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The Canal Court Hotel is the venue next month for Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade's first ever NI Digital Marketing Conference.
The new event will take place on Thursday 24 February 2022 (8am to 1pm) and it will include keynote speakers, case studies and an exhibition space.
The event is supported by principal sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Southern Regional College. It is open to organisations of any size from across NI, not just the Greater Newry area.
The conference will include expert speakers from specialist organisations and local employers who are winning online. The topics covered include Apprenticeship programmes, Google advertising, inbound marketing, TikTok, websites, influencer marketing, LinkedIn, social media and digital content.
Confirmed speakers include: Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement, Southern Regional College, Aedín O’Neill, Founder & Digital Advertising Director, Grow Web, Niall Parfitt, Founder, Atlanticus Digital, Niamh Donnelly, Marketing Executive, and Paul Vallely, Managing Director, Kukoon Rug, Peter Craven, Founder & Creative Director, BlueSky Video Marketing, Maeve Finnegan, Managing Director, MiTSO Marketing, Riki Neill, Founder & Client Director, RNN Communications, Jolene Kelly, Head of Services, Fetch Ireland, Deborah Loughran, Managing Director, King Communication, Declan Murtagh, Digital Marketing Consultant, Brilliant Red Digital, Gemma Murphy, Partner and Charlotte McAteer, Marketing Manager, Jack Murphy Jewellers and Darren McSharry, E-Commerce Specialist, SRC.
Tony McKeown, CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce said, “The covid 19 pandemic has accelerated the growth in online sales. Many businesses have taken advantage of this by upskilling their teams and increasing their digital offering. More and more businesses recognise that having a strong online presence is critical to their overall brand. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and SRC. Without their support we could not run this, not to be missed, conference”.
Oonagh Magennis, Vice Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said, “We are delighted to support Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade with this important initiative. As a council one of our key objectives is to support the development and growth of businesses operating in this region. Digital Marketing skills have been identified as area were there is a skills shortage, so this conference aims to address this. We offer a wide range of other business support programmes and would encourage local companies to contact the Council”.
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement, SRC commented “SRC are delighted to be sponsoring this important conference and to be working with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Mourne and Down Council to support local business. We are thrilled to see employers in the Newry area taking such a proactive approach. We work with many local firms and some of our Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications Higher Level Apprentices are already making a difference with local employers.
The NI Digital Marketing Conference takes place on Thursday 24th February 2022. To view the event programmme, speaker line up and to book your place, please visit newrychamber.com
The event is free for Newry Chamber members and £35 for non members.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce has sent an Open Letter to it's Members on the organisations current position on the Newry City Centre Regeneration Project. It follows an Open Letter from several local organisations yesterday to Newry, Mourne and Down Council.
In their letter the Chamber welcome the investment and stressed the importance of their members voices being heard. The letter mentions key concerns the business community in Newry have, including the proposed size of the Conference Centre/ Theatre, location of the Civic Centre and parking provision and the need for an update on the Albert Basin park project.
Open Letter to Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade Members:
We would like to update our members on the Chamber's current position on the Newry City Centre Regeneration Project.
Firstly, our long-stated position is that we welcome the proposed investment in our city. This has the potential to transform the economic and social environment for the citizens of our entire region. Newry may never see investment of this scale again in our lifetime.
It is important that this investment is transformational for Newry and acts as an economic catalyst, creating pride in our city as we approach the 20th Anniversary of city status.
We appreciate that investment of this scale takes time to progress through the stages of development, consultation, appraisal and planning. We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic has added further complications and delays. We believe however, we now approach a pivotal stage and it is important that the voices of Newry Chamber members are heard.
Newry Chamber actively encouraged members to take part in the Regeneration Consultation, the findings of which were published and welcomed by the Chamber in September 2021. It was extremely encouraging to see more than 600 responses from the business community out of just over 1,500.
This shows that the business community in and around our city are engaged on the issues that matter to us all. The findings of the Consultation are publicly available and can be found HERE.
As a follow up to the Consultation, Newry Chamber invited Senior Council officials to attend a meeting with Board members to discuss the findings. This took place at the Chamber's December 2021 Board Meeting. Board members expressed the view to the Council that it is important to press on with delivery of some of the proposed projects as quickly as possible and to keep the community updated throughout.
The announcement by the Finance Minister of over £16m for the Albert Basin Park was warmly welcomed by the Chamber Board and encouragement was given towards speedy progress to deliver this very popular proposed project. The view was also expressed of the need to prioritise the various projects and move forward projects that present the least amount of difficulty in terms of planning and finance.
Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council advised that a stakeholder group was being set up to discuss the findings from the Consultation and to work through any concerns or issues. The Chamber has welcomed this move.
Newry Chamber has been invited to participate in this forum and it will be doing so on behalf of all our members. We believe that all stakeholders should be given an opportunity to participate and voice their opinions on the way forward. This is in line with how other positive historical projects (e.g.) City Status and InterTradeIreland, now established in Newry, were delivered.
From the Consultation, the key concerns from the business community are:
• Proposed size of the Conference Centre/Theatre
• Location of Civic Centre and appropriate parking provision
• Timelines for the proposed traffic, transportation and car parking strategy
• Costs and timelines for each element of NCCR
• Information on the Grade A Office Fund/Budget Hotel
• Update on Albert Basin Park Project
While some of these issues have progressed since the consultation, including the welcome funding announcement for the Albert Basin Park, these are the key issues that we will bring to the table on behalf of you, our members.
We welcome and look forward to participating in this stakeholder forum. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Council and other stakeholders to address any concerns you may have.
Should you have anything further that you would like us to raise on your behalf please contact me on: tony@newrychamber.com.
We will be seeking permission to update members following each of the meetings to keep you up to date on the progress.
Tony McKeown
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
The Newry City Centre Regeneration Scheme includes a new Theatre/ Conference Centre, Albert Basin park, Civic Centre/ Council Offices, Grade A Office space and public realm work.
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Local company Resonate Testing has become the first company here to secure certification from the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), which recognises the facility as a certified testing laboratory for transport packaging.
The testing methods covered by the certification, which are now available at the Newry based business include non-simulation integrity performance tests, partial and general simulation performance tests, member performance tests, and development tests.
With the importance of protecting products from a myriad of consumer delivery mechanisms greater than ever, design tools, such as pre-shipment distribution testing, help confirm insights, and offer a valuable understanding of packaged-product performance. These testing processes enable organisations and their people to minimise product damage through distribution and optimise resource usage through effective package design.
Resonate Testing’s Quality Engineer, Ian Stewart, spoke about the certification saying, “We view the certification of our test capability by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) as further commitment to our customers, and the industries that we serve.
“Certification involves demonstrating compliance with ISTA’s constantly evolving and ever-expanding need for sophisticated testing to mimic real life use. The application and use of products starts with their ability to be shipped globally and freely, without damage or deterioration. We are delighted that our quality and attention to detail has been recognised by ISTA.”
This latest certification from ISTA showcases Resonate Testing’s commitment to providing high quality testing and certification services across all industry sectors and follows on from the company’s recent membership with the trade association for the UK composites industry, Composites UK.
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A major cross-border trade conference, jointly hosted by Newry and Dundalk Chambers and with sponsors including InterTradeIreland will focus on sustaining and building cross-border cooperation and trade.
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. Government Ministers and Senior Council Officials from both sides of the border will set out their priorities for the region.
The event is being held virtually on Wednesday 9th March 2022 from 9am to 1pm and is FREE to attend.
Speaking at the launch of the conference, Tony McKeown, CEO of Newry Chamber said “The dramatic increase in cross-border trade throughout 2021, demonstrates the strong collaboration between business in NI and RoI. For businesses interested in trading cross-border, this is a must attend conference. It is an exciting time for the Newry/ Dundalk regions particularly, as we are set to benefit from hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of investment through a number of initiatives including the Belfast Region City Deal and Peace Plus funding.”
Paddy Malone, Public Relations Officer of Dundalk Chamber said “Our objective is to demonstrate the strength of cooperation that exists within the border economy despite the challenges of Brexit. Businesses need to plan ahead. The conference programme includes a number of key specialists who will provide practical advice and support for border businesses. This region is well set to develop given the priority afforded to it from the 2040 Plan, M1 Corridor and the Shared Island initiatives of the Government.”
Margaret Hearty, CEO of InterTradeIreland said “InterTradeIreland is delighted to continue to sponsor the Newry and Dundalk Chamber’s annual cross-border conference. This year’s event which focuses on sustaining and building cross-border cooperation and trade will provide valuable insights, advice and guidance to businesses who are adjusting to the new normal in a post-Brexit and Covid climate.”
“At InterTradeIreland we’re supporting recovery and growth for businesses through our Trade and Innovation programmes. This includes our dedicated Brexit Advisory Service who continue to keep businesses informed and offer post-Brexit supports and advice.”
The conference is also supported by Louth County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth Local Enterprise Office. Other speakers include Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency, Across Borders Consulting, Meath Local Enterprise Office, DkIT and Southern Regional College.
MC for the conference will be Broadcaster & Journalist, Mark Simpson.
The conference is FREE to attend but please register in advance at WWW.NEWRYCHAMBER.COM
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The Board of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade have published a statement expressing their disappointment with this weeks Stormont upheaval prompted by the resignation of the Stormont Assembly's First Minister Paul Givan. The Board members are concerned that the decision could have serious economic consequences and have called for the return of political stability.
The Statement
The Newry Chamber Board is extremely disappointed to hear the news that Paul Givan MLA has resigned, plunging Stormont into uncertainty.
Tony McKeown CEO said “We have been consistent in our discussions with all government parties that our members, from across the Greater Newry area, want and demand political stability. This decision, ahead of signing off the three-year Draft Finance budget may have very serious economic consequences across the region. Our business community has faced incredible challenges over the last two years. Their resilience has been remarkable and inspirational. We have worked in collaboration with our members and a range of stakeholders to help overcome the many challenges. Through commitment and constant dialogue, we are now in a much better place.
As we start a new year, there is real optimism within the business community. We are hopefully coming to the end of the pandemic and despite the challenges of inflation, energy prices and labour shortages, there is so much to be positive about. The recently signed Belfast City Deal and Newry City Centre Regeneration projects will see £100’s millions in investment. Many of our members are making the Protocol work for them and whilst not perfect, we felt that through negotiations between the EU and the UK, an acceptable solution for business could be reached. Northern Ireland has an incredible opportunity to attract new inward investment as we have dual access to GB and EU markets.
The decision to collapse Stormont has been widely condemned by many business organisations. It sends out a message to the world that NI is dysfunctional and will put off investors. In addition, we are faced with a skills and labour shortage crisis that is hampering our economic growth. Political instability is one of the main reasons that some of our best young talent, our future, give for leaving NI and never returning. This has to stop.
The Chamber calls on all our political representatives to commit to ensuring this certainty which business and society craves, and to work together in a collaborative fashion to deliver for our people and our economy.
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Sports Recovery & Seaweed Baths in Camlough are celebrating their 1st Birthday on Friday 11th February 2022.
A brand new premises based in Hughes Retail Park, just 5 minutes from Newry City, close to Camlough lake, Camlough mountain and the popular Slieve Gullion (highest peak in Co. Armagh).
With a state of the art Sports Recovery facility including Cryospa (Ice Bath), Hot Tub, Sauna, Compression garments and stretch area it is most needed for those who seek to aid recovery. The benefits from this circuit are truly amazing and scientifically proven especially for wellness and everyday fitness. The facility is not specifically aimed at sports people but is for everyone as it helps with mental and physical wellbeing overall.
For those who would prefer an all-natural soothing experience there are also Seaweed Baths with Steam Pods in a separate area. Single or Couples private rooms available. Seaweed Baths have many benefits while refreshing us mentally and physically. See our social media channels for more information.
As part of the celebrations on Friday 11th February staff are giving out FREE goody bags with some treats and discounts!
The management would like to thank everyone who has supported them, ‘It has been a challenging year for businesses and we are so grateful for everyone who has supported us from day one, our clients are all amazing and we hope to see you all throughout 2022 and if you are about on the 11th February call in for some treats!’
Finally, this month Sports Recovery & Seaweed Baths have a Valentines Couple Offer on Seaweed Baths and is valid for the entire month of February. For ONLY £30 enjoy a relaxing hot Seaweed Bath with Steam Pod and receive all the amazing natural benefits!
Gift Vouchers also available with DISCOUNT from offers (T&Cs apply).
Remember, Sports Recovery & Seaweed Baths is not only for athletes but for all walks of life!
Contact us on: 028 3005 2085
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @sportsrecoveryandseaweedbaths
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Three Kilkeel based manufacturing SMEs are investing over £650,000 collectively to grow their businesses in Great Britain and RoI with the assistance of almost £80K from Invest NI.
J N Hire, Mourne Craft and Anachem Hygeine will also create 12 jobs as part of their investments.
Speaking about its latest investment, James Norris, Managing Director of plant hire and manufacturing company J N Hire, said: “We’ve steadily grown our business over the years, and have recently started manufacturing hydraulics and specialist PPE for the fishing and marine sectors, which has boosted our exporting potential. To capitalise on growth opportunities in GB, RoI and across Europe, Invest NI is supporting us to create six jobs that will expand our team’s expertise and capacity. It has also provided support for marketing activities that will help us build our brand in international markets.”
Mourne Craft specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of external stainless steel and glass balustrades and internal staircases for commercial and residential projects. The company is currently selling in GB and RoI, and Invest NI support is helping to strengthen this success. Ronald McConnell, Partner, Mourne Craft, said: “We’ve been working with Invest NI’s Southern regional team since 2018, and its advice and guidance has been instrumental to our growth so far. We’re now experiencing an increase in demand for our products in the new-build construction market and hiring three new staff will enable us to target this new market in both GB and RoI and secure more sales.”
Anachem Hygiene is also investing in its business to increase its exports in RoI, and break into the GB market. Founder and Managing Director, Joe Annett, said: “We’ve been developing and manufacturing cleaning chemicals for professional, industrial and automotive sectors from our Kilkeel facility for over 20 years. To expand our product portfolio and keep up with our competitors, we’ve developed new environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. This has created a significant market opportunity for us to target new business in RoI such as care homes, schools, and hospitals, and also build our presence in GB. Invest NI’s support to grow our team with three new staff will allow us to continue innovating and increase production, which will in turn increase our sales success.”
Welcoming the local investments, Mark Bleakney, Invest Northern Ireland’s Southern Regional Manager, said: “It was great to meet with J N Hire, Mourne Craft and Anachem Hygiene today to hear about their plans to grow their businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. Each of these SMEs is well established in Kilkeel and has contributed positively to the economic growth of the area for many years.
“Investments like these align with The Department for the Economy’s 10X Economic Vision as they ensure Northern Ireland will become a more enterprising region that supports business development, particularly in a regional area. Our Southern regional team has worked closely with each of these companies to offer specific advice and support tailored to their individual business needs to help them invest in local job creation and secure global sales.”
Combined, the companies will create 12 local jobs, which will contribute over £320,000 in additional annual salaries to the economy.
Mark added: “We look forward to continuing to support these businesses as they grow and enhance their international competitiveness, while adding value to the local Kilkeel business community, and the wider Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.”
Invest NI has offered £78,750 of support towards the new jobs, and marketing activities.
This support is part funded by the Department for the Economy Economic Recovery Action Plan.
Invest NI’s wide range of business support can be explored at INVESTNI.COM
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Chris Hazzard MP and MLA Sinéad Ennis have called on the British Government to replace vital EU Fisheries funds with an equivalent fund that can help future proof the Co Down Fishing Industry.
The South Down MP was speaking from Kilkeel Harbour, where they both met with local fishing representatives.
Mr Hazzard said “The outlook for our local fishing industry is generally very positive, however there are a number of significant challenges ahead such as the growing need to conserve the marine environment, climate change targets and the ongoing requirement to modernise the local fleet and invest in our local port infrastructure.
“In recent times three Co Down harbours at Kilkeel, Ardglass, and Portavogie have come together to make the case for a targeted £98million support package in order to help meet these challenges. However despite early positive soundings, it is still unclear as to when and how this investment will be delivered by government.
“The lack of details and delivery timescales attached to the British Government ‘Fisheries Fund’ is disappointing, but not surprising. I hope government ministers will understand the need to move quickly and help meet the needs of our local fishing industry in Co Down.
“Before Brexit, EU fisheries funding would have been an obvious source of investment for the delivery of such a vision, so it is incumbent upon the British Fisheries Minister George Eustice, and the local minister Edwin Poots to identify and champion the urgency of alternative funding sources for our local industry.
South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis added “Despite the obvious constraints in access, both in water depth and overcrowding at quayside, Kilkeel harbour has witnessed the remarkable development of a maritime cluster containing more than 120 enterprises.
“With the appropriate investment and government support I have no doubt that Kilkeel can become an Irish Sea Marine Hub, ideally placed to support seafood and marine industrial services for many more years to come.”
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Newry company Felix O'Hare & Co have been awarded the contract for Phase 2 of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Learning and Development Centre near Cookstown. Work is due to begin in May 2022 on the £42.6m project.
Speaking on the contract Damian Gill, Managing Director, Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd said “Felix O’Hare & Co. Ltd are thrilled to have been appointed as the main contractor for Phase 2 of the Learning and Development Centre, Cookstown. This project marks a significant milestone for NIFRS, and we are delighted to work alongside the Project Team to deliver a ‘real life’, lifesaving training facility that will benefit all of Northern Ireland. This project provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our profile in delivering outstanding landmark facilities and we look forward to working closely with the NIRFS Team, local community, and supply chain to deliver this prestigious project.”
Health Minister Robin Swann who made the announcement said “This investment will enable NIFRS to undertake the largest capital build in their history. The facilities it provides will revolutionise how NIFRS trains and develops its people to protect everyone in Northern Ireland.
“The ambitious plans for Phase 2 include the building of a specialist driving and road traffic collision training area, a training environment for collapsed buildings and below ground rescue, a flood water rescue training facility, an academic building, mock fire station, ship and a “call out village” which will include a training scenario bungalow, semi-detached dwelling and a detached dwelling.
“These will provide Firefighters with scenario-based realistic and repeatable training experiences, and will complement the existing Tactical Firefighting Facility on the site which has been in operation since September 2019.”
The facility will improve Firefighter safety and enhance training experiences while affording new recruits a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills and follow in the footsteps of Officers before them, who have provided a sterling service over many years.
NIFRS Chairperson Ms Carmel McKinney OBE said “This is a hugely significant milestone in this visionary project of development and lifelong learning. Not only is it an investment in a safe and effective Fire and Rescue Service, it is an investment in the challenges we face in the future and the safety of everyone in Northern Ireland. On behalf of the NIFRS Board I welcome the appointment of a contractor to deliver on the largest capital build for NIFRS as we embrace what will be a transformative time in the history of our Service. I want to thank the Department of Health and the Minister for their support in this crucial project.”
Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer added “We look forward to working closely with Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd as we progress in the final phase in providing facilities to enable ‘real life’ training experiences for our Firefighters and Support Employees. Never before have we been able to train and develop our people in this way and as an organisation this will help revolutionise what we do and how we keep people safe. The delivery of Phase 2 has been achieved through years of planning and hard work by many people and I commend everyone involved in the project to date.”
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