From navigating commercial decisions to understanding the needs of local communities, our board brings together experience that reflects the different aspects of supporting enterprise.
In the second article of our Meet Our Board series, we’re pleased to introduce continuing Director Duncan Graham and welcome new Director George Dorrian.
Duncan Graham: Helping businesses navigate important decisions
We’re delighted that Duncan is continuing on the East Belfast Enterprise board, bringing his financial expertise and passion for the growth of East Belfast.
A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Duncan is Tax Partner with Johnston Kennedy DFK, where he is responsible for the firm’s corporate and personal taxation services.
His work involves advising businesses through some of their most significant decisions, including company restructuring, management buyouts, acquisitions, disposals and succession planning. This gives him a broad understanding of the practical and financial considerations that come with running and growing a business.
Duncan also has specialist experience in Enterprise Investment Schemes, research and development tax credits, share options and other incentive schemes, capital allowances and Patent Box claims. Other accountancy firms regularly call on him when their clients need specialist advice.
Alongside his commercial work, Duncan is an experienced private client adviser, specialising in inheritance tax mitigation and tax investigations. He has represented taxpayers across a wide range of HMRC enquiries.
His combination of technical knowledge, commercial experience and commitment to East Belfast remains a valuable part of our board.
George Dorrian: Bringing business and community perspectives together
George joins East Belfast Enterprise with experience spanning public affairs, local government and community regeneration.
He runs George Dorrian Public Affairs Ltd, a consultancy specialising in stakeholder engagement and community consultation. Understanding different perspectives and helping organisations engage with the people around them are central to his work.
George previously worked as an Adviser in the Northern Ireland Assembly and served on Belfast City Council between 2016 and 2023. He has also held Policy Adviser roles with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects and the Federation of Small Businesses.
His connection to East Belfast includes his role as Chairman of the Hanwood Trust, a community regeneration enterprise based in Tullycarnet.
George holds Master’s degrees in Political Communication and Business Development and Innovation, both from Ulster University.
We look forward to the contribution his experience in business engagement and community regeneration will make to our work.
Catch up on the series
Meet our new Chairman and another of our new Directors in the first article: Glyn Roberts and Kellie-Ann Hoey.
Front row, left to right: Duncan Graham, Jonathan McAlpin (Chief Executive) and Tori Shaw.
