Brown O'Connor Communications

Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP has announced that she will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26th November. The Office for Budget Responsibility will be given the required 10 weeks’ notice to provide an independent forecast.

From Strongest to Struggling: The State of Play at Stormont writes Dr David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O'Connor... ..The summer is nearly over. MLAs and Ministers will be getting ready for a new Assembly term. Already, we are seeing signs of the political fights and debates that are set to come up between now and Christmas. How will the dispute over the Nutrient Action Programme be resolved? Will we see progress on the A5 and Casement Park? What will become of the anti-poverty strategy? Read Full Piece Here: https://lnkd.in/eB6wtq8k

Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee – New Inquiry on Economic growth in Northern Ireland: New and Emerging Sectors The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee launched a new inquiry examining strategies for supporting economic growth in Northern Ireland, with particular focus on new and emerging sectors. The UK Government identified "kickstarting economic growth" as its number one mission to boost living standards across the UK. The recently published 10-year industrial strategy identifies eight high-potential growth sectors, with advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries, defence, and technology (cybersecurity) highlighted as areas where Northern Ireland has particular strengths and opportunities. The inquiry will examine: UK Government proposed initiatives and support measures; Barriers preventing economic growth in NI; How the NI Executive's growth action plan can work alongside UK Government strategy; Ways to help businesses exploit UK-EU dual market access; and ensuring economic growth benefits all regions of Northern Ireland The Committee is seeking written submissions addressing six main areas: 1. Sectoral Opportunities 📌 Main sectors offering growth potential in NI 📌 Alignment with UK Government's eight priority growth sectors 2. Barriers to Growth 📌 Key obstacles to economic development, particularly in emerging sectors 3. Government Initiatives Assessment 📌 Evaluation of Enhanced Investment Zones, Local Growth Plans/Fund, AI Growth Zones, Defence Growth Deals, and industrial cluster support 4. Government Collaboration 📌 How UK Government and NI Executive can work together effectively Strategy alignment and skills enhancement approaches 5. Regional balance 📌 Ensuring growth benefits reach all parts of Northern Ireland 6. Market Access Opportunities 📌 Maximizing UK-EU dual market access and all-island economy benefits The submission deadline is Friday, 19 September 2025.

More than 150 young people from across Belfast, the North West, and Donegal came together at the Cricket Connects Camp, hosted by Cricket Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont. The Camp was attended by Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron, who met participants, coaches, and organisers, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the day. The Cricket Connects Camp forms part of Cricket Ireland’s ongoing commitment to growing grassroots participation and working in partnership with other sporting bodies to break down barriers and create shared opportunities for young people to engage with physical activity. Chair of Cricket Ireland, Brian MacNeice: “Cricket is one of the most welcoming sports in Ireland and we have a long, proud history of working collaboratively with other sporting bodies and community groups to encourage kids to get involved in physical activities. “As a sport, cricket is for everyone, but while today’s camp offered a chance for many local kids to try cricket for the first time, it also allowed them to experience each other’s sports in a fun and supportive setting." “Looking around us, what is obvious to me is the power of sport as a means to bring people together, promote inclusiveness and strengthen community bonds, particularly among the next generation." “What is also evident is that the Belfast community has a wonderful shared community space here at NICSSA and cricket is honoured to be a key part of this multi-sport precinct. We are committed to support plans for future improvements here, and look forward to ensuring the local community can enjoy a diverse range of sports right in the heart of the Stormont Estate." “This event was a true team effort to put together. We would like to thank Sport NI and the NI Government for their support, NICSSA for providing this fantastic venue and our sports industry partners for their enthusiasm and commitment. We also couldn’t have done it without the many cricket community volunteers, community partners and sponsors who ensured this year’s event went ahead."

🚀 AICON Belfast: Early Bird Tickets Available Online! 🎟️ Join us at AICON Belfast, where innovation meets intelligence! Don’t miss your chance to connect with AI leaders, tech pioneers, and visionaries shaping the future. Find out more 👉 https://ai-con.ai/

A Northern Ireland First: Allwyn celebrates first lucky National Lottery retailer in Northern Ireland to ‘Share the Win’. Belfast shopkeeper Steven Harrison became Northern Ireland's first winner of Allwyn's 'Share the Win' initiative, receiving £10,000 for selling a top-prize Scratchcard worth £20,000 monthly for five years at his Nisa store on Bellevue Street. Retail NI's CEO Glyn Roberts praised the scheme for supporting independent retailers during challenging times, emphasising that National Lottery revenue and commission are "even more crucial" for high street businesses serving local communities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ewrGuQ9b Retail NI Allwyn UK

We are delighted to announce the Fellowship Programme Class of 2026! 📣 With representation from five political parties and a wide range of sectors, our newest cohort continues to reflect the diversity and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s present and future. Over the next seven months, the Class of 2026 will take part in a transformative experience designed to strengthen their leadership, forge new connections, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing society today. To learn more about our newest Fellows, you can read about their leadership journey to date here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etgj5NmG   #SpiritofPossibility Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland | Camlin Group | FinTrU | Fujitsu NI | NIE Networks | Ulster Carpets | Allstate Northern Ireland | Irish American Partnership | Brown O'Connor Communications

Twenty-eight leaders from across Northern Ireland have been named as the newest cohort in the Centre for Democracy and Peace’s Fellowship Programme. Selected from a record number of applicants, this fifth cohort brings together individuals already making an impact in politics, business, the public sector, and civic society. Among them are politicians, entrepreneurs, senior civil servants, business leaders, cultural advocates, and community organisers. With representation from five political parties and a wide range of sectors, the group reflects the diversity and ambition shaping Northern Ireland’s present and future. Over the next seven months, the Class of 2026 will take part in a transformative experience designed to strengthen their leadership, forge new connections, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing society today. Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as leading employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, Allstate NI, and the Irish American Partnership. The Centre for Democracy and Peace Fellowship Programme Cohort 2025-26 are: 1. Gerard McDonald, SDLP 2. Emma Cairns, UUP 3. Lewis McVitty, UUP 4. Alderman Gareth Wilson, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, DUP 5. Cllr Micky Murray Murray, Belfast City Council, Alliance Party 6. Cllr Kathleen McGurk, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sinn Féin 7. Kyle McMullan, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks 8. Claire McBride, Fujitsu 9. Jonathan Rogan, SQC Digital 10. Corrina Grimes, MemoryTell 11. Michael Boyd OBE, MB Consulting and Coaching 12. Anna McClung, Department of Justice 13. Roisin McCreesh FCCT, Education Authority NI 14. Meadhbha Monaghan, Patient and Client Council NI 15. James Redmond, Department for Infrastructure 16. Treanor, Aoibhinn, Northern Ireland Assembly 17. Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission 18. Sean McQuade, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 19. Eilís Adamson, Public Prosecution Service NI 20. Joanna Braniff, The Rivers Trust 21. Brian Armstrong, Northern Ireland Alternatives 22. Steven Mills, NI Football League 23. Ola Sobieraj, the3million 24. Dr Matthew G. O'Neill, PhD, Institute of International & European Affairs 25. Sarah Carlisle, Queen's Orange Society 26. Lisa McGinley, The MAC Belfast 27. Gillian Hamilton, Eastside Partnership 28. Wendy Blemings, The National Gallery The Class of 2026 begin their Fellowship journey at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Wednesday 3rd September before heading to Worcester College, Oxford, the following week for the first of two programme residentials. Centre for Democracy and Peace Eva Grosman Zachary Hutchinson https://lnkd.in/etFCrjdi