Business First December 2017 December BF Digital | Page 6

Iod Northern Ireland Launches Professional Directorate Series Odyssey Pavilion to be transformed in refurbishment elfast’s Odyssey Pavilion is to undergo a £10 million refurbishment, following the submission of a new planning application. The news comes on the back of planning permission this week for the first phase of redevelopment, which includes a new main entrance to the Odyssey Pavilion, upgrade of public realm and reconfiguration of the existing retail units. Phase two of the redevelopment will see further significant improvements to the Pavilion including improved visitor access to all levels and the greater use of the central open space. The scheme is estimated to cost £10 million and hundreds of jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase as well as many long­term jobs created in the new units. Guy Hollis from the applicant, Matagorda 2 Ltd said, “We are delighted to be able to rejuvenate the Odyssey Pavilion, bringing it back to being a key component of Belfast’s leisure and entertainment offering. Our key objective is to improve the overall visual quality and tenant offering of the Pavilion, making it a more attractive and user friendly destination.” “The scheme will help in the ongoing and successful regeneration of the Titanic Quarter and drive additional footfall to this part of the city.” Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO The Odyssey Trust Company said, “For some years , the Odyssey Pavilion has suffered from under investment in comparison to W5 and the SSE Arena. It is now very heartening to see the new owner make a strong long­term commitment to what is an extremely important asset for the people of Northern Ireland. The Odyssey Trust looks forward to this investment in the pavilion and the progression through planning to refurbishment.” B Kirsty McManus with Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at Arthur Cox and John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, he Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has launched a new Professional Directorate series aimed at raising boardroom standards at firms across the economy. The series, delivered in partnership with Arthur Cox and KPMG, provides a range of seminars aimed at executive and non­ executive directors. The workshops will be delivered by experts from the legal and business advisory firms, with subjects to include company law and risk management, among others. Events include The Effective Board series while there will also be sessions for The Competent Non­Executive, aimed at more experienced directors seeking to share their expertise and knowledge with new and growing businesses. IoD NI National Director, Kirsty McManus, said: “More than ever, senior business leaders and directors must invest time in their own professional development. “Our partnership with Arthur Cox and KPMG provides cutting­edge updates for directors to ensure they are legally compliant and embed best practice into their organisation. “The series, which is open to members and non­members, grants those in attendance access to the leading experts in their fields across a range of subjects critical to ensuring the effectiveness of company boards.” Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at T 4 www.businessfirstonline.co.uk Arthur Cox, said: “Arthur Cox has a long­ standing relationship with the IoD and we are delighted to continue that support through the Professional Directorate series. “We are passionate about the role we play in professional development, and our team is looking forward to delivering sessions that will help directors gain an invaluable insight into strategic business leadership. “We share the IoD’s commitment to improving corporate governance and initiatives such as the Professional Directorate series benefit the wider economy as well as those businesses taking part.” John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, added: “We very much welcome this opportunity to partner with the IoD in delivering this new Professional Directorate series. “The programme of events will provide directors with an invaluable set of tools to further the success, not only of their own business, but of the Northern Ireland economy as a whole. “We look forward to getting our people involved in sharing their expertise at these workshops over the coming months, and to playing our part in equipping local directors with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their business.” For more information about the series and how to book a place, visit www.iod.com/ni.