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Giving their thoughts on the proposed new development on the site of the present ABP premises at Greenbank, a spokesperson for Newry Chamber of Commerce released a statement.
"‘Newry Chamber of Commerce is broadly supportive of any development within the city centre limits.
The Chamber supported this application and welcomes any proposals for the creation of jobs in the city. This decision gives only outline planning consent therefore the proposed jobs are a number of years away. However the key to progressing this development is the fulfilment of the commitment by the ABP that the current jobs in the Newry plant will be retained within the Newry area- if not there could be a serious threat to existing jobs.
Therefore the Chamber would welcome a statement from ABP re-affirming their commitment to keep the existing job in the Newry area.
There are also issues around access to the site which we are sure Road Service and DOE will work to resolve in the coming years’."
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Local Newry Company First Derivatives happily has bucked the current economic trend with a very encouraging revenue increase of over 25% for the year ending February 2012.
First Derivatives based in Canal Quay in Newry is a global provider of software and consulting services to the financial services industry and employs around 700 people worldwide including a substantial number in Newry.
Revenue in the past year has risen to £46.1 million with the majority of this due to a 35% increase in Consultancy revenue to £32.6 million up from 24.2 million the previous year.
Chairman of First Derivatives David Anderson commented “This year has seen continued strong growth across the Group’s activities with total revenues up over 25%. As the economic recovery has been taking a fragile hold we have continued to make a substantial investment in the development of all the group’s activities. The goal of this investment has been to ensure that we build a robust organisation with a strong asset base and service offering to ensure future growth. We expect the market in coming years will continue to be challenging as the full effects of budget constraints, regulation and globalisation continue to impinge our customers. With the improvements made to the Delta suite and its revenue stream and the positioning and improvements to
our service offerings, we feel that the group is well positioned to continue to grow. We continue to have a strong pipeline of prospects and have made a strong start to the current year and expect to be able to report further progress in the year to 28 February 2013.”
Chief Executive Brian Conlon sees further growth in the years ahead. "Based on the health of our current sales pipeline we anticipate reporting further growth in the year to 28 February 2013. As well as organic growth the Board will continue to pursue acquisition opportunities where we see a strategic fit and have access to the necessary sources of finance. On a macro level we are confident that we have positioned ourselves to benefit from global trends in technology and consulting and that with our recurring revenue model and continued reinvestment in the business we will deliver further significant benefits in the years ahead."
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A local motor parts supplier is miles closer to gaining new contracts after it made significant investment in new premises, with the support of Ulster Bank.
Commercial Motor Products Ltd opened a new £300,000 state of the art store at Loughway Business Park, Newry earlier this month.
With 12 employees at present and 7 vans on the road daily delivering parts, Commercial Motor Products Ltd has been gradually expanding since opening its first branch in Armagh in 1990. The business expects the opening of the new premises in Newry to generate additional sales from south of the border.
Explaining why now is the right time for this expansion Commercial Motor Products Ltd Director, Mark Curran says: “We currently supply parts to businesses and individuals across Northern Ireland and we have seen increased interest coming in from the Republic of Ireland. The new premises will significantly increase our capacity and enable us to expand our reach across Ireland, both North and South. Having two units will ensure we can take on new business while continuing to offer the great service our customers expect.”
He added; “Making such a big investment in the business is something we have been thinking about for some time and when the right premises came along we knew it was time to act. When we approached Ulster Bank they were keen to listen to our business plans and we were impressed with their engagement. We see their backing for the new premises as a real endorsement of our business,” Mark continued.
Ulster Bank Business Manager, Marie Murphy says: “Mark has shown great confidence in expanding the business and we are delighted to support him with this project. There is a perception that credit is not available for SMEs, but as this shows, where there is a viable business proposition, Ulster Bank has the necessary people, products and finance to help make it happen.”
Further information on Ulster Bank’s products and services for business customers can be found at www.ulsterbank.co.uk/ni/business.ashx
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Drumalane Mill based company Kallsafe has secured nearly £100,000 from Invest NI.
Kallsafe was set up in 2011 to market and sell the technology which tracks and controls smart phones and provides real time alerts as defined by a parent.
Functions include blocking the phone from sending or receiving texts between certain hours, monitoring photos sent and received and the technology can also alert a parent that their child is texting while driving.
The Invest NI support is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and will help set up, carry out research and development on the product and launch it in the US and UK markets.
Kallsafe plan to create 15 jobs by the end of 2014.
Mark Bleakney, Manager of Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office, says: “This is a product with substantial global potential and valuable intellectual property and it was important that it moved quickly to market to give the company a competitive edge. Invest NI’s support enabled the company to launch the product within six months of setting up.”
Through a subscription service the company is offering two solutions: KallsafeSocial and KallsafeMobile. KallsafeSocial is all about keeping children safe from unwelcome attention, inappropriate texting or cyber bullying, while KallsafeMobile can monitor where the child is and allow a parent to send an emergency message to their child’s phone.
Newry was chosen as the location for the start-up because of the can-do attitude of the people, says Mark Rothwell-Brooks. “We wanted something new, an alternative outlook. There’s a hunger to achieve here in Newry, to prove that great things can be done and done well.
“Having spent most of my career in London, I’ve found the place getting a bit too cynical and the West Coast venture capitalists don’t want to invest in anything other than China. We’ve found the help we’ve received from Invest NI invaluable. They listened to what we want to achieve, given us an alternative viewpoint, bought into it and are helping us make it happen. What more does a start-up need?”
Check out www.kallsafe.com for more information
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Silicon Valley may be many miles away but Newry has it's very own fledgling wannabe - Emerald Valley which operates out of premises at the former bathhouse on Canal Quay/ Canal Street as well as premises in Carnbane Business Park.
The startup welcomed it's first customers just in January past and is already making huge in-roads into attracting startup companies.
One of the missions of Emerald Valley is to highlight the many advantages for technology companies in having a base in Newry. An english speaking area in a border region on the edge of Europe with a wealth of transport options taking you to most parts of Europe in a couple of hours is certainly useful for American companies looking to get their foot in the European market.
Taking almost the same time to reach Dublin as Belfast, good transport options and a wealth of highly skilled potential employees within an hours drive certainly ticks quite a few boxes for potential clients.
Other aims are to help grow and support local companies already running and educate the future workforce.
Co Founder Eve Earley led a seminar this week at The Bath House on Canal Quay on Empowering Change hosting three companies that were launching new products. All three sit comfortably under the Emerald Valley umbrella.
First up was Kallsafe founder Mark Rothwell-Brooks who spoke on his smart phone App that monitors your children's phone activity, from who is texting them to where they are to if they are texting while driving. The App is being rolled out to Ireland and the UK at present and you can check out more at www.kallsafe.com
Next was Paul Graham founder of phlok.me an App that you can use to discover friends and offers available in your town or city. See www.phlok.me
Lastly www.socialclix.biz founders local girls, Eavan Brady and Sarah Meaney spoke on maximizing your company's social reach.
This is just one of many up-coming Empowering Change events. Keep an eye on Newry.info for details.
CORRECTION
Nichola Bates would like to point out that she is in no way connected to this article or organization. We have removed the paragraph that may have given this impression and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience.
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Teleperformance UK announced today that it is recruiting over 400 new staff to join its growing workforce at it's Newry and Bangor premises. The majority of the jobs will be based at their Newry premises at The Quays.
Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL, Chairman of The Parker Green Group, which owns the highly successful Quays Complex in Newry said he was delighted once again to work with Teleperformance UK as their Property Partner by delivering quality office space which underpins this investment and another major jobs boost for Newry.
He continued “We are delighted Teleperformance are expanding their current operation at The Quays Complex in Newry, where over 2500 people already work on a weekly basis. Delivering real jobs right now is a tremendous boost for the local economies and Teleperformance UK are to be congratulated for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland at this time.”
Alistair Niederer, Chief Executive of Teleperformance UK, said: “We are currently enjoying a high level of growth across the UK and are proud to be creating such a boost in Northern Ireland with these vacancies. We are looking for talented people that have a passion for delivering excellent customer service.”
Teleperformance is looking for staff with a wide range of skills and experience to work on behalf of a range of different clients representing leading UK and global brands and organisations across the public and private sectors. Many of these roles are more aligned to a junior account management role than the traditional contact centre agent role.
Those interested in applying for roles, can do so by either texting “JOB” to: 84433; emailing: careers.tpuk@teleperformance.com, calling 0845 272 6666 or by visiting: www.teleperformanceukcareers.co.uk
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The Elected Members of both Councils recently met to discuss the creation of the new Council arising from the planned amalgamation of Newry & Mourne District Council with Down District Council in 2015. This followed confirmation last week that the boundaries of the new Council had now been established in law by the NI Assembly1, as part of the wider Review of Public Administration (RPA). Under the RPA the number of Councils will be reduced from 26 to 11, with the new Council being given additional powers and responsibilities.
Meeting recently as a Transition Committee made up of 8 Councillors which has been established by both Councils to oversee preparations in advance of the creation of the new Council in 2015, the Councillors discussed some of the details associated with the establishment of the new Council, including the scale of the challenge that lies ahead, and the potential impacts that the change will have for local ratepayers, communities and staff. In a joint statement, the Joint Chairs of the Transition Committee welcomed the news from the NI Assembly, but called on more details to be provided.
Councillor Ruane said, “The RPA provides a golden opportunity to transform the lives of local people, but we also recognise that with any change comes the fear that local services and local jobs will be lost. We welcome the recent announcement on the new Council boundary but call on the NI Executive to provide more clarity on what is planned.
Councillor Coogan said, “In particular, the specific package of new powers that will be given to us in 2015 and the essential funding that is required to ensure local ratepayers do not bear the financial burden. For too long there has been too much uncertainty for local ratepayers and local staff.”
The Councillors of both Councils recently appointed Councillor Michael Ruane from Newry & Mourne District Council and Councillor Michael Coogan from Down District Council as the Joint Chairs of the Transition Committee, which will oversee the preparations.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade has announced details of this year’s Annual Golf Classic which is taking place in Warrenpoint Golf Club on Friday 31st August.
Once again there are amazing prizes to be won for the four ball competition as well as prizes for ‘Nearest to the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’. Prizes for the four ball competition include rounds of golf at some of Ireland’s top golf resorts including Knightsbrook, Portmarnock and Roganstown.
Newry Chamber is also delighted to announce that new Chamber Member, ASPRAY is generously sponsoring this year’s Golf Classic. Speaking on behalf of Aspray, Michéal Crilly, an avid golf enthusiast, commented ‘Aspray, the Property Repair and Insurance Claims Management specialists are delighted to support the 2012 Newry Chamber Golf Classic. We look forward to a great day out with Newry Chamber and its members’.
Entry to the four ball competition costs £120 (includes meals and goody bags). To book team please contact Newry Chamber on (028) 3025 0303, or email: info@newrychamber.com
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With just weeks to go until the start of the digital TV switchover in Northern Ireland, viewers in the Newry area are being reminded to look out for their guide to switchover.
Digital UK’s 20-page guide to the digital TV switchover will be sent to 750,000 households across Northern Ireland, urging viewers to get ready and providing detailed information about switchover, including a guide to TV equipment options, retuning instructions and how to receive Republic of Ireland channels.
Switchover mascot Digit Al paid a visit to Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Councillor John McArdle, to make sure he knows how important it is to read his leaflet in order to get ready for 10 October, when analogue television will start to be turned off.
Latest research* indicates that most viewers are well prepared, with more than nine out of ten households already having made the switch to digital TV. Those still watching in analogue are now being advised to get ready for switchover – when Freeview coverage will be boosted to reach virtually all homes – or risk being left with a blank screen.
Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme are stepping up their communications campaign, with roadshows visiting towns across Northern Ireland between now and October. On-screen messages will appear on analogue channels and there will be further TV, press and radio advertising. 
The Help Scheme (helpscheme.co.uk) will be writing to eligible older and disabled people, reminding them of the assistance on offer to convert one TV set to digital, including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare. The help is available for those aged 75 and over or who are eligible for certain disability benefits or registered blind or partially sighted or living in care homes.
Denis Wolinski, Digital UK’s National Manager in Northern Ireland, said: “Most people have already made the switch to digital, but we know some people may leave it until the last minute, or may need a little extra advice. We’re urging anyone still watching analogue television to make the change now and to contact the Help Scheme if they’re eligible for practical support.”
Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Councillor John McArdle, said: “It’s important that people read the Digital UK leaflet which will be coming through their letterboxes very soon. October isn’t too far away so we all need to think about what, if anything, we need to do in order to continue watching television. However, there’s lots of help available and I’d urge the public to make use of it well in advance of the switchover so they are fully prepared.”
Viewers can check their switchover date and options for getting digital TV by using the Digital UK postcode checker at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing 08456 50 50 50
Help Scheme Additional Information
People aged 75 and over, eligible for certain disability benefits, registered blind or partially sighted or living in care homes are entitled to practical help from the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme. For £40, they will be given equipment to switch one TV per household to digital. They will be able to have that equipment installed if they want it, a demonstration of how it works and a number to call while they get used to things. If they’re eligible and also on income-related benefits, the help will be free. Everyone eligible will be contacted directly before switchover. More information is available on 0800 40 85 900 and online at www.helpscheme.co.uk
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