Archive for the ‘Credit Crunch’ category

Working in Belfast

March 19th, 2009

Northern Ireland has enjoyed a real renaissance since the peace process began to blossom in the mid 1990s. Belfast in particular once synonymous with civil unrest has been tipped a top ten ‘city on the rise’ by the Lonely Plant, and most importantly is buzzing with life, excitement and creativity.

Belfast itself offers a unique balance of urban and rural, modern and ancient. Though Belfast’s very much a capital city, you’re never far from stunning scenery and fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a rich shipbuilding history provides a striking contrast with modern investments including the Victoria Square complex, home to the Norths very Open Apple Store, and the Odyssey Pavilion, home to the Mighty Belfast Giants.

For those who live or travel here, you will find that your social life’s is bright with new hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants springing up all over the city, it’s good to know that the efficient pink and white Metro bus will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go.

For those seeking employment, there is plenty of variety and choice and despite the Credit Crunch, belfast is still attracting investment and creating jobs in some sectors. at the same time, house prices have come down significantly and are not at a level that is right having gone through what was a huge surge in valuations.

Some of the top companies to consider are:

  • Tesco – 10,000+ employees
  • Bombardier – 5,000+ employees
  • Asda – 3,500 employees and growing
  • BT – 2,600 employees
  • HBOS – 2,200 employees
  • UTV Media – 900+ employees

Some of the cool up and coming IT companies include:

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Travel in Belfast

February 23rd, 2009

Belfast is both easy to get to and when there easy to get around. While there may not be a world class underground or tram network, the buses and a little patience are more than adequate to get you from A to B.
In terms of getting here, we have two airports both of which offer a shuttle bus to the city centre. The most convenient one being the City Airport which is located on developing Harbour Estate and only a short bus or tax ride into the city.

Flights to Belfast

By far the easiest way to reach Belfast from outside Northern Ireland is by air. For those of you who didn’t know it, Ireland and therefore Belfast is not connected to England, Scotland or Wales and is most definitely not physically connected to the rest of Europe.

There are many daily flights from Belfast’s two airports (Belfast City and Belfast International) to regional English airports such as Bristol, Newcastle, and Manchester, as well as to the four main London airports with worldwide connections (Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, and Luton). A cheaper option to Belfast City Airport from London Gatwick is Flybe Cheaper flights to Belfast International Airport, which is located 20-25 minutes’ drive outside the city to the west, are available from various UK and European destinations. Reliable budget carriers include Easyjet and Bmibaby. A recent move by Aer Lingus to Belfast international has also opened up the route to competition on price, helping you the consumer save a few pounds on your travel.

Travel from the airports to the city centre

There is a direct bus link from Belfast City Airport to the Europa Bus Centre, adjacent to the Europa hotel in the city centre, approximately every 20 minutes between 0600-2150. A single journey will cost £1.50 with a return costing £2.60
Approved taxis also operate from the taxi rank outside Belfast City Airport, and the cost of the journey to the city centre or to Queen’s University should be in the region of £8-10. For more details, checkout the timetable on the Translink website

From Belfast International Airport, the Airbus service leaves approximately every 10 minutes for the Europa Bus Centre, and vice versa (currently £7 single fare, or £10 return). Services run from 0545-2320. The cost of a taxi from the International Airport to the city centre – provided only by the International Airport Taxi Company – is about £25-30. For getting around in the city, or for traveling from the city centre to either Airport, a reliable taxi firm is Value Cabs (Tel: +442890 809080). For more details, checkout the timetable on the Translink website

Travel in the cityTranslink

Bus travel is the best travel option for travel around the city with an extensive network. You can also use the famous “Black Taxis” with drop-off and pick up locations dotted around the City Centre.
For more details on the Buses, Timetables and stops, visit http://www.translink.co.uk

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John Lewis comes to Belfast

February 18th, 2009

Could John Lewis the high end retail chain be in the final stretch of it’s plans to come to Belfast?

If rumours are to be believed the case to open a store in the Sprucefield Shopping Area will be put to a public forum. I can not help but feel that in times of economic pressure and high unemployment, that we should do all that we can to support inward investment and the creation of new jobs.

Bring on John Lewis and add to Belfast ever growing list of exciting retail stores (ok so Sprucefield is Lisburn)

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Valentines munch not credit crunch

February 14th, 2009

Firstly let me wish you all a very Happy Valentines be it home made cards and garden plucked flowers or going the whole hog to impress, we hope love is in the air.
Some exciting places worth a visit are listed below but be smart and book. With Belfast racing up the ranks as one of the most romantic cities in Europe we expect it to he busy despite the credit crunch.
So, why not try Mal Bar for a classy atmosphere or if the money streches, enjoy a cocktail in the impressive bar at The Merchant.
Nicks warehouse is always a good bet and aware of the strain we are all under, they are being wise about the selection of meats and in doing so they pass the savings on to you. I think they have been watching Ramsey.

So guys, grab a rose, stick on your best gear and take your beautiful partner out for a wonderful and romantic night in Belfast.

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