Other News In Brief

Resurfacing Scheme To Commence In Lisburn

A £631,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on B23 Hillhall Road, Lisburn is set to take place on Monday 22 July 2024.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "This is a substantial investment for the Lisburn area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."

A daily road closure will take place (Monday to Friday only) on the Hillhall Road between Drumbeg Road and Carsons Lane during the hours of 9.30 am and 4.30 pm from Monday 22 July 2024 until Friday 13 September 2024. An additional weekend closure to complete resurfacing works has also been programmed for Saturday 14 September 2024 and Sunday 15 September 2024.

A diversion will operate via Drumbeg Road, Ballyskeagh Road, Church Hill, Lambeg Road, Bells Lane, Queensway, Belfast Road, Seymour Street, Queens Road, Sloan Street, Saintfield Road, Largymore Drive, Hillhall Road and vice versa.

Works are expected to be substantially complete by Sunday 15 September 2024.

August Craft Month Launches

The highly anticipated August Craft Month, a celebration of Irish craft, has officially launched, featuring over 300 events hosted by talented makers from every county on the island of Ireland.

August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage, with artisans preserving ancient traditions and new talented makers adding vibrancy to the scene. Taking place across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, this event offers unique opportunities for people to engage, support makers by purchasing their products, and learn more about their work.

Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI, the annual celebration is part of an all-island summer programme, featuring a packed and growing itinerary of over 300 events. The diverse range of crafts, from ceramics to carving and glass to sewing, offers something for everyone, regardless of age or expertise.

This year has seen makers come together to form more established communities and crafting events, as August Craft Month become more established.

Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), said: "We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are thrilled to once again work with Craft NI on the August Craft Month programme of events for 2024 taking part across the whole island of Ireland.

"This is the third year we’ve developed an all-island August Craft Month and we've seen increasing engagement from craft makers across the island, introducing new audiences to ways to take part in the crafts. We’re delighted to see over 300 events listed in the programme in 2024. It is a fantastic opportunity for people to take the plunge into the craft world, to see the amazing crafts happening in their local communities and across the country." Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI, stated: "August Craft Month is a fantastic platform to honour and acknowledge the skilled makers we have right on these shores. This year's programme has shaped up to be one of our best, with a really diverse range of craft disciplines including ceramists, textile makers, glassblowers, designer-makers and many more. It’s a great opportunity to try a craft for yourself.

"Handmade pieces are often a one-of-a-kind and make the most thoughtful and considerate gift or an excellent way to show some self-care."

Dr Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented: "The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Craft NI and August Craft Month. The month-long celebration is an annual highlight in the arts calendar offering hundred s of events, workshops and exhibitions that shine a spotlight on NI craft and showcasing the work of our talented designer makers. It is great to see Craft NI continue their collaboration with Design & Crafts Council Ireland, making this an all-island celebration

that reaches more people. Well done to all involved!"

Fuel Card Services Acquires Cubo

Cubo has announced a significant milestone in its journey with the recent acquisition by Fuel Card Services, part of DCC plc.

Conor Patton, Sales and Marketing Director at Cubo, said: "We are excited to join Fuel Card Services and contribute to its goal of becoming a leading provider of fleet management solutions. Together, we will continue to innovate and develop solutions that meet the demands of the modern fleet industry."

Jenny McQuaid, Managing Director at Fuel Card Services, added: "We are thrilled to introduce these new solutions that address critical needs when managing a fleet. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best tools to optimise their operations, ensure compliance and improve sustainability. This acquisition will help drive the overall DCC Cleaner Energy In Your Power strategy."

Fuel Card Services, one of the largest fuel card providers in the UK, has sold over 800 million litres of fuel to more than 50,000 customers, generating sales exceeding £1 billion in FY24.

While traditionally focused on fuel cards, the company is committed to enhancing performance through customer feedback, digital innovation, support for electric vehicle transitions, and expansion of their fleet products and services. Fuel Card Services aims to deliver sustainable solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. With a dedicated team of over 250 colleagues across four locations (Leeds, Burnley, Halifax, and Motherwell), they are striving to lead in providing energy and mobility services to the UK's SME sector.

Cubo has said that joining Fuel Card Services is a strategic move designed to amplify its capabilities, enhance its service offerings and drive innovation in the telematics industry. Here's how:

• Expanded resources and capabilities means more robust and innovative solutions for its customers, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the market.

• Our combined strengths will allow us to have an even greater focus on customer satisfaction. Cubo's commitment to excellence remains unwavering.

• Broadened Product Portfolio: The acquisition enables the company to expand its product portfolio.

• Innovative Growth Opportunities: With the support of Fuel Card Services, Cubo can accelerate its R&D efforts, bringing innovative solutions to market faster. Cubo's shared vision for the future is centred around continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends.

• Market Expansion: This acquisition opens doors to new markets and geographic regions, allowing Cubo to serve a broader customer base. The company's goal remains to be a leader in telematics.