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Marks & Spencer have today opened their new 30,000 sq ft store at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry.
Just over 100 staff re-located from the former Marks and Spencer store at the Buttercrane and 23 additional job opportunities have been created at the new site.
Located at 26 Bridge Street, M&S Newry offers customers extended trading hours – Monday to Friday (8am – 9pm), Saturday (8am – 8pm) and Sunday (1pm – 6pm) – and on-site car parking.
The new store brings customers a modern shopping experience with an extensive range of M&S’s quality clothing including Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear. Increased space has created wider customer choice in the Foodhall which stocks over 5,000 innovative food and drink products, as well as a selection of flowers, cards and gift wrap.
Other highlights include a 58-seater Café serving a wide range of refreshments including Fairtrade tea and coffee served by specially trained Baristas. Sandwiches, as well as delicious pastries and cakes, make the Café the perfect place for shoppers to take a break. The new in-store bakery offers a range of speciality breads, pastries and cakes, freshly baked each day.
Councillor Roísín Mulgrew, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council joined local residents to celebrate the official opening of the new store with M&S Newry Store Manager, Siobhan Ruck and her team. Grainne Little, an M&S colleague for over 20 years, cut the ribbon to declare the new M&S store open, with Q Radio’s Kevin McAllister entertaining customers throughout the day.
Siobhan Ruck, Newry Store Manager said: “Today’s opening has been a great success and we are delighted to welcome customers into the store for the first time. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and their positive comments today have made all the hard work preparing for opening day worthwhile.”
Angela Kearney was one of the first customers to visit the new store. She said: “It’s an absolutely beautiful new store. My friend Mary and I shop at M&S every Thursday and we’re so pleased to see it open at The Quays.”
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A Silverbridge haulage company, Polar International, has been the first local company to review a new device that can detect when drivers are drowsy and alert them. Polar International Ltd has 30 lorries working across Ireland, UK and throughout Europe..
The Driver Drowsiness Detector has been launched by Fujitsu and the unique Internet of Things (IoT) enabled wearable device aims to tackle the estimated 40% of commercial vehicle accidents in the UK which occur due to driver fatigue.
Fujitsu’s Driver Drowsiness Detector is a wearable sensor device that detects when drivers are drowsy. The device is worn round the neck with a small sensor clip attached to the driver’s earlobe which picks up pulse waves. The product which uses a proprietary algorithm developed by Fujitsu, monitors the driver’s pulse via the sensor and gauges drowsiness levels and notifies the driver if there is a risk of impairment to reaction times. The device alerts the driver via vibrations on part of the device worn around the neck and can be linked to fleet-management systems so managers can monitor the conditions of their drivers in real time and provide support based on the data collected. The Driver Drowsiness Detector also includes a learning and calibration algorithm meaning an individual’s profile accuracy is improved through continued usage.
In GB, logistics company DHL is already testing the detector in a pilot scheme with 60 of its van and lorry drivers.
Speaking about the wearable technology, Cormac McAvoy, Business Development Manager at Polar International Ltd said;
“Polar International has an extensive fleet of state-of-the-art transport, employing more than 40 people locally. We take the welfare of our drivers very seriously which is why the instant road safety benefits from the Driver Drowsiness Detector is appealing. The data capture element allows you to analyse potential road routes and daily patterns that may contribute to driver drowsiness. Over the last decade, technology has transformed the transport, logistics and freight sector. From location tracking and lane departure equipment to dashcams and digital tachographs, embracing ICT and technology advancements is now part and parcel of safeguarding and advancing your business. Likewise, wearables technology such as the Fujitsu Driver Drowsiness Detector could soon become a firm fixture of the everyday workplace.”
Fujitsu is currently embarking on a roadshow at local business, technology and sectoral events where companies can find out more about the Driver Drowsiness Detector and wearable devices.
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Two top brands have made their home in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre and in a first for the established centre one of them, Burger King has windows giving a view out over Newry's historic canal and walkway. Until now all stores in the centre have only looked inwards!
Burger King, the home of the Whopper, has just opened the doors of its new restaurant while Superdrug opened in December. It's a substantial investment in the Newry Shopping Centre with over 650 square metres of space leased to the two national brands.
Over 35 new jobs have been created locally by both stores.
Burger King, Buttercrane is an 84 seater family-friendly restaurant featuring a new modern design – the first of its kind to be rolled out in Northern Ireland.
Robert Ferguson NI Regional Manager said they were delighted with the restaurants performance since opening just over a week ago. “We’re thrilled to open in Newry and to be located in a vibrant, successful shopping centre. The corner location of the unit and separate access was ideal for Burger King, as we can trade late every night to serve the local community.”
Roisin Mallon, Superdrug Newry Manager, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming beauty lovers to our new store in Newry. We’re excited to be joining the shopping centre and welcoming customers into store for their beauty and grooming essentials, as well as introducing our new beauty services area.”
Peter Murray Buttercrane Centre Manager has welcomed the new tenants saying: “The new Burger King is a wonderful addition to the centre and enhances our food provision while Superdrug has had a very successful first month with its exclusive beauty ranges and own brand beauty and health products.
The modern design of the new Burger King and new glazed frontage which looks out onto the city centre and the historic Canal, enhances Buttercrane Centre’s linkage with the heart of Newry.
“The creation of new employment in the City is very welcome and I congratulate both Burger King and Superdrug and wish them every success in Buttercrane Shopping Centre,” Peter added.
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MJM Group at Carnbane in Newry have raised £21,500 for Southern Area Hospice. It follows a year of dedicated fundraising by the company.
Commenting on the fantastic achievement Fiona Stephens, Southern Area Hospice said “We are delighted to receive this amazing sum of money. MJM Group staff really embraced fundraising activities by organising events such as a Lip Sync Battle in Bellini’s, Lap of the Lough Cycle, a Zipline across the Lagan, raffles, coffee mornings etc. It is a tremendous effort and is a great example of what businesses can do when they focus on charitable fund-raising.”
Through the fund-raising efforts MJM Group employees raised £10,750 which the company generously matched to bring the total to £21,500.
Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Group was on hand to present the cheque and spoke of how the hospice is regarded very highly by company staff “The Southern Area Hospice is a charity very close the hearts of many of our employees. Our Social Committee set themselves an ambitious target which they more than exceeded and as a company we were only too pleased to match their efforts and present £21,500 to the Hospice.”
The MJM Group Social Committee was made up of staff from across the group including Eimhear Goodwin, Damian Kearney, Nina Duffy, Elizabeth O'Connor, Emma Keenan, Conor Jordan, Aine Goss and Nadine O’Hare.
If your workplace would like to become a charity Partner of the hospice in 2018 you can contact Fiona Stephens on 028 3025 1333
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Newry businessman, William Hogg the 4th has launched a new business ServiceMaster Clean in South Belfast.
Born and bred in Newry, William Hogg chose to invest in the company, a franchise of ServiceMaster, to build a business for his family and provide much-needed reactive cleaning services to clients. ServiceMaster Clean launched in the UK in 1959 and utilises the latest stain removal and drying technology to provide its customers with an industry-leading service.
The company also provides emergency services for removing needles and dangerous items from public spaces, cleaning up after fly tipping and works closely with many of the major insurance companies. Head of restoration services for ServiceMaster Angus Dodds is looking forward to seeing Mr Hogg's business grow and develop in the coming years.
With over 25 years’ experience working for his family’s flooring and furniture business, Hoggs Furniture Centre in Newry, William Hogg, owner said: “I’ve been searching for a business to invest in that I had some experience of and could see a future in for my family. ServiceMaster Clean is a big name in the restoration sector and I’m excited about getting out on the road in the iconic yellow van and working closely with customers who need our help.
“Property damage incidents can be a distressing time for property owners but our devotion to personal service will ensure that we care for each and every client as if it were our own property.”
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Several businesses in Newry including Norbrook and MJM are already trading with China and officials from Newry, Mourne and Down Council are exploring other opportunities to trade with the country.
Over 100 Chinese provincial and municipal leaders were in Belfast in December at the UK-China Regional Leaders Summit. The summit showcased the strength of business and innovation in Northern Ireland and provided a springboard to explore growth in China. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council representatives met with the Director General of the Changchun Municipal People’s Government and their European Division Director during the summit.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor, Roisin Mulgrew said, “The Friendship Agreement with the Changchun Region is further development of the Council’s objective to attract investment, support the creation of new jobs and will enhance the friendship between the two regions.
The Newry, Mourne and Down region is an outward looking hub of entrepreneurial innovation, demonstrated by recent announcements from local companies who are already trading on the global market. We look forward to working with all our partners to explore the opportunities the Friendship Agreement with the Changchun region presents.”
The Chinese economy continues to open up to western business with the advanced manufacturing, technology, digital sectors and agri food sectors, in particular, presenting trade opportunities for Northern Ireland. By invitation of Liu Changlong, Mayor of Chagchun a delegation from the Council area will visit Changchun in 2018.
Newry, Mourne and Down local businesses have been trading with China in recent years with the most recent announcement from MJM a Newry based company. MJM commenced work on 8 January 2018 on the Star Pisces, Cruise Ship, dry-docked in Shenzhen for a nineteen-day refit. The fourteen week contract included the manufacturing of various components in MJM’s factory in Newry which were then dispatched in containers to join the vessel for the refit to be completed by a team of over 85 MJM Group skilled workers.
The depreciation of sterling against the US dollar has made Northern Ireland exports ever more attractive, making now a good time to explore the opportunities of China and Hong Kong.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are hosting a Cross Border Conference to help prepare businesses for the impact of Brexit, on Wednesday 7 February at the Carrickdale Hotel, Carrickarnan. The conference will be attended by Tánaiste Simon Coveney.
Chairperson of the Enterprise,Regeneration and Tourism Committee Pete Byrne has said that the conference will be aimed at preparing businesses for the impact of Brexit focusing on the A1-M1 corridor.
Byrne said, ‘Since Brexit became a reality in June 2016, our Council has been proactive in helping to prepare this region for the impact of the referendum result. Last year we joined 11 Council Areas that lie along the border to deliver a collaborative document ‘Brexit and the Border Corridor’ to the heart of Europe. It highlighted the risks, opportunities and issues we need to consider following Brexit and specifically went into detail on how businesses would be impacted. This conference is aimed at preparing businesses particularly those along the A1-M1 corridor for what lies ahead.’
‘According to the largest survey of businesses across the island, InterTradeIreland’s Business Monitor, less than 1 in 20 firms have made any plans to deal with Brexit. Evidence shows that the impact of Brexit will fall disproportionately on the Border Region and within that on a number of sectors such as SMEs which are predominant along the Border corridor. That is why it’s important that businesses are able to prepare for Brexit, including getting advice on tariffs and new customs arrangements if these come into place.’
‘This conference is another collaborative effort between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council working in association with InterTradeIreland, Local Enterprise Office and the Newry and Dundalk Chambers.
A full agenda for the conference is currently being devised and finalised between all partner organisations and further information will be announced in due course. To register your interest in attending visit www.eventbrite.co.uk
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With 2018 underway Garry Best, Managing Director of Best Property Services and head of the land division, reflects on the market in the past 12 months and looks at what to expect for 2018.
“Top line data from one of NI’s largest land sales agents, shows there was a 20% drop in acreage of land sold in 2017 compared with 2016, with the sales value of the land rising by an average of 8% to £14k /acre (£13k during 2016). Good quality land value shows a rise of 11% per acre while poorer quality land value has dropped in value by 14% on 2016.
These figures highlight the attitude from buyers intending to farm the land taking the view that the inputs are too costly to be applying to average to poor quality land,” Garry Best of Best Property Services explains.
Throughout the year we experienced growing demand for larger farm acreage from both active farmers and investor purchasers, seeking IHT relief.”
Two notable sales in the final quarter of 2017 included a Victorian Mansion with lands in Armagh and a Grade B Listed House in Co Down which fetched in excess of £3 million.
Dartan Hall (Co Armagh) an impressive Victorian Mansion, near Tyan in County Armagh is set on 115 Acres and sold in November 2017 for £1.73M, following strong bidding from four potential buyers.
While in County Down, Rostrevor House set on 29 Acres on the edge of the village, was offered for sale at a Guide Price of £1.6m and included a Grade B Listed Residence (15,000sqft) within mature parkland.
The property has strong historical connections with USA and whilst there was American interest, a sale was negotiated in November to a local buyer who intends to restore the residence for private use.
Looking towards the smaller category of land holdings, two notable land sales during the year saw a per acre value achieved of £16k (for a 14.5 acres site in Hilltown area) and £16,250k (for a 8.5 acres outside Newry).
Farm land opportunities coming onto the market early in 2018 include a 120 Acre farm at Lisnalee, 4 miles north west of Newry; 80 Acres in the Loughgall area in Co Armagh & 19 Acres in the Jerrettspass area.
Rural building sites have improved over the past 12 months from an average of £45,000 in 2016 to an average of £60,000 in 2017, although predominantly being acquired by eventual owner/occupiers as opposed to builders.
Meanwhile, development land opportunities continue to remain in short supply.
Early in 2017, 3 Acres with planning consent in the Jonesborough area sold for just over £200,000/Acre.
While at the end of 2017, a prime site in one of Newry’s most popular residential areas, with planning consent for 14 units sold for just over £45,000/Unit – reflecting the short supply of this type of land.
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World-leading fit-out specialist MJM Group who are headquartered in Newry have signed a historic, multi-million pound contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and operator Azamara Club Cruises® which will see the company carry out a full refit of the ship.
This will see MJM Group create history by bringing one of the first major refits of a cruise liner in a UK dry dock. MJM Group, which specialises in high end marine fit outs will bring the luxury cruise company’s newest ship to Belfast, to manage and complete a full refit. The announcement is an unprecedented, potential game changer both for MJM Group and the global cruise ship industry, as it represents the first time a cruise ship owner has awarded complete project management responsibility to an individual organisation.
MJM Group will project manage the docking, berthing and refit of the Azamara Pursuit in Belfast, testament to the company’s rapid growth over the past decade, and creating a momentous opportunity for MJM Group to put Northern Ireland, and the UK’s marine industry on the global map.
“MJM Group is delighted to have been awarded the refit contract for Azamara Pursuit in what is a milestone opportunity for our business, and indeed for the marine industry in the UK,” commented Gary Annett, Chief Executive Officer of MJM Group. “The success of this project has the potential to be a game-changer for the UK maritime industry. By securing this multi-million pound contract we are putting Northern Ireland, and the UK’s marine industry in a strong position to compete for future drydock and refit works.”
There are currently 335 ocean going ships which dry-dock on average every two and a half years. It is estimated that the cruise ship industry spends $3bn on dry-docking and ships refurbishments annually with the majority of the works carried out in shipyards in the Caribbean, Europe, USA, Canada and Asia.
Mr Annett said it was important to MJM Group to bring the historic refit project to Belfast: “This contract gave us the opportunity we had been waiting for, which is to bring a major refit to a UK port for the first time in many years. MJM Group has an exceptional track record of delivering world class cruise liner refits for the world’s top operators in docks across the world but we have always had the ambition to revive the rich shipbuilding industry history right here in Northern Ireland. We looked at many other facilities globally but we worked hard to put together a case for Northern Ireland. To secure the Azamara project we had to demonstrate that we had the ability to provide complete project management, outfitting, berthing and ship yard services. With Harland & Wolff on our doorstep and our experience in the industry we were able to do this. This truly is a historic day for this industry in Northern Ireland, for MJM Group and indeed our customers.”
Jonathan Guest, Director of Business Development and Improvement at Harland & Wolff said, “We are delighted that MJM Group is bringing this fantastic project to Belfast and to our shipyard. We have global brand recognition as a historic leader in the shipbuilding industry and we know that there is so much potential to revive this industry in Northern Ireland. We look forward to supporting MJM Group on this project and hopefully other refits in the future.”
Azamara Pursuit will be the third ship in the Azamara Club Cruise® fleet joining Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey to offer passengers the opportunity to travel in luxurious surrounding and visit unique ports that larger ships are unable to reach. Together, the three ships will support the brand’s commitment to enrich destination immersion around the world, by staying longer in port to allow guests to experience more.
Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises® travelled to London to announce the plans for Azamara Pursuit. “This is a wonderful occasion for Azamara Club Cruises®. This is the first time any company within Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has used a UK shipyard for refit works of this scale. We are delighted to come to Northern Ireland with Azamara Pursuit. It will be a truly magnificent sight to see our ship beneath the historic Harland & Wolff cranes which are so synonymous with Belfast’s proud maritime history and we thank MJM Group for helping us make this happen. Additionally, Azamara Pursuit will make her maiden voyage from Southampton which will be another momentous occasion for us. With the refit in Belfast and her maiden voyage from Southampton, we are showing our commitment to the UK market place.”
Azamara Pursuit will arrive in Belfast in April for work to commence and will make her maiden voyage from Southampton in August 2018.
Multi-Million Pound Contract welcomed
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew welcomed the announcement saying “The signing of this contract is a huge breakthrough opportunity for MJM Group, and indeed for the economic development and marine industry in the Newry, Mourne and Down area. I am absolutely delighted to receive the news today and I believe that this project has the potential to be an catalyst for change in our maritime industry. By securing a multi-million pound contract in our district, this will firmly and explicitly place this Newry-based company in a strong competitive position for future works to refurbish and or build new cruise ship projects in the future.”
MJM Group has an outstanding record of delivering world class marine projects and to succeed in bringing a new project to the island of Ireland will undoubtedly secure employment opportunities for the local people of our area and across the north of Ireland.
Councillor Mulgrew added, “I am keen to see the project get underway as quickly as possible and will provide every support that I can to ensure this happens. I look forward to the commencement of this project and hopefully more significant contracts in the future.”
Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson and Newry Armagh MLA, Conor Murphy, has commended MJM on securing the historic contract."With this recent success MJM have made a statement about the calibre and quality of local industry in the Newry Armagh area.
"The contract secured by MJM is the first of its kind for a Newry-based firm, and rightfully puts a global spotlight on the contribution of local employers to our island economy.
"I am happy to take this opportunity to congratulate MJM on their successes, for their contribution to our local economy, and wish them all the best in the future."
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