John G Gordon

NOW Group supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment, training, and volunteering. As well as directly employing over 60 people and assisting nearly 1,100 participants in the last year, it also runs café and catering business across Northern Ireland.

The social enterprise has now expanded south of the border, partnering with the likes of the National Transport Authority, Bank of Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Mr Gordon headed up a Belfast law firm for over 25 years prior to his retirement and will bring significant legal, business and governance experience to the organisation.

He said: “The NOW Group in the last few years has set a new benchmark and achieved growth through a complete focus on supporting those with autism and learning difficulties into employment.

“The innovative and entrepreneurial way it generates profit which it reinvests for future growth and enhancement of its services has allowed it to expand its portfolio to be responsive to the needs of those it serves. There really is no comparison to how the NOW Group operates.

“Our expansion into the Republic of Ireland is a real statement of intent about how we want to grow those services, businesses and products right across the island of Ireland. This is a hugely exciting time for everyone at NOW and I’m really looking forward to help shape that future strategic direction.”