Ireland-U.S. Council honour Randox founder with Business Relations Award
Ireland-U.S. Council honour Randox founder with Business Relations Award
The Ireland-U.S. Council in America have this week presented the founder of healthcare diagnostics company Randox Laboratories with an award marking significant achievement in building relations between Northern Ireland and the United States of America.
Presented to Dr Peter FitzGerald at the 56th Annual Dinner of the Ireland-U.S. Council yesterday evening, the accolade, named the Cúchulainn award, recognizes the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond to support the objectives of the Ireland-U.S. Council – to improve the business bonds and commercial connections between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States.
Joining an exclusive line-up of some of the most prominent business figures in both Ireland and the United States recognized by the Ireland-U.S. Council, including CEO of International Airlines Group William Walsh, Dr FitzGerald was presented with the prestigious award at The Metropolitan Club in New York City.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“I am most honoured to be here this evening to accept the Cúchulainn award from the Ireland-U.S. Council in recognition of the work undertaken by Randox in the United States since the early 1980s when we began to export our diagnostic healthcare products. The United States remains one of Randox’s most important markets, in which we are growing at pace thanks to the ongoing development of innovative new products in not only the healthcare sector, but also the veterinary, research, toxicology and food safety industries.”
The Ireland-U.S. Council was founded in 1962 by a group of American and Irish business leaders as a measure to build an established structure which would encourage closer economic relations, and was initially created to assist in making preparations for the first-ever State Visit of a sitting U.S. President to Ireland by President John F. Kennedy from June 26 – 29 in 1963.
David O’Sullivan, Executive Director of the Ireland–U.S. Council, added;
“Ever since the State Visit to Ireland by President John F. Kennedy, the Ireland-U.S. Council has been engaged in efforts to achieve our transatlantic mission. Dr FitzGerald of Randox Laboratories truly embodies the essence of this mission by aligning his business in Ireland closely with businesses in the US, to maximise the positive outcomes for both parties. We are delighted to present him this evening with the Cúchulainn award – for the significant contributions he has made to the development of closer economic, business and commercial ties between our two nations.”
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
We Are Randox | Environmental Manager Charles McGonagle on protecting local wildlife
As a global company with its roots firmly planted in Northern Ireland’s glorious countryside, we’re extremely proud of the beautiful scenery that surrounds our County Antrim headquarters.
With an abundance of flora, fauna and natural wildlife living on the shores of Lough Neagh – where we have our offices – we know the importance of looking after the environment. After all, at Randox HQ we are lucky enough to admire the view from our office windows every day.
That’s why we have a dedicated Environmental Management team at Randox – whose role it is to prevent pollution, reduce waste, recycle consistently, and in general, to control and reduce the risks to air, land and water.
In this month’s #WeAreRandox interview, we chat to Charles McGonagle, Randox Environmental Manager, about a typical day in his job, the importance of respecting your local environment, and what it is that makes his career so worthwhile.
Here’s Charles’ story.
We’re very lucky that at Randox we get to work in such a beautiful part of the Northern Irish countryside. Our headquarters are located just outside Crumlin, near the International Airport, and sit just on the edge of Lough Neagh, the biggest lake in UK and Ireland.
It was recently named one of the Top 100 global sustainable destinations – an initiative which aims to recognise tourism destinations that have worked hard to make a difference and take sustainability seriously. And that’s certainly what we do here at Randox.
We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, not only because of our location, but also because we owe much of our 35 years of success to the support from the local community in which Randox was raised – so we like to give back when we can.
Each year our team plant a new area of trees around Lough Neagh, to make sure the area continues to develop and flourish. In addition to its rich collection of trees, badgers, squirrels, insects and mushrooms, there are also 100,000 birds who flock to Lough Neagh during the winter, coming from places as far away as Canada, Iceland and Russia, and we’re passionate about maintaining this sort of wildlife diversity in the Lough.
Everyone at Randox has their role to play in achieving this aim – not just the Environmental team. A typical day for me would involve a site visit to a particular area of the company, to monitor its activity and environmental performance, and identify areas for improvement, so every day I’m in a different area, learning something new and interesting about the company. With such diversity in the activities and processes the environmental team are involved in, everyone across the company gets the opportunity to review and evaluate their impact on the environment.
Whether a scientist or marketer, manufacturing operative or salesperson, we all make an effort to reduce our waste where we can – for example by turning off our computers, heating and lighting when not in use, and maintaining our equipment properly so we maximise their efficiency. In our attempts to reduce our atmosphere emissions and energy use, every little helps!
Our engineering and manufacturing team, in particular, take environmental factors into consideration daily – whether the material they have chosen is environmentally friendly, if their processes are efficient and if waste material can be recycled.
And our training department has also recently moved onto a paperless data management system to reduce our impact on the environment even more.
I think that’s one of the most rewarding things about my job – seeing people get involved and engaged in ways in which we can improve our environmental friendliness. As someone who is passionate about protecting and improving the environment – I studied Environmental Management at university and then worked with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute – I feel very lucky to work in a company which places such importance on looking after the environment and reducing its carbon footprint.
Randox are constantly trying to find more ways to reduce environmental impact, contribute to the reduction of global CO2 emissions, and make sure that this area of outstanding natural beauty in County Antrim is preserved for many generations to come.
For further information on what we do at Randox to protect the local environment, please contact the Randox PR Team: phone 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
Randox Polo Tournament returns to Bushmills
Hot off the heels of its first ever Randox Health Grand National, global healthcare company Randox returned this weekend to Bushmills to again host its International Polo Tournament. Renowned polo players from across the world joined the founder of the Co Antrim-based firm, Dr Peter FitzGerald, to play in the coastal town.
Following a successful event last year, which was the first of its kind held in Northern Ireland, the 2017 Randox Polo hosted almost 450 guests, including Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mrs. Joan Christie OBE, and Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Joan Baird, who delivered the match ball of the first polo game. Former Miss Northern Ireland and fitness blogger Tiffany Brien, added a touch of glamour to the event.
On display was the company’s latest venture – the Randox Health Mobile Clinic. The unveiling of the bespoke Mercedez-Benz vehicle marks a departure from traditional models of healthcare provision, as the company’s advanced health screening programmes are now available to people anywhere in the country, using its travelling team of trained scientists and phlebotomists.
It was a victory for the Randox team in their first game of the tournament, as they went head-to-head with Scotland, but it was the Republic of Ireland team who emerged winners of the International Polo Tournament when they scored more goals than Team Randox in the final match of the day.
Randox, a recognised supporter of the arts, launched the weekend with a performance from Camerata Ireland Cameratino, an ensemble composed of acclaimed Irish flautist Eimear McGeown, and a String Trio including Violinist Sarah Sew, Violist Nathan Sherman and Celloist Gerald Peregrine, in Dundarave Estate.
The musical element continued on Saturday with a Beating of the Retreat by the Royal Irish Regimental Band, including the highly popular “Highland Cathedral,” and a unique version of “Run” by Snow Patrol.
Local Bushmills residents weren’t put off by the wet conditions, and turned out to watch both the polo tournament, and the fireworks display which rounded off the event.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, a keen horseman who played in the polo tournament, commented;
“Given that our inaugural tournament in 2016 received such positive feedback from the Bushmills community, we are delighted to have been able to once again bring the event to the beautiful North Coast and its residents, and to bring the Randox Health message to our Polo guests. By prioritising your health and wellbeing you can make the most of life’s special moments and occasions – like this great polo tournament.
“We’re very lucky that the resilient spirits of the local Bushmills community weren’t dampened by the rain, and everyone was able to enjoy a wonderful afternoon together on the beautiful north coast.”
For more information about the Randox Polo Tournament in Bushmills contact the Randox PR team: Call 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs visits Randox Antrim Show
With 111 years of events under its belt, the Antrim Agricultural Show is one of the longest running and most highly regarded of Northern Ireland’s regional agricultural shows.
Now in its 112th year, and with the backing of a new title sponsor in the form of Antrim-headquartered Randox Laboratories, the show has drawn in its largest crowd to date, with thousands of guests turning up for the Randox Antrim Show 2017, held in Shane’s Castle on Saturday 22nd July.
A special guest to this year’s event was Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, visiting the Randox Antrim Show to show his support for the local farming community. During his visit to the popular agricultural show, Mr. Gove stopped by the Randox marquee to chat to Managing Director Dr. Peter FitzGerald, and Senior Manager Mark Campbell, about the company’s patented Biochip Array Technology.
With applications in human health, animal health, and food safety, the Biochip has revolutionised the diagnostics industry because it allows multiple tests to be carried out from a single sample on a single testing platform. Of particular interest to the Secretary of State and to the guests in attendance at this year’s Randox Antrim Show, was the Mycotoxin Biochip, capable of detecting all ten of the world’s most prevalent toxins in animal feed.
Stuart Penrose, Global Marketing Manager for the Randox Biochip, commented;
“Not only does the Randox Antrim Show offer us the opportunity to support the local community in which Randox has grown and flourished over the years, but through this partnership we can also offer that very same community the very latest in diagnostic technology to keep their livestock safe, happy, and importantly, healthy. What your animal eats plays a huge role in their health so with Randox Food Diagnostics you can rest assured that what you are giving your livestock is of the highest quality.”
Also on offer in the Randox marquee at the Randox Antrim Show was a free health analysis, conducted by the Randox Health team. Guests to the tent had the opportunity to find out their true body age – determined by weight, height, blood pressure, fat distribution and muscle distribution, among other measurements taken by a member of the team from Randox Health, the world’s most comprehensive and personalised health screening programme.
Designed to determine the status of your current health, but also to map out your future health, Randox Health constantly works to keep your body healthy. Unlike any other health care, Randox Health doesn’t wait until you are sick to make you better. Hundreds of guests at the Randox Antrim Show queued up in their droves to find out more, and so can you. Simply click here.
For more information about the Randox Antrim Show, please contact Randox PR: email randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
We Are Randox | Sarah Cunningham, winner of Miss Promotional Model 2017 at the Miss Northern Ireland Awards
One of the best things about our We Are Randox series of staff stories is that we get to find out all sorts of interesting things about our colleagues. We love getting to hear about what they get up to outside of work, to find out what really makes them tick and to be able to celebrate their special talents and skills!
So you’ll not be surprised to hear that we were really excited to find out that our Finance Placement Student, Sarah Cunningham, was recently in the Miss Northern Ireland competition 2017, after having won her heat in Cookstown.
We sat down with Sarah to find out a bit more about what really goes on behind the scenes of Miss Northern Ireland, and about how the competition helped her develop her self-confidence.
Here’s Sarah’s story.
I really stumbled upon the Miss Northern Ireland competition by chance, as I was looking for a new challenge and my friend simply said “Why not give that a shot?”
I didn’t necessarily know what I was getting myself into other than that it looked quite fun and my friends were really supportive so I just wanted to give it a chance and see how it went.
So I actually entered for the first time last year, and although I’m from Ballyclare I entered a heat in Enniskillen because I was advised to enter a heat in a small area where there’s fewer applicants. Then you have more of a chance of progressing!
So I went to the heats in Enniskillen and what I was most surprised to find is that the Miss Northern Ireland pageant is so heavily focused on your personality. Every girl that enters is really glamorous, with beautiful hair, makeup and clothes, so everyone is on a level pegging in that regard. But they want more than just a girl who’s into her looks. What really sets you apart is making sure to get your personality across.
When last year’s competition ended I knew that I wasn’t ready for the excitement of the experience to be over just yet, so I chose to do it again in 2017.
In my heat in Cookstown this year the judging panel was made up of a mix of sponsors including Donnelly Group and Insanity Tan, and then when I moved up to the finals, last year’s Miss Northern Ireland was also on the judging panel.
In the final there’s 2 winners from each heat. So from Cookstown there was myself – I was Miss Cookstown – and there was also Miss Sense (a nightclub in Cookstown which sponsored the other winner and also hosted our heat). There were 12 heats in total so there were 24 girls in the final, held in the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
Between the time of the heats and the final itself there were a few promo opportunities which we got the opportunity to attend, like photo shoots and also a boot camp.
The boot camp was really intense – one day was just a really full-on session of training on what was expected of us, so from 9-5 we sat listening to and absorbing a lot of information – quite a lot of which was new to so many of us.
The final, which was in May of this year, began on a Saturday morning, even though the event wasn’t until the Monday night! We stayed in the Europa Hotel during that time and had 10-12 hours of rehearsals each day leading up to the event.
That’s what I like to get across when I’m telling people about this experience. It’s not just standing up there and looking pretty. It’s really intense and the event organisers like to use the rehearsal time to see who puts the hard work in and who really wants it the most. It’s easy to identify those who can’t really be bothered, and those who want it so much that they’re pushing on in spite of their sheer exhaustion. At the finals the event starts off with a big opening dance so much of our rehearsal time was spent learning and perfecting that routine.
On the Monday afternoon you also have an interview with 12 different judges and I can genuinely say it was the most daunting thing I have ever experienced! They really do grill you! I think I can say with confidence that this is the stage when the judges actually make their decision – even before the event itself – because it’s when they really get to know you properly and find out lots about you.
I think that’s actually a good thing because by the time the event comes around that night then you’re not really worried or stressed anymore. You know that the judges have already made their decision and the evening won’t change that, so you might as well relax and have a really fun and enjoyable night.
I suppose they might have their top three in mind and then whoever shines on the night will be their eventual winner but it certainly does lift a certain amount of the pressure knowing that the interview – the scariest part – is over.
After the dance routine there’s a number of different rounds to display different aspects of the competition. There’s a runway section for example, a fashion show and then we put on some really beautiful ballgowns.
Following that then the presenters introduce each individual to the audience based on the answers you gave during your interview earlier on in the day. This year it was Q Radio and Zoe Salmon who presented on the night of the final. When introducing me for example they would say; “This is Sarah Cunningham. She studies Business Studies and is currently on a placement with Randox Laboratories.”
After that the judges then cut down the entries to their Top 10, and each girl within the Top 10 has to fit in to a particular category. So for example they’ll choose “Miss Sport,” or “Miss Talent” or “Miss Social Media.” The talent category is optional – I think about 10 out of the 24 girls this year chose to perform a particular talent of theirs. Those 10 girls performed for the judges on the Sunday morning and the winner performed at the final on the Monday night.
I got “Miss Promotional Model.” It sounds silly but it basically means that based on my personality they saw that I would be good at going out and chatting to people so I must come across as quite persuasive. I might make a good salesperson!
Then at this stage there’s more questions for the girls who make it in to the Top 10 – focused on what you would do if you won at the Miss World finals, which are being held in China later on this year. They asked me a lot about what I would bring to China and how I would showcase Northern Ireland to the rest of the world.
It was Miss Anchor (a bar in Portstewart) who won this year’s Miss Northern Ireland – a girl called Anna Henry who has just finished graduated with an engineering degree and is currently on a gap year before she starts work.
Her new role as Miss Northern Ireland 2017 involves a lot of appearances because many of the well-known businesses organisations in Northern Ireland like having her involved in their events throughout the year. At the end of this year she will go to China for an entire month for Miss World, and when she returns, the process to find Miss Northern Ireland 2018 will begin. Anna will sit on the judging panel for the 2018 heats, which will go on for about 8 weeks.
I think I have one more go at Miss Northern Ireland in me, but I’m going to wait one or two years before I have another go. I have until I’m 24 to enter, so I think I’ll take a few years out to focus on my work and university degree.
I think beauty pageants sometimes get a bad rep for being “a bad example” for younger girls but I totally disagree with that premise. All of us who were involved in Miss Northern Ireland 2017 are now such good friends and we got on so well during the whole process. We really were like one big family and if anybody was to make a negative or demeaning comment about somebody the rest of us would stand up and put a stop to it. That’s not what we were there for – we were there to support each other and we all understood that only one person would ultimately win so we might as well enjoy it and have a good laugh together as friends.
I made life-long friendships and I really enjoyed the whole networking aspect of the event – meeting new people and making new contacts. I’ve also learnt that I really enjoy modelling and although I won’t be pursuing it full-time because I’m studying Business Studies, I think it will be a really fun hobby for me and I’ll definitely do some jobs here and there if they come up.
And the whole process has really helped me develop my self-confidence. A year ago I wouldn’t even have been able to give this interview because I was so timid and shy but the experience has really brought me out of my shell.
I was involved in a STEM challenge event with Randox a few weeks ago in which I hosted a Mathematics challenge for students from Victoria College and the Girls’ Model Belfast and I don’t think I would have been able to do it if it weren’t for Miss Northern Ireland. It’s a great experience and I truly believe it helps girls with their self-confidence. I have nothing but admiration for the whole process and I look forward to seeing who will win next year.
For more We Are Randox stories make sure to follow #WeAreRandox on our social media channels.
If you are interested in joining our global team make sure that you check out the Randox careers website to see what new opportunities we have for you.
Randox unveils returners programme to bring more talented professionals back into the workplace
Global diagnostics manufacturer Randox has launched an initiative to help bring more talented women and men back into the workforce.
Randox Returners has been developed to support professionals who have had a career break for three years or more. The six-month paid scheme gives people the chance to transition back into a working environment without the pressure of taking on a permanent role. Returners will be given the opportunity to work on real-time projects, upgrade their skills and increase their confidence.
Successful candidates will embark on a six-month programme, where they will go through a comprehensive week-long induction and be assigned a personal mentor. As well as the chance of flexible working where possible, there is also the opportunity for the position to become permanent at the end of the scheme.
Linda Magee, Global Head of HR at Randox, said:
“With a returner scheme like this, everyone benefits. In order for us to continually develop and innovate, we need to build teams with ambitious, skilled and dedicated people; and we know there are talented people outside the workforce who want to come back. STEM industries in particular lose highly skilled women, and when you consider this is then combined with an under-representation of women to begin with, it’s clear that action is needed.
“Traditional recruitment methods can be a barrier, with misinformed perceptions about career breaks. We want to challenge this, because we know people can gain new, valuable skills during time away from traditional work. We hope that by offering this programme we’ll appeal to these motivated and experienced people.
“We also want to make sure that once they’ve taken that first step, the experience of being back in work is a positive one. That’s why we’ll provide an extended induction, select a mentor and offer opportunities to improve people’s skills and boost their confidence. It matters to us that our teams succeed, because we depend on them.”
Randox Financial Accountant Michelle Bradley returned to work after a ten-year break to bring up her children.
“Coming back to work after being away for so long was really daunting: the first job I applied for was a much lesser role than ones I had done previously. What impressed me about Randox initially was that they didn’t put me in that role, because there was a role for a more experienced person coming up. When I interviewed for that a month later, I was delighted to get it.
“It was an enormous help to have a mentor, even though it wasn’t an official role then. Bob was very friendly and supportive as I learned a new accounting programme, and that meant my confidence grew quickly. When I needed help to juggle family responsibilities I found Randox understood that, and I’ve now been here over three years.”
Maureen O’Reilly, NI Chamber of Commerce Economist said:
“We are very pleased to welcome the Randox Returners initiative. It is great to see such a positive and practical initiative from the private sector and particularly one focused on encouraging more highly-skilled people back into the workforce.
“I can’t stress how critical this is for an economy like Northern Ireland. We have the highest economic inactivity rate across the UK regions – around 1 in 4 people who could work in Northern Ireland don’t, around 27% in NI compared to around 18% in the south of England.
“Businesses here are currently facing a skills shortage when recruiting for all types of positions, particularly at the senior end of the scale. A CV gap shouldn’t mean the end of the career. Employers are now having to be more flexible, and should recognise that returners can contribute significantly to society and the economy.”
For further information on the Randox Returners programme please visit www.randox.com/randox-returners
Alternatively you can contact Randox PR on 028 9442 2413 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Northern Ireland children are first in the UK to see Randox Health Grand National Trophy 2017
Last week schoolchildren in Northern Ireland were the first in the UK to get to see the 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy, when Randox Health took it on a schools tour across Northern Ireland.
A visit to Crumlin Integrated College in the town where Randox is based kicked off the tour, which marked the first time in the history of the race that the Grand National trophy has visited Northern Ireland.
The trophy made an appearance at schools in Belfast, Derry, Armagh, Omagh and Antrim, including St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, the primary school attended by Sir Anthony McCoy. The children at each school had the chance to learn more about Randox’s message of preventive health and were also offered the opportunity to take a trophy selfie!
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“We are very proud of our roots and the support of people in Northern Ireland has played a significant part in our global success. This is an opportunity to share the excitement of the build-up of the Randox Health Grand National with children here, and also importantly to help spread the message of preventive health.
“No other race is as popular as this so it is rightfully called The People’s Race. It is our commitment to improving the health of people right across the world that led to this sponsorship. We hope that as a result people will learn about a more proactive and positive way to stay healthy and enjoy the magical moments that life gives us.”
Lynda McGarry, Principal of Crumlin Integrated College, welcomed the tour and the visit to the Crumlin school, which is also hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach;
“We are absolutely thrilled that the children of each of our schools in Crumlin will be able to see the Randox Health Grand National Trophy up close and personal. Horse racing is such a popular sport in Northern Ireland and so many of our pupils watch the Grand National at home with their families. To be able to share in the excitement leading up to the race is a fantastic opportunity for them and they are all looking forward to watching the race in April and finding out who will win the trophy that visited our school.
“We’re grateful to Randox for providing our pupils with such a special experience that they will remember for a very long time, and are very proud that the company, which is just down the road from us, is partnering with the world’s greatest race, and that Dr. FitzGerald chose Crumlin Integrated College to be the first school to see this special trophy.
“We are delighted that our Head Boy Brian Savage was able to unveil the trophy at our special assembly in front of a packed hall of pupils, staff and invited guests including politicians from all of the main parties.”
The Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland cames after an announcement that for the first time ever, the title partner of the Randox Health Grand National will create a different winner’s trophy for each of the 5 years of its sponsorship, and each member of the winning team – owner, trainer, jockey groom – will receive their own version.
The Randox Health Grand National 2017 Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland was as follows:
Tuesday 21st February
Crumlin Integrated College – hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach
Oakwood Special Needs School
Victoria College Primary School
Ashfield Boys High School
Wednesday 22nd February
Antrim Grammar
St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School **(AP McCoy’s Primary School)
Dalriada Grammar School
Bushmills Primary School
North Coast Integrated College
Thursday 23rd February
Templepatrick Primary School
Loanends Primary School
Wallace High School
Thursday afternoon – Randox Health Holywood Clinic
Friday 24th February
Royal School Armagh
Omagh Academy
Strabane Academy
St Cecilia’s College
For more information about the 2017 Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Health brings Grand National trophy on a tour of schools across Northern Ireland
Schoolchildren in Northern Ireland will be the first in the UK to get to see the 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy, when the new sponsor takes it on a schools tour.
A visit to Crumlin Integrated College in the town where the global diagnostics company is based will kick off the tour, which marks the first time in the history of the race that the Grand National trophy has visited Northern Ireland.
Today marks the first day of the four-day schools tour across the country with the trophy, which was unveiled last week by Sir Anthony McCoy and Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, at the Randox Health Grand National Weights Evening Reception.
With the trophy due to make an appearance at schools in Belfast, Derry, Armagh, Omagh and Antrim, including St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, the primary school attended by Sir Anthony McCoy, children across Northern Ireland will learn more about the company’s message of preventive health and also be offered the opportunity to take a trophy selfie!
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“We are very proud of our roots and the support of people in Northern Ireland has played a significant part in our global success. This is an opportunity to share the excitement of the build-up of the Randox Health Grand National with children here, and also importantly to help spread the message of preventive health.
“No other race is as popular as this so it is rightfully called The People’s Race. It is our commitment to improving the health of people right across the world that led to this sponsorship. We hope that as a result people will learn about a more proactive and positive way to stay healthy and enjoy the magical moments that life gives us.”
Lynda McGarry, Principal of Crumlin Integrated College, welcomed the tour and the visit to the Crumlin school, which is also hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach;
“We are absolutely thrilled that the children of each of our schools in Crumlin will be able to see the Randox Health Grand National Trophy up close and personal. Horse racing is such a popular sport in Northern Ireland and so many of our pupils watch the Grand National at home with their families. To be able to share in the excitement leading up to the race is a fantastic opportunity for them and they are all looking forward to watching the race in April and finding out who will win the trophy that visited our school.
“We’re grateful to Randox for providing our pupils with such a special experience that they will remember for a very long time, and are very proud that the company, which is just down the road from us, is partnering with the world’s greatest race, and that Dr. FitzGerald chose Crumlin Integrated College to be the first school to see this special trophy.
“We are delighted that our Head Boy Brian Savage was able to unveil the trophy at our special assembly in front of a packed hall of pupils, staff and invited guests including politicians from all of the main parties.”
The Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland comes after an announcement that for the first time ever, the title partner of the Randox Health Grand National will create a different winner’s trophy for each of the 5 years of its sponsorship, and each member of the winning team – owner, trainer, jockey groom – will receive their own version.
The schedule for the Randox Health Grand National 2017 Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland is as follows:
Tuesday 21st February
0915 – 0945 Crumlin Integrated College – hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach
1130 -1200 – Oakwood Special Needs School
1215 – 1245 – Victoria College Primary School
1335 – 1405 – Ashfield Boys High School
Wednesday 22nd February
0915 – 0945 – Antrim Grammar
1010 – 1040 – St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School **(AP McCoy’s Primary School)
1220 – 1250 – Dalriada Grammar School
1315 – 1345 – Bushmills Primary School
1405 – 1435 – North Coast Integrated College
Thursday 23rd February
0915 – 0945- Templepatrick Primary School
1000 – 1030- Loanends Primary School
1105 – 1135 – Wallace High School
Thursday afternoon – Randox Health Holywood Clinic
Friday 24th February
0930 – 1000 – Royal School Armagh
1200 – 1230 – Omagh Academy
1315 – 1345 – Strabane Academy
1430 – 1500 – St Cecilia’s College
For more information about the 2017 Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
NI business leaders and MLAs take a trip to Randox China
A number of business leaders and MLAs from Northern Ireland took time to meet with members of our Randox team based in China this week.
The group visited China in a bid to develop and nurture business relationships between the two countries, during a trip organised by the Northern Ireland Assembly Business Trust.
The Trust works to forge business relationships between local businesses and parliamentarians in Northern Ireland, offering a unique opportunity for each to better understand the industry in which they operate. The Trust organises educational visits, fellowships, seminars and trips for local businesses and MLAs to encourage participation on issues of mutual interest.
David Hu and Karen Li, members of Team Randox based in China, met with the group made up of MLAs Colin McGrath, Conor Murphy, Danny Kennedy, Clare Bailey, Kellie Armstrong, and Joanne Dobson, Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Colin Neill, the head of Pubs of Ulster, and representatives from the Confucius Institute at Ulster University, an organisation which aims to develop academic, cultural, economic and social ties between Northern Ireland and China.
The group’s trip also involved a visit to the Shenyang Party Congress and Department for Commerce, and to the Irish Embassy in Beijing.
Susan Hammond, Randox China Sales Manager, commented;
“As a key market we have for the past 20 years exported to and worked across China, where Randox is a well-known and respected brand within the healthcare landscape. It is our dedication and hard work within this dynamic market, through both our HQ based team in Northern Ireland and our dedicated local team spread across China, that has enabled this. Our success so far drives us in our continued efforts in growth in this market, and our continued investment in introducing new and innovative products to the market.”
David Hu, Business Development Executive at Randox China, commented;
“It was a fantastic occasion meeting with the delegation from Northern Ireland. We work very closely with the team at Randox HQ in County Antrim, and so we relish the opportunity to engage and develop relationships with relevant representatives from Northern Ireland, whether in the political or business sphere. We’re delighted to be able to gain further insight into the relationships that exist between our two prosperous nations and look forward to nurturing these relationships in the future.”
For further information about our team in China, please contact our Randox PR Team.
E: nicola.mchugh@randox.com or amy.mcilwaine@randox.com
T: 028 9445 1016
Pictured left to right are:
Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI; Jill Xie, David Hu and Karen Li, Randox China.
Grand National sponsor Randox hosts Polo event in Bushmills, Northern Ireland
New Grand National sponsor, Randox hosted a unique event in Bushmills this weekend – an International Polo tournament with teams taking part from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.
Guests from around the world who made the journey to Northern Ireland for the Polo event were given a warm welcome – they were treated to an intimate performance from world renowned concert pianist Barry Douglas on the evening of Friday 16th September, in the recently acquired Dundarave Estate.
The Randox NI Polo was the first of its kind and over 500 guests made their way to the North Coast town to attend the inaugural event. The day kicked off with the Police Service Northern Ireland pipe band who entertained the crowds before the tournament began. Guests included Pamela Ballantine and the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mrs. Joan Christie OBE who delivered the match ball of the opening game.
It was a victory for Scotland during the first nail-biting game of the tournament, as they went head to head with the team from Northern Ireland. But it was South Africa who emerged the winners of the 2016 tournament, after beating the team from the Republic of Ireland and scoring more goals than any other team. The weekend’s events ended with a Gala Ball and dinner, followed by a breath-taking firework display which was also enjoyed by members of the Bushmills community.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, a keen horseman and horse sports enthusiast, said he is looking forward to the highly anticipated Polo event;
“We’ve been engaged on the Point-to-Point scene in Northern Ireland for many years, close to our Randox headquarters in County Antrim, but up until now have never had the opportunity to also host a Polo tournament in Northern Ireland. We’re delighted to be able to now hold the event in the beautiful scenery of the North Coast and to bring the Randox Health message to our Polo guests. By taking care of your wellbeing you can ensure that you enjoy days out in Northern Ireland – such as the Randox Polo event – to the fullest.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that Randox Health will sponsor the Grand National, in a five year deal which starts in 2017.
At the time of the sponsorship announcement earlier this year, FitzGerald commented;
“We see this partnership as a natural fit, as both organisations invest heavily in the future and we aim to use our partnership to promote a positive lifestyle and to bring enjoyment to millions of people. We care about people’s health and this is the people’s race.”
As the company expands and develops – more than 370 million people across 145 countries now receive medical diagnosis via Randox products – it seems fitting that Randox would move from the local horse sports scene to the world’s greatest race.
But the global healthcare company is remaining true to its roots, continuing to host the Point-to-Point events that have been synonymous with the company for so long. And by bringing the Polo event to Bushmills, and opening its doors to the public, Randox is saying ‘we haven’t forgotten where we come from.’
