Portadown Diamond Credit Union Ltd (PDCU) was wound up on 25 April 2013 by the High Court following a petition from its directors and Alison Burnside of FPM Accountants LLP was appointed liquidator.  The directors had taken the view that PDCU was insolvent, in that its liabilities exceeded its assets.  The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which regulates Credit Unions, supported the application to wind up THE PDCU.

 

I would like to reassure the members of PDCU that their money is safe.  As PDCU was authorised by the PRA, your deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).  The FSCS aims to pay compensation claims within 7 days of declaring default, you do not need to do anything further, the FSCS will send the payment directly to you. 

 

If you had a loan with PDCU you are still under a legal obligation to repay your loan on the terms and conditions originally agreed. 

 

 

Alison Burnside

LIQUIDATOR

 

For further information Alison Burnside can be contacted on 07919894731.

FPM Chartered Accountants, with offices in Newry, Belfast, Dungannon and Dundalk will host in Newry, the UK and Ireland Managing Partners meeting of Prime Global, the third largest association of independent accounting firms in the world, comprising over 350 highly successful independent public accounting firms with a combined annual rental of more than US $2.2bn, of which FPM is a member firm of.  In respect of the UK and Ireland, there are 16 member firms in PrimeGlobal and their annual turnover exceeds £130m.

 

 

Dr Martin Naughton was the Keynote Speaker at FPM Annual Leadership Talk on Friday 8th February, held as part of the Management Leadership Network, Management Month initiative in association with the Ulster Business School, at the University of Ulster, Belfast Campus.   The Leadership Talk event attracted a full house of leading decision makers in Northern Ireland,

 

Dr Naughton, is one of Ireland’s most successful national and international entrepreneurs, who founded the family owned Glen Electric (now Glen Dimplex Group) in Newry in 1973 (with 10 employees at the height of ‘The Troubles’), and continues as President of the Group, which is Ireland’s largest privately owned manufacturing business, with a worldwide turnover in excess of €1.5bn, in excess of 10,000 employees and operates 22 manufacturing plants worldwide in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, New Zealand, USA, Canada and China.

 

It was very evident as he talked (in a rare interview), to Broadcaster Gerry Kelly, that Dr Martin Naughton is a unique individual, whose entrepreneurial drive and engineering expertise is balanced by a strong commitment to Philanthropy at home on the island of Ireland with the Arts and Education major beneficiaries and indeed Irish America, and in particular Notre Dame University where: he is a trustee.

 

During the course of fastinating conversation, Dr Naughton’s emphasis on design and innovation was very apparent, he stated: “if you don’t innovate you will evaporate”.  He highlighted the importance of staying flexible, by quoting George Bernard Shaw ‘the only golden rule, is there is no golden rule’.

 

Speaking at the event, which attracted a “full house”, FPM Accountants LLP, Managing Partner, Feargal McCormack stated, that Martin’s entrepreneurial experiences, vision and views, which were shared during a par excellence chat with Gerry Kelly, were inspirational, and his immense international credibility and integrity shone through.  He added, that he was confident that the Martin Naughton’s Leadership Talk, would provide stimulus for the creation of further significant economic and social capital growth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Don Patterson Open Juvenile Golf Competition 2012, in honour of “Dr Golf”, Don Patterson, held at Warrenpoint Golf Club on Thursday 9 August 2012 was acclaimed as a magnificent success by all involved.  The competition which was sponsored by FPM Chartered Accountants with offices in Newry, Belfast, Dungannon and Dundalk was fortunate to enjoy glorious weather and attracted over 150 competitors from across the Island of Ireland.  The quality of the golf as reflected in the results was exceptional with Thomas Mulligan from Laytown & Bettystown being chosen by Don Patterson as the overall player of the tournament.

 

The boys Under-13 competition which was played over the back 9 holes from the Mens tees was won by Thomas Mulligan, Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club with a  one under par  score of 33 strokes.  The Girls U-13 competition which was played over the back 9 holes was won for the second consecutive year by Ciara Richmond, Castlerock with a score of 40 strokes.

 

The boys Under-11 competition which was played over the first  9 holes was won by Jack Duffy, Buncrana Golf Club with a magnificent two under par gross score of 35strokes.  The girls U-11 title which was played over the back nine holes was won by Annabelle Wilson, Lurgan Golf Club with a fantastic score of 36 shots.

 

The boys Under-9 competition which was played over the opening 6 holes was won by Edward Rowe, Tandragee Golf Club on a score of 27 shots, whilst  the girls Under-9 competition which was played over 6 holes commencing on the 10^th tee was won for the second consecutive year by Kathryn Moorhead, from Tandragee Golf Club, with a score of 34 strokes.

 

The winners of the various categories in the Putting Competition were:

 

U-13    Fergal Malone  (Greenore Golf Club)

U-11    Sean Lacey  (Newlands Golf Club)

U-9      Ryan Patterson (Warrenpoint Golf Club)

 

The chipping  competition was won by Brian Staunton from Mount Juliet Golf Club.

 

The nearest the hole competition at the par 3 sixth hole was Robert Galligan from Seapoint Golf club and the nearest the pin at the tenth hole was Thomas Mulligan from Laytown and Bettystown  Golf Club. 

 

Parallel to the Golf Competitions, Junior Golf Ireland supported by golf coaches Gary Lavery, Dougie Bell, Nigel Shaw and Eoin Clerkin provided free golf coaching sessions.

 

The Presentation Ceremony was held outside with the beautiful lake and 18^th green providing the backdrop.  Mr Hugh O’Neill, Captain Warrenpoint Golf Club, Don Patterson, the Lady Captain of Warrenpoint Golf Club Mrs Alma Crilly, Mayor of Newry & Mourne John McArdle , Kathlenn (O’Hagan) Taylor Lady President of Warrenpoint Golf Club, Willie Hanna and Paddy Martin presented prizes at the competition and were fulsome in their praise of the organisation of the event,  the quality of the golf played and the sponsors of the event FPM Chartered Accountants.

 

Each competitor participating in the competition received a signed Certificate from Don Patterson.

 

Kellys Golf Centre provided generous gift vouchers to a number of local golfers, namely: Katie McKee, Lauren Hillen, Aoife McCann, Morgan O’Hare, Christopher Morgan, Ethan Patterson, David Duffin and James Kelly, who performed well in the various competitions.

 

 

 

FPM Managing Partner, Feargal McCormack, received the prestigious All Ireland Award from the Institute of Consulting Northern Ireland Region and the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (RoI) in recognition of his significant contribution to business and public life in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the past 20 years at a “Catching the Rising Tide” Business Lunch held in the Titanic Belfast Centre on Tuesday 19 June 2012. 

 

Feargal received his Award from Ms Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in the presence of Martin Rice, Chair of the Institute of Consulting Northern Ireland region, Miriam Ahern, President of the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (RoI) and the Institute of Consulting Director, Huw Hilditch-Roberts. Achievement Awards were also presented to ACC Dave Jones PSNI (Chartered Management Award) and Eugene McGoldrick (Consultant of the Year Award).

 

Speaking at the “Catching the Rising Tide” lunch Martin Rice, Northern Ireland Regional Chair of the Institute of Consulting said: “It’s during tough times like these that the roles of the business consultant and the Institute of Consulting are becoming increasingly important across the island of Ireland.  Many client organisations are struggling for survival and the support provided by business professionals across the whole range of business disciplines continues to make the difference between survival and failure!”.  Martin added: “It is important that clients have confidence in the skills and competencies of members of the Institute.  “The collective experience of our membership is already recognised and as this resource is harnessed for economic revival, the Institute has a responsibility to ensure that all members have access to the means of improving their professional skills.”

 

Congratulating the award winners, Arlene Foster said: “Success doesn't come easily in the competitive world of business and awards such as these recognise hard work and commitment to continuous improvement.

 

“The Northern Ireland Economic Strategy recognises the need to build on our existing strengths as well as exploit new opportunities in the global economy.  Sustained economic growth will only come from our businesses developing the competitive edge which differentiates them sufficiently to sell their products and services in international markets.

 

“My department and Invest Northern Ireland are committed to supporting local companies and helping them to grow in terms of overall sales, exports, innovation and employment. Invest NI’s Boosting Business programme has a range of measures on exports, R&D and skills. I would encourage all companies to access this support and explore the opportunities available.”

 

Feargal, a visiting Professor at the University of Ulster Business School is a former Board member of InterTradeIreland and a former Chairman of the International Centre for Local and Regional Development. He is currently Chairman of the Chartered Accountants Ireland NAMA Forum Committee, a member of the CBI Northern Ireland Regional Council and a Patron of Special Olympics Ireland.

 

Feargal joins a distinguished list of winners of this prestigious award, with the previous winners including:, former Irish President Mary McAleese, Senator George Mitchell, John Moloney Group Managing Director of Glanbia plc and former International Fund for Ireland Chairman Denis Rooney.

 

In his acceptance speech, Feargal McCormack stated he was humbled and honoured to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and expressed his appreciation to Minister Arlene Foster, the Institute of Consulting Northern Ireland Region and the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (RoI).  Feargal added that he would like to acknowledge the many people who have assisted him in the development of his values, visions and actions.  In particular he acknowledged his late parents, his wife Anne and family circle and his colleagues at FPM Chartered Accountants.  Feargal went on to highlight how he believed businesses on the island of Ireland could explore and “Catch the Rising Tide” going forward. 

 

Other speakers at The Institute of Consulting Awards Lunch included Liam Nellis, CEO Intertrade Ireland, who spoke on “The Internal Consultant & Cross-Border Linkages” and John Conway MD of Meteor Electrical Ltd who looked at “e-business and International Opportunities”

 

 

Denis O’Brien was the Keynote Speaker at today’s FPM 20^th Anniversary Leadership Talk, held as part of the Management Leadership Network, Management Month initiative in association with the Ulster Business School, at the University of Ulster, Belfast Campus.   

 

Mr O’Brien, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors, is a serial investor renowned for his ability to invest in difficult and often unstable developing countries.  O’Brien suggested his business model in these markets is simple – more for less, with his group typically going head-to-head with state owned companies or market leaders, and overtaking their market share within two years, by offering better networks, better service and lower prices.    

 

It was very evident as he talked to Broadcaster Gerry Kelly, that Denis O’Brien is a unique individual, whose impatient entrepreneurial drive is balanced by a deep seated belief in helping people in less fortunate situations.

 

His commitment to help people less fortunate than himself, such as Special Olympics Ireland, was illustrated throughout the Talk and is currently manifest in Haiti, where he has pledged $5m of his personal money in aid following the 2010 earthquake.  A strong sense of social conscience has resulted in O’Brien overseeing the opening of over 50 schools in Haiti since the earthquake.  Rather than retreating from the earthquake zone, he and his business interests have spent close to $250m since the event, on further business investment in the region.

 

 

 Speaking at the event, which attracted a “full house”, FPM’s Managing Partner, Feargal McCormack stated, that Denis’s entrepreneurial experiences, vision and views, which were shared during a par excellence chat with Gerry Kelly, were inspirational, and that he was confident that the Denis O’Brien Leadership Talk, would provide stimulus for the creation of further significant economic and social capital growth. 

 

Reviewing the FPM life journey, over the past 20 years, McCormack, a Visiting Professor, at the Ulster Business School,  stated that the FPM brand was associated with a desire “to serve and care”, to deliver service excellence.  He added that FPM’s motivation as trusted business advisors, was to help others to win, and therefore achieve their dreams and quality of life aspirations. 

 

Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster Business School at University of Ulster stated, “we were delighted to work with Professor Feargal McCormack and his team at FPM in organising this special event to celebrate 20 years of excellent achievement at the Company. As a Business School that is committed to developing the entrepreneurial flair, business, management and leadership skills of its students, it was an honour to welcome such an inspirational figure as Denis O’Brien to the Ulster Business School to share with us his thoughts on his approach to business.”

 

Telecoms entrepreneur Denis O’Brien will give an inspirational talk at the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus tomorrow.

 

The Irish businessman will be guest speaker at Belfast-based chartered accountants, FPM’s 20th Anniversary Leadership Lecture, hosted by broadcaster Gerry Kelly.

 

Denis O'Brien is one of Ireland's and indeed the world's leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors including international telecoms, radio, media, property, aircraft leasing, golf and other leisure interests. 

 

Feargal McCormack, Managing Partner at FPM and Visiting Professor at the Ulster Business School said: “We are greatly honoured that Denis O’Brien agreed to be guest speaker at this special anniversary event.”

 

The guest lecture, being held in association with the University’s Ulster Business School, is part of the Management Leadership Network (MLN), Management February 2012.

 

Professor Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster Business School, said: “We are delighted that our Visiting Professor, Feargal McCormack, and his team at FPM have chosen to work with the Ulster Business School in organising this special event in the firm’s history.  Denis O’Brien is someone who, time and time again, has demonstrated expert management, leadership and business acumen and he is an excellent role model for our students.”

 

Chairman of the privately owned Digicel Group, one of the fastest growing mobile telephone operators in the world, Denis O’Brien founded the company in 2001. Since then the company has extended its operations to 32 markets with over 11 million subscribers in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific regions. 

 

Denis is also founder and Chairman of the Communicorp Group, which owns and manages a portfolio of media and broadcasting related companies in Ireland and other European countries.

 

Outside of his extensive business interests, Denis chaired the 2003 Special Olympic World Games in Ireland. He serves as a Director on the US Board of Concern Worldwide and is the Chairman and Co-founder of Frontline, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders based in Dublin.

 

FPM Managing Partner, Feargal McCormack has confirmed that the forthcoming Denis O’Brien FPM 20^th Anniversary Leadership Talk scheduled to take place as part of the 2012 MLN Management Month in association with the Ulster Business School at the University of Ulster Belfast Campus, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED on Friday 3 February 2012 with registration commencing at 1015am has been fully booked for some time and that a waiting list is currently being maintained.

 

Denis O’Brien, one of Ireland’s and indeed the world’s leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors including international telecoms, radio, media, property, aircraft leasing, golf and other leisure interests will be interviewed by TV and radio personality Gerry Kelly.

 

 

There was much festive cheer at the twelfth Newry Business Christmas Charity Lunch hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade on Thursday 1 December 2011 at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. The charity lunch event was a fantastic success and a very memorable occasion. 

 

Guests, who brought along toys to be distributed locally by the Saint Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army were welcomed by Cathal Austin, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade.

 

Lunch patrons were treated to beautiful festive entertainment by the presence of international violinist Patricia Treacy. 

 

Over 650 people attended the gala lunch, together with 200 children from local schools.  The Charity Lunch raised £67,852 approximately for local children’s charities incorporating cash and toys.  As a result, total funding raised over the twelve years of the event is £808,750.

 

Prior to the commencement of the Charity Lunch, the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade organised a Santa’s Charity Fun Run in Hill Street, with almost 100 Santas’ sponsored by local businesses, running for fun and cheered on by local Personality Big O.  

 

There was a warm welcome at the event for Julia Sokele, wearing her exquisite  Princess Dress, who will represent Northern Ireland and Latvia at the Face of Europe Finals in Euro Disney from 8 –10 December 2011, The Disney Princess then assisted by Dr. Gerard O’Hare, Gemma Murphy, Orla Jackson and Declan McChesney presented three special primary school children with travel vouchers for their families to travel to Euro Disney and Nashville, USA.  The three special primary school children were:

 

Lauren Maguire – Ballyholland Primary School

Ciaran Finn Lynch – St. Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook

Ronan Duffy, St. Malachy’s Primary School & Nursery Unit, Camlough

 

Ryan Cinnamond, a child of courage, who defied the odds, received a tremendous reception at the Charity Lunch and was presented with a voucher towards a family holiday.  

 

A spokesperson for the organising committee said he was thrilled with the overwhelming success of the event which has now become the premier business social event in the region.  He added “adversity and challenging economic times, has the habit of bringing out the best in people and the Newry Charity Lunch is all about people and the Christmas Spirit of giving to others”.

 

After Dinner Speaker, Gene Fitzpatrick and a variety of local schools provided entertainment at the event.  The 12 nominated beneficiary charities of the Christmas Charity Lunch were the Newry Gateway Club, Rathore Special School and its associated Summer Scheme, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, The Children’s Ward Daisy Hill Hospital, Southern Area Hospice, the Polish Supplementary School in Newry, Friends of Children, Home-Start Newry & Mourne, The Drake Music Project, Riding for the Disabled Newry Group and the Pointer Programme.   

 

The McParland brothers John and Pat, along with manager, Deborah Ferguson and her staff at the Canal Court Hotel received much praise for their exceptional professionalism and generous support in hosting the beautiful lunch in a very efficient manner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FPM were successful in wining the “Best Customer Service Award” at the Louth Business Awards on Saturday 15 October 2011, in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, Co. Louth.