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Newry based company Felix O'Hare Ltd are celebrating after one of their employees won a Student Achievement Award.
The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently partnered on the CIOB & CITB NI Student Achievement Awards. The awards celebrate success of the achievements of local students in professional CIOB and NVQ exams throughout the recent training year.
The awards are an acknowledgement of all those who have continued with their studies and committed to their qualifications whilst working full time.
Eamon Nogher from Felix O’Hare was presented with the Best Overall Performance Award for his outstanding results in the Chartered Membership Programme in achieving both the highest marks in Ireland and overseas.
4 students also received their NVQ Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Highway Maintenance and Repair certificates from CITB NI’s recent Training in Partnership Programme. This was delivered by People 1st and further supported by The Mineral Product Association NI (Ltd) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology.
Grant Robinson, Senior Project Manager Amey Roads Ltd, presented a lecture on the delivery of the new Ulster University Campus, Belfast, which will open to students in September 2022.
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, who presented students with their certificates said “CITB NI has partnered with CIOB for many years on this event and we are delighted to see it back after a break due to the Pandemic. Each and every one of the award winners have invested in themselves, their companies and the local construction industry and they are each to be commended. Congratulations to everyone who achieved recognition in their professional exams. It takes hard work and commitment to study whilst continuing with the day job.”
Roger Gillespie, Chair of the CIOB Belfast Hub committee, commented “It was great to see so many people in attendance. The ongoing promotion and development of professionalism within the construction industry is very important so it is worth taking time to mark the achievements of people as they progress through their careers. We are also very appreciative to CITB NI for facilitating the event.”
For further information on CITB NI visit www.citbni.org.uk. Follow CITBNI on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Details on supervisory or management level qualifications through CIOB contact Julie Fitzsimmons JFitzsimmons@ciob.org.uk
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons is encouraging women and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for a new £15,000 bursary to support engineering studies.
Eight bursaries of £15,000 each are available to eligible women and girls to study engineering or related subjects at higher education institutions in the UK and Ireland, with applications open now.
The bursaries are one element of the £500,000 Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme, funded by the Department for the Economy. Other measures being funded include grants of up to £3,000 to schools and further education colleges to help purchase engineering teaching resources, and STEM challenge days for students to excite, inspire, and stimulate interest.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Minister met with the Chair of the DfE Women in STEM Steering Group, Dr Bryan Keating CBE, at Netherleigh to discuss the programme, which was endorsed by the steering group.
The Minister said: “I am delighted that my Department is supporting this programme. It is well known that women and girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are massively underrepresented in engineering-related study areas and, in turn, career paths. This is an inequality that we must work to address and the NI Engineering Education Programme will help achieve this.
“These bursaries are targeted specifically at women and girls who are seeking to pursue a course of engineering-related study at higher education level and who, without this support, may not be able to meet the costs of doing so. I want to remove as many barriers as possible for these women and girls.”
The Minister continued: “The programme is being supported by £500,000 of funding through my Department’s Economic Recovery Action Plan (ERAP), which we put in place in direct response to the impact of the pandemic. These supports also align well with our 10X Economic Vision for a decade of innovation as we seek to position Northern Ireland as one of the world’s leading small economies in the future.
“I encourage women and girls who are eligible to look into these bursaries and apply – it could be the springboard to an exciting and fulfilling career in engineering.”
Gillian Gregg, Head of Regional Engagement at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “We are thrilled that the Department for the Economy is supporting this programme. Women represent only around 16% of Northern Ireland-domiciled engineering and technology students at UK universities. This underrepresentation in higher education impacts the profession, with a similar small proportion of those working in engineering – under one in five – being women, according to EngineeringUK.
“We are excited for this opportunity to support more women and girls from all backgrounds to pursue engineering studies and to encourage greater diversity among future engineers.”
Eligibility criteria for applicants include at least one parent being eligible for state benefits, or the applicant being continuously eligible for free school meals in their post-16 studies.
Details of how to apply for the bursaries are available on the Royal Academy of Engineering website at: www.raeng.org.uk
Applications are open until 4pm on Monday 25 July 2022.
More information on the wider NI Engineering Education Programme is at: engineering-education-programme
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Voting opens to nominate Northern Ireland’s ‘High Street Heroes’ in recognition of local independent retailers
The search is officially on to find Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes, a public online vote for shoppers and customers to choose their favourite independent retailer and overall local high street.
Following a difficult two years for independent retailers, local shoppers are encouraged to support the businesses they want to reward for their tireless service to their community.
Whether your High Street Hero is your favourite butcher, baker, or barista, the campaign is a celebration of the brilliant work of independent retailers and the pride they bring to local communities. The deadline for nominations is set to close in early August.
High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and Belfast Live supported by Camelot and Voice for Locals. Thousands of people casted their votes last year across Northern Ireland, with competition expected to be stiff as town and villages vie for the overall titles.
Votes can be cast across 11 different categories with shoppers and customers asked to name their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off-license or coffee shop, among others.
To give your local independent retailers the recognition they deserve place your vote at www.belfastlive.co.uk/HSH
The High Street Heroes categories include:
Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said “The High Street Heroes NI awards are a brilliant celebration of the huge contribution independent retailers make to our local high streets and the economy. High Street Heroes NI gives consumers the opportunity to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street and will provide a much-needed boost to Northern Ireland’s retailers.”
Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Michael Savage said “Retail NI’s campaign puts the focus deservedly on our independent retailers, who have had to be more resilient than ever over the past two years. I am extremely proud of the independent retailers in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the invaluable contribution they make to our community.”
“Retail NI’s campaign ensures the service independent retailers bring to the high street is rightfully recognised and provides encouragement to our retailers despite the challenges they face.”
“Independent retailers bring a mix of tradition and diversity to our high streets and that is something that deserves to be celebrated. It is the character and service provided by independent retailers that continue to bring shoppers to our high street daily.”
Retail Director of Camelot, Jenny Blogg said “We are delighted to support High Street Heroes NI again this year to help highlight some of the excellent work Northern Ireland retailers continue to do in their communities. From small corner shops to local newsagents and well-stocked convenience stores, our 44,000 retail partners are the backbone of The National Lottery and have been for almost 28 years now, and their fantastic work has not gone unnoticed – especially over the last few years."
Editor-in-Chief of Reach Ireland, Chris Sherrard, said “Local independent retailers have had to adapt and innovate services to not only survive, but thrive, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now to the cost-of-living crisis.”
“The resilience they have shown is remarkable and now, we can all play our part by buying local and voting for our favourite independent retailer”
Voice For Locals Founder, Jay Thattai, said "We all have our personal favourite local independent retailers close to where we live. It has never been more important to voice out for them and really show how important they are to communities across Northern Ireland. It is those retailers who encourage people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the unique local choices, quality and personal touch on offer.
"We want to see local consumers voting for their favourite independent retailers and being proud of the fantastic contribution they make to the high streets."
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Newry Chamber has announced details of their new Employee & Team Awards. Entries are now open and organisations in the Greater Newry Area are encouraged to nominate across the 21 categories. The Gala ceremony takes place on Thursday 8 September 2022 at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
This is an opportunity for organisations of all sizes to enter from start-ups to social enterprises, charities, family businesses right up to the major global players based here. The categories also reflect key sectors in the region like retail, hospitality, professional services, construction, digital, manufacturing and engineering and others.
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber, speaking at the launch event this week commented “The Employee & Team Awards hold a special place for me, as this is the opportunity to really recognise our people. I often say to my team, that leaders are only as good as their team. I would say most business owners would say that if it wasn’t for the commitment, work and loyalty of their teams and “covid heroes”, we would never have made it through the last couple of difficult years.”
“Now is the time to celebrate and recognise the talent within our own organisations. These awards are a wonderful way in which to celebrate our teams, our star performers and to role model the behaviour and culture we want emulated and developed and grown within our organisations.”
“With estimates of over 1,200 vacancies in this area alone currently, we need to share good news stories and promote the quality roles and career paths available in the Greater Newry Area.”
“I would encourage you to nominate at least one colleague, team member and team in these awards. It really is worth the time and effort for the recognition the person or team will get and appreciate, as well as the overall feel-good factor and sense of pride for the company and colleagues.”
Tony McKeown, CEO of Newry Chamber added “The awards could not happen without the generous support of our category sponsors. So we would like to thank them all. Newry BID, ABP Food Group, M&M Services, U105, Collins Aerospace, Digney Grant, Gray Design, Bank of Ireland, Newry Reporter, Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry Democrat, DELI LITES, AbbeyAutoline, Hinch Distillery, FD Technologies, Killeavy Castle Estate, Southern Regional College, mac-group and Translink.”
“The 21 award categories are now open for entries. Details of each category, criteria and how to enter are now available at www.newrychamber.com.
Applications must be submitted by Friday 5 August 2022 and shortlisted companies will be announced on Friday 12 August 2022 before the Gala Award Ceremony takes place on Thursday 8 September 2022. Charity Partners for the awards is Women’s Aid Armagh Down and Southern Area Hospice Services.”
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Over 1,200 live vacancies were promoted to local residents at the recent NMD Job Fair in Newry. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Cllr Aoife Finnegan has thanked all involved in the initiative which was held in the Canal Court Hotel and Spa in Newry 30 June, The job fair was organised by the Council via the Labour Market Partnership and the Department for Communities.
Over 47 employers attended across a range of sectors including construction, transport, security, health and social care, enterprise, customer services and professional and business services. Representatives from employment support organisations also attended to provide information to assist people secure jobs and advice and guidance on applying and interviewing for jobs. Guidance was also available on the variety of training and employment programmes currently available for anyone seeking to upskill or retrain.
Economic development and the provision of local jobs within the district is a priority within the Council’s Strategic Growth Plan and the NMD Job Fair was an important driver towards meeting these objectives.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Aoife Finnegan, who attended the event, said, “Working in partnership with the Down Labour Market Partnership and the Department for Communities, the Council was delighted to deliver the Job Fair for businesses and residents across the district. The feedback we received from both the employers attending and visitors on the day was that this was a very worthwhile event.
“Bringing local people together with employers who are actively recruiting reinforces the Council’s commitment to employment, improving skills and securing the economic prosperity of the district for the future. The NMD Job Fair provided a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a job or changing career direction to meet with employers who have available vacancies.”
Anyone who missed the Job Fair can connect directly with the participating Employers via their website. Alternatively, a number of the employers have also listed their vacancies through the Job Apply NI site.
For more information on the latest jobs across the area, visit https://www.jobapplyni.com
Employers that attended the NMD Job Fair included:
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, has launched a new business support programme focused on assisting SMEs understand how to promote their business using both digital and traditional marketing techniques.
The ‘Marketing Matters’ programme is part of the highly successful NMD Business Growth programme which 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 programme aims to help participants understand the traditional marketing landscape and the role that digital marketing and social media plays within business. Mentors will highlight the fundamental elements of digital marketing and provide guidance on linking these to the overall marketing strategy of your business to demonstrate how to kick start and sustain growth.
Delivered through two half day workshops, as well as tailored one-to-one coaching, participants will gain the knowledge and techniques required to enhance their marketing skills, learning how to promote their business to new and existing customers.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage, explained why those eligible for the programme should sign up saying, “The steady growth of social media popularity, online shopping and virtual meetings and events, means it is not enough to solely manage your business offline or in-store. The last two years have accelerated the need for businesses to adapt their approach and communicate with customers both online and offline.”
Cllr Savage continued, “This programme is 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 in transforming the impact you can make on the growth of your business. Marketing is crucial for any business, and I would encourage you to sign up to gain the necessary skills and valuable advice from some of the most experienced mentors in this field.”
The ‘Marketing Matters’ programme is open to businesses based in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, employing less than 50 staff. For more information on all NMD Business support programmes visit www.nmdbusiness.org or contact stephanie@fullcircle.eu.com to register for the ‘Marketing Matters’ programme.
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Newry BID (Business Improvement District) was awarded runner up in the 'Best Business Support' category in the recent Town and City Management Industry Awards, hosted by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).
Newry BID was shortlisted for its work on the 'TAP into Newry' campaign. It was up against stiff competition from significantly larger BIDs in Croydon and Bournemouth.
The awards were held in Cardiff, with Croydon BID taking top spot, followed by Newry, in the UK wide awards.
Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager said, 'Tap Into Newry' was a promotion and engagement campaign designed to maximise the number of £100 Spend Local High Street Vouchers spent in Newry city centre. We are delighted on behalf of our members, to have our work acknowledged on a UK wide stage."
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Newry Chamber today outlined the organisation’s concerns regarding the spiralling ‘Cost of Living’ Crisis, which is severely impacting businesses, as well as individuals and families. Locally some businesses have already closed.
The Chamber is calling for Government intervention and will be embarking on a series of engagements with local MPs and MLAs to appeal for action.
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber said “We are hearing daily from members, large and small, about the impact that the increasing rate of inflation and the ever rising the cost of energy, fuel and materials, is having on their businesses. It is not sustainable. We are already seeing hospitality outlets across Northern Ireland closing as a result. We need action or we will see a lot more businesses closing their doors in the weeks and months ahead.”
“Businesses have had the most challenging two years in many of their trading histories. Just when we are potentially seeing light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, we are hit with another crisis. This is impacting everyone, and just like during the Covid crisis, we need Government intervention.”
“We have been vocal on behalf of our members, about the requirement for a functioning Executive. In a crisis it serves no one well to not have the ability to govern, to make decisions on behalf of business and civic community or to assign support where it is most needed.”
“We have written to our local MPs and MLAs to request urgent meetings to discuss a way forward. We are hoping that our plea will not fall on deaf ears. We hope that measures can be put in place to save and support our local business community who provide essential services in all aspects of our daily lives.”
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The current period of difficult trading with prices continuing to rise at an unprecedented rate is taking its toll on local businesses. The hospitality industry is finding things particularly difficult with less people going out and difficulty in getting staff, two of the most pressing issues.
The Velveteen Rabbit Café in John Mitchel Place announced on Saturday evening that they were closing. Well known for it's beautiful takeaway afternoon teas and their home made tarts, sponges and traybakes along with their unique 'Christmas fries', rising costs were cited as a main contributer to the closure.
A statement on their Facebook page said "It is with regret that we announce that today was the last day of trading of The Velveteen Rabbit Cafe.
"To be honest the shocking rises in cost have forced our hand and although we are heartbroken we have done all we could. Every single one of our customers have been amazing and we appreciate you more than you’ll know.
The statement ended "Thanks so much to the people of Newry for everything. We will miss the craic more then anything."
If you have vouchers/bookings send them a message via their Facebook page.
The Velveteen Rabbit closure follows a temporary closure of Craft Café Bistro in Margaret Street in the City a week ago. Staffing and costs were again cited.
A spokesperson for Craft said "This has not been an easy decision to make or one we have taken lightly. The constant rising overheads on a daily basis is hard to sustain. Recruiting the level of staff required to run the restaurant and kitchen is virtually impossible.
"Hospitality, along with so many other industries, is on its knees with many struggling to scrape by. This is not the end, just a short sabbatical until things settle down!
"We would like to thank all our customers for there support over the years and our loyal staff who work tirelessly throughout what have been trying times."
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