Latest news with #MichaelBoyd
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Why Progressive is backing new housing in Northern Ireland
Residential Development of the Year Progressive Building Society is throwing its support behind Northern Ireland's booming housing sector by sponsoring the Residential Development of the Year category at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. As Northern Ireland's largest locally-owned building society, Progressive believes the need for new homes is more urgent than ever. Chief executive Michael Boyd said: 'Demand is still outpacing supply and that puts real pressure on people trying to buy a home.' That supply-and-demand imbalance is reflected in the latest Quarterly House Price Index, compiled by Ulster University in partnership with Progressive and the Northern Ireland Executive. In quarter two of 2025, house prices rose 1.4% compared to the previous quarter. Prices are now 2.7% higher than they were compared to the same period last year — driven by improved lending conditions and a lift in buyer activity. Despite the challenges, Michael says Progressive remains focused on helping people across the region get on the property ladder, just as it has done for over 100 years. 'Helping local people own homes is central to who we are,' he said. 'With 11 branches and 180 staff, we're part of the communities we serve.' He added: 'Our strength lies in our understanding of the local market. We connect savers and borrowers within Northern Ireland, helping to fund homes for people who live and work here.' Progressive offers a wide range of mortgage options, from first-time buyers and home movers to re-mortgaging and self-builds. It also provides renovation re-mortgages and specialist products like their affordability booster mortgage, which will take your family members' income into account when working out how much you will be able to borrow. Looking ahead, the society is focused on building closer ties with new and existing mortgage brokers to expand its reach and deliver even better service to members. Michael said the Property Awards are a chance to shine a light on those helping to shape the future of housing across Northern Ireland. 'This is the property industry's biggest event of the year,' he said. 'We're delighted to be part of it - and to be sponsoring a category that celebrates the work of those meeting one of our region's most critical needs.' With new homes still in short supply and demand showing no signs of slowing, the spotlight on homebuilding has never been more important. Progressive's sponsorship reflects not just its long-standing role in Northern Ireland's housing market; it cements its ongoing commitment to helping more people find a special place to call home.
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
St John's College welcomes new Dr's to their teaching staff
St John's College welcomes two new doctoral graduates to its academic community. The school also congratulates Reverend Dr Matthew Wright and Dr Michael Boyd on their recent doctoral achievements. The Reverend Dr Matthew Wright, from the Chaplaincy, completed a thesis titled Exegeting the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14; Luke 15:4–7) and the Good Shepherd Discourse (John 10:1–16) in Light of Insights into Caprine Husbandry Practices of First-century Judea and Galilee. His research explored Biblical Studies through the lens of the animal economy in first-century Judea and Galilee. It reveals how the Jewish Temple's sacrificial cult created a demand for large-scale sheep production, contrasting with traditional pastoral practices, and examines the interactions and tensions between these two systems. Also read: The Africa Children's Summit held at St Johns College empowers youth Dr Michael Boyd, from the English Department, completed a thesis titled Reading for the Road: Routes Through African Literatures, which analyses the role of roads and infrastructure in three seminal African novels: Ben Okri's The Famished Road (Nigeria), Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Petals of Blood (Kenya), and Alan Paton's Cry, The Beloved Country (South Africa). His study offered valuable insights into how physical infrastructure shapes political, economic, and social dynamics within these works and the countries they represent. The doctors join an esteemed group of PhD holders at the College, including Drs Nkosiphile Bhebhe, Alistair Douglas, and Nyiko Mahonisi in Physical Sciences; Drs Elise Lemmer, Grethe Nöthling, and Allan Thompson in Music; Dr Stephen Sproule, Head of Mathematics; and Dr Craig Higginson in the English Department. St John's College's head of marketing and communications, Jacqui Deeks said, 'With 10 PhDs now among our teaching community, we celebrate the depth of academic expertise at St John's College. They add to an already highly qualified and experienced teaching staff where rigorous academic inquiry, professional excellence and a passion for education inspire curiosity, critical thought and a lifelong love of learning in our students. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Country park wardens warn over barbecues as Scotland prepares for heatwave
Temperature will hit the high 20s in parts of Scotland during Saturday and Sunday. The hot, dry weather comes as the Trnsmt music festival is about to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with thousands of music fans gathering on Glasgow Green. The Met Office says the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer and cover a larger part of Scotland. 🌡️ Heat is building across the UK this week, temperatures could reach 32-33°C during the weekend 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 8, 2025 Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. In May, a discarded barbeque led to a large fire the size of two rugby pitches breaking out in the Trossachs, killing nesting birds and other wildlife. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'May's wildfire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded, disposal barbecue, is a stark reminder as to the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our national park.' She said the ranger service 'cannot be everywhere', adding: 'This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly, especially during high-risk periods. 'Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. 'Everyone has a part to play. If you care about this landscape, help us protect it.' The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged people to take simple precautions as they prepare for the heatwave, including staying hydrated and watching out for signs of heatstroke. The Trnsmt festival begins in Glasgow on Friday (Michael Boyd/PA) Policy director Steve Cole said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk – it's a growing public health risk. 'We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.' Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said earlier: 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. 'This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer, and affect areas further north and west. 'For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.' Meanwhile, Dr Nick Riches, public health registrar at NHS Lanarkshire, said people should look out for vulnerable neighbours who may struggle in the heat. Dr Riches said: 'People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm. 'Replenishing fluids is really important to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated in the heat. Everyone should be careful to take extra liquids (cold tap water is ideal), at regular intervals. 'It is important to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, particularly for those who are less able to control their body temperature such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.'
The Herald Scotland
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Country park wardens warn over barbecues as Scotland prepares for heatwave
The hot, dry weather comes as the Trnsmt music festival is about to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with thousands of music fans gathering on Glasgow Green. The Met Office says the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer and cover a larger part of Scotland. 🌡️ Heat is building across the UK this week, temperatures could reach 32-33°C during the weekend 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 8, 2025 Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. In May, a discarded barbeque led to a large fire the size of two rugby pitches breaking out in the Trossachs, killing nesting birds and other wildlife. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'May's wildfire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded, disposal barbecue, is a stark reminder as to the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our national park.' She said the ranger service 'cannot be everywhere', adding: 'This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly, especially during high-risk periods. 'Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. 'Everyone has a part to play. If you care about this landscape, help us protect it.' The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged people to take simple precautions as they prepare for the heatwave, including staying hydrated and watching out for signs of heatstroke. The Trnsmt festival begins in Glasgow on Friday (Michael Boyd/PA) Policy director Steve Cole said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk – it's a growing public health risk. 'We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.' Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said earlier: 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. 'This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer, and affect areas further north and west. 'For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.' Meanwhile, Dr Nick Riches, public health registrar at NHS Lanarkshire, said people should look out for vulnerable neighbours who may struggle in the heat. Dr Riches said: 'People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm. 'Replenishing fluids is really important to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated in the heat. Everyone should be careful to take extra liquids (cold tap water is ideal), at regular intervals. 'It is important to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, particularly for those who are less able to control their body temperature such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.'
Western Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Western Telegraph
Country park wardens warn over barbecues as Scotland prepares for heatwave
Temperature will hit the high 20s in parts of Scotland during Saturday and Sunday. The hot, dry weather comes as the Trnsmt music festival is about to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with thousands of music fans gathering on Glasgow Green. The Met Office says the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer and cover a larger part of Scotland. 🌡️ Heat is building across the UK this week, temperatures could reach 32-33°C during the weekend 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 8, 2025 Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. In May, a discarded barbeque led to a large fire the size of two rugby pitches breaking out in the Trossachs, killing nesting birds and other wildlife. Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'May's wildfire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded, disposal barbecue, is a stark reminder as to the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our national park.' She said the ranger service 'cannot be everywhere', adding: 'This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly, especially during high-risk periods. 'Avoid naked flames including disposable barbecues, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. 'Everyone has a part to play. If you care about this landscape, help us protect it.' The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged people to take simple precautions as they prepare for the heatwave, including staying hydrated and watching out for signs of heatstroke. The Trnsmt festival begins in Glasgow on Friday (Michael Boyd/PA) Policy director Steve Cole said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk – it's a growing public health risk. 'We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.' Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said earlier: 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. 'This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer, and affect areas further north and west. 'For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.' Meanwhile, Dr Nick Riches, public health registrar at NHS Lanarkshire, said people should look out for vulnerable neighbours who may struggle in the heat. Dr Riches said: 'People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 12 noon and 3pm. 'Replenishing fluids is really important to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated in the heat. Everyone should be careful to take extra liquids (cold tap water is ideal), at regular intervals. 'It is important to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, particularly for those who are less able to control their body temperature such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.'
