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ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Frankie Bannon, Owner of Studio 23.
Studio Twenty Three, based in Newry was born in 2019 by Frankie Bannon with the aim to make art more accessible for people of all creative abilities, to just let go, experiment, and have some fun!
After studying a BA (Hons) in Textile Art and Fashion Design, Frankie took herself off to Australia for nearly a decade and like most people in their 20’s had gone down the more traditional working route without any art in her life.
After studying a BA (Hons) in Textile Art and Fashion Design, Frankie took herself off to Australia for nearly a decade and like most people in their 20’s had gone down the more traditional working route without any art in her life.
Davina Gordon, Owner of Naissance Marketing.
Davina founded Naissance Marketing & PR in 2019 after having her son Sonny. Davina always harboured dreams of running her own business despite having a varied and fruitful career in Journalism. Davina has 15 years’ experience as a writer and editor as well as an unquenchable passion for helping people. Davina and her team help small and mid-market organisations thrive and grow in the ever-changing digital landscape.
James Nicholson, Director of JN Wines.
JN Wines operate from a contemporary shop in Crossgar, Co.Down and are recognised Northern Ireland’s leading independent wine retailer. They supply wine across Ireland, the UK and into some markets overseas.
James has been part of the wine scene in Northern Ireland for over 40 years. Starting out in the restaurant trade, James’ keen interest in wine, combined with an independent spirit, set him on the path which gradually evolved into the JN Wine you see today.
James has been part of the wine scene in Northern Ireland for over 40 years. Starting out in the restaurant trade, James’ keen interest in wine, combined with an independent spirit, set him on the path which gradually evolved into the JN Wine you see today.
Rachael Harriott, Owner of Harriott Communication.
Harriott Communications is owned and managed by independent communications and public relations consultant Rachael Harriott, Dip CIPR, MCIPR.
Rachael has over 20 years experience working with a range of clients across a wide range of sectors and has a wealth of experience providing strategic and tactical communications advice to some of the World's, UK & Ireland's leading brands, businesses and organisations.
Rachael has over 20 years experience working with a range of clients across a wide range of sectors and has a wealth of experience providing strategic and tactical communications advice to some of the World's, UK & Ireland's leading brands, businesses and organisations.
David Wilson, Managing Director of Montalto Estate.
David is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants with ‘Big Four’ experience in both Dublin and Belfast. Coming from a family with two previous generations of business success in Northern Ireland, it was always David’s intention to be his own boss.
That opportunity arose in 2009 when the Wilson family recognised a demand for an exclusive luxury venue for business and private purposes. By utilising their former family home, Montalto House opened as a private hire venue in 2010.
That opportunity arose in 2009 when the Wilson family recognised a demand for an exclusive luxury venue for business and private purposes. By utilising their former family home, Montalto House opened as a private hire venue in 2010.
Maeve Finegan, Managing Director of Mitso Marketing.
Maeve is MCIM-accredited and is a certified InterTrade consultant, with a wealth of experience delivering cross-border brand and digital projects. She is a member of Newry Chamber Council and regularly speaks at events, including the Small Business Conference for Newry Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
Michael and Jack Gilsenan of Lee Opticians.
Lee Opticians are an award winning family business, with modern practices in Warrenpoint, Crossmaglen and Camlough. They have just celebrated 75 years in business and have state-of-the-art technology to offer the highest standard of professional service.
David Maxwell, Co-Founder and COO of Further Space.
Futher Space manufactures luxury glamping pods with a difference to Ireland and Scotland from its 20,000 square foot facility in Carryduff, Co Down.
Launched in 2017 and co-founded by David, Further Space already has 58 Luxury glamping pods across the island, with a series of openings planned in Scotland and Republic of Ireland this year.
Launched in 2017 and co-founded by David, Further Space already has 58 Luxury glamping pods across the island, with a series of openings planned in Scotland and Republic of Ireland this year.
Patrick Flanagan, Founder and Managing Director of Clarence George.
Clarence George is a bespoke Insurance & Investment Executive Search firm who specialise in sourcing the very best quantitative talent within financial services.
Patrick has approaching 20 years’ experience within Financial Services search recruitment and he set up his own business ‘Clarence George’ in 2019. Patrick is passionate about improving the levels of customer service in the industry.
Patrick has approaching 20 years’ experience within Financial Services search recruitment and he set up his own business ‘Clarence George’ in 2019. Patrick is passionate about improving the levels of customer service in the industry.
Cormac Venny, Founder of Hip Psychology.
Hip Psychology was founded in 2016 by Cormac and specialises on focusing on areas of performance and wellbeing.
After studying sports Science undergrad, and completing a Masters in Sports Psychology, Cormac was a sports coach for Sport NI from 2010-2016. Here he seen at first hand the need to support young people with their mindset and resilience.
After studying sports Science undergrad, and completing a Masters in Sports Psychology, Cormac was a sports coach for Sport NI from 2010-2016. Here he seen at first hand the need to support young people with their mindset and resilience.
Francesca Morelli, Co-Founder of VAVA Influence.
VAVA influence is a dedicated social media influencer agency designed to strategically connect businesses with a relevant social media influencer or blogger to drastically improve their businesses reach and exposer.
Francesca and her business partner Chloe work alongside business owners and marketing managers to engage their strong portfolio of over 200 social media influencers from across NI, ROI and London with the best-fit talent for their clients’ brands to form quality campaigns.
Francesca and her business partner Chloe work alongside business owners and marketing managers to engage their strong portfolio of over 200 social media influencers from across NI, ROI and London with the best-fit talent for their clients’ brands to form quality campaigns.
Nicola McGuinness, Owner of Nicola McGuinness Coaching.
Nicola is a sought-after Career and Confidence Coach whose mission is to empower women to live an inspired life and love what they want to do.
Nicola helps women who struggle with low self-belief to discover their true potential. She helps them transform from the inside out by rediscovering themselves, developing their confidence, belief in their abilities and getting clarity on what they want in life, then taking action to make it happen.
Nicola helps women who struggle with low self-belief to discover their true potential. She helps them transform from the inside out by rediscovering themselves, developing their confidence, belief in their abilities and getting clarity on what they want in life, then taking action to make it happen.
David Cordner, Managing Director of Central Belfast Apartments.
Dave’s journey in Serviced Accommodation started back in 2007 when Belfast’s tourism industry barely existed. He would help his parents with their 3 properties and got a real buzz from showcasing Belfast to visitors to the city. In 2014 he purchased his first apartment.
Dave went on to purchase and renovate a second apartment and then in 2016 formed his company Central Belfast Apartments.
Dave went on to purchase and renovate a second apartment and then in 2016 formed his company Central Belfast Apartments.
Jaqueline Hamilton, Owner of Seaford Interiors
Seaforde Interiors are an independently run design service who can help style an individual room, a whole house or commercial businesses.
Originally from County Down, Jacqueline obtained her Fine Art Degree in England. Jacqueline is well travelled and has lived and worked in both Asia and Australia; her travels in the Far East and Down Under continue to be a source of inspiration for her interior design creations.
Originally from County Down, Jacqueline obtained her Fine Art Degree in England. Jacqueline is well travelled and has lived and worked in both Asia and Australia; her travels in the Far East and Down Under continue to be a source of inspiration for her interior design creations.
Andrew Kelly Owner of Eighty-Five 90.
Following a decade in the world of PR and comms, Andrew set up his own digital content production company at the start of 2020.
Andrew is a completely self-taught cameraman and editor.
Working as a client manager and in-house videographer, he has been fortunate enough to work with some of the world's leading brands, such as Miss Universe, LEGO, LEVI's, ITV, Danske Bank, Kurt Geiger and many more.
Andrew is a completely self-taught cameraman and editor.
Working as a client manager and in-house videographer, he has been fortunate enough to work with some of the world's leading brands, such as Miss Universe, LEGO, LEVI's, ITV, Danske Bank, Kurt Geiger and many more.
Robert McConnell, Director and Judith Neill, General Manager of Pinnacle Growth Group.
Established in 2018 and headquartered in Lisburn, Co Antrim, Pinnacle Growth Group has a multi-sectoral client base, providing business growth support to organisations in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and GB. The firm is led by Co-Founders Robert McConnell and Dr Scott King. Judith Neill is General Manager at Pinnacle Growth Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business leadership to the team.
Orlagh Kelly, CEO of Briefed.
Orlagh is a highly experienced barrister, accomplished legal technologist and internationally renowned authority on data protection. It is that unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial spirit which inspired her to found Briefed.
Today Orlagh leads the UK and Ireland’s most respected team of regulatory specialists to deliver innovative training solutions for the legal, medical, and business sectors, including compliance training, strategy reviews, audits and crisis management.
Today Orlagh leads the UK and Ireland’s most respected team of regulatory specialists to deliver innovative training solutions for the legal, medical, and business sectors, including compliance training, strategy reviews, audits and crisis management.
Kerry Nevins, Owner of Babocush.
Babocush is an innovative solution, which provides safety and comfort to babies and peace of mind to their parents.
Kerry came up with her incredible business idea in 2003 following the birth of her son Harry which sparked her million-pound business idea.
Kerry came up with her incredible business idea in 2003 following the birth of her son Harry which sparked her million-pound business idea.
Patrick Woods, Managing Director of Linwoods.
Patrick is the third generation of the Woods family to be involved in the Linwoods business. It was initially founded by Patricks Grandfather as a small grocery store and hardware business in Co.Armagh.
Ruari & Laura, Co-founders Food on Fire.
Food on Fire, previously known as Great Northern Larder, was founded by Ruari and Laura in 2016. Great Northern Larder no longer had the meaning that it once had, and the duo decided to rebrand in 2022 to something that better explained what they do and who they are today.
Jonathan Quinn, Founder of Quinn Estate Agency.
Quinn Property Sales & Letting Specialists was founded in 2010 by Jonathan Quinn initially as a specialist in the management of residential lettings. Jonathan was later presented with an opportunity to take over an existing Estate Agency in Ballynahinch which introduced property sales to the business. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength.
Simon Whittaker, Director (CEO) of Vertical Structure.
Simon has been working in the IT industry for over 20 years, and co-founded Vertical Structure with Marc Dowie In 2006.
Vertical Structure is an independent cyber security consultancy with a ‘human-first’ approach. They specialise in providing human-focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.
Vertical Structure is an independent cyber security consultancy with a ‘human-first’ approach. They specialise in providing human-focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.
Oscar Woolley, Owner & Marketing Director of Suki Tea.
Based in Belfast, SUKI Tea makers ethically source and blend loose leaf teas, herbal infusions and fruit blends from all over the world.
In 2005, Oscar and his business partner Annie set up a stand at a small Farmer’s Market in Belfast. They then went touring about the Island of Ireland visiting farmers markets and craft fairs and with the very generous help of their friends hit the music festival scene with their Tea & Toast set up.
In 2005, Oscar and his business partner Annie set up a stand at a small Farmer’s Market in Belfast. They then went touring about the Island of Ireland visiting farmers markets and craft fairs and with the very generous help of their friends hit the music festival scene with their Tea & Toast set up.
Bridgene Keely & Eddie McKeever, Directors of McKeever Hotels.
McKeever Hotel Group is a family run business based in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The group was founded by Bridgene and Eddies parents, Eugene & Catherine McKeever, who are both Managing Directors of the group.
Wiliam Getty, Founder of Blue Cedar
In 2019 William opened Blue Cedar a fabulous garden centre.
Blue cedar is a stylist and quirky garden centre . It also features a farm and a coffee shop. Visitors can enjoy quality coffee , brunch/ lunch and they are able to pick up expert knowledge on plants, shrubs and trees.
Blue cedar is a stylist and quirky garden centre . It also features a farm and a coffee shop. Visitors can enjoy quality coffee , brunch/ lunch and they are able to pick up expert knowledge on plants, shrubs and trees.
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