Gary Mcdonald

6 days ago | irishnews.com | Gary Mcdonald

Easter falling in April led to a massive rebound in footfall for Northern Ireland retailers, new industry figures show. In the four weeks from April 6 to May 3, overall footfall in the north was 14.3% higher than the same month last year, according to data from the NI Retail Consortium and Sensormatic. Shopping centre footfall across the region was up 13.6% , while there was an even more pronounced spike in Belfast, where shopper numbers soared by 21.3%.

1 week ago | irishnews.com | Gary Mcdonald

The north’s first ever self-driving shuttle bus will official launch in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter on May 29, ushering in a new era of transportation. The nine-seater Harlander will operate in the Belfast Harbour Estate from the Titanic Quarter halt railway station through to the Catalyst innovation hub. The autonomous passenger vehicle has been undergoing rigorous testing at a facility near Nuneaton in Warwickshire since January.

1 week ago | irishnews.com | Gary Mcdonald

Belfast’s oldest tavern, which dates back to the 1700s, could soon evolve into a 36-bedroom boutique hotel. The Clover Group has submitted a planning application for the new hotel development above its existing Whites Bar complex in High Street. The proposed project would see a £2 million refurbishment of the existing vacant floors above the bars in White, transforming them into 36 bedrooms in a style which complements the iconic complex.

1 week ago | irishnews.com | Gary Mcdonald

Key business sectors in Northern Ireland - including whiskey, medical devices, advance machinery, and lamb - are set to benefit from a landmark free trade deal agreed between India and UK, with biggest bilateral agreement done since Brexit.

1 week ago | irishnews.com | Gary Mcdonald

Business leader Feargal McCormack has been described as “an exemplar of his profession” as he was recognised for his contribution to accountancy in Ireland. He was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy award at the 2025 Irish Accountancy Awards in Dublin in honour of his achievements over a career that has spanned more than 30 years. And AAB in Newry, in which Mr McCormack is a senior partner, was awarded Employer of the Year and Tax Team of the Year at the event.