by pulseprni | Apr 30, 2025 | Clients, News
Farm support charity, Rural Support announces the launch of Farming in Partnerships, a new initiative which is part of DAERA’s transformational new Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
The Farming in Partnerships programme is designed to bring together farmers who do not have a ready successor with new entrants or other farm businesses who face limited access to land and other agricultural resources.
The programme is a direct response to two growing challenges in the farming community: the increasing number of family farms without a clear succession plan, and a rising generation of eager and skilled individuals who are ready to step into the world of farming but can’t find a way in.
Farming in Partnerships provides a space for new connections to form and helps participants explore a wide range of collaborative arrangements. From farm management opportunities and shared farming agreements to new enterprise development and long-term business partnerships, the goal is to build practical and lasting relationships that benefit both parties.
Each partnership is supported by Rural Support’s team of farm business mentors, who offer guidance at every stage of the journey. This includes help with relationship building, business planning, communication, and the financial aspects of working together.
According to the team at Rural Support, the process is designed to be gradual, guided, and grounded in real-world farming experience. It recognises that handing over a farm – or stepping into one—is a deeply personal and complex decision. That’s why mentoring and tailored support are key components of the programme.
Catherine McKenna from Rural Support said, “This programme is about creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers, and for those established farmers who want to see their life’s work carried on. We know these conversations aren’t always easy, but with the right support, they can be transformative. Farming in Partnerships is about building trust, opening doors, and keeping land in use for the future.”
For those who have worked on farms but never had the opportunity to take ownership, or for those thinking about the future of their own business but unsure where to start, Farming in Partnerships offers a positive way forward.
Anyone interested in finding out more is encouraged to contact Rural Support to explore the options available and begin the conversation. Contact: farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk or 02886760040
by pulseprni | Apr 14, 2025 | Clients, News
eComm Live 2025 Unveils the Playbook for Ecommerce Success in Belfast
eComm Live, Ireland’s leading ecommerce conference, returns to Belfast on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 1 May 2025, promising two action-packed days of insight, innovation, and inspiration for retailers, agencies, founders, and software providers.
Held at The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre and surrounding venues, this year’s theme, ‘The 2025 Playbook for Success,’ sets the tone for an event focused on navigating the future of ecommerce. Attendees will explore a dynamic agenda covering the most pressing topics in the industry, including Cross-Border Growth, Social Commerce, and the launch of Amazon.ie.
With over 400 ecommerce professionals expected from across Ireland and the UK, eComm Live 2025 will offer unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
This year’s confirmed speakers include Grace Beverley, Founder, TALA, Niall Horgan, CEO & Co-Founder, Gym+Coffee, Lucie Macleod, Founder, Hair Syrup, Sarah Esler, Head of Digital Product, Brown Thomas Arnotts and Nilam Atodaria, Brand Partnerships Manager, TikTok.
Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions, delegates can look forward to a vibrant lineup of social and networking events, making it easy to connect with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners in an energetic and supportive environment.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.ecomm.live
//ENDS
by pulseprni | Mar 31, 2025 | Clients, News
One of Northern Ireland’s largest free farming awareness events, Open Farm Weekend, launches today, once again highlighting the local farm to fork journey.
Organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with Bank of Ireland back as title sponsor, this eagerly awaited initiative will see 20 working farms open their gates to school children and the public. Alongside showcasing food production, the event will also spotlight key topics such as nutrition, farming heritage, and the essential role farmers play in daily life.
Set to take place over Father’s Day weekend, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors eager to experience farm life firsthand through a packed programme of interactive and educational activities.
Speaking at the launch on Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, a farm that has been involved in the initiative since its inception in 2012, Diane McCall, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK emphasised the significance of the agri-food industry:
“A thriving and sustainable agri-food industry is vital for communities within Northern Ireland. We’re proud to once again be the title sponsor for Open Farm Weekend and to be celebrating the important contribution the agri-food sector makes to our society and economy.
“Our local farms are working hard to address some of the biggest societal challenges, from sustainability to farm safety, all while delivering the highest standards of produce. Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend gives consumers the chance to step behind the gate to get to know local farming families and see first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into every local farm fresh product.”
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend invites visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on activities and connect with the farming community. The initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by offering an authentic look at food production and farm life, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the agricultural sector.
With farms participating across a range of counties, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the realities of modern farming.
John McLenaghan, Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Chairman of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, highlighted the diversity of experiences on offer: “This year’s event features 20 farms, each showcasing different aspects of agriculture. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Northern Ireland’s rich farming heritage, gain insight into food production, and meet the hardworking farmers who dedicate 365 days a year to putting fresh, local produce on our tables.”
by pulseprni | Mar 27, 2025 | Clients, Opinion
Grainne McGarvey | Pulse PR Director
Public Relations has long been seen as the “softer” side of marketing – brand awareness, reputation management, thought leadership. But PR, when done right, delivers real business results. I recently worked with a client on a new service launch, and the outcome clearly demonstrates why PR can work, even for companies based in Northern Ireland aiming to reach global markets.
Our campaign with ARC Regulatory secured strong coverage in the business press in Northern Ireland – a great win in itself. But what happened next truly showcased the power of PR in today’s interconnected world. Thanks to strategic promotion on social media – especially LinkedIn – the coverage reached potential customers in the US, who saw the story and, crucially, it helped tip the balance and get them over the line.
PR didn’t just create buzz – it had a direct impact on sales.
But that’s not all. The PR exposure sparked enquiries from a number of potential new clients, all interested in the company’s services. Website traffic saw a huge spike, and LinkedIn engagement went through the roof. This is exactly why PR should not be underestimated. It’s not just about getting your name out there – it’s about aligning your story with your business goals and reaching the right people in the right way.
Why PR Works – And Keeps Working:
Here are a few additional reasons why PR is such a powerful tool:
- Credibility and Trust: Being featured in respected media outlets lends third-party credibility that advertising simply can’t replicate. It positions your brand as a trusted leader.
- Amplification on Social Media: In the age of LinkedIn, X and Instagram, media coverage has a second life. PR stories can be amplified across platforms, extending their reach far beyond the original audience.
- SEO and Web Traffic: Online articles and mentions can boost your SEO, driving more organic traffic to your website and increasing your visibility on search engines.
- Lead Generation: As seen with our campaign, PR can generate real leads. When potential clients see your success, they want to be part of it.
- Global Reach from Local Roots: As this case showed, you don’t need to be based in New York or London to make a global impact. PR can transcend borders, especially when leveraged through digital platforms.
- Long-Term Value: A good PR story keeps delivering value over time. Media coverage stays online, continues to be shared, and often gets referenced by others.
Final Thoughts
In an increasingly noisy marketplace, PR helps you cut through the clutter with authentic, compelling stories that resonate. It’s about more than just coverage – it’s about connection, conversion, and growth. Whether you’re targeting customers down the road or across the Atlantic, PR can work – and work wonders – for your business.
Get in touch if Pulse PR can help your business: Info@pulseprni.com
by pulseprni | Mar 27, 2025 | Clients
ARC Regulatory, a leading global specialist in research compliance for precision medicine clinical trials, has announced the launch of its new Laboratory Services division, supported by a £3 million self-funded investment in a state-of-the-art laboratory at its Belfast headquarters. This expansion alongside a recruitment campaign to double its 25 strong workforce marks a significant milestone in ARC’s commitment to providing comprehensive, end-to-end clinical trial support for implementing diagnostic tests in to precision medicine trials.
Located within Catalyst, Northern Ireland’s premier innovation hub, ARC Regulatory has built a reputation for facilitating the smooth and efficient progression of life-changing therapies through complex regulatory pathways. The newly established lab is currently staffed by a team of 7 experts from the precision medicine sector, further strengthening ARC’s capabilities in assay validation, clinical trial sample testing, and delivering clinical performance studies for complex in vitro diagnostic tests.
Seamus Kearney, the CEO and founder of ARC Regulatory, brings over two decades of experience in regulatory affairs and clinical research. Under his leadership, and with Dr Lindsey Bennie as Lab Manager, ARC has evolved into a global leader in regulatory compliance for precision medicine trials.
Seamus Kearney said, “The launch of our new Laboratory Services marks a transformative milestone in our mission to redefine regulatory support for precision medicine. By integrating cutting-edge laboratory capabilities with our existing regulatory and clinical operations expertise, we are providing clients with an unrivalled, end-to-end solution for global clinical trials. This expansion enables us to offer seamless assay validation in compliance with international regulatory standards, manage regulatory submissions and approvals for the research and deliver the in vitro diagnostic clinical study in accordance with international good clinical practice guidelines, fulfilling a significant gap in the early phases of clinical development of targeted precision therapeutics.
“We strategically chose Belfast as the location for our lab, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and the exceptional talent pool of scientists from across the UK and Ireland. Our investment not only enhances our service offering but also reinforces Belfast’s position as a hub for research excellence in precision medicine. By expanding our capabilities and growing our team, we aim to drive forward innovation in regulatory science while supporting the life sciences sector both locally and globally.”
ARC Regulatory’s investment in laboratory services underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence. With this new capability, ARC now offers First-in-Human (FiH) clinical sample testing, assay verification, and in-house regulatory compliance, ensuring streamlined, expedited trial execution supported by a team of globally renowned experts in regulatory compliance and good clinical practice.
The company, which currently employs 25 staff across the UK has ambitious plans for growth. ARC is actively recruiting an additional 25 team members this year including extending its laboratory team to support its expanding operations and is set to establish a new subsidiary sales office in Boston, further solidifying its global presence.
ARC’s impact extends beyond regulatory innovation, contributing significantly to the regional economy by positioning Belfast as a global hub for precision medicine expertise. Through job creation, industry collaborations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the company continues to drive forward innovations in clinical trial management. Its award-winning study submission and regulatory intelligence platform, ARC360, is transforming how companies manage clinical research approvals.
With a track record of supporting over 90 precision medicine trials for leading pharmaceutical and diagnostic firms, ARC has established itself as a key player in the sector. The launch of its new lab services marks another milestone in the company’s mission to accelerate the delivery of life-saving treatments to patients worldwide.
More information can be found at www.arc-regulatory.com
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