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Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
‘No scales, no mirrors': Meet the Co Antrim gym boss looking to transform corporate wellness
The new business sees the qualified personal trainer and former web designer go into major companies to advise them on how to improve employees' wellbeing and workplace experience. Despite this entrepreneurial background, the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards pitching competition earlier this month, in which Grace was a runner-up, proved intimidating. 'Having a gym, I never had to pitch before, go out and say 'here's a 60-second pitch, here's what I do'.' She decided on an immersion therapy approach, jumping straight into speaking to a room full of businesspeople from around the province. 'By the time I went up to actually do it, I wasn't all that nervous, because I had got my nerves out of the way,' Grace adds. 'I had fluffed my rehearsal, so I was like, I've got the fluff out the way, it'll be fine when I actually come to do it.' Despite not walking away with first place in the competition, Grace was able to successfully communicate Workforce Wellness' mission and purpose. And recent weeks have seen success for the new company as Workforce Wellness won Best Corporate Healthcare Programme 2025 at the all-Ireland Private Healthcare Excellence Awards on Saturday night. Grace began her journey towards running two businesses four decades ago, growing up in Ballymoney. After Ballymoney High School, she went to Coleraine Grammar for her A-levels, and then onto the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus for a degree in interactive multimedia design. This gave her a solid basis in web and graphic design, which she used to 'straight away' move into jobs in that field. For seven years, she balanced a full-time job in web and graphic design at the Coleraine Chronicle with extensive freelancing work. She would later go into a job with Christie's Direct, a pet accessory supplier. But Grace confides that she began to feel she had lost touch with a part of her life that had been very important to her. While growing up, she had a passion for sport, which was something she lost as studies and family tragedy took their toll. She says: 'All the way through school, I was the captain of the netball and hockey team. 'I won the inter-provincial Northern Ireland Tennis Championships, and I won the shot put and javelin competitions at school. So I was always really sporty. 'But when I went to uni, it kind of went out the window. And then, just before I graduated, my dad passed away very suddenly. 'From 21, all the way to when I was 30, I put on a lot of weight. Just before I turned 30, I decided I didn't really want my 30s to be like my 20s, and that was the turning point for me. 'Naturally, when you're looking to lose weight, you've got to move more. I ended up falling in love with all things fitness again and found what I had lost over my 20s.' Grace's rediscovered joy in exercise led to her losing 11 stone and studying to become a personal trainer. She was busier than ever, working full-time heading up a web design and marketing department and gaining her personal training qualification. Despite not intending to make it a business, her fitness journey and knowledge of the subject led to people asking her to coach them. 'I ended up accidentally having 14 people. It happened at a time where I was getting offered a promotion at work, and I felt I either took that promotion or I go out on my own.' Reassured by being able to fall back on web design, Grace left her day job at age 32 to open a small studio, originally at the back of her mum's house, that would become Forge Female Fitness. The gym has seen great success, winning awards including coach of the year and gym of the year, and currently has around 100 members and four staff. Grace feels that its success is owed in part to the positive message it spreads to women about health and fitness. She explains: 'With the increase in social media, there is that exploitation of women like, 'join this and lose a stone in five days'. 'It preys on women's vulnerabilities, their lack of self-value and self-worth. They go, 'oh, I need to lose weight, and then I'll feel better about myself'. 'I always say Forge should be a sanctuary to every woman that comes in. 'We don't have any mirrors, we don't have any machines. There are no scales. There are no tape measures in the studio. 'I don't care whether you're wearing Primark or Nike. Come in as you are and be yourself. Be around other women who are just being themselves. 'And everybody is there for that one goal; they just want to feel better about themselves.' Grace feels that this mission of 'holistic' and qualified help for people 'naturally' led to founding Workforce Wellness. 'I felt like I had outgrown being a coach inside my gym. I had all this knowledge and experience, and I was seeing all these different people on a daily basis, all working in different places and different areas, but with very similar issues. 'What happens at work has a big impact on home life. It kind of got me thinking over time, how can I take what I know and all this experience of a decade of coaching, how can I actually impact more people?' The company's 'no BS' approach to wellness is tailored to each firm it works with. 'Most companies will give the staff what they think they need, 'let's do a pizza party next week, and let's go for a hike next month'. 'All those things are good to a degree, but they're not really going much below the surface. 'So the first point is always going to be an audit of the staff. It's all anonymised, and from that, then we can build programs and workshops that facilitate what the employees need. That's the kick-off point. 'As well as that, companies will be looking to hire me for very specific things. There's a company I'm working for that's building a wellbeing for retirement programme.' Workforce Wellness has clients including construction firm Graham, and Grace has spoken at a variety of events including the National Construction Summit. Running businesses dedicated to other people's wellness has helped Grace's own happiness, something greatly aided by her wife Danielle, and their two dogs Khaleesi and Lizzy. They live in Ballyclare, pragmatically chosen as a halfway point between the couple's respective family homes in Ballymoney and Newtownards. Grace sees her relationship as giving her the confidence and stability to succeed in her professional life, having 'your partner at your side, 24/7, saying, you can do this'. It has led her to 'challenge the barriers I had set myself over time'. She adds: 'I pushed myself, taking a risk, two years ago to move the gym somewhere a lot bigger. I don't know that I would've done that before I'd met Danielle. 'Just having that extra level of confidence and belief, and someone behind you, knowing you've got that support, you genuinely feel like there's nothing I can't do. 'It was the same when it came to setting up Workforce Wellness. Danielle was like, it makes total sense for you. 'I think being happily married that you have a self-belief that you probably didn't have before.'
Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NI business chief pays tribute to staff after getting lifetime award: ‘Our mission is advancing human health'
Mr Armstrong oversees Almac's entire operations globally and leads the strategic direction of the business, which supports the global biopharmaceutical industry with drug development activities. His career has spanned more than four decades since he graduated as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1981. He held several technical and senior management positions within the company before being appointed to the board of directors of one of its subsidiaries as chief operating officer. Appointed CEO of Almax Group in 2002, Alan oversees the entire group's operations globally and leads the strategic direction of Almac. In 2013, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for services to the economy in Northern Ireland. The judging panel commented that they were 'delighted' to recognise Alan's lifetime of work in the accolade. They said: 'His principles are second to none and he has grown Almac to such a significant global company – but stayed true to the legacy left by founder Sir Allen McClay.' On receiving the award, Alan said it was a collective achievement, stating that it also a recognition of the company's success and growth throughout the years. 'Being nominated for this award is a tribute to Almac as a company. The company is made up of great people, who truly deserve that recognition.' He added: 'At Almac, our mission is advancing human health. It's fulfilling to be part of developing products and compounds that will ultimately help humanity. Along the way, we're creating many jobs, and I'm proud to see people getting great opportunities and developing within the organisation.' Highlights: Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025 The award-winner said his motivation lies in driving the company's growth and creating opportunities for people across the industry. He stated, 'There's a lot of construction and development happening within our organisation – new facilities, factories, and more. A lot of investment is going into developing the company for future growth. It's exciting to see the company grow and witness the entire fabric of the organisation evolve.' 'I love seeing the company grow. I love seeing people grow and develop within the industry – I love to see people employed. It's rewarding to see more people employed and creating more opportunities for others,' Alan added. The CEO offered a simple message to aspiring professionals: 'Keep your feet on the ground, work hard, and enjoy the journey as you go.'
Belfast Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Highlights: Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025
The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards celebrated it's 25th anniversary in Crowne Plaza last week. Award winners included Encirc as Outstanding Business of the year and Chairman and CEO of Almac Alan Armstrong who won the Lifetime Achievement award.
Belfast Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald hails winners at 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has congratulated the winners of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank for their achievements. It was the first time that the Sinn Fein East Derry MLA had attended and addressed the prestigious event, which was marking its 25th anniversary this year with a glittering event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in south Belfast. Ms Archibald was appointed Economy Minister in February, after serving as Finance Minister for a year in the Executive. Speaking at the awards, she said: 'It is great to be part of this celebration of the achievements of our business community. 'These achievements are all the more remarkable given the economic challenges faced over recent years. 'I congratulate all the winners and nominees for helping to showcase the ambition, innovation and resilience that our local business community demonstrates each day.' The awards were last year attended by her predecessor, Conor Murphy. There were winners announced at 19 categories at the Business Awards, with Almac Group chief executive and executive chairman Alan Armstrong OBE receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Co Fermanagh glass company Encirc was named Outstanding Business of the Year after it was earlier named as Best Large Company of the Year.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025: Chief who turned NI company into global player given lifetime achievement gong
live | Scroll down for updates and photos from tonight's Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank The first of 19 awards has been presented as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank. The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by NatWest Cushon, has been presented to Alan Armstrong, who leads one of Northern Ireland's most successful indigenous companies, Almac. Our judges said they were delighted to nominate Alan for this award, saying his principles are second to none and he has grown Almac into such a significant global company, while staying true to the legacy left by founder Alan McClay. Find out who wins the rest of our awards as we bring you live coverage from the evening: 8 minutes ago Lifetime Achievement Award Our first award of the night is the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by NatWest Cushon. This has been presented to Alan Armstrong, who leads one of Northern Ireland's most successful indigenous companies. He oversees Almac's entire operations globally and leads the strategic direction of the business, which supports the global biopharmaceutical industry with drug development activities. Alan's career has spanned more than four decades since he graduated as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1981. He held several technical and senior management positions within the company before being appointed to the board of directors of one of its subsidiaries as chief operating officer. Our judges said they were delighted to nominate Alan for this award, saying his principles are second to none and he has grown Almac into such a significant global company, while staying true to the legacy left by founder Alan McClay. 22 minutes ago Our first award of the night is coming soon The Lifetime Achievement Award is first to be presented... and we'll be revealing the winner very soon! 45 minutes ago A word from our sponsor The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards are held in partnership with Ulster Bank. Mark Crimmins, head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, has been speaking on stage. A member of the judging panel, he recently told us that getting involved is something he enjoys. He said: 'It's always a joy to do it and be able to lift the head out of day to day banking activity and focus on entrepreneurship," he added. 'I find the quality of the entrants to be excellent and it's a real privilege to be reading through their applications, to see the quality of those businesses in Northern Ireland.' Today 07:36 PM Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025 shortlists Best Large Business of the Year sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt AbbeyAutoline Encirc Irwin M&E Mackle Petfoods NI Water Progressive Building Society Woodside Logistics Group Best Medium Business of the Year sponsored by MKB Law Ardmore Group Haymarket Belfast Locate a Locum P McVey Building Systems Sumer Northern Ireland Vaughan Engineering Services Best Small Business of the Year sponsored by NFU Mutual ARC Regulatory Bennett Freehill Collins Rolston Architects Finlay Wealth Management Hybrid Mail Solutions Inclutech Nourish and Nurture PropertyPal & Propertynews RBCA Rory's Travel Club Solarfix Solmatix Renewables Technidrive Vision Fabrications Best Start-Up or Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by Gateley Farmdrive Forge Female Fitness Pharmacist Aid Share Energy Vibrotect Corporate Community Champion sponsored by Belfast City Airport Liberty IT Musgrave NI NI Water P McVey Building Systems Progressive Building Society Employer of the Year sponsored by CIPD ASCERT DisplayNote Technologies Inclutech Locate a Locum Mackle Petfoods Musgrave NI S&W Wholesale Excellence in Exporting sponsored by Belfast Harbour Relinea Sensoteq TES Power Titanic Distillers Excellence in Innovation sponsored by Sumer NI Allstate Hunter Apparel Solutions Inclutech Ionic Technologies M&M Contractors Sensoteq Excellence in Manufacturing sponsored by Invest NI Brankin Engineering Technidrive TES Power Excellence in Marketing sponsored by S3 Creative Belfast City Airport Game of Thrones Studio Tour Locate a Locum NI Football League Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership sponsored by NI Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bennett Freehill M&M Contractors Musgrave NI NI Water Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Kingsbridge AG Paving + Building Products GCD Technologies needi Survitec Family Business of the Year sponsored by AbbeyAutoline Hunter Apparel Solutions M&M Contractors P McVey Building Systems Woodside Logistics Group Outstanding Commitment to ESG sponsored by Almac Belfast Metropolitan College Encirc Telefónica Tech Vyta Retail Sector Business or Retailer of Year sponsored by Retail NI Street Life The Goldmine Jewellers Cityman Menswear Tourism & Hospitality Company of the Year sponsored by Belfast International Airport Crowne Plaza Belfast Haymarket Belfast Hillyard House Hotel Lough Erne Resort McConnell's Distillery McKeever Hotels Titanic Hotel Belfast Young Businessperson of the Year sponsored by Queen's University Belfast Dermott Austin Ellen Yates Hammy Obikoya Rory King Varshitha Manjunath Yasmin Forsythe Today 07:36 PM A word from Caoimhe Archibald The Minister for the Economy spoke to us earlier in anticipation of tonight's events. Today 07:31 PM The party has started 🍸 Belfast City Airport on Twitter / X Excited to be at tonight's #BelTelAwards as a finalist in the Excellence in Marketing category & a sponsor of the Corporate Community Champion category 👏 good luck to all the finalists! @BelTel_Business @BelTel Belfast City Airport (@BELFASTCITY_AIR) May 1, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. M & M Contractors (Europe) Ltd on Twitter / X And we begin 🥁 reflecting on 2025 - Belfast's year in focus! All things Rory, Belfast Translink Hub…and Donald trump…. Great way to start off!! #DeliveringExcellence #BelTelAwards M & M Contractors (Europe) Ltd (@MM_Contractors) May 1, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 07:24 PM 'A great n ight of celebration' Before the action kicked off, Belfast Telegraph business editor Margaret Canning noted that tonight is a time to honour local businesses and give them the recognition they deserve. Today 07:22 PM Minister for Finance Caoimhe Archibald "It takes something special to set up and run a successful business and your achievements are even more remarkable given the challenges of recent years. Through all those challenges, our businesses adapt and find a way. Our job is to support you in our success. I'm delighted to be here to celebrate your innovation, success and resilience. The categories underline the many different ways our businesses display excellence." Today 07:19 PM Happy 25th anniversary... to us! As we've probably already said, it's the 25th anniversary of these awards this evening. We're pretty proud to have shone a spotlight on so many of NI's top performers across that time span. A look back 25 years ago and we had the likes of OK Welding, AVX Limited, Digital Engineering, SERE Group and Randox among the winners. Get involved! If you are posting to social media tonight, remember to use #BelTelAwards. Today 07:08 PM 'A true celebration of our amazing talent' Belfast Telegraph business editor Margaret Canning has welcomed guests to what promises to be 'a true celebration of the amazing talent of our local companies, business people and economy'. She noted that this is her 10th year being involved in the awards - which are celebrating their 25th anniversary tonight. 'We've certainly seen a lot of change in that time – and we've been delighted to welcome businesses, from SMEs to global firms that are headquartered in NI across many different sectors and industries to these awards throughout the years,' she said. 'And this year was no different, we were thrilled to see such a wide range of businesses entering these awards with inspirational stories. 'Being shortlisted means that your business has met the very high standards set by our panel of highly esteemed judges and it is an achievement in itself to have got this far, so congratulations to all those who were shortlisted. The fact that we had almost 200 entries, and a shortlist of around 80, illustrates that getting this far is something to be proud of.' Today 07:03 PM And the first big cheer of the night goes to... ...Rory McIlroy!? As he goes through the big stories of the past 12 months, McIlroy's Masters win goes down a storm. "Was it just me or did he have us all in tears? There's something about that man from Rorywood - yes, not Holywood. We're renaming it!" Today 07:01 PM The big kick-off Our host for the evening Mark Simpson is on stage to kick proceedings off. He said: "It's the hottest week of the year and we have some of the hottest businesspeople in NI here tonight. We're going to need the aircon! We have so many good stories to celebrate, we even had to turn people away!" Today 06:34 PM It's time... Guests from across the Northern Ireland business community are now taking their seats at the Crowne Plaza Hotel as tonight's event is getting underway. Today 11:12 AM This year's shortlists Companies from a range of sectors have been shortlisted across 17 categories, from Best Emerging Business to Outstanding Company of the Year. All are eagerly waiting to find out who will take home the awards this evening. Shortlists for Belfast Telegraph Business Awards partnered with Ulster Bank The shortlist for the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank is revealed today. Today 11:11 AM What happened at last year's awards? Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2024: Major NI company named Outstanding Business of the Year Almac Group has been named Outstanding Business of the Year while Dame Rotha Johnston received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank. Today 11:09 AM Welcome to the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards Members of Northern Ireland's business community are gathering in Belfast's Crowne Plaza Hotel this evening for the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards. Now in their 25th year, the awards showcase the very best of business and innovation in Northern Ireland and the event is due to attract nearly 500 guests. Speaking ahead of the event Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber and chair of the judging panel, said the awards 'give companies across NI a chance to be recognised for their contribution to our economy and society'. 'Year on year the judging panel is blown away by the initiatives and performance of our business community and we look forward to celebrating with the finalists and winners.'
