About us

Connections at our core

Our belief is that, no matter the scale of the business, solid foundations are built on great relationships. By bringing the right people together, we create one-off opportunities.

From securing grants for startups to helping established organisations create the right networks, we’ve used this fundamental approach to support hundreds of businesses to take the next step on their journey.

What makes us different?

1

Tailored advice

Whether you need to win a tender, find the right person to fill a boardroom vacancy or set up an influential industry networking event, we can offer personalised guidance to fit your needs.

Direct access

Noel Brady is the founding partner at NB1 and the only person you’ll be working with. His personal approach is not just the core of the business, it is the business. And you’ll always be dealing directly with him.

2

Unparalleled network

We’ve built an extensive, trusted network across sectors and industries in Northern Ireland. Giving you direct access to the right people at the right time.

3

The story behind NB1

After 30 years in senior roles across both the public and private sectors, NB1 founder Noel Brady saw a clear gap in how consultancies operated. Most focused on just one area – whether that was tender writing, market entry, or business strategy – but few offered an integrated approach, joining all the dots.

At the same time, Noel was driven to build something rooted in his own experience. A consultancy that would rely solely on his personal expertise and input. His vision was, and still is, to work independently as a trusted catalyst for growth, helping businesses thrive without the need to scale beyond what he can deliver personally.

With an aptitude for nurturing great relationships and a track record in winning tenders, Noel founded NB1 Limited in 2004 with his fellow Director Barbara Brady to offer the kind of joined-up consultancy service he knew was missing. Since then, NB1 has done exactly what it set out to do. The results speak for themselves.

An active Board member

Alongside running NB1, Noel currently sits on five Boards which span the healthcare, technology, education, construction and charity sectors. Through these positions, he is constantly involved in the intricacies of board-level decision making, setting strategic direction and driving business growth.

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service

Finance Non-Executive Director