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Plans are underway to re-develop a former tram station at Bessbrook. The project is expected to create up to 55 full and part time jobs.
The proposed restoration and development of the 19th-century tram station located on the Derrymore Road will see a supermarket, petrol station and catering units built on the site. It brings with it a £2m capital investment to the South Armagh village.
Glena Developments Limited, the group spearheading the project, has remained committed to progressing with a proposal that would look to serve the needs of a new generation of village inhabitants whilst ensuring to consider all cultural sensitivities and historical responsibilities attached to the site.
"Our vision for the redevelopment of the Bessbrook Tram Station site has always been one that would look to serve an expanding local community in a modern, convenient, and economically sensible way", lead developer Damien Rafferty stated.
He added "Plans to regenerate the site to integrate supermarket, refueling, and catering units with a new generation of Bessbrook inhabitants at the foremost of our thoughts aren't a far cry from the sentiments that drove the construction of the tram station and associated tramway, over a century ago.
"The creation of up to 30 new permanent jobs for local people across the new site, as well as providing those associated with local construction and trade the opportunity for work on a project for the good of their own community, we feel is a nod to those visionaries who first pioneered this business link from the heart of Bessbrook".
The tram station originally served as a terminal halt on the hydro-electrically powered Bessbrook and Newry Tramway, which transported passengers and freight between the town and mill village before ceasing operations in 1948.
Addressing concerns in relation to how building works may affect what has been a constant in many villagers' lives, Mr. Raffery expressed that the group is acutely aware of the duty of care and responsibility in preserving what is a proud remnant of Bessbrook's prosperous history.
"Whilst we strive to build for a better future for the people of Bessbrook, it is important that we remain wholly conscious and sensitive to the pride in its past. That said, our proposed scheme has been drawn up with such sensitivities in mind.
"Our architects, Clarman, have been creatively brilliant in their design proposals, which have allowed us to retain so many of the features of the original structure. We would encourage as many people as possible to take a few moments to view the digitally created walk-through video that has been uploaded to Clarman's YouTube channel – Clarman Architects." he said.
Glena Developments has been involved in several restoration projects of this kind in the Newry and Mourne area, most notably the redevelopment of the Toase building situated at Merchants Quay and the stunning Castle Drive Development in Forest Hills.
"In conclusion, a proposed investment of over £2 million, the creation of up to 55 full, and part-time jobs, and with rates payable to local council upon completion, we see this as a significant investment in the Bessbrook community, and perhaps more importantly, one that can provide service for perhaps another century and beyond", Mr Rafferty added.
Cathal Reilly, BSc, BArch, RIBA, RIAI Chartered Architect, at Clarman Architects shared those sentiments regarding future-proofing the restoration plans to ensure it becomes an asset to the community.
"The proposal represents a significant investment in the restoration and conservation of an existing historic asset, which is of significant socio-economic and historic significance within the local economy of Bessbrook, through a sensitive conversion to use, which is both viable and sustainable, thereby assuring the future of the historic asset, for future generations to come."
To experience the virtual walk-through and for more information, check out GLENADEVELOPMENTS.COM
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Celine Grant has been appointed Commercial Director at Re-Gen Waste in Newry.
Grant will be responsible for the company’s Public Sector, Commercial, Engineering and R&D Divisions.
She joined Re-Gen Waste in May 2004, holds a BA in Business Studies from Ulster University, and held the post of Product Sales Director until appointed to her new role.
Celine is a board member of the Recycling Association and a member of the Institute of Directors. She won the Women in Business NI Award for Best Exporter in 2011 and 2017; and has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Mentor Award category in 2022.
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CRASH Services have appointed long serving claims manager Lisa Gribben to the new role of Claims Director.
Lisa joined the Newry based company in 2007 and has headed up the day-to-day running of the Claims Department for 9 years. Lisa efficiently and empathetically deals with customer, staff and claims queries as well as leading and training new members of the claims team.
Lisa joins the CRASH board of directors which includes, Finance Director Sinead McAllister, Fleet and Repair Director Paul Cooney.
Jonathan McKeown, CEO, commented “Lisa’s commitment and dedication to CRASH, it’s customers and it’s trading partners has shone through in the past 15 years. Her expertise and knowledge has been invaluable in helping customers at what can be a stressful time. We are delighted to welcome Lisa to the board of directors.”
Paul said “Lisa has provided invaluable leadership, support and training to the claims team and indeed to all the functions carried out at CRASH. Lisa was also an instrumental figure in the opening of our Derry / Londonderry office in 2019 and she has a very deep understanding of all aspects of the business having learned so much in her time with us.”
Sinead concluded “As a board we have no doubt Lisa will excel in her role as Claims Director, providing a ‘best in class’ service to our customers in their time of need. Our mission is ‘To act with care for those involved in road traffic incidents’ and we know that Lisa is the ideal person to instil our core values within our claims team so as to ensure that that mission is achieved.
Lisa commented “I’m delighted and honoured to be taking on the role of Claims Director at CRASH Services. Having worked for CRASH for 15 years, I get immense satisfaction from helping customers and taking away all the hassle from what can be a complex claims process. At CRASH we have a vision that we are the first person everyone turns to for help when they’ve had an accident and it is very important that we provide the most competent and professional service that we can for our customers. I am very happy that my work in delivering on this promise has been recognised by my appointment to the board of the company.”
CRASH Services, Northern Ireland’s leading accident management specialists aim to take away the hassle after a collision and get motorists back on the road as quickly as possible. CRASH can arrange vehicle recovery, collision investigation, organise repairs, provide a replacement vehicle, liaise with insurance companies and offer legal and medical assistance.
If you’ve been in an accident, CRASH Services can take care of everything at no cost to you. For more information visit crashservices.com or call 028 9066 0244.
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FD Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft to expand the reach of its KX Insights streaming data analytics platform as more organisations look to modernise their data infrastructure for real-time decision making.
Initially KX Insights will be embedded natively on the Microsoft Azure platform as a first class service, with KX generating revenue based on consumption. Secondly, KX has agreed to work with Microsoft to target new applications and services that will accelerate innovation and growth for organisations in the financial services sector.
Seamus Keating, CEO of Newry based FD Technologies, said: “This strategic partnership with Microsoft accelerates our mission to enable organisations to drive value from their real-time data assets. Enterprises will benefit from the unrivalled performance, scalability and security of KX Insights optimised for Microsoft Azure. In addition, we are excited to partner with Microsoft in developing technology solutions that address the demanding requirements of financial services organisations, particularly in capital markets where KX has a market-leading position. This is a landmark agreement for KX, with significant strategic benefits supporting our growth ambitions.”
KX Insights on Azure
KX recognises there is a growing demand across industries for analytics solutions that can efficiently support client needs across both real-time streaming and historic data to enable real time business-critical decisions. KX Insights on Azure will enable customers to store and access their data using complex event processing, high-performance analytics and machine learning interfaces on one unified and easy-to-use platform. Tightly integrated within Microsoft’s intelligent cloud ecosystem, the platform will work seamlessly with Microsoft services.
Designed for ease of deployment and commercial adoption, KX Insights on Azure represents a first-of-its kind native integration of a third-party streaming analytics solution on Azure. It will provide a quick and easy experience for customers to boost productivity, enabling significant cost reductions over legacy systems and will contribute towards an organisation’s Azure consumption commitment. This aligns incentives for Azure and KX sales teams, enabling greater collaboration and engagement on sales and marketing initiatives with enterprise clients.
Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft said: “KX Insights delivers industry leading, real-time streaming analytics solutions that transform how firms derive insights from market data. Combining the full range of Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud capabilities with KX technology and expertise, we look forward to empowering our capital markets and financial services customers with new, compelling solutions for faster decision-making and innovation.”
Joint development for capital markets
Additionally, KX intends to work with Microsoft to develop applications and services, leveraging KX’s capabilities as the world’s fastest time-series database as a core building block. This collaboration aims to help the capital markets ecosystem including exchanges, buy-side firms and sell-side institutions create high-value insights that facilitate real-time decision making.
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Newry Chamber have announced the return of their International Women’s Day Celebration Lunch.
This year’s event will be a hybrid format, with a live event taking place on Friday 11th March 2022 at Killeavy Castle Estate. The Killeavy event is already sold out but there is an opportunity for you to get your workplace, school or group of friends involved in the virtual event by purchasing a platter of traybakes from DELI-LITES, with all profits going to the events charity partners Southern Area Hospice and Life and Time.
This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias and guests will hear from a range of inspirational women who are leaders in their respective fields. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland and Annette Kelly, AKA Little Penny Thoughts.
Looking forward to the event Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber said “One of the goals of the Chamber is to promote diversity in the workplace and to help inspire businesspeople to achieve their ambitions. We were delighted to have such a fantastic range of speakers who are all breaking the bias and will share their stories
Gibbons continued "Our two keynote speakers will provide the live and virtual audiences with inspiration from two very different perspectives. Moyagh Murdock is the Chief Executive Officer of Insurance Ireland having taken up the role at the start of the pandemic in April 2020. Originally from Newry, Co. Down, Moyagh had a high profile role as CEO of the Irish Road Safety Authority. During her career she also worked at Bus Eireann, Bombardier, Aer Lingus and Caterpillar.
"Originally from Newry, Co. Down, Annette Kelly is the co founder of Little Penny Thoughts and creator of Wellness From Within. A passionate mental health advocate, Annette believes in the importance of looking after our thoughts and mindset to boost our overall health and wellbeing. As a personal development coach she strives to uplift, inspire and empower the individuals and groups she has the pleasure of working with. I would encourage your business, school or group of friends to sign up to the virtual event as discuss how you can individual and collectively, continue to break the bias."
The panel discussion will include Gemma Murphy, Partner & Manager, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Edwina Flynn, CEO, Wood Innovations and Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director, JMK Solicitors. The MC is Deborah Loughran, Managing Director of King Communication.
The lunch is kindly sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry.
Cllr Oonagh McGuinness, Vice Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council commented “We commend the Newry Chamber for hosting this event. We have many women across the district that are breaking the bias, who are having extraordinary careers and they are role models in our society. It is important we take time out to hear and learn from these inspirational women. I am really looking forward to the event.”
Gemma Murphy, Partner & Manager at Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry said “We are exceptionally proud to be associated with International Women’s Day. We look forward to welcoming guests at the fabulous surroundings of Killeavy Castle Estate. We will be adding a few extra touches and it will be fantastic occasion and celebration.
Due to restricted numbers, the live event has already sold out but schools, businesses and friends can take part virtually. DELI-LITES Ireland are the online partner and will be providing Artisan traybakes for anyone who want to come together to celebrate. All profits from these sales will go to the event Charity partners, Southern Area Hospice & Life & Time.
Jackie Reid, Chief Strategy Officer of DELI LITES Ireland said “DELI LITES Ireland is delighted to be associated with this signature event. We believe strongly in diversity and inclusion and, as co-founder of DELI LITES, it brings me great pleasure to see those from all backgrounds – including women - progressing through our ranks and carving out their own successful professional careers.”.
To get your workplace, school or group of friends involved in the virtual event, which runs from 1.45pm – 3.00pm, please complete the order form at www.newrychamber.com
The exclusive DELI-LITES Artisan Traybakes come in platters of 30 pieces, serve 10 people and cost £30.
All profits from sales goes to Southern Area Hospice & Life and Time. The deadline to order is Tuesday 8th March at 12 noon and platters can be collected from the Chamber offices at Granite Exchange, 5 Kildare Street, Newry on Thursday 10th March.
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Genoa Cafe Ltd with premises in both Newry and Warrenpoint, Co. Down has won a Gold Medal and Trophy at the National Ice Cream Championships 2022 run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association. Their delicious Mint Choc Chip gelato beat all comers in this, the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country which has been running for nearly 80 years. Genoa Cafe also got a silver medal for their vanilla gelato at the same competition.
“As a proud Irish-Italian family, dedicated to producing the highest of quality gelato, we were overwhelmed and honoured to have been awarded as the 2022 Gold Medal winner for our ‘Mint Choc Chip,” said Gemma O’Hare, a director of the business.
“With the recognition of this prestigious award from the ICA, we would hope that this will increase the awareness of our history in the gelato industry and encourage new customers to explore our extensive range of flavours.”
The O’Hare’s are a fourth generation Irish-Italian family business that was established in the sea-side town of Warrenpoint in1910. They also trade in neighbouring Newry and have recently opened a dedicated Gelato Parlour,‘Ciao From Genoa’.“
“We have been producing ‘Mint Choc Chip’ as part of our core gelato range introduced into the business from the late 80’s,” added Gemma. “I would like to pay tribute to the entire Genoa family of staff for their continued dedication to customer care. Without these wonderful individuals we would not be the business we are today.”
More information on Genoa Cafe at: WWW.THEGENOA.COM
The National Ice Cream Competition is the ‘Oscars’ of the ice cream awards. It is held every year by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the UK trade association for the ice cream industry. Hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories ranging from Best Vanilla to ‘Alternative’ category products which includes those free from the top 14 allergens, dairy-free, low-fat, high-protein, no-sugar, and others. Submissions are judged blind by ice cream experts – making the results the most prestigious in the country.
“Congratulations to Gemma and all her team at Genoa Cafe,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “The ice cream sector has had a challenging time over the last two years. This business shows that the sector has overcome these challenges and has bounced back better than ever for 2022 and the future.”
The National Ice Cream Competition has been running for 77 years and bestows a badge of quality and excellence on all those that win. It was judged by 43 experts over two days at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2022.
For more information on the Ice Cream Alliance visit: WWW.ICE-CREAM.ORG
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Experienced Legal Secretary required for Casey & Casey Solicitors Newry.
Hours and Salary negotiable.
Immediate start.
Apply by sending your C.V. to m.casey@caseysolicitors.co.uk
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Bolster Community in Newry have announced a new charity partnership with local property agency Best Property Services. Bolster Community is a charity and social enterprise based in the heart of Newry City that offers practical support for individuals and families, helping them to get through and get ahead. Bolster Community offers a wide range of services across three main categories including Family, Ability & Seniors.
The teams at Bolster Community and Best Property Services have identified synergies within the two organisations which will allow them to work collaboratively on projects to benefit the local communities in Newry, Warrenpoint and beyond.
Jacinta Linden, CEO Bolster Community said “The Best family run the longest established property agency in Newry and have recently welcomed members of the 5th generation to the family business. The fact that they are a family business, with strong family values at the core of their organisation is very heartening to us in Bolster Community. Every day in our work we strive to make the lives of local families in need better.
"We are very excited by the many ways in which we can work with the Best Property Services team to deliver for those local families who need our support and we are confident that Garry, Olivia and the team will be a tremendous support not only to our own team members but also to some of our service clients as we move forward.”
Olivia Best, Managing Director of Best Property Services Warrenpoint added “Best Property Services are delighted to work alongside the incredible Bolster community. We have been so impressed with the inspirational work they do in the local area and the positive impact this will have on so many lives. As a local business, we had been looking at ways in which we can give back, be more socially conscious and help support the local community. That’s when we discovered Bolster and were instantly struck by Jacinta’s warmth and enthusiasm for the charitable work that they do. As a business that deals with housing in the private sector, we wanted to be able to contribute a portion of our sales towards Bolster in support of their efforts to improve the quality of living for so many. We are excited to explore a variety of avenues in which we can work alongside Bolster & look forward to being part of these projects as much as we can.”
Updates on their partnership and initiatives will be covered in blogs and on their social media platforms.
Check out www.bolstercommunity.org and www.bestpropertyservices.com
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Businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area will soon be able to avail of a range of initiatives to assist them imbed digital technologies in their business through the new Digital Surge Programme.
The launch of the Programme was attended by Councillor Karen McKevitt and speaking on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, she said, “Digital technology advancements can be difficult for businesses to harness in an ever-changing world with many new technologies coming online. Helping our businesses to access the help they need to be more efficient, profitable and successful is a key Council objective. I am therefore delighted that the Council’s new Digital Surge Programme, which is fully funded, will offer practical business support through a range of workshops, masterclasses and bespoke mentoring, all delivered by a range of industry specialists. As a result, participants will develop a plan they will be able to implement into their business and be signposted to more intensive supports in the ‘digital innovation ecosystem.”
The Programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland, the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme and the 11 Councils. Invest NI is investing £860,000 of support towards the Programme with councils contributing £216,000. The Programme is being delivered by a consortium on behalf of the Council.
Consortium Project Lead, Gillian Colan-O'Leary, said, “We are really looking forward to helping small businesses embark on their digital transformation journey. Businesses which recognise the role advanced transformative technology can play, will increase their growth potential. The Programme will provide the support businesses need to discover how to fundamentally change their operations to deliver value."
Technological breakthroughs in areas from artificial intelligence to robotics can assist a range of sectors. The Programme will help businesses to ‘demystify’ the various enabling digital technologies/tools and inspire ‘active ideation’ through workshops, mentoring, masterclasses and network cluster events. Small and medium sized businesses are eligible to apply in the following sectors: manufacturing, professional services, retail, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, construction and social enterprises.
The advanced digital technology areas being covered by this programme include:
To find out how if your business can participate, please visit: NMDBUSINESS.ORG
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