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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade was delighted to host Economy Minister Gordon Lyons on his visit to Newry on Wednesday, 12 January. The meeting took place at AbbeyAutoline offices on the Rathfriland Road and he was briefed on the latest developments in the business community.
Julie Gibbons, newly elected President of Newry Chamber, commented “We want to thank the Minister for engaging with us. We had a wide ranging discussion around the priorities and opportunities for organisations operating in the Greater Newry region. Despite the obvious ongoing challenges of Covid, Brexit and the resulting uncertainty, there is a great deal of optimism and ambition amongst our members.
"We highlighted that we represent an internationally focused region, with significant assets including a strategic location on the eastern economic corridor, a strong multi-sectorial business base, and successful educational providers ensuring the skills and the talent to achieve long term economic growth and stability.
"Newry’s strength is its entrepreneurial spirit which has been at the heart of business growth. Small local businesses have been developed into global businesses – FD Technologies, Norbrook Laboratories, The MJM Group, ReGen Waste, DeliLites and Statsports to name just a few. We have also seen business start ups double during the pandemic."
Speaking of her thoughts on the Belfast Region City Deal Gibbons said "There is real excitement locally following the signing of the City Deal before Christmas. This will support the regeneration of Newry and surrounding area. Projects like the Southern Relief Road, Albert Basin Park, new Civic Centre and Conference/Arts Centre will transform the city. In addition, the Narrow Water Bridge project is progressing and offers significant tourism potential by linking communities across Carlingford Lough. This public sector investment will undoubtedly attract further private sector investment"
The Chamber President added "We commended the Minister for the High Street voucher scheme that ran over the autumn period. This provided a welcome boost for many of our retail members. We highlighted our desire to see a shop local voucher programme being established in Newry.
"We did stress that the most significant issue for our members was a people and skills shortage which is impacting our growth. Firms across multiple sectors including retail, hospitality, fin tech, construction, food production and engineering have vacancies they cannot currently fill as people lack the required skills. This is something we would like to work with the Department of Economy on."
During his visit the Minister took the opportunity to update to the Chamber on the Department for the Economy’s vision for the next 10 years, called "10X Economy – a decade of innovation". The vision is to deliver a ten times (10X) better economy that benefits for all the people of Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons said: “I was delighted to come to Newry to engage with businesses from the city and the surrounding area to discuss the issues affecting the local area. It was also an opportunity showcase our vision for a 10x Economy. Our local businesses, such as those represented by the Chamber, remain the backbone of our economy and their input will be critical in achieving the ambition set out in the vision.
“The 10x Vision sets out an ambitious and bold vision for our economy to improve through a decade of innovation. The ambition reflects the scale of the challenges ahead and the opportunity we have to make a generational change in response to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as respond to the impacts of climate change and advancements in areas such as technology. The overarching aim will be to deliver an economy which is ten times more innovative, more inclusive and more sustainable for the benefit of all our people.
“I was assured to hear that our 10x vision aligns with the Chamber’s vision to make the area a premier destination for retail, tourism, investment, entrepreneurship and employment and importantly a happy, healthy place to live and work.”
The Minister also congratulated the Chamber on celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2021 and membership growth of 30% to over 240 over the last two years. This demonstrates that the business community are keen to collaborate and work with a range of stakeholders in order for the region to fulfil its potential.
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons visited the head office of MJM Group in Newry on Wednesday 12 January to learn about the company’s recovery and plans for growth in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The Minister met with MJM Group Chairman, Brian McConville CBE; Directors Naoimh and Conleth McConville; MJM Marine CEO, Gary Annett; Mivan CEO, John Cunningham; Topglass Managing Director, Mark Mitchell and MJM Renewables Development Manager, James Crawford.
Minister Lyons was interested to hear about the company’s recovery from the impact of the pandemic on the cruise industry, how MJM Group is focused on developing renewable energy sources across the group with the launch of MJM Renewables and plans for growth and recruitment in both MJM Marine and sister company Mivan.
MJM Renewables, part of the Geothermal NI consortium, is working to bring together leading organisations in the fields of research, engineering and geothermal development, a previously untapped opportunity in Northern Ireland. These projects will help to drive the shift to a zero-carbon economy and society.
MJM Group Director Naoimh McConville said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Lyons to our offices and have the opportunity to share with him how we have weathered the storm of the last two years and are continuing to grow and diversify the business in the most challenging economic conditions. It is testament to our team’s ‘can do attitude’ that we are able to build on our past successes and continue to adapt and grow, working with key partners in the industry along with continuous innovation.”
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said: “It was important for me to come to Newry to listen to local employers on the issues impacting their businesses. The cruise industry is among the hardest hit industries by the pandemic. I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet with the team from MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass and MJM Renewables to hear first-hand about the company’s recovery and plans for future growth and diversification.”
MJM Marine is a leading international specialist in cruise ship refurbishment with over 38 years’ experience. Mivan is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known fit-out businesses working in the luxury land and marine sectors across the world, Topglass is a specialist glass and glazing contractor operating across the UK and Ireland and MJM Renewables is focused on the development of renewable energy sources.
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Newry based Re-Gen Robotics has completed a new £1million Headquarters as part of its ambitious growth strategy.
In addition to high specification offices, a hi-tech engineering and robotics hub has been designed to house the company’s research and development facility with bays installed to service their growing number of robots and tankers.
Managing Director Fintan Duffy said the expansion marked the continuation of a fast-moving two years in the company, which specialises in 100% no man entry robotic tank cleaning for oil majors across the UK and Europe including Shell, Vermilion and Philips 66.
He said: “The last couple of years have been an exciting time for our business. We’ve made substantial investments across several key areas including our people, our service offering and a new 2,500 ft2 headquarters with R&D facilities, in preparation for significant international growth.”
Staffing levels at the company have doubled in the last year taking headcount to twelve, with more Design Engineers, Robot Operators and Project Managers being recruited in Spring 2022, to meet demand.
The team is working hard on several new patents that will allow them to carry out more and more diverse tasks remotely and plans are also in place to further develop existing robotic equipment, as the firm invests to serve growing European and worldwide demand.
Fresh from winning three awards at the Energy Industries Council Awards 2021 including the Innovation Award, the Sustainability Award and the Company of the Year Award and the Problem Solver Award at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Mr. Duffy said that his company’s recent expansion is by no means the last.
“Our focus is firmly on plans to realise a raft of new equipment in 2022. The company has evolved so much recently with the addition of new robots, equipment and services that have very quickly made a big impact on our market share.
“So, investing further in our incredibly talented people, our processes and facilities is the next strategic step for us,” he said.
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Newry-headquartered Bradley NI, headed by Garrett O’Hare, is developing its Belfast presence to service its growing base of commercial property clients. It's one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing commercial and residential property agencies with the Belfast office adding to its existing three branches in Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor.
The company, which recently marked 40 years in business, experienced a 25 percent increase in commercial property business - including transactions, management appointments and landlord and tenant advisory activity - last year as it marketed a wide range of properties for clients across the office, retail, industrial and investment sectors.
It has also continued to grow the residential side of its business with a 30 per cent increase in house sales in 2021.
The company recently sold what is believed to be Northern Ireland’s most expensive house of last year, a large, detached property in the south Down region which was agreed significantly in excess of its £2 million asking price.
Garrett O’Hare, Managing Director of Bradley NI, says: “We operate in three divisions; residential estate agency, commercial real estate, and surveying and professional services. The residential side of our business has been very strong for many years and continues to expand. The commercial property division is where we see the opportunity for most future growth. We are currently in the process of recruiting for our commercial division, including for an associate director and support team who will be based in Belfast. Our intention is that the team will expand steadily over the next few years,” he adds.
Bradley NI’s Belfast office is currently based in Adelaide Street, but Garett says that the company will seek bigger office premises in the city centre as its business grows. “We are also looking at opportunities to grow by acquisition on both the residential and commercial sides of the business,” he adds.
Bradley NI was founded in 1981 and was acquired by former Parker Green Group Chief Commercial & Operations Officer Garrett O’Hare in 2017 who then amalgamated a number of chartered surveying firms under the Bradley NI brand.
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Newry & Dundalk Chamber's are hosting their Annual Cross-Border Conference online this year. The event will take place on Wednesday 9 March 2022 from 9am to 1pm.
The post-brexit conference will focus on sustaining and building cross-border co-operation and trade. Both Brexit and Covid-19 have brought unprecedented change to the global trading environment. What help is available for businesses involved in North/South trade?
Over a year since the end of the Brexit transition period, this Cross-Border Conference will provide businesses with an update on the challenges, opportunities and support available.
Key government representatives, policy officials and business advisors will set out the shape of future cross-border cooperation and trade for businesses. Case studies will demonstrate how businesses, both North and South have overcome significant challenges, using the supports available to navigate the changes in trade flows and identify opportunities for growth.
InterTradeIreland will highlight the opportunities and areas of growing importance for cross-border trade; along with an overview of Brexit supports available to businesses.
Other confirmed speakers include Oliver Mangan, Chief Economist at AIB, who will provide an overview of the all-island and global economic outlook.
Book your free place at PLANND.CO.UK
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is seeking approval to run another Financial Assistance Scheme for the private bus and coach sector which has seen business disappear during the pandemic.
Minister Mallon said: “Covid-19 continues to create difficult trading conditions for many not least some of those in the private bus and coach sector.
“I have listened and examined the evidence provided by the sector and I am of the view that some businesses have demonstrated a justifiable need for further government support. It is clear that for some private bus and coach companies, their businesses have continued to suffer as a result of reduced demand for their services.
“I have written to my Executive colleagues to request the powers to make the case for a further support scheme and I intend to engage further with them in the coming days both on the rationale for the exceptional circumstances and the necessary funding for such a scheme.”
Newry and Armagh MLA, Cathal Boylan has long campaigned for the sector and has welcomed the announcement by the Minister.
Boylan said: "I welcome that action is finally being taken to provide additional support to the bus and coach sector during Covid-19. Sinn Féin has consistently called for support for private bus operators who continue to be hard hit by Covid, and have waited far too long for additional support.
"The Infrastructure Minister must ensure that bus operators are properly supported following widespread criticisms of previous schemes she brought forward."
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched its newest business support programme, set to transform how local SMEs adopt and react to continued growth and reliance on online sales and marketing.
The Introduction to Digital Marketing programme will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to better communicate with new and existing customers, while promoting their business using online and social media. Experienced mentors will explain the fundamental elements of digital marketing and demonstrate how these can be implemented effectively to grow your business.
The NMD Business Growth programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014 -2020) programme.
Councillor Cathy Mason, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council explained why those eligible for the programme should take part. She said “With the constant and steady growth of social media, online shopping and virtual meetings and events, it is not enough anymore to solely run your business offline or in-store. The last two years have only accelerated the need for businesses to adapt and be able to operate and communicate with customers online.
“This is the perfect time for SMEs to review the way they work and to enhance their skills, so any business owner that thinks they could improve their digital and social media marketing strategy should contact our business support teams and get involved. You’ll learn invaluable new skills and take away crucial advice from some of the most experienced mentors in the business.”
Participants will receive access to two two-hour workshops, covering digital marketing techniques
and the impact of social media, as well as tailored one-to-one mentoring support to help put their new theory into practice. The Programme is open to businesses based in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, employing less than 50 staff and who have not yet availed of support from NMD Business Growth.
For more information on all NMD Business programmes, including the Introduction to Digital Marketing, visit WWW.NMDBUSINESS.ORG or contact curtis@fullcircle.eu.com.
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Pronto Automation Systems Limited (“Pronto”), a specialist Automation Systems company based at Camlough, is celebrating this week following receipt of the news that it has become an accredited Siemens’ Solutions Partner.
Pronto is proud to have a long association with Siemens and is delighted to now have official certification of this.
Rory McKeever, Pronto Managing Director, said: ‘Pronto and indeed its sister company, LMP Controls, has ambitious growth plans for 2022. This includes ensuring that we continue to offer our clients robust, trustworthy systems solutions. Siemens support our commitment to quality service and security. We are therefore delighted to become an official Siemens’ Solutions Partner following an extensive process. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership which will benefit our clients.’
Park Electrical Services, Approved Partner and Value-Added Reseller for Siemens encouraged and supported the Pronto team through the process.
Jim Gillan, Director at Park Electrical Services, said: ‘We were delighted to work with Rory, Gerry and the team at Pronto to help and encourage them as they worked through the process to achieve accreditation as a Siemens’ Solutions Partner. The team at Pronto is highly experienced and is positioning itself well for future growth. We look forward to continuing to work with Pronto and congratulate the team on receiving this highly coveted accreditation.’
Gerry Mulgrew, Director at Pronto, is pictured with Jim Gillan, Park Electrical Services, with the highly coveted plaque officially certifying Pronto as a Siemens’ Solutions Partner.
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Newry based precision engineering and composite finishing company, The Exact Group, has retained its Silver Award in the prestigious Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) Operational Excellence programme for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining its high-quality performance standards within the aerospace industry.
SC21 is a continuous performance improvement programme managed by ADS, which is open to organisations within the aerospace and defence industry. The programme is designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the industry by raising the performance of its supply chain.
It was the first company in Ireland to enter the programme at Silver Award level back in 2020, deviating from the generic route of an initial Bronze Award. Since then, the company has overcome the challenges of the pandemic and continued to develop its skills and capabilities, which has ensured a culture of continuous improvement.
Speaking about the accreditation, Ronan Callan, General Manager at The Exact Group said, “Retaining the Silver Award for the second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement for The Exact Group, given the difficulties we have faced over the course of the pandemic. Despite this however, our team’s commitment and productivity never waived, and we are delighted to accept this award as recognition of their efforts.
“We remain committed to excellence, and dedicated to best practice and high-quality engineering, so this award is testament to that. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsor, Collins Aerospace for their support in helping us achieve this award.”
Managing Director of Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel, Stuart McKee, congratulated The Exact Group saying, “Well done to all at The Exact Group on maintaining the Silver Performance Standard Award. This award is well deserved, and is recognition of the company’s hard work and dedication to SC21, as well as its exceptional standards.“
Director of ADS NI, Dr Leslie Orr said, “I would like to congratulate Stephen, Ronan and all the team at The Exact Group on their recent Silver Award, which showcases the company’s commitment to supply chain excellence within the aerospace industry. It is companies like The Exact Group that help contribute to the strong industry we have established here in Northern Ireland. I wish the team every success going forward.”
The company was established in 2007 by Stephen and Marie Cromie. It has grown into one of the leading CNC and Milling companies in Northern Ireland, remaining the supplier of choice for many global businesses across a range of sectors. The company operates from its 72,000sq. ft facility in Craigmore Mill Industrial Estate.
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