The Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement “much needed reform” in the health and education sectors and to re-energise the local economy. Speaking to over 360 guests at the Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner, sponsored by Danske Bank and MCS Group tonight (5th March), Richard Gillan called on the Executive to provide investment in infrastructure and skills; and to adopt a business-friendly strategy. Richard Gillan said: “This is a testing time for the local economy. Factors such as Brexit and cut-backs in Government spending will be challenging, but our members see the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive as a very positive move. “Whilst the restoration is most welcome, the last 3 years have left us with a lot of catching-up to do, and the Executive needs to prove itself and show that it can deliver for the wider economy. “There is a steep learning curve when it comes to managing the public finances. Right now, because of initiatives such as RHI, our members need to be convinced that our politicians can step up to the challenge. “The New Decade, New Approach document, promising significant investment, is a fantastic start. But it is just a start. Now we need to see the real benefits of having local politicians making local decisions and tackling local priorities. “Northern Ireland’s health and education systems are in considerable need of reform. We also need investment in skills, investment in infrastructure and an Executive which is willing to back business and help local companies compete on a global stage. “We need a concerted effort to devise a game-changing, business-friendly strategy to re-energise our economy, boost our competitiveness and put entrepreneurship at the fore. “The Executive will need to work as a cohesive unit in negotiations with HM Treasury, and be bold enough to introduce the measures and efficiencies that are so desperately needed in the Public Sector. “What Northern Ireland needs now is strong leadership." Also addressing guests at the Ulster Society Annual Dinner were Double Olympic Champion sailor Iain Percy OBE and former Ulster Rugby and Ireland captain, Rory Best OBE. The Chartered Accountants Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner took place at Titanic Belfast and was attended by 360 members and their business guests.

(Updated: 15 March 2020) We have taken the decision to close the Dublin and Belfast offices to the public. We have also postponed all our member and student events up to 29 March and we are revising activities after that on a case by case basis. We will contact all attendees directly in relation to this. We will also be writing directly to all students and firms relating to study and exams. In all cases, we advise staff, members and students to the public health guidance for their area, and encourage them to follow any additional advice provided to them by their firm or employer. We will also be issuing further guidance to students and firms relating to study and exams next week. While Institute staff are now working from home, the Institute is still open for business and we are committed to supporting members and students at this time. You can find contact information for all student services and for members below. There are also mental health and personal support resource services for members and students on the CA Support website.  Further links: Latest updates from Revenue, Companies Registrations Office and the Central Bank of Ireland and regulators. Student Services - full contact list Quick access - Students General student queries General queries- StudentQueries@charteredaccountants.ie Training support unit - TrainingSupport@charteredaccountants.ie Course programmes CAP1 - cap1@charerteredaccountants.ie CAP2 - cap2@charteredaccountants.ie FAE - FAE@charteredaccountants.ie Examinations, interim assessment & appeals CAP1 - CAP1Exam@charteredaccountants.ie CAP2 - CAP2Exam@charteredaccountants.ie FAE - FAEExam@charteredaccountants.ie Member Services - full contact list Quick access - Members Renewals and fees Membership fees - registry@charteredaccountants.ie Annual returns - professionalstandards@charteredaccountants.ie Member Services CPD & Diplomas - cpd-mail@charteredaccountants.ie Career service- careers@charteredaccountants.ie CA Support -  CASupport@charteredaccountants.ie

An event examining the funding landscape for local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) took place in Belfast this week. The ‘Access to Finance’ event, organised by Chartered Accountants Ulster Society in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, InterTradeIreland and British Business Bank, brought Northern Ireland business leaders and advisers together to discuss the range of funding options available. At the event at Titanic Hotel Belfast, Gareth Murphy of We Are Vertigo and Yolanda Cooper of We Are Paradoxx talked about their experience of raising finance which has supported them in transforming their companies in a short space of time. As well as looking at the options presented by debt and equity funding, the event looked at the experience of taking a business to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) with Brendan Mooney of Kainos plc, James Fair of Fusion Antibodies plc, and Philip White of Diaceutics plc.  Hoping to inspire other ambitious CEOs to consider a stock market listing, Brendan said: “Becoming a plc is really not that difficult and represents a viable funding option for NI SMEs.” Richard Gillan, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society said: “It’s important that businesses and their advisers are not only familiar with the more traditional finance options on offer, but also with the alternative funding solutions available to growing businesses. “Alternative sources of finance, offered across both debt and equity markets, are now more prevalent in the funding landscape and have a key role to play in allowing businesses to effectively execute their growth strategy. We’re very pleased to be able to play our role in examining these sources of finance, and how local businesses should approach them.” Susan Nightingale, Senior Manager for Northern Ireland, British Business Bank said: “Smaller businesses are very important to the NI economy, accounting for 75% of jobs and 71% of turnover in the private sector. Improving awareness of funding options and being able to identify the most appropriate funding package at a particular point in time is an essential component of their growth.” William McCulla, Director of Corporate Finance, Invest NI said: “While statistics show an increased awareness of alternative funding options such as mezzanine debt, peer to peer lending, venture capital, crowdfunding and stock market listings there is still some way to go. Events of this nature are essential if we are to continue to build on that momentum.” Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager, InterTradeIreland said: “Supporting SMEs on their growth journey is central to what we do, we will continue to work collaboratively with Invest NI and British Business Bank to promote the market offerings and to increase the demand for SME growth finance.” Pictured at the ‘Access to Finance - Alternative Finance Solutions’ event at Titanic Hotel Belfast are (from left) William McCulla, Invest NI; Judith Hartley, British Business Bank; Richard Gillan, Chairman, Chartered Accountants Ulster Society; and Shane O’Hanlon, InterTradeIreland.