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‘There’s something very special happening in the North West right now’

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Derry entrepreneur Jennifer Neff co-founded social prescribing start-up Elemental, now Access Elemental, in 2013. The company supports over 20 million people across the UK, Ireland and Australia, helping them access personalised support and care in their own communities, and tackling health inequalities. Jennifer, who was recently awarded the Society Award at this year’s TechUK President’s Awards, shares her story, and her advice for people considering a relocation or investment in the North West.

“Winning the TechUK President’s Award was of those pinch me moments. The competition was high, so I was under no illusion that it would be an easy win. When they called out my name in the packed conference hall in central London, full of the UK’s leading tech companies and Thought Leaders, I put my head in my hands and sat still in total disbelief as everyone cheered. I asked myself, ‘Has a non-technical co-founder just won overall tech UK President’s Award for Society?’, and the answer was ‘Hell, yes!’

It is one of my career highlights to date and is great for women in tech, tech for good and for Derry! Any chance I get to talk about Derry and how wonderful Derry is and Derry people are, I am in there. 

When I co-founded Elemental with Leeann Monk-Ӧzgül in 2013, we took the story of Derry to every city, town and village we could (even Dubai) and talked about what was so great about Derry, but also how we were tackling health inequalities here, to help others tackle the avoidable issues affecting their localities. As a result, we were invited to participate in the regeneration and improvement of other places and spaces. The Access Elemental platform was created and implemented across communities so people could get more personalised support and care to improve their health and wellbeing in their own communities.

Leeann and myself always had total belief in what we were doing and why we were doing it – I think that is part of being a Derry Girl, and the strong generations of Derry Women down the years. We surrounded ourselves with the best mentors and the best people we could find in the region, and learned from them. 

We were bought out by the UK’s largest UK-based tech company, The Access Group, in August 2021, five years after we first launched Elemental Software. There’s been lots more investment in the team and the Elemental product which has enabled us to expand into Australia and develop new products across the NHS and local Councils throughout the UK. Over 20 million people are now engaging in services such as debt advice, mental health support, physical activity and befriending support via Access Elemental. We’ve developed a unique marketplace product, Access Elemental Marketplace, that community and voluntary groups and services feature on and receive referrals via that is accessible by commissioners, clinical leads and community leaders. It’s been rolled out across cities as we speak.

I would say to everyone living/working, or considering returning to the region, to think about starting their own business. We’re a resilient, creative and caring bunch of people here in Derry and Strabane; all the right qualities for starting and growing successful businesses. There are lots of opportunities and support here from me and others. The FEED programme for example – funded by NatWest and based at The Amp, Ebrington Square – is one of many programmes available to help people spark ideas and take their ideas to the next level.

I was also asked to be the Entrepreneur in Residence, one of three experienced mentors, and the only female mentor, in the Founder Labs, an accelerator programme to support early-stage innovation businesses in Northern Ireland. We’re keen to get as much representation from the North West as possible. The next cohort of participants will be starting the programme in mid-November. 

There’s something very special happening here right now with high growth start-ups. Having received angel funding over the years for Access Elemental, I have now become an investor myself and made my first investment recently in a Derry-based start-up. It makes all the difference to the company, job creation opportunities and building the social and economic potential of the region. I would encourage other firms and individuals to invest in Derry and Strabane-based businesses.

The business landscape is changing here. It’s not just about the accountants, solicitors and insurance companies anymore. We have animation, gaming, renewable energy, creative, tech for good and clothing brands operating on an international level, all based in Derry and Strabane. There are more women, young people and ethnic minority groups taking the step into entrepreneurship than ever. 

Having lived abroad in Edinburgh, Manchester and the United Arab Emirates, I feel so fortunate to be home. I can walk to work, my kids walk to school, cold-water dip and surf within a 20-minute drive. I get to give back and mentor others coming through social entrepreneurship journeys and I can be in London, Manchester and Birmingham for meetings within 90 minutes.

And I’m able to pop into see my mum and dad for a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit; you can’t put a price on that.”

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Spotlight interview – Aoife Warren, Partner, EY Northern Ireland.

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Aoife Warren is a Partner with the global professional services firm EY. As part of EY Northern Ireland’s team, Aoife works with clients across Ireland, the UK, and globally. She is also involved in EY’s plans to establish a new North West hub, and create 1,000 new jobs across Northern Ireland in the next five years. Donegal-born Aoife graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Masters in Computer-Based Learning and lived and worked in the city for around 20 years before relocating to Derry with her family in 2021.

What can you tell us about the new EY hub in the North West?

It is really exciting that as part of our growth aspirations, we will seek to establish a regional hub in the North West to access the breadth of talent in the area.

I’m delighted to be working with Rob Heron, EY NI Managing Partner, on developing the strategy to grow our business in this region.

While EY has its roots in audit, tax, corporate finance and consulting services, over recent years it has expanded rapidly in response to growing client demand to include new offerings in areas such as technology and people advisory services, strategy, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, among others. 

It is our intention to ensure some of these new roles are based in the North West and accessible to all talent in NI.

Why was the North West chosen?

This area was chosen for growth and development as a result of the untapped talent and highly skilled workforce. We are excited to leverage the diverse skillsets here as well as support new skills development through the Assured Skills Academy Programme run by the Department for the Economy.

We also recognise the broader collective focus between government, local councils and higher education, working together to continue to grow the North West region as a place to work and live.

The recent developments in infrastructure, connectivity, and education are attractive to a global firm like EY, establishing itself in the region.

What type of roles will EY be hiring for over the next five years?

As EY expands and develops its operations in Northern Ireland, we see growth opportunities in areas such as technology, data and analytics, people and advisory and risk as well as supporting the development of our core corporate financial and consulting services.

Globally, EY operates a hybrid working model, a model we will also adopt in the North West. We are currently looking at office space to support our ambition to establish our hub as soon as possible.

What does your role involve?

I am a Consulting Partner in EY Northern Ireland, and I work with teams and clients across Ireland, the UK and globally.

I support clients who are preparing for a significant business transaction, this involves helping companies establish or improve business processes.

I am also People Lead for our Northern Ireland operation, which involves continuously reviewing how we are attracting, developing and retaining the best people for our business.

What is an average day at work like for you?

We operate a hybrid working model, so when I’m working from home – early morning is generally spent getting my six and seven-year olds ready for school!

If I am not working from home, I will generally leave early to beat the traffic and get to Belfast by 8am. Once or twice per month I will fly to London directly from Derry Airport for client meetings. The days are spent in a mix of internal strategy and operations meetings, and client facing or business development meetings. And sometimes managing to grab a coffee or lunch with someone during the day.

What I love about my role is that I have the opportunity to work on big, complex and often global, transactions but yet still live in Derry/Londonderry close to my family and friends. I feel very privileged to be able to get the best of both worlds.

Why did you decide to return to the North West?

We loved living in Belfast but my husband is a proud Derry man and I’m from Donegal, so our decision to move ‘home’ was very much driven by wanting to be nearer to family. There are a multitude of other factors including the friendly people, the close-knit community, housing, and lifestyle. We just love this part of the world – the great outdoors, parks, and the beautiful beaches of Donegal. We can finish work and go to the beach with the kids in the evening – when we get the weather!

How do you spend your time off?

I like to meet up with my friends and walk the ‘two bridges’ followed by coffee and breakfast along the quay. As a family we love to explore all the woods, beaches and parks of Derry and Donegal. I love art and dabble a little bit with painting. I try to do weekend workshops with local Derry/Donegal artist Natasha Barr. She runs them from her studio in Quigley’s Point overlooking Lough Foyle – it’s a great way to de-stress and take time-out. 

What advice would you have for someone considering a move back to the North West?

I think anyone considering it should weigh up all the factors, do their research and determine when the timing is right for them…but ultimately for us it has been a very positive move.

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Halloween Homecoming for North West Expats

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Derry’s Millennium Forum is to stage a special cultural showcase – featuring snapshots of the region’s music, literature and art – for returning expats later this month.

The event – sponsored by the new diaspora association, Futureproof Northwest, which is made up of expats from Derry, Donegal and Tyrone – will take place at the Forum on October 28.

It will include a choral recital, hosted by Maurice Kelly (Allegri) and guests; a new exhibition of paintings of Derry street-scenes from the last century, by Bridget Murray; and the launch of the late John Bryson’s definitive historical reference guide to the city, ‘Derry’s Streets: 521-2021’.

Futureproof chair Sean Downey said the diaspora group, which was inaugurated at Dublin’s Mansion House in 2019, aims to support conversations that will help the region.

Mr Downey explained: ‘We want to encourage the diaspora of the North West to connect, share ideas and experience, exchange contacts and create opportunities

‘As part of this, we plan to organise activities and events to promote networking and relationship-building and strengthen the community of Northwesterners across the islands and further afield.

‘We also hope to provide support through the network to people in the North West and the diaspora across these islands and further afield seeking to develop business, promote culture and foster educational opportunities.’

Futureproof North West has previously held events at the Mansion House and the Bank of Ireland Exhibition Centre in Dublin.

Further information on the group, is available at futureproofnorthwest.com.

To register for the event click here

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Weekend of fun planned for Derry’s historic Cathedral Quarter

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The Cathedral Quarter is preparing to welcome visitors for a weekend of entertainment and animation this September and the opportunity to enjoy a visit to its charming historic streets and shops completely traffic free.

A weekend of events is planned for the Cathedra Quarter on 4th – 5th September.

Within the area surrounding St Columb’s Cathedral a small network of streets lies tucked within the City’s famous Walls, where a cornucopia of cafes, restaurants, galleries and heritage venues ply their trade. The area has gained renown as a unique cultural quarter, popular with visitors following the heritage trail around Derry’s most celebrated landmarks, and those seeking out some of the City’s more quirky shops and galleries.On September 4th and 5th the streets of Upper Magazine St, Society Street, Place St, Pump St and Artillery St will close to traffic to offer additional space for a programme of fun animation, street performance, music and outdoor trading as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s campaign to support local businesses in the wake of Covid-19.

The Covid Revitalisation and Recovery Programme is supported by the Department for Communities, introducing a range of measures in recent months to boost trade and restore customer confidence. The plans have involved the reimagining and reconfiguring of public spaces, providing more open, customer friendly areas featuring new street furniture and covered areas. Pilot traffic free zones such as the one planned for the Cathedral Quarter will allow venues, organisations and visitors to make better use of urban spaces and will help shape plans for the streetscapes of the future.

But for now it’s all about bringing life and colour back to our town and city centres, as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Graham Warke, explains. “This pilot scheme is just one of a full programme of measures geared towards supporting our local businesses and kick starting the local economy after what has been a prolonged period of inactivity and uncertainty.”Over the summer months we have enjoyed some fantastic pop up animation which has reintroduced some fun in a safe and controlled way as we begin the cautious return to normal life. It will take time, but Council has been working closely with the local business community and listening to their needs to see how we can best channel resources to have a maximum impact on the Covid Recovery.”I’m really looking forward to this weekend of activity in the Cathedral Quarter, which is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. I hope to see lots of people taking the opportunity to visit the area, and to see for themselves all it has to offer in terms of history, architecture, culture and retail.”Business, arts organisations and venues in the area have been involved in programming for the CQ Weekend which will offer a blend of entertainment, extended opening hours, access to attractions, special offers, and outdoors trading.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “My Department introduced the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme to support our towns and city centres in their recovery. Derry City and Strabane District Council has received over £1.6 million through the programme. I hope that events such as the Cathedral Quarter Weekend will continue to encourage people back into our towns and city centres to spend time supporting our local businesses, and ultimately help to keep our town and city centres alive and prosperous. The continued partnership working between local and central government and the business community will also help local businesses continue with their recovery”.

The Cathedral Quarter weekend will run from Saturday September 4th – Sunday September 5th from 10am – 6pm daily. That weekend will also see the return of In Your Space’s Carnival of Colours to city centre streets, the Walled City Market and some Legenderry Street Food Events on London Street. More Information on all the activities can be found at summernorthwest.com.

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