal industry and beyond for the way for the firm’s second Spanish presence in
it works.” Barcelona. Having expanded in January last year, the
Belfast Support Centre is now A&O’s third
The Belfast Support Centre is at the He says the consistency of delivery largest office by headcount and, according
heart of the firm’s network of 43 offices in every office is crucial, “The firm has to Andy, is focused on attracting and
and provides a range of critical services to invested in the very best IT systems - retaining exceptional people.
more than 2,700 legal and 2,500 support the document management system,
staff across the globe. for example, is an industry leader - and “Allen & Overy need talented people
we deliver a platinum service to ensure to help it keep its infrastructure running
While a lot of the work is done within our systems are available, reliable and smoothly 24/7. There is a very clear route
the local office, the skills and expertise secure. for career progression and rewards for
of the IT team occasionally take them anyone who can come in and work hard
around the world. “The teams in Belfast are currently to help the teams meet their goals. The
involved in a major project to migrate all diversity of the office shows that anyone
Andy, who is responsible for the of the firm’s physical servers in the Hong from any background can climb high.”
Second Line Team and manages a Kong datacentre to new virtual servers.
group of six people including two IT
Infrastructure Apprentices, has worked This complex project will see 33 To find out more about opportunities at
on a range of projects in Monte Carlo, servers migrated as well as the creation Allen & Overy visit:
Dubai, Paris and Casablanca. of three new ones alongside a thorough www.allenovery.com/careersSYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 11
The Little App, Hungry with Ideas
L ittle Deli is revolutionising how we
order food at lunchtime - just great
food, on your schedule! The mobile app
enables customers to pre-order and
pay for lunch using their smartphones,
allowing them to skip the queue and
save time. The benefits for the delis are
that they are now able to reduce queues
during the lunch rush hour and increase
productivity and profits by taking orders
more efficiently.
Little Deli is now live and is being
used by O’Briens, Deli Lites, Printers,
Treat Boutique, The Bakery, Reuben’s,
Yummy Sandwiches.
My Challenges support this and together we can push
Sync NI caught up with the founder At the moment my challenges are the boundaries of what Little Deli can
of little Deli, Alexandra Milne. The very creating customer awareness and achieve.
busy lady told us all about her new encouraging delis to come on-board.
business. As I am the sole founder of Little Deli, I My dream, is that when we travel
do find it difficult to cover every aspect from one city to the next, the Little
My journey of the business. In order to push the Deli will be there. In life, it’s the simple
In only 10 months, Little Deli has customer facing side of the business things that make it every day easier and
gone from being just an idea to a fully and to free up some of my time, I am I believe the Little Deli provides a simple
launched mobile app. In the past 10 currently advertising for a sales and solution to a common problem.
months, I have been successfully marketing position. Get in touch to find
awarded the ‘40k Proof of Concept’ out more about the role! Download the Little Deli App now and
grant, I was one of the youngest stop queuing!
females to receive it. I applied to the
Propel accelerator programme in My Future Little Deli Details
September and after various stages My primary focus will be fundraising App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/
and workshops, which shortlisted 158 to introduce Little Deli to new markets app/little-deli/id841294524?mt=8
people to 27, I joined the programme and establish it throughout the UK. Website: www.littledeli.com
in late February. Propel has been a It will be essential to build a team to Twitter: @littledeliapp
fantastic help in the development
process of Little Deli.
I have had an exciting couple of
months, I recently won ‘Ireland’s
Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2014’!
I was awarded the first place prize after
competing with 450 other students.
In June I was also announced as the
overall winner of ‘The Ireland Funds,
Business Plan Competition 2014’.
And finally I’ve just finished my
Masters this month, graduating with a
Distinction.12 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Introducing Chain Reaction
Technology
T
he Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC) journey began in 1984
as a small family business in Northern Ireland and has
grown rapidly to become the world’s largest online bike
store. CRC is a truly global business shipping over 20,000
items daily to over 115 countries worldwide. The site receives
over 8 million visits per month and has in excess of 2 million
registered customers.
CRC’s success is driven by technology. Enterprise grade
systems support each step of the customer journey from the
first click on the site through to order fulfillment. CRC’s state
of the art distribution center is capable of processing several
thousand orders daily. This is achieved through computer
controlled logistics and warehouse automation. one of Ireland’s first large scale ATG eCommerce sites.
99% of the business is transacted online so the eCommerce What do you feel makes CRC different to other local
platform is critical. CRC have recently launched a new website technology businesses?
utilising the Oracle ATG Commerce platform. This is the same For many enterprise developers, you can spend months
technology used by many leading retailers across the world. building complex systems; never to see it in actual use or
even understand how it fits into a large scale distributed
Alongside the website launch CRC have formed a new architecture. That can be very frustrating and demoralizing.
software development team called “Chain Reaction
Technology” with the intent of creating a Center of Excellence With CRC, everything you do is visible and used daily by
to harness local talent and to grow the next generation of hundreds of thousands of users around the world. You have
eCommerce experts. At the heart of these ambitious plans is the ability to make a real impact every single day. Whether
CRC’s eCommerce Development Manager Conor McCluskey. you are working with the business to make it more efficient
or adding new and exciting features to the website to make
Can you tell us about yourself? it easier for customers to browse and shop. You get instant
After graduating with a BEng (Hons) Software Engineering feedback too; with almost a million likes on Facebook, our
Degree from UUJ back in 2001, I have worked as a Software customers aren’t afraid to tell us exactly what they think!
Engineer in a wide variety of industries including eCommerce
and Investment Banking, from startups with a small team of Why did CRC opt for a platform rather then building a new
developers to large multinationals with thousands of staff site from scratch?
around the world. Platforms provide fundamental eCommerce services such
as user profiles, product catalogs, shopping baskets, pricing,
I still get excited by the endless possibilities provided by search, merchandising & customer service tools that every
software and the Internet, particularly when combined with eCommerce site needs. That enables us to focus on what is
the power and availability of mobile and tablet devices. important for our customers – building a great browsing and
shopping experience!
Why did you decide to join Chain Reaction Cycles?
Obviously, like many people I had heard about CRC and In saying that, a platform really just provides the tools you
the global success of a local business – it’s a great story! need to build an eCommerce store. We still had a major task
Having worked previously for Oracle ATG, I knew all about the to take all those platform services, customize them and add
platform they were using and that it’s typically used by the our unique business logic before combining them along with
biggest and best retailers around the world. I was impressed a custom presentation layer to build the website that we
by CRC’s ambition and also excited by the challenge of building wanted.SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 13
There are lots of eCommerce platforms in the market place ERP development team that develop CRC’s internal systems
– Magento, IBM, SaaS – why Oracle ATG? such stock management, fulfillment, finance and the new
ATG is the market leading eCommerce platform for large- eCommerce development team.
scale retailers. The platform has an excellent set of tools
including promotion and personalisation engines to provide We want to promote the industry leading work we do and
customers with unique experiences tailored to their individual the exciting technologies we use on a daily basis. As well as
interests. This gives us a great advantage going forward. that we want to engage with the vibrant NI tech community
though our new twitter feed (@CRC_Technology) and
What challenges did you face during the re-platforming also through tech events and speaking to students at our
project? Universities and FE Colleges.
There were a number of challenges that we had to face.
Given the size, scale and complexity of the project, we had Are you recruiting?
relatively short timelines to deliver. The launch itself and Yes we are! We are recruiting for a number of exciting roles
subsequently supporting the inevitable issues around stability in both our eCommerce and ERP teams. Please check out our
and performance were especially challenging but it was also a careers page for more details (www.chainreactioncycles.com/
very fast moving and exciting time. careers).
What benefits have CRC experienced since go-live? What is CRCs ideal candidate?
We are starting to see the benefits of having a more We are looking for people who are technically strong and
scalable and powerful system; for example we recently passionate about software development. Ideally we would
enjoyed a record sales day which the website handled easily like people who have some eCommerce experience or who are
in its stride. As we become more familiar with the technology, interested in learning about eCommerce and our ATG platform.
we are beginning to use more of the features that are It helps if you are interested in cycling too!
available to us such as powerful new promotional tools and
search engine tuning. In your view what are the next big trends to watch for in the
eCommerce space?
What does the future hold technology wise for CRC? It’s a really exciting time to be in eCommerce. Social
We are only really at the beginning of our journey. We have networking has already impacted our industry in a big way
ambitious plans to utilize all of the powerful technologies we and I think that will continue to evolve quickly. Customers are
have at hand to provide an even better customer experience. connected to each other and to retailers like never before but
We are always exploring new technologies that can improve I think the next step will be for retailers to use that network to
the website. provide even better, more personal customer experiences.
What is Chain Reaction Technology?
Chain Reaction Technology is the new brand for CRC’s Find out more at www.chainreactioncycles.com and on
software development team. It combines the existing .Net twitter @CRC_Technology14 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Smart Business Success
Pictured is Per Thorsheim, Simon Hamilton (Finance Minister) and Clive Corry (Smart Business Show Director)
O
n the 29th of May 2014, the Odyssey Arena opened With this as his starting point he proceeded to explain how
its doors to the first ever Business-to-Business media has evolved and demonstrated that the internet is only
innovation event, The Smart Business Show. scratching the surface of its potential.
The Show was buzzing from the start with over 130 If the crowds surrounding the Marketing TalkZone were any
exhibitors meeting new clients and establishing contacts, guide, this is where the focus of businesses currently lies.
whilst it was standing room only in the Marketing TalkZone! All Each session was packed with visitors eager to learn how to
were there to find out how to work ‘smarter’ and the Show did gain more market share, much of which is of course internet
not disappoint, with so many opportunities and solutions for generated.
businesses from leading UK, Irish and worldwide companies.
Thus the presence of the Google Webmaster Team providing
Overall, the Show proved that an event like this is helping one to one advice was a unique experience many visitors were
the Northern Ireland economy to bounce back from the keen to take advantage of. After so much concentration, the
downturn and early feedback strongly suggests that future Innovat8 Café was an oasis of calm in which to make business
Smart Business Shows are a must visit destination for appointments and hold meetings in a comfortable and relaxed
business owners and stakeholders from every type and size of way whilst at the same time enjoying some refreshment.
enterprise.
The main focus now turns to April 2015 when the Smart
Taking place over two days, more than three thousand Business Show will open at the RDS in Dublin. If you missed
visitors listened to inspiring Keynote Talks from world any of the Keynote talks and want to catch up on the latest
famous names such as Nick Leeson, Stephen Moffatt of IBM, in the world of business, you can watch them now on our
Facebook’s Olivia Leonard, Per Thorsheim (an internet security website www.smartbusinessshow.com
expert) and Microsoft’s Kieran McDonnell.
To keep up to date with further developments of the
Intercom’s Paul Adams, formerly of Facebook, Google and Smart Business Show and smarter ways of doing business,
Dyson really captured the attention of his Keynote Theatre don’t forget to subscribe to the weekly e-brief on our Smart
audience stating that “We live in a time of great change.” Business Brief website www.smartbusinessbrief.comSYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 15
A big thank you
to @sbbrief for
having me as a
speaker at http://
smartbusiness-
show.com in “ Smart Business Show partner
Sync NI have a unique, user friendly
Belfast! Great platform which helped Smart Business
communicate with Northern Ireland’s
show, interesting Tech and Business community. The Sync
NI team have been proactive and great to
discussions!
”
work with
(Per Thorsheim)
Smart Business Show
137 business
connections made, all
in a few days work.
#SmartBusinessShow
#NetworkingParadise
(Phil Murray)16 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Jyrobike Saddles Up
For Global Market
After Kickstarter
Success
Robert Bodill, CEO and Founder, Jyrobike
J
yrobike, the Northern Irish company Where did the inspiration for your idea How did you initially turn your idea
that has re-invented the wheel to come from? into a business?
help children learn to ride a bicycle The original concept for Jyrobike After acquiring the intellectual
in a single afternoon, has secured was conceived and tested as part of a property from the USA inventors in
$100,000 in funding in just six days graduate project at Dartmouth, Thayer 2013, I established a new world class
through Kickstarter. School of Engineering in the US. R&D team, including a collaboration
with a Dutch technical research and
Sync NI spoke to Robert Bodill, CEO When this first product, called the science University studying ‘Advanced
and Founder, who told us the story Gyrowheel, launched, I became the multi-body model to assess bicycle and
behind their success. product distributor for the EU and rider stability’.
proceeded to set up distribution for
Tell us about Jyrobike – What is Gyrowheel in the UK. I pitched at London “Dragons Den”
unique about the product style events until securing angel
Jyrobike is re-inventing the wheel to I took this US product and developed financing, which led to professional
help children learn to ride a bicycle in a a children’s bike for Europe. Just as venture capital and the first round
single afternoon with the world’s first it was beginning to take off, and of seed funding. With its new team
and only Auto Balance Bicycle. with families across the US buying in place, Jyrobike has just launched
Gyrowheels for their kids, the US source a vastly improved Version-2 model
Our first products, aimed at 3-8 company faltered. worldwide via Kickstarter.
year olds and available in 12” and 16”
wheels, feature a patented Control Hub Less than one year in and with no Why did you choose Northern Ireland
in the front wheel that uses gyroscopic supply, I initiated discussions for a as a base for your business?
technology to keep riders upright, even potential acquisition and nine months Jyrobike received seed capital from a
when they tip or wobble. later, I successfully negotiated the group of private angel investors and a
purchase of the global intellectual professional fund manager in the form
We’re now taking the technology in property, bringing significant of Co-Fund NI, which is a £16 million
our kids model and using it to develop technology, global patents and future equity fund set up by Northern Ireland
a Jyrobike for adults, which we’re benefits to the UK economy. (NI) government that co-invests with
launching in 2015. business angel/private investor-ledC SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 17
deals.
Directly after securing the first
investment round, I paralleled my
commercial activities with a six month
application and business audit process
with Invest NI in the hope of being
awarded additional financial R&D
grant support. With both direct equity
investment as well as R&D support
from NI institutions, it made perfect
sense to relocate the business to
Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland offers lots of The Team behind Jyrobike
benefits for me and my business,
including its location and the talent pool - if you have a product that you believe Firstly, it does not require asset backed
of people that work and live here. in and you work hard, it makes the guarantees with complicated contracts
journey much, much easier. nor does it demand an equity position
From a geographical perspective, or charge interest charges. The process
it offers easy access to mainland UK, Has the Giro d’Italia excitement is completely transparent and relatively
Central Europe and has a direct route to increased interest in Jyrobike? quick to set up.
the US, which is perfect for Jyrobike as Absolutely - the Giro was a great
these are our key markets at launch. success both for Northern Ireland and The second reason Jyrobike launched
for Jyrobike. The Giro was actually the through Kickstarter is because it offers
Finally, I often describe Jyrobike as the first time that our prototype Jyrobikes us the chance to take our prototype
‘re-invention of the wheel’ - the next were seen in public, and we had some to market before going into full-scale
evolution in cycling, if you will. Jyrobike amazing feedback from the kids in production, which offers two additional
will become the latest addition in a rich Belfast who were among the first in the benefits. The first is the opportunity to
history of cycling innovation in Northern world to ride Jyrobike. shorten the product development cycle
Ireland. After all, it is the birthplace of The ‘Giro Fever’, as we like to call it, by selling our product pre-production
the pneumatic tyre! really gripped Northern Ireland and and generating revenues earlier than
rekindled a lot of people’s love for what would be possible if we followed
As a start-up, what have been your cycling, and it has really helped us keep traditional strategies.
main challenges? Jyrobike front of mind for lots of local The second advantage, and one
Like any start-up business, funding families who are trying to teach their we’re really excited about, is that the
and getting your brand noticed are kids to ride. platform offers us a chance to form a
probably the two main challenges. I’ve direct connection with the Kickstarter
been on the Jyrobike journey for over Tell us about your Kickstarter community before launching the final
two years, and while there have been campaign which launches in June? product.
some bumps in the road, it’s been a Our Kickstarter campaign has been a
fantastic voyage of discovery for me great success, achieving the full funding We’ll be able to use the early
and my team. amount of $100,000 in just six days. Jyrobikes to get some great customer
At the time of writing, we’re just under feedback from our Kickstarter backers
We’ve been really lucky with Jyrobike a week into the month-long campaign on what features they love, and if they’d
because the product itself is fantastic and we’ve already secured $110,000. like to see any changes made. We’ll be
and we’ve had some unbelievable We’ve had phenomenal support from asking all of our Kickstarter backers for
support from both investors and the Kickstarter community and we’re their opinions through a survey, and
customers. absolutely delighted with the response we’ll take their comments on board
to Jyrobike. and make changes to the final product
If you’re an entrepreneur and based on what they think.
you’re thinking about launching your Kickstarter offers two unique and
own start-up, my advice would be to attractive advantages when compared Find out more at: www.jyrobike.com
absolutely go for it! You won’t look back to more traditional finance mechanisms. Twitter: @Jyrobike18 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
We’re Open for Business
D
r. Paul Beaney joins University of Ulster’s Office of
Innovation as Head of Business Development. “The
University of Ulster is an innovation powerhouse,
a knowledge hub around which businesses can thrive;
connecting smart people and smart ideas and constantly
pushing back the frontiers of knowledge and increasing the
flow of innovative ideas.” says Dr. Beaney.
“My role is to focus on how we can help businesses or
organisations to access the University of Ulster’s knowledge,
expertise and facilities to support growth. Each year Ulster
works with 1,000s of businesses in the transfer of knowledge
and expertise via a range of methods such as consultancy,
research, innovation support programmes, technology
transfer, licensing, training and events.”
In the past year alone Ulster has recorded its highest-
ever level of support for businesses, undertaking more than
4,000 contracts, providing almost 1,000 innovative solutions
to companies and more than 50,000 days of management
training, creating five new spin-outs and licensing numerous
technologies to businesses across the world. Dr. Paul Beaney
The University of Ulster is committed to supporting programme is aimed at maximising the economic potential
businesses/organisations. Dr Beaney is supported by a of the creative industries sector and will help stimulate
team of experienced Business Development and Technology growth and competitiveness in the industry by providing
Commercialisation Teams who can help a business or skills enhancement and a range of supports for individuals
organisation identify the right expertise, facilities or research and businesses in the film and broadcast, animation, gaming,
required and advise on processes and various funding interactive media and music technologies sectors.
streams.
The university is also a central point for businesses
There are a range of funding support programmes available to engage in training, development and networking. Our
to assist businesses in accessing Ulster’s knowledge, Knowledge Club for example offers members access to a
including: Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland range of free knowledge transfer events designed to grow
Innovation Vouchers; Knowledge Transfer Partnerships; and develop sector specific knowledge and create network
Horizon 2020; InterTradeIreland FUSIONs and Invest Northern opportunities for member businesses.
Ireland Grants for R&D.
Dr Beaney adds: “There’s a strong focus on innovation,
The University of Ulster is a key provider in a number of and innovation covers a wide area, not only the pursuit of
these programmes - Ulster has delivered over 400 innovation new products or ideas but new production process, new
voucher projects and is a key provider of innovation vouchers markets or even new ways of doing business. So whether
in Northern Ireland; it is the lead provider of FUSION with it’s new product development, solving a technical problem
over 200 projects; and has recently achieved a record 150 or simply driving internal efficiencies, our team can respond
Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects placing Ulster in the to any business challenge. The message to businesses and
top 10 UK providers out of 141. organisations out there is that we’re open for business, come
and talk to the innovation team at Ulster.”
Ulster is also leading the way in the creative industries
and is spearheading a £3.5m EU support programme Web: www.ulster.ac.uk/oi
Honeycomb – Creative Works. This trans-national support Twitter: @ulster2businessConcentrix Technologies are calling all IT
professionals
Lisa Kavanagh, Global Director, Renewals along with members of the Concentrix
Technologies team give an insight to the world of Concentrix Technologies
C
“ oncentrix Technologies has a great international
presence whilst working with some of the largest
global brands in the industry. This, combined with
a team of highly talented, innovative and motivated
individuals, it is the perfect mix for the ideal
workplace and therefore it is a great place to grow
your career!”
– Lisa Kavanagh, Global Director
“W hat I enjoy about my job is the exposure to new
technologies and the autonomy with projects to
make decisions in the technical domain. What I really
like about Concentrix Technologies are the people!
I work with a team of highly skilled and motivated
people that are a pleasure to work with.”– Mike
Campbell (Software Engineer)
M
“ y daily routine as a Business Analyst is analysing,
designing, documenting and communicating with external
stakeholders and internal departments. I think Concentrix
Technologies is my preferred place to work in terms of the
social aspects. I enjoy working with the people and enjoy
the parties and events arranged by teams throughout the
business. We have lots of fun with our gaming hubs, pool
tables and social hubs where we can relax and unwind. “–
Mahesh Segu (Business Analyst)
Interested?
To apply for our opportunities,
send your CV to
cnxit.recruitment@concentrix.com
visit careers.concentrix.com
+44 (0) 2890 92171720 SYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014
Learning Through Play with
You vs. The World
I
f you haven’t yet discovered You vs.
The World, the games based learning
app that is successfully making its
mark in schools and homes across the
US and UK, now is the time!
We caught up with its founder Aaron
Gibson to talk about his journey to date
and what keeps his entrepreneurial
spirit ticking.
What sets You vs. The World apart
from similar learning apps?
The subject matter and skills to be
learned are presented in a playful and
exciting way. Kids will be encouraged to
get actively involved in discussions with
their parents whilst having plenty of fun
at the same time.
Pictured: Aaron Gibson demoing You vs. The World
You vs The World enables kids to
learn in a creative, multifaceted way obstacles whilst ensuring parents are at What role does You vs. The World play
making the best of a technology- the forefront of their learning. in this “modern world”?
enriched learning environment, as well Often our online activity is conveyed
as learning opportunities within and How have you found the process of as negative and “destructive”. You vs. The
beyond the home. You vs The World pitching You vs. The World? And, what World is a place where children of all ages
is designed for children of all ages, advice would you give to your peers? can safely interact, have fun and learn to
the program will alter itself to be as To be honest, I would find pitching make more positive choices in their lives.
relevant to an 8 year old as it is to a 15 to an audience of teenagers more
year old. intimidating than a group of adults! The Internet is like the “industrial
revolution” of our generation! The pace is
What drew you to this line of work? Most people feel the same prior to incredible and it means there will always
Having been engrossed in technology a pitch, nervousness is natural and it’s be support there for whoever needs it.
from a young age I knew I did not want taking hold of that and transforming Obviously, cyber bullying is a major issue
to follow the traditional career routes: it into a positive. As long as you know and it must be fully addressed from all
teacher, doctor, solicitor. I have always your product/service inside out, go with corners.
aspired to create something of my own. it!
We know you can never replace a
My feet are firmly on the ground We are all human and you will realise parent or guardian; we are designed to
and I know how much hard work is that people are there to support you. guide, entertain and engage children as
involved. I hope to give something back Eve Earley has been an incredible they progress through each stage of their
to our economy, to keep my business support, my “business mother” if lives.
indigenous to Northern Ireland and to you like. I cannot stress enough the
hopefully create stable jobs for people level of support out there. Source and To see You vs. The World in full view go
- this is our future. You vs. The World engage with relevant investors, prepare to www.YouVsTheWorld.co
exhibits a personal touch. We want yourself for tough patches but support Twitter: @AaronGibsonNI
to help children learn about everyday does exist, so never give up! Twitter: @YumPodSYNCNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014 21
Event Spotlight
Northern Ireland’s Premier Digital Industry Awards
19th September 2014 - St Columbs Hall, Derry
T
he DANI Awards are your
opportunity to shine and
demonstrate the outstanding
work in your field. Now the 4th year of
the event, the DANI Awards connects
the Provinces digital leaders through its
annual ceremony.
Any company within NI or working
with an NI business, whether public,
private or community and voluntary Upcoming Events
sector can enter the DANI Awards, DANI website. Please note that each
regardless of size. The DANI Awards has entry submitted must be submitted
a range of categories suited to a wide
variety of organisations; from large
by 5pm Friday 18th July 2014 to be
considered for shortlisting. 1 CultureTECH 2014
private and public companies through BY CultureTECH and lots of other cool
to thriving entrepreneurial businesses, Tickets for the event are available at people
promising start-ups, social enterprises www.getinvited.to WHEN 15th to 21st September 2014
and established SMEs. WHERE Derry
More info TWITTER @culturetechfest
To find out more about the different www.thedaniawards.co.uk/
categories and how to enter visit the @DANIAwards
2 Friday Night Mashup
Digi-talk Digital Marketing BY Friday Night Mashup
WHEN 18th September 2014
Conference 2014 WHERE Derry
TWITTER @FNMashup
24th September 2014 - Europa Hotel, Belfast
Sponsored by
3 Invent 2014 Awards
BY NISP Connect
Digital marketing Conference
europa hotel, belfaSt WHEN 2nd October 2014
24th September 2014, 9.00am – 4.30pm WHERE Titanic Belfast
F
Click here to book your tickets now! TWITTER @nispconnect
ollowing last year’s success Digi- questions, interact and learn from the
talk is back! This year we tackle the industry leaders.
topic of ‘Content marketing’ with Would you like your event
leading Digital experts from Google, Digi-talk 2014 is endorsed by the highlighted in the Sync NI
Heineken and BeingOnline. University of Ulster Business school. Magazine or online at
www.syncni.com?
This year, our experts will address Tickets on sale now from http://
delegates in the morning, before www.hastingshotels.com/Digitalk. Email the Sync NI team at
taking part in breakout workshops, html or for more information please info@syncni.com to find
giving delegates the opportunity to ask email hannah@hastingshotels.com out more.You can also read
