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Newry City has received the news that it has once again been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its Evening and Night-Time Economy (ENTE) something that is especially welcoming considering the past two years of upheaval due to the pandemic.
The award has been welcomed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Newry BID, PSNI and local stakeholders.
This award is similar to the Blue Flag accreditation for beaches and aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am. Areas which are awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents. The accreditation scheme is led by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) with backing from government, police and businesses and has been attributed to a consistent increase in footfall and a decrease in crime within the ENTE of accredited towns and cities.
Recent years have not been what anyone expected, and businesses have had to tread new territory in the fight against COVID-19. Purple Flag has also been an instrumental part of the reopening policies and strategies for accredited towns and cities, helping to encourage and reassure customers back into town and city centres post lock down.
Newry City has retained the Purple Flag status annually since 2016 with the guidance and input from a dedicated working group. This group will now commence to devise and implement a new action plan to ensure increased footfall is brought back to Newry City centre in the evenings.
On receiving the award, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Oonagh Magennis said, “This award renewal is testament to the drive and passion that Newry businesses and stakeholders have for the growth and success of their city. The accreditation has been awarded due an effective and strong partnership, a successful range of infrastructure projects, and the attraction of new significant volumes of business start-up activity. I would like to thank the diverse range of Purple Flag Working Group members for their efforts in not only securing this accreditation but ensuring it is retained.”
Newry Business Improvement District (BID) Managing Director, Eamonn Connolly said, “Newry BID is delighted to have co-ordinated the input from Newry’s hospitality sector in securing the prestigious Purple Flag for Evening and Night-Time Economy excellence. The Purple Flag award reflects the diverse range of offers Newry has and is a key aid in the BID’s marketing initiatives attracting people to Newry City.”
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A South Down property agent has said that the Carlingford Lough area is fast becoming the north's new 'Gold Coast' with a house reaching nearly £3m. The average house price in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area is £171,064 according to the latest NI House Price Index statistics for the fourth quarter of 2021. That compares to an average of £159,151 throughout the north.
Commenting on the latest NI House Price Index, Garrett O’Hare, Managing Director of Bradley NI, said: “2021 was an exceptional year for the South Down property market, with our highest house prices reaching close to £3m and a seafront site in Warrenpoint selling for just under £1m. The Carlingford Lough area has long been a hidden gem with its location between Belfast and Dublin, its scenery, and the quality of its properties, including many large, detached homes. But it is now fast becoming Northern Ireland’s new Gold Coast, attracting buyers from elsewhere in NI as well as many buyers from other parts of the UK, Ireland and beyond.
"It is still, relatively speaking, one of the cheapest property markets in the whole of these islands, so buyers from elsewhere are finding that their money stretches much further, allowing them to acquire a seafront mansion in Rostrevor for example for the price of a 3-bed semi-detached home in London. And, when they get here, they realise the location is second to none, with both of the island’s capital cities and international transport hubs just an hour away.”
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Simply Blue Group a leading Irish Blue economy developer in floating offshore wind, wave energy and low impact aquaculture, have announced their latest offshore floating wind project ‘Nomadic Offshore Wind’ off Northern Ireland and a related green energy deal with MJM Renewables at MJM Ballykelly.
The Nomadic Offshore Wind project will bring renewable offshore wind energy as a primary energy source for what is to become a renewable energy hub at the MJM Renewables site, Ballykelly. This ‘green’ energy will power projects within the hub including manufacturing facilities, hydrogen production, a data centre and other advanced research and development industries.
To be located off Northern Ireland, Nomadic Offshore Wind will utilise floating offshore wind technology rather than fixed bottom structures, allowing positioning in deeper offshore areas with higher wind potential away from coastal shorelines, shipping lanes and fishing grounds.
Speaking about the agreement between Newry based MJM Renewables and Simply Blue Group, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “It is great to see MJM Renewables, a home-grown company, playing a pivotal role in tackling climate change in Northern Ireland.”
Minister Lyons continued: “This project sits well with the ethos of Northern Ireland’s new Energy Strategy, The Path to Net Zero Energy. With the current rise in energy prices being felt by businesses and the public alike, our plan to phase out fossil fuels to ensure more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy, helping the economy to prosper whilst creating jobs, has never been more prevalent.”
MJM Renewables Director Naoimh McConville said: “We are supportive of Northern Ireland’s energy strategy, and believe it is even more critical than ever to ensure secure, affordable and green energy for future generations. It has been an exciting time for us working with Simply Blue Group to bring this project to Northern Ireland. The renewable energy hub will be the catalyst to attract and develop the green economy in the Northwest, and it will help drive the shift to a zero-carbon economy and society.”
Sam Roch-Perks, CEO of Simply Blue Group said: “We are delighted to add another offshore wind project to our portfolio. Northern Ireland represents huge opportunities for the renewable sector, and we look forward to combining our expertise and working with MJM Renewables to help realise their vision for a green energy hub at MJM Ballykelly.”
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Finance Minister Conor Murphy has launched a revamped, more generous ‘Back In Business’ scheme offering businesses a 50% rates discount for up to two years if they occupy a vacant shop unit.
The Finance Minister hopes the scheme will give business owners who set up in empty premises help to get established in the first two years. “This rate relief scheme will help attract businesses onto the high street and into our town centres. This revamped scheme builds on the rate relief previously offered, and extends the relief for an additional year. This will be vital in boosting post pandemic footfall for all businesses, new and existing, and will help restore the vibrancy of the high street as shoppers, tourists and workers return to the town centres.
“I have seen the effects of the pandemic during visits to town centres in recent months and I hope this scheme will support the regeneration of our high streets, building up business occupation in these areas.”
The Scheme offers 50% rate relief for up to two years when empty premises become occupied. There are currently over 12,500 vacant business premises across Northern Ireland. The previous scheme, which expired in 2017, supported over 550 businesses. The new Scheme concession applies to any business ratepayer who moves into premises, which were previously used for retail purposes and have been unoccupied for 12 months or more.
Minister Murphy adds: “There are many opportunities for new businesses to move into their first premises and for existing businesses to expand. With over 12,500 empty properties available, I hope this rate relief will encourage businesses to take the opportunity, knowing they will have discounted rates to pay for the first two years.”
The move has been welcomed by both Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Business Improvement District.
Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager said, “Rates are one of the biggest issues facing our members. We have a continuous lobby for a fair rates scheme which treats online, out of town and other businesses similar to those occupying town centre space. We welcome today’s announcement of an extended ‘Back to Business’ Scheme. We hope that this will attract new retailers to Newry city centre who will be successful; and choose to stay beyond the two-year relief period.
"We have a very vibrant city centre in Newry with lots of support and help for new and existing businesses. We welcome any new retailers who would like to avail of this scheme to get in touch with us at Newry BID. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our current members on the Revaluation coming up in 2023 as we believe that city and town centre premises are rated unfairly in comparison to other locations and types of businesses."
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber added “We at Newry Chamber have long lobbied on behalf of our membership, particularly our retail members, for a stimulus to assist the regeneration of the high street.”
“So we are delighted with the Department of Finance’s ‘Back In Business’ Scheme announcement which will assist retail businesses to overcome the blockage that expensive rates can be in terms of selecting competitively located premises in their initial stages of trading.”
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “Given the huge challenge of addressing dereliction on our high streets, this scheme is both welcome and timely. It will incentivise and support new start independent retailers and other businesses with their all-important first two years of trading.”
Further information on the Back in Business scheme, can be found at: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/backinbusiness. The scheme will open for applications in May.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched its latest business support programme to assist local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who wish to avail of lucrative funding opportunities to grow and even transform their businesses.
The ‘Access to Funding Programme’ is facilitated by NMD Business Growth. It provides a series of support initiatives to help local SMEs enhance their knowledge and skills, to grow their businesses and create more employment opportunities. The NMD Business Growth programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014 -2020) programme.
The new programme aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to create effective, well written and successful funding applications. Experienced mentors will explain the fundamental elements of building a strong funding application and detail how to maximise the opportunities available.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason explained why those eligible for the programme should participate saying, “Applying for grants can be a daunting experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with how to complete them or if you have been unsuccessful in the past. It is easy to get bogged down with confusing terminology or be hesitant in applying for grants that could hugely benefit your business. This programme offers the perfect opportunity to gain confidence in this area and avail of essential tips and advice from some of the most experienced mentors in the business.”
Cllr Mason continued, “These programmes are designed specifically with the needs of local businesses from a wide range of sectors in mind. By registering for free, you are already taking the first step to transforming the impact you can make to the growth of your business. With so many funding opportunities available, any business that wishes to access them should sign up to ensure they have the necessary skills and resources to be successful in their applications.”
Participants will receive access to one half-day workshop, covering the fundamentals of application submissions, as well as tailored one-to-one mentoring support to help them utilise their new skills and put 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 an active interest in applying for funding support.
For more information on all NMD Business support, including the Access to Funding Programme, visit WWW.NMDBUSINESS.ORG or contact stephanie@fullcircle.eu.com to register.
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Norbrook Laboratories Limited has made two board appointments. Kevin Kingston joins as non-executive director and Kevin Holland joins the board having recently been appointed Chief Commercial Officer.
Kevin Kingston has more than 25 years of business experience and was most recently CEO of Danske Bank UK. He has a First Class Honours in Accounting & Finance from University College Dublin and holds an MBA from Ulster University.
Kevin Holland has over 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including with Unilever and Baxter, where he became President of Baxter’s Emerging Markets EMEA region. After working for the UK government in China in a trade role, Kevin then joined Invest Northern Ireland as CEO in 2019, and successfully led the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic.
They join Norbrook’s board at a time of significant investment and growth at the Newry headquartered business.
Liam Nagle, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Norbrook said that the new appointments bring a wealth of business experience at the highest level which will add further strength to the company and the board.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Kevin Kingston as a non-executive director and with the appointment of Kevin Holland to the board after joining our executive leadership team as Chief Commercial Officer. Their knowledge, experience and expertise will be of great assistance to us as we continue our multi-year investment programme, enhance our product pipeline, and build a strong platform for future growth.”
Kevin Kingston said: “Norbrook is one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive businesses and one of the global leaders in animal health, a market currently worth $48billion and set for strong growth. I look forward to working with Liam and the board to help the business continue its excellent progress and to capitalise on the substantial opportunities that lie ahead.”
Kevin Holland said: “I am delighted to join Norbrook as Chief Commercial Officer at a time when significant capital investment and progress across the business has placed the company in a very strong position to address a robust market demand for improved animal health.”
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Shelbourne Motors has announced a partnership with MAXUS to bring the global brand’s commercial vehicle range to its multi-franchise Newry complex.
MAXUS is one of the UK’s fastest growing commercial vehicle brands and was recognised as the UK’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year in 2021 at the prestigious GreenFleet Awards.
The partnership will see Shelbourne Motors offer dedicated sales, servicing, and aftersales services for new and used MAXUS commercial vehicles to customers across NI.
Highly experienced commercial vehicle sales specialist, Andrew Setterfield, has been recruited by Shelbourne Motors as brand Sales Manager.
Its range of vehicle includes the all-electric eDELIVER 3 which is a cross between a small and medium van and its larger e DELIVER 9 that’s recognised as one of the best large size all-electric vans on the market.
Speaking about the partnership Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS said they were thrilled to partner with the family-owned company.
“Shelbourne Motors already has long-term partnerships with an impressive list of global vehicle manufacturers, and we look forward to forging our own successful partnership in the years ahead based on our shared commitment to go that extra mile for our customers.”
Shelbourne Motors employs over 170 staff across its multi award-winning dealerships in Newry and Portadown. The MAXUS partnership adds to existing Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Kia and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Vehicle Rental Division and Valet Centre.
Paul Ward, Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “We’re delighted to partner with MAXUS (UK) to bring the global car manufacturer’s commercial vehicles to our state-of-art Newry site for drivers and van operators across Northern Ireland.
“Maxus is leading the charge for greener commercial motoring across the UK by introducing a range of highly reliable, efficient, versatile and value for money all-electric commercial vehicles and this has successfully positioned them as a leader in the sector.
“This partnership further strengthens our position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle retailers and it expands our electric van portfolio to include the MAXUS eDELIVER 3 and e DELIVER 9 models. These models are already proving to be extremely popular with local businesses and tradespeople already placing orders as they futureproof their fleet of vehicles aimed at reducing their carbon footprint.”
For more information on Shelbourne Motors please visit: WWW.SHELBOURNEMOTORS.COM
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A new group has been officially launched in South Armagh with the aim of connecting businesses across the region, promoting a positive image of the area and ultimately deliver significant projects and investment.
The official launch of the newly established group took place at the stunning Killeavy Castle, just one of the incredible highlights of the area.
Guest speakers on the night included Finance Minister Conor Murphy and Tony McKeown (CEO of Newry Chamber).
At the launch, John Nealon, Chairman of #SABIG outlined the groups principal objectives which are to have more people working in, living in, shopping in, spending leisure time in, and visiting South Armagh.
Nealon said "Our mission is to connect businesses across the region to encourage collaboration; promote a positive image; and to represent the area with key stakeholders to deliver significant projects and investment.
"Through the development of the retail, leisure, hospitality, services and manufacturing sectors, we believe South Armagh will achieve sustainable economic development, growth, jobs and wealth in the short, medium and long term."
If you are a business in the below areas, and would like to gain further insight into the group or wish to register your support you can contact them at southarmaghbig@gmail.com
Area covered
Belleeks, Bessbrook, Camlough, Creggan, Crossmaglen, Cullaville, Cullyhanna, Dromintee, Forkhill, Jonesborough, Lissummon, Meigh, Mullaghawn, Newtownhamilton, Poyntzpass, Whitecross and Silverbridge.
#SABIG
Nealon concluded "The organising committee would once again like to thank all those local businesses who attended the launch night and offered their support as well as local politicians Pete Byrne, Justin McNulty MLA, Aoife Finnegan and Oonagh Magennis."
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Northern Ireland’s tallest marketing copywriter Paul Malone from Tall Paul Marketing, has been shortlisted in the ‘Digital/eCommerce Business of the Year’ category at the prestigious 2022 Northern Ireland FSB Business Awards.The Federation of Small Business (FSB) Awards is designed to recognise the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed in Northern Ireland.
It is the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar.
Tall Paul specialises in writing website content for Northern Ireland businesses.
During the first lockdown in 2020, he quit a secure full-time Marketing and Communications career in a local university to concentrate full-time on his business.
And the news is the latest national recognition for the local business copywriter, who has written digital content for NI businesses in tech, marketing, business consultancy, property, charity, law, and communications.
Over the last eighteen months, 6 foot 6 content marketer Tall Paul was a recent finalist in the Belfast Chamber Awards in two award categories; ‘Best Creative Business’ and ‘Best New Business’.
The Belfast content writer was also a finalist in the ‘Marketing Project of the Year’ category at the 2021 Digital DNA Awards.
He was also a finalist in four categories at the NI Social Media Awards; ‘Social Media Marketer Of The Year’, ‘Best Overall Use Of Social Media’, ‘Best Use Of Twitter’ and ‘Social Media Freelancer Of The Year’.
A delighted Paul Malone from Tall Paul Marketing says, “Writing has always been my passion, so turning it into a full-time business has been an exciting journey.
“I’m delighted to be a finalist alongside Lisburn-based business Armaan Resales.
“I’ve written web content for such a diverse range of local businesses, so I know how much hard work all small businesses put in behind the scenes.”
Tall Paul continues, “A huge thank you must go to my clients too, who have hired me for blog content, web content and marketing content over the last couple of years.”
Tall Paul adds, “I’m incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the FSB Small Business awards, and I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony.”
The Northern Ireland FSB Awards 2022 final will be hosted by one of Northern Ireland’s best-known voices, Wendy Austin.
The Northern Ireland final will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast on 13 April 2022, with winners going through to the UK Final on 19 May 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.
To learn more about Tall Paul Marketing's blog writing, content marketing and copywriting services, visit WWW.TALLPAULMARKETING.COM
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