Write a comment
December saw Buttercrane Centre enjoying a great Christmas trading period peaking at 165,000 visitors in a single week with a quarter of these visitors coming from across the border.
The centre's end of year report cites a + 4% increase in footfall in December compared to the same period in 2016.
National footfall in UK is down by 3.83 % in November and December but Buttercrane has bucked this trend.
This was primarily attributed to the centre’s wider appeal as recent lettings have ensured the centre is almost fully occupied - with recent new store openings including Superdrug and Burger King. The Brexit effect on Euro exchange value has continued to drive greater numbers of ROI shoppers throughout 2017 and especially in the final quarter of the year.
Peter Murray Buttercrane Centre Manager said: “We’ve over 95,000 shoppers a week visiting the centre regularly, peaking in December to over 165,000 in a single week showing a year on year rise of 4%. Sales of gift cards are also up significantly, which demonstrates increased confidence in the centre following two years of repositioning ourselves with an expanded retail and food & beverage offering and further good news to come on lettings in Q1 2018.
“The Euro value certainly had an impact throughout 2017 when we saw on average 25% of shoppers visiting from ROI as compared to 12% back in 2015, pre-Brexit. Nonetheless, our regular shopper continues to be from our primary catchment areas of South Down and South Armagh. We have actually seen the centre attract more regular visitors from this core catchment area, and as a business we are always grateful for the continued and ongoing support Buttercrane benefits from locally.”
Activity was very good at the start of the St Stephen's Day sales from 11am on Tuesday with many traders reporting they were very happy with how the stores performed in the run up to Christmas.
Peter added: “I am delighted with the tremendous trade achieved by Buttercrane Centre.
“The centre has enjoyed significant investment and attracted a number of new brands this year which has added to our appeal and increased our offering significantly."
Write a comment
Best Property Services have reported a 20% boost in sales volume of resale residential property in 2017.
Adrian Doran, Residential Valuer with Best Property Services comments on the upturn in both listings and transactions in the upper end of the local residential market (£300k- £1M) which has not been seen for a number of years.
“There is an active demand in the general resale sector in all price bands as supply levels are currently lower than normal,” Adrian adds.
Siobhan Phillips of Best New Homes division has witnessed a significant increase in the quantity of new homes being made available by developers in Newry, Warrenpoint and Dungannon areas, this has subsequently led to a sales volume increase of 130% and a price increase on average of 9.7% above 2016 levels.
The New Homes division is currently managing sales of new housing schemes in Bessbrook, Newry, Ballymacnab, Caledon, Tamnamore , Blackwatertown and Galbally.
For 2018 there are a number of clients with active new developments moving from planning to housing completions in the Dungannon, Jonesborough and Coalisland areas among others.
Overall the 2017 residential sales figures between the Newry and Dungannon offices have exceed £25M for the first time in a decade.
The local rental sector remains very buoyant mainly driven by an under supply of good quality rental property and high demand from prospective tenants particularly in the Newry area, this has resulted in an overall rent increase of some 6%.
Looking to the commercial landscape, it remains challenging as funding is not readily available, reports Commercial Director Ciara Aiken.
“That being said, the Best commercial team have felt a positive improvement in the market, evidenced by the rise in transactions during 2017, which have more than doubled.”
Notable sales include a large office building on Downshire Road to the very successful MAC Interiors Group based in Newry, a letting of high spec gym in Greenbank Industrial Est and the recent sales of self-contained industrial premises in Lurgan and Carnbane - where competitive bidding saw the guide prices exceeded in both cases.
Latterly, the sale of an investment property in Newry City Centre attracted unrivalled interest and the final sales price achieved was +45% over the Guide price.
“The positive confidence can be seen in the fact that vacancy rates in the City Centre have reduced substantially in the last 12 months and a new, privately owned retail/office scheme has been developed at Custom House, on Merchants Quay– the first privately owned scheme of this type to be developed in the city since 2009,” Ciara says.
The commercial team report that Brexit has not yet made any tangible impact on market activity although they have noted a slight rise in enquiry levels from across the border.
“It may well be the case that in the short term the Brexit process will throw up as many opportunities as disadvantages . Its longer term, the impact on the property market is difficult to predict at this stage,” Ciara concludes.
Write a comment
Best Property Services have made their annual donation to St Vincent de Paul and Women’s Aid in lieu of client gifts and cards.
The staff have also donated care packages for teens currently in need.
This year, the company also ran a facebook Christmas Tree Competition to win Shopping Vouchers.
The winner Clodagh Murphy has opted to donate her prize to Newry Helping the Homeless to purchase hats and scarves for those in need this Christmas.
Write a comment
Warrenpoint based The Beauty School have won the Training Academy of the Year Award at the inaugural Irish Beauty Industry Awards 2017. The awards saw 400 guests join a celebration of the Irish beauty and aesthetics industry at teh prestigious event in Dublin.
The Warrenpoint business won Ireland’s Beauty ‘Training Academy of the Year’ award and Elizabeth Feehan, Director of The Beauty School, accepted the award and pointed to the room “The reason we are the number one training academy is because of you... your dedication and passion to the beauty industry, work and careers continues to keep us inspired to approach each course with even greater love for what we do! We are grateful that you chose to train with us. Thank you.”
The Beauty School, also won the ‘Training Academy of the Year’ at the Northern Ireland Hair and Beauty Awards earlier in the year. They are the sole distributor in Ireland for HD Brows, High Definition Makeup, Nouveau Lashes, and Gamax Nails, they also distribute Bellamianta Luxury Tan and their very own product MiniMi inch Loss Body Wrap. The Beauty School also have the only Collagen Wave machine in Ireland and carry out clinic’s weekly in salons across the nation.
The Irish Beauty Industry Awards 2017 seek to recognise and celebrate the growth of the industry and the success of the professionals working in it. The awards aim to reward not only beauticians and hair stylists, but also other talented professionals who work to make people look beautiful – from dentists to cosmetic clinics and tattoo removal clinics.
The elegant event was hosted by producer of The Opinion Line on Corks 96FM radio station, Brenda Dennehy. She welcomed on stage talented individuals and establishments, known for their high-quality beauty treatments and the exceptional service they deliver to their customers.
Irfan Younis, CEO of organisers Creative Oceanic, commented about the awards: “We are honoured to have such great finalists and winners representing the Irish beauty industry and enhancing its reputation at home and abroad. The awards reflect the talent in Ireland and the hard work and determination of beauty professionals.”
Write a comment
Newry's Bluezone Technologies have been acknowledged by the NI Business community at the recent UTV Business Eye Awards 2017.
The company were highly commended in the Best Digital/ Online Company of the Year category.
Now in their 11th year the awards took place in Belfast with over 600 guests from the crème de la crème of local business in attendance. Viewed as Northern Ireland’s Premier Business Awards Bluezone Technologies were honoured to be finalists in three categories, Best Digital Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year and SME of the Year. With more entries than any other year before, other finalists included Musgrave, Henderson Group, Maxol, Thales UK and Keystone Group.
Talent in the Technology Sector
Commenting on the award Stephen Sheridan, Business Development Executive, said “Bluezone Technologies are proud to collect this award considering the vast array of talent among other companies in the category, it is an honour to have our product chosen. It highlights the progression we are making in our field.”
Build on Success in 2018
Adrian Byrne Bluezone CEO commented “We are delighted to be selected for this award, Bluezone Technologies aims to set the standard in EHS Software and to be recognised in this category is attributed to the hard work and commitment of our staff. We look forward to building upon our success in 2018”.
Write a comment
Newry based Norbrook have announced their financial results for the year to 31st July 2017 with revenue increasing by £33M to £272M, a 14% rise in revenue year on year. Operating profit reached £50.2M an increase of £11.7M.
To further strengthen the company’s position in the global veterinary pharmaceutical market Norbrook have made a significant capital investment in this past two years of more than £26M.
Three new products launched in the last year are also helping to drive business, particularly in the US. The North American market grew +17%.
2017 also saw an Increase in farm and companion animal categories, up 12% and 20% respectively
Liam Nagle, Chief Executive Officer, Norbrook said, “2017 was a solid year for us. We invested significantly in the business with a second new laboratory facility; upgrades to, and expansion of our manufacturing capability; and continued investment in our IT infrastructure. We further strengthened our portfolio with three new products. Carprofen Chewable Tablets for Dogs in the US in particular, supports our business growth plans in this significant market. New product development is a key growth driver for us going forward and we continue to work closely with our Customers to identify new opportunities.
“We are very confident in our plans for the future and our portfolio. We will continue to invest in delivering growth and a sustainable business with a clear and focused strategy to take advantage of what continues to be a buoyant veterinary pharmaceutical sector.”
Write a comment
Clare Guinness has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority
She is the first female head of any port on the island of Ireland and replaces Peter Conway who has held the post for the past 12 years.
Ms Guinness joins from Fane Valley Group, where she held the position, Director of Corporate Services. During her time at Fane Valley, she played an instrumental role in the sale of the dairy to Lakeland and the joint ventures between Slaney, Linden Foods and ABP.
Clare Guinness also held senior roles during 17 years with the Bank of Ireland, working within the Real Estate and Business Banking divisions across Belfast, Dublin and London.
Stan McIlvenny, Chairman of the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, said “The Board is delighted to have secured the appointment of Clare Guinness, who has a wealth of corporate experience across multiple jurisdictions.
Mr McIlvenny concluded “We look forward to working with Clare as she leads the development of the Port’s strategy, and building on its growing contribution to the local economy."
Clare Guinness will take up her role in January.
Write a comment
Interior outfitters, MJM Group whose 100,000 sq ft production facility is based in Newry has secured a seven figure contract with Star Cruises which will see the company carry out its first drydock project in China. Star Cruises is part of Genting Hong Kong a leading corporation principally engaged in cruise and cruise related operations along with leisure, entertainment and hospitality activities.
As part of the deal, the Newry based company will carry out a series of works in 15 separate areas across 5 decks of the Star Pisces which will include the transformation of casinos, restaurants and retail areas.
Speaking ahead of the works, MJM Group Chief Executive Mr Gary Annett comments: “The cruise industry within China has been growing substantially with forecasts predicting that some 7- 10 million passengers will cruise from China by 2030. As a result, cruise companies are commissioning new ships and refurbishing existing liners for their Chinese customers which is where the opportunities for MJM Group lie. We have been working hard to break into the Chinese market and are delighted to announce our first drydock contract in China which is particularly opportune, given that the UK-China Regional Leaders Summit was held in Belfast at the weekend. Northern Ireland has had a long maritime industry and MJM Group is proud to represent our industry within the Chinese marketplace.”
Star Pisces will drydock in Shenzhen for the nineteen-day refit which will commence on 8th January 2018.
“This project is working to a very tight timeframe with just 14 weeks from the awarding of the contract to handover,” explains Shauna O’Hare, Contracts Director for MJM Group. “We have already manufactured various components in our factory in Newry which have been dispatched in containers to join the vessel for the refit to be completed by a team of over 85 MJM Group skilled workers.”
MJM Group is widely regarded as the world’s leading cruise ship fit-out company and has worked with some of the largest cruise companies in the world including Genting Hong Kong which owns Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises.
“MJM Group has recently completed a refit onboard Crystal Symphony on behalf of Crystal Cruises which has proven very successful,” adds Mr Annett. “Our drydock contract in China with Star Cruises, which is the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, marks a significant and very exciting milestone in the MJM Group story. We are the world leader in marine interior fit-outs throughout the rest of the world and our aim is to expand this reputation to include Asia. As an emerging market for the cruise industry, China holds untold potential which MJM Group wants to explore. Star Pisces represents the start of a new chapter in the ongoing success of MJM Group.”
Write a comment
The provinces six regional Further Education (FE) Colleges have joined together to launch a new marketing campaign, “Let’s do Business” to promote their services to local employers and businesses.
The Let’s do Business campaign aims to raise the profile of FE Colleges as a “first port of call’ for businesses who want to re-skill or up-skill their workforce or who are interested in how they can diversify and innovate.
Further Education colleges have a range of funded training and mentoring programmes, bespoke training and initiatives available to local employers who wish to grow their business through increased profitability or product development, as well as budding entrepreneurs who require assistance in turning their business idea into a commercial reality. They can also help with recruitment, accessing funding and technical expertise to bring new products to market
The 6 FE Colleges currently provide a broad spectrum of bespoke business activities and to date have supported over 10,000 businesses. They are a springboard for providing the skilled workforce for the future in terms of Apprenticeships, Higher Level Apprenticeships and work placements.
A new dedicated website, www.yourcollegeni.com has been created to help employers identify the college best suited to their business’s needs, provide information on funding opportunities and establish better collaborative relationships.
Welcoming the new initiative Beverley Harrison, Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy said: "Further Education’ plays a vital role in enhancing and strengthening the skills profile of Northern Ireland by addressing the skills deficit and so underpinning the creation of a successful regional economy. Further Education assists businesses to innovate and grow so increasing competitiveness across the region. The sector provides a strong collaborative offering across the region aligned strongly to the economic priorities at regional and sub-regional level. I would encourage businesses both small and large to explore they can benefit from the assistance and expertise of the colleges.”
Local FE Colleges are a valuable resource for employers offering support to develop a wide range of new technologies and specialisms. Each college has developed expertise in specific areas and employers have access to support from any of the Northern Ireland colleges.
Southern Regional College CEO and Chair of the FE Colleges Principals group Brian Doran said: “The FE sector is committed to creating a globally competitive economy. On a day-to-day basis the Colleges are working with businesses across NI – from the large multi-nationals such as Norbrook Laboratories, Terex to the SMEs and micro businesses - which are the very heart of our local economy. Through collaboration with the FE sector, businesses can improve productivity, innovation, and creativity to help support a more competitive local economy.”
Highlighting how they have benefited from the support of their local FE College, Liam Nagle, CEO, Norbrook: said: “Norbrook’s collaboration with Southern Regional College in the development and establishment of the first-ever Higher Level Apprenticeship in Applied Industrial Science in NI has been invaluable to us. We are able to address the gaps in our workforce and support the local economy through recruiting students into highly skilled positions.”
 |
 |
 |