In summary
First month of 2025 over and a literal stormy start. Hopefully most of you have not been impacted too badly with damage, remember FSB Insurance Services are there for advice on insurance matters. With International Women’s Day coming up in March, we would like to hear from any female members who would like to feature in our member spotlight during that week. Places are limited. If you would like to participate, please email [email protected]
Featured news and events
New arrangements for parcels and freight moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Changes come into affect 31 March 2025. Businesses sending B2B parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are required to provide information to their parcel carrier, and in certain cases, may need to pay duty (which can be reclaimed in certain situations).
The UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) gives access to move goods from a business in GB to a business in NI without the need for a full declaration and without incurring duty.
In order to use these simplified processes, either they or their business customer must:
- be authorised under UKIMS
- meet the criteria for moving goods under the simplified process for Internal Market Movements
If neither the sending or receiving business is UKIMS authorised, this movement will be subject to additional requirements and ‘at risk’ duties may be calculated and charged. Businesses will need to check the specific arrangements with their fast parcel operator.
Please be aware that this does not apply for business-to-consumer or consumer-to-business parcel movements.
If businesses make B2B parcels movements, either they or their parcel recipient will need to check eligibility to apply for the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), if they haven’t already done so. Please visit GOV.UK where you can: find out how to apply for UKIMS authorisation and the requirements you will need to meet read the statutory guidance for businesses sending parcels to Northern Ireland.
Visit Communications resources to help you move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Webinar: Empower Your Organisation - Cyber Security Awareness Session for Small Organisations
Join us for on Wednesday 5 March for this engaging and practical session, designed to help small organisations understand the importance of cyber security awareness and how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
In other news
InvestNI open call on £5k Innovation Vouchers
What could a £5,000 voucher do for your business?
Innovation Vouchers allow you to access the skills and expertise of public sector knowledge providers, such as universities and colleges, in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Typical projects supported through Innovation Vouchers include:
- helping to create or improve products, services or processes
- access to specialist expertise on new materials
- tapping into research and scientific expertise
You can use vouchers to resolve a specific business issue, particularly if you don't have the expertise, technology or facilities to deal with it.
To find out what vouchers can and can't be used for, download the Innovation Vouchers FAQ document.
How to apply for Innovation Vouchers
Innovation Vouchers are available to early-stage and pre-trading entities, and established companies. Before you apply, check your eligibility on the Invest NI website.
Applications close Friday 7 February 2025.
Fully-funded access to AI adoption support
As part of the BridgeAI programme, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre are offering Innovation Vouchers worth £5,000 and £15,000 for businesses in the construction, transport, agriculture, and creative industries.
You can use these vouchers to access expert technical support in data science and artificial technology (AI), allowing you to explore the benefits of integrating AI into your operations.
BridgeAI Innovation Vouchers - £5,000
The £5,000 voucher facilitates eight to 10 days of effort from technical experts in data science and AI technologies. It can be used for activities such as:
- AI integration advice
- data review
- short feasibility studies into using data science or AI to solve a given business problem
BridgeAI Innovation Vouchers - £15,000
The £15,000 voucher facilitates between 24 and 31 days of support from technical experts in data science and artificial intelligence technologies. This voucher can be used for various purposes, including:
- feasibility studies
- proof-of-concept projects
- digital roadmap development
To pursue these opportunities, you can express your interest and apply. Applications close 27 February 2025.
Still in the news
Green for Business opportunity for ANBC SMEs
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is excited to announce the launch of the Green for Business Pilot Programme, an innovative initiative designed to support small and micro businesses in the region as they take steps toward reducing carbon emissions and managing energy costs. This fully-funded programme will help up to 150 businesses within the Borough to access essential tools and expert guidance, positioning them as leaders in sustainability.
The Green for Business Pilot Programme is a 12-month initiative designed to help small and micro businesses within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area take meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and energy costs. This fully-funded programme, in partnership with CarbonFit, offers expert guidance, cutting-edge tools, and practical strategies to help your business become more sustainable.
With increasing environmental regulations on the horizon, this is the perfect time for businesses to get ahead and proactively address their carbon footprint. Through this programme, your business will not only contribute to a greener future but also improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious economy.
More details here.
Member News: Legacy Resources Celebrates ACS Accreditation and COP 119 Certification
Legacy Resources is proud to announce two major milestones that showcase their dedication to excellence and professionalism in the security industry.
They have achieved the prestigious Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) Accreditation for Security Guarding and Key holding Services. This accomplishment reflects the hard work and commitment of their senior management, administration team, and officers on the ground. It is a testament to their unwavering focus on delivering the highest standards in security services.
In addition, they are delighted to have earned COP119 certification following a rigorous SSAIB audit. This key code of practice ensures security providers meet strict standards, and it highlights their commitment to best practices, including:
- Verifying SIA licenses
- Conducting BS7858 security screening
- Ensuring compliance with working time regulations and fair wages
- Performing right-to-work checks and managing employment status
These achievements reinforce their dedication to legal compliance, social responsibility, sustainability, and governance. By choosing Legacy Resources, contractors and clients benefit from enhanced quality, safety, and reputational assurance.
Congratulations to the entire Legacy Resources team—these accomplishments are a reflection of your hard work and passion for raising industry standards.
Member News: International Synergies Limited Founder and Chairman Peter Laybourn Honoured with OBE for Services to the Green Economy and Climate Action through Industrial Symbiosis
International Synergies Limited are delighted to announce that their Founder and Chairman, Peter Laybourn, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List. This prestigious recognition acknowledges his exceptional contributions to the Green Economy and Climate Action through the innovative approach of Industrial Symbiosis.
Peter’s pioneering work in Industrial Symbiosis has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices globally. Under his leadership, International Synergies Limited (ISL) has achieved significant milestones, including marking its 20th anniversary in 2025 and working in 50 countries. These achievements reflect the enduring impact of National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP®), which has become a benchmark for sustainable resource management and circular economy solutions.
Reflecting on this honour, Peter expressed gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey:
"The award was only made possible by great support over the years. I want to thank all ISL staff, past and present, for the remarkable job they have done, our clients in the UK and abroad for embracing Industrial Symbiosis solutions, and our UK and global partners who have collaborated on NISP® and associated projects."
Peter also acknowledged key individuals who have been integral to the development of NISP®:
"I am deeply grateful to Andy Mangan (US BCSD) for introducing me to by-product synergy in 1999, the late Jon Hobbs at BCSD-North Sea Region for giving initial activities a home, Professor Andrew Porteous and Margaret Cobbold for securing the first grant for NISP® from the ONYX Environmental Trust, and Professor Paul Ekins OBE, Chair of NISP® UK. A special thanks to my wife and ISL’s Chief Executive, Dr Rachel Lombardi, for her unwavering support."
This honour also highlights the legacy of Industrial Symbiosis, an approach that has proven to be a powerful tool for addressing global environmental challenges. Peter’s early recognition from the then-Prince of Wales, who commended NISP® for its impact on climate change, has now come full circle with this well-deserved OBE.
The entire team at International Synergies congratulates Peter on this remarkable achievement. His vision and leadership continue to inspire them and the global community as they work together toward a more sustainable future.
More about FSB NI
- Find out more about activities in Northern Ireland
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Northern Ireland is Roisin McAliskey. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBNIRegion and @FSB_NI
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Northern Ireland
- connect with me on LinkedIn: FSB Northern Ireland