NI’s 30 under 30: Meet the young entrepreneurs blazing a trail in business

From a boutique boxing gym owner to a TV sewing star and NI’s version of Willy Wonka, this week we bring you the next generation of top talent.

Flávia Gouveia and Kurtis Reid have been profiling the 2024 Belfast Telegraph 30 Under 30; a selection of our most successful young people.

They have been picked for excelling on their own or in their work for an employer – all while pursuing their passion.

• NI’s 30 under 30

Meanwhile, Mick Boyle , the owner of Killeavy Castle, has spoken to Margaret Canning about how his fondness for his parents' homeland of south Armagh led him to buy the asset?after only a quick glimpse from a road nearby.

"It was the talk of the countryside at that stage, but I really didn’t look at it too closely before deciding to buy it."

Thanks to work led by the civil engineer, the estate now has a well-established, four-star hotel in a newly-constructed building in the grounds, with its castle restored as a venue for private events.

It was named Northern Ireland Hotel of the Year by the AA last year, but Mick says there’s much further to go.

• Meet the Australian with grand plans to transform a Co Armagh castle

Elsewhere, Flávia Gouveia has revealed the latest move from Invest NI as it dips its toe into helping companies recruit talent from overseas.

The economic development agency has launched a pre-market engagement tender to test the appetite for an “overseas talent attraction” service, Business Telegraph can reveal.

The tender, published on March 7, said the agency is considering the initiative in an effort to address “labour and skills shortages” in Northern Ireland.

• Revealed: Invest NI testing appetite for overseas recruitment scheme

Flávia has also considered how the removal, by the Chancellor, of tax reliefs for short-term holiday rents could have repercussions for NI's north coast.

• Budget tax change ‘could lead to north coast landlords having to sell up

• ICYMI: Five more of our most-read business stories in the last week

1. Popular NI hotel refused planning permission for glamping pods
2. American-style restaurant to transform former south Belfast bank building
3. Sales pass ￡400m at Northern Ireland family-owned concrete company
4. Co Tyrone restaurant taken over by former GAA star’s business
5. Coffee chain to open new Belfast cafe and bakery in ￡500k investment

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