Cool FM’s Jingle Ball Rocked!

Morrow Communications’ client, Cool FM last week filled the Odyssey to the rafters with thousands of screaming pop fans for the first ever Cool FM Jingle Ball Live. Thousands poured into the arena to witness the biggest pop gig Belfast has ever seen - a line-up which included JLS, Matt Cardle, Labrinth, Amelia Lily, Misha B, Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Stooshe, Lawson and Joe McIlderry and Morrow’s own pop svengali, Marty Byrne was backstage taming the press pack in an exclusive media room

The press conference-style backstage media room brought together a host of glamorous showbiz reporters and some slightly less glamorous press photographers for quickfire questions and photos just before the artists took to the stage. The media room ran very smoothly despite some extraordinary wardrobe choices, demands for better refreshments and a dash of diva behaviour (and that was just the journalists).

Morrows were involved with Jingle Ball Live from the beginning, organising media partnerships with local press titles, celeb interview pieces, ticket giveaways, social media and crisis management consultancy as well as management of the backstage press area. With the event being hailed as a huge success, we’re already looking forward to Cool FM’s Jingle Ball Live 2013!

Local schools visit Boys' Model School

Earlier this week we attended the Boys’ Model School as part of its Transition Open Day.

The School invited pupils from 18 local primary schools to come along to the special ‘open day’ with the aim of giving the pupils an insight into what school life would be like if they decided to attend the Boys’ Model.

Pupils spent time with school staff and student mentors in each department and were given the opportunity to get to grips with gym equipment, conduct science experiments, create comic strip animations in the Media Centre, and to cook up a storm in the Home Economics Department.

Commenting on the open day Alan Logan, Acting Principal from Boys’ Model School said: “The day was a great success. More than 18 schools from our catchment area attended, and the feedback from the pupils and their teachers was very positive.

“The move to post primary school is an exciting time for children. However, it can equally be a time of uncertainty due to the prospect of meeting new friends, learning new subjects and getting to grips with a more independent lifestyle. The Boys’ Model Transition Days are designed to familiarise primary school pupils with the facilities, routines and culture at the School and reassure them of the fun and rewarding learning experiences they will have if they choose to come to the school.”

Mixology meets Mythology at the Crystal Head Vodka Launch

It's not too often that you get to work with a hollywood legend, but that's exactly what we got the chance to do when we helped local sales and distribution company LMI Drinks (part of the LMI Food Group) to launch Dan Aykroyd 's premium vodka, Crystal Head.

OK, so the man himself wasn't able to attend the Belfast launch at Love&Death INC, but more than 50 of Northern Ireland's top mixologists did. Each got the chance to sample Crystal Head, to learn a little bit more about the story behind the brand and to take home a few new cocktails ideas!

Crystal Head is steeped in myth and mystery. Legend has it that 13 crystal heads were unearthed in regions from all over the world, including the southwest of America and Tibet. Dated as between 5,000 and 35,000 years old, many believe that the skulls were polished into shape from solid quartz chunks over several hundreds of years, and that each head offers spiritual power and enlightenment to those that possess them!

The launch night was a tremendous success and although there were a few sore heads the next day (of course we had to try the product!!) the team from LMI Drinks were delighted with how the night turned out.

We have been working with the LMI group for a number of months now, and very much look forward to helping the team to grow its profile in Northern Ireland and to working with its ever expanding portfolio of brands.

Who is your (alternative) most refreshing NI personality?

Belfast boxing hero Paddy Barnes may have taken the title of Carling’s Most Refreshing NI Personality, but who else should have made the top 10?

 

You can get in touch via the Carling Ireland Facebook page or on twiiter using the hashtag #CarlingBrilliantlyRefreshing.

 

 The current top 10 list is as follows:

1. Paddy Barnes
2. Terri Hooley
3. James Nesbitt
4. Stephan Nolan
5. Paddy Kietly
6. Rory McIlroy
7. Tiffany Brien
8. (Jedi) Jim Eastwood
9. Titti Von Tramp
10. Van Morrison

Taking Advantage (NI) to another level

We are delighted to welcome Advantage NI to Morrow Communications. Our AV Team has been commissioned to produce a series of web based videos and case studies to assist Advantage NI tackle the issue of youth unemployment in rural areas. The video case studies feature young people, and tell their story of how they found employment, as well as additional commentary coming from employers discussing the skills sets they are looking for.

Life Through a Lens

The past few months have been busy for our AV Team. They have been involved in some fantastic projects - they rubbed shoulders with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall when the royal couple visited Irwin's Bakery as part of a special two day visit to NI, took a golf lesson from Mr. Caddyshack himself, Bill Murray at the Irish Open and completed work for a variety of organisations from across a diverse range of NI business sectors. Some of the highlights have included:

The production of a fast paced promotional film for the NI Defence Industry. Commissioned by Invest Northern Ireland, the DVD showcases the advanced skills we have to offer this specialist sector in the likes of manufacturing, innovation and exports. The film was shown to a select group of stakeholders at a special screening hosted in the Houses of Parliament.



We've also been re-commissioned by Queen's University to work on 'Season 2' of its highly successful innovation series. Filming is well underway and some of the projects that will be captured are quiet simply amazing. For a flavour of things to come why not check out Season 1

Propelling Wind Power

Morrow Communications is proud to be working with Drumlin Wind Energy Co-operative, Northern Ireland’s first wind energy co-op. Drumlin has launched a public share offer to raise up to £3.4m to build five 250KW single wind turbines across five sites in Northern Ireland including Pomeroy, Kells, Larne and Ballyclare.

Morrows will work with Drumlin during the share offer period to help raise the profile of this ethical investment opportunity and encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to invest in shares. For further information visit www.drumlin.coop or call 0845 373 3612.

Northgate Recognised For ‘Outstanding Service To Business'

Newtownabbey based Northgate Managed Services (Northgate), one of the UK’s leading ICT service providers, is celebrating its success having scooped the ‘Outstanding Service to Business’ gong at the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, at a gala ceremony held in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel.

The award recognises Northgate’s successful business to business relationships which enhance the business efficiency and productivity of its clients. Customers benefit from interacting with highly skilled technical teams allowing strong, valued partnerships to be formed.

Commenting on the award, Andy Ross, Chief Executive, Northgate Managed Services said, “This award is a fantastic achievement for the company, especially when you consider the calibre of the other applicants. It recognises the tremendous effort made by everyone involved in helping to position Northgate as one of Northern Ireland’s most successful and innovative companies."

Northgate Named as 'Preferred Supplier' for Major NI Education Contract

Northgate Managed Services has been named by C2k as its 'preferred supplier' for the Education Newtwork NI contract. The five year contract will see Northgate design, implement and manage a completely new and innovative Private Cloud environment for all schools in NI, providing secure access to resources online, 24/7 from a wide range of devices.

A delighted Andy Ross (Northgate's Chief Executive) said, "This is great news for the company, and for everyone involved and clearly positions Northgate as one of the UK’s leading providers of ICT services for schools. Achieving preferred supplier status is also of great significance for the local economy. Securing technology jobs in NI can only be viewed as a positive boost for Northern Ireland.”

To read more about this story and the service Northgate will provide please click here

Welcome to the Roe Park Resort

In December 2011 Morrow Communications won the contract to deliver integrated communications support for the rebrand of the Roe Park Resort in Limavady. The contract includes delivering public relations, design and advertising services for the hotel resort in support of its rebranding and repositioning programme.

Institute of Directors Unveil New Premises In Belfast’s Academic Hub

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has relocated its Northern Ireland headquarters to the recently redeveloped Riddel Hall at Queen’s University Executive Centre, Stranmillis. Morrows supported the IoD as it held its official launch recently. The event was attended by its members from a broad spectrum of business sectors, MLAs, dignitaries and esteemed guest Simon Walker, Director General of IoD.

Speaking at the launch event which was sponsored by Bank of Ireland, IoD Director General Simon Walker praised the Riddel Hall facilities and outlined key issues and opportunities currently facing business leaders, including the importance of diversity at leadership level and the need for a reduction in corporation tax.

InterTrade Ireland All-Island Seedcorn Awards

The Morrow Communications events team managed a 20 strong event production crew including set builders, lighting and audio visual suppliers at the recent InterTradeIreland All-Ireland Seedcorn Awards.

InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Awards aim to recognise and promote the best early stage companies across the island of Ireland. Companies are selected following an intense competition designed to mirror a real life investment process.

180 guests attended along with John Perry (The Minister for Small Business) and BBC NI’s Donna Traynor, who hosted the awards. The competition brought together regional finalists from Munster, Connacht, Dublin and Northern Ireland to make a Dragon’s Den style investment pitch to a panel of judges on the day of the awards.

The winners from each region were announced at the awards along with the overall winners. The Best High Growth Company, ALR Innovations, won €100,000 with Zinc Software winning €50,000 for being the Best Emerging Company.

More information on these awards can be found at www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn

Morrow's AV Team Secure Two New Contracts

Following a competitive tendering process, Morrows Audio Visual team have been appointed to the Enterprise Ireland framework agreement for media production. The framework exists to supply Enterprise Ireland with high quality corporate films. These will be used at a range of events and international presentations. Morrows is one of only four companies selected for the framework and is the only Northern Ireland company to have been admitted.

Morrows AV team are delighted to have won a tender for Queen’s University, School of Nursing and Midwifery for the Production of an educational DVD on Gestational Diabetes. The production will take place over the course of a year with filming in Belfast and Manchester. It is designed to inform women who have recently been diagnosed with the condition how to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Panto Scoops A ‘Giant’ Deal With Dale Farm

Dale Farm, Northern Ireland’s leading dairy company, is giving Belfast’s Grand Opera House a ‘giant’ boost this year by sponsoring its Christmas pantomime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’

The locally-owned business, known for its fresh milk and cream, Dromona cheese and butter, Spelga yogurts and Dale Farm ice cream, has said it is ‘thrilled’ to support this fun, family tradition, which will see over 80,000 panto enthusiasts through the doors of the Grand Opera House over a seven week period.

Welcome On Board - Bryan Somers Travel

Morrow Communications is delighted to add Bryan Somers Travel to our client portfolio. We will deliver public relations and communications activity with a view to helping the business increase its profile and promote it as an experts in the area of golfing holidays.

Ulster Rugby 2012 Calendar

Retailer Asda is bringing some early Christmas cheer and supporting a worthwhile cause as official supermarket stockist of the Ulster Rugby 2012 Calendar in a bid to raise much needed funds for the Prince’s Trust.

Asda stores across Northern Ireland are stocking the brand new Ulster Rugby 2012 Calendar which features exclusive pictures of the team ‘in training’ including Ulster’s Irish International stars, Stephen Ferris, Simon Danielli and Rory Best. All profits from the calendar will go directly to the Prince’s Trust to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland.

Michael McCallion, Asda NI Buying Manager said, “We are delighted to be helping support such a worthy cause- by supporting the Prince’s Trust we are ensuring that all proceeds from the calendar sales go directly to those that need it most across Northern Ireland. We are confident that the calendar will be a big hit with our customers with the Christmas present buying season approaching.”

Priced at £4.95, the calendar has so far proved to be a resounding success with over 134 calendars being sold in the majority of Asda Northern Ireland stores since the official calendar launch at the beginning of November. And with Christmas around the corner Asda predicts that this trend is likely to continue as more and more people look for a meaningful Christmas gift or stocking filler.

Getting to know… Nicola Adamson, Communications Consultant

What is your career background?
I studied a BSc Hons degree in Communication, Advertising and Marketing at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. During my studies I completed a work placement in the Sports Centre at the University as a PR and Marketing executive. I enjoyed my placement so much that I continued to work there part-time during my final year of study and for another year on completion of my degree. After three months travelling in South East Asia I joined the Morrow Communications team in October 2007.

What was your first job and how much were you paid?
My first job was working as a part time checkout operative in Tesco during my last two years at school. From memory I think I got paid about £5/hr plus time and a half on Sunday – which was a great incentive to work some extra hours!

Have you ever had a job you hated?
I don’t think I’ve ever had a job I really didn’t like, although I did work as a waitress for a short stint in a coffee shop and I must admit having to take plates back to the chef with customer complaints wasn’t one of my favourite tasks!

What was your first success?
My first success is a tough one…as two occasions stand out from my childhood. The first was winning a silver medal for Speech & Drama at the Holywood Festival when I was 7. My Granny and Granda were with me and seeing how proud they were of me when I received my medal was very special! The second was ballet dancing on stage at the Grand Opera House when I was 10…all the butterflies back stage were definitely worth it and my Dad met me at the stage door with a bouquet of flowers.

What business figure(s) do you most admire?
I have to say the late, great and original TV chef Keith Floyd. From cooking skits in the early 80s he evolved into a brand, achieving cult status, producing TV series, DVDs and writing cookery books to global acclaim, while paving the way for the current generation of celebrity chefs.

Have you ever made a mistake and if so what did you learn from it?
Growing up I often heard the old adage, ‘the man that never made a mistake, never made anything!’ I have always taken heart from that phrase and also that as long as you do your best that’s all you can do. I always try my best in both my personal and work life and if I do make a mistake, which I’m sure I have in my 27 years, being open and honest is always best.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever been given?
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself!

What one item would you take with you to a desert island and why?
I think it would have to be a phone with a never-ending battery and unbroken network coverage. Truthfully I would offer my place on the island to someone else because I would miss my friends and family too much!

What has been your biggest financial extravagance?
It has to be my first car, a sliver Clio – I did have second thoughts about a shopping spree and a dream holiday as I handed over the money!

Do you have a business mantra?
Again I would have to say treat others as you want to be treated yourself…also making a good first impression is crucial in business.

What items do you always carry with you?
BlackBerry and a supply of makeup…just in case!

When will you retire?
Not for a very long time!

Northgate Wins '2011 IT Supplier of the Year' Award at Prestigious UK IT Industry Event

Newtownabbey based Northgate Managed Services has cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s leading providers of ICT services by being named ‘IT Supplier of the Year’at the British Computer Society (BCS) and Computing UK Industry Awards 2011.

The award recognises Northgate Managed Services' dynamic growth and its strong financial performance which saw the company return a 21% increase in its revenue, successfully win more than 80 news clients in a range of sectors; invest significantly in staff training and development, strengthen industry partnerships, and create more than 100 new jobs across its UK operation.

Commenting on the award, Andy Ross, Chief Executive, Northgate Managed Services said, “We are delighted to have won the 2011IT Supplier of the Year Award. This is the second time in 3 years that we have won this award and reflects a huge amount of hard work over many years and is a fantastic endorsement of the services and IT solutions we provide to our clients."

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Morrows will be working with the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) over the coming months to help raise its profile in Northern Ireland, with an overall aim of encouraging more NI students to consider the Institute as a viable and affordable higher education choice.

DkIT offers a wide range of Degree, Masters, PhD and vocational courses and specialises in the likes of Engineering, Creative Media, Renewables and Nursing.

Electrical Training Trust Calls for New ‘Sparks’ License

The Electrical Training Trust (ETT) has called on delegates at the inaugural ‘Spark Change Electrical Business Conference’ to spark change in the industry by supporting the ‘license to practice’ concept which aims to improve quality standards of Northern Ireland’s electrical sector.

The first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the conference took place on 13th September 2011 at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim and provided a unique, free of charge opportunity for NI’s electricians to network and have their chance to be heard on various issues affecting the industry including retention funds, the challenges of labour relations and licensing.

At the conference attendees were briefed on the ‘license to practice’concept, this would provide an official list of Northern Ireland’s electricians who are registered as qualified, competent, legal and safe to work within the industry, similar in design of that used by the gas industry.

Speaking during the conference ETT Chief Executive, Derek Thompson, said: “Electrical contracting is going through a very difficult time with a lack of projects to tender, poor prices, sub-economic bidding, stifled cash flow and increased costs. The conference was developed in a bid to bring together Northern Ireland’s electrical sector for the first time to discuss the issues impinging on the progress of the industry.

“Among these issues discussed was that of the ‘license to practice’concept which is an industry-driven initiative developed to ensure high standards in the electricity sector are being applied consistently throughout Northern Ireland. Our research shows there is an overwhelming support from practitioners, employers and customer with over 90% in favour of the license and today’s conference was an opportunity to further consult the industry on the merits of concept."