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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced the launch of an exporting opportunity for local businesses which would see them provide free access to the Overseas Results Limited online system for up to 20 local businesses.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “Overseas Results is an excellent example of how Council wants to assist our local companies to both begin and increase exporting”.
Councillor Fitzpatrick continued, “For anyone with a product or service who would like to identify real customers in a new market place, then this opportunity needs to be grasped”.
Any company located within the district can apply for a place on the programme by visiting overseasresults.com/nmd and completing the online application form before Wednesday 31 May 2017.
Applications will be scored on a first come basis and places awarded to eligible applications achieving the required marks. Successful applicants will be contacted by Overseas Results who will then identify and contact 12 customers in any overseas market the local company has selected. All customer contact is completed by Overseas Results using their resources in that country and any translation required is included free of charge.
Chief Executive Officer of Overseas Results Limited, John Magee said, “We invite entries from businesses across the district of any size and from any sector. This is the ideal opportunity to find out what an overseas market thinks of your products or services. There is not a faster, more effective way of exploring new markets”.
For more information on the Programme contact the Enterprise Regeneration and Tourism Department on 028 3031 3223 or 3031 3250
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Newry Junior Chamber in association with Newry Speakers Club are holding a Public Speaking Workshop this Thursday 27 April at Newry Conference and Banqueting Centre.
The event begins at 7pm and will finish at 9.30pm.
Whether your goal is to engage in client meetings, make a career as an inspirational speaker or to gain confidence speaking in front of an audience this is a great way to build confidence, overcome fears of speaking in public and increase your communication skills.
Due to the nature of this event, numbers are extremely limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets can be reserved via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/njc-public-speaking-workshop-tickets-33731371440?aff=es2
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A Newry based company that has launches of their newest inflatable pub in Dublin, London and LA next month is at present on the lookout for a suitable Newry location for a launch as well!
Lisa McMahon Winters, who runs The Inflatable Pubs Global a Newry based company has just completed a deal with TV studio, Twentieth Century Fox, which will see her company launch an inflatable version of the iconic Moe’s Tavern, from The Simpsons TV series. They are also looking in to importing the "Duff" beer that Homer is so fond of.
The company's range will include a commercial and residential version that can be used at home.
Lisa explained, ‘ It has taken about two years to get this across the line, we had to negotiate for a brand licence with Fox, and then we had to get the whole interior layout designed exactly like the bar in the show.
The best explanation of an inflatable pub is that it's like a marquee but far more creative and adventurous, with a number of different types of bespoke designs and sizes available and they are often used at weddings, public and corporate events. If you want, you can even ask the company to design and create a replica of your favourite watering hole.
‘Effectively it is like a blow up marquee, and made from the same material as a bouncy castle, but the interior will be an exact replica of the one in the Simpsons, we are even hoping to be able to import and provide Duff beer like Homer drinks."
Lisa lived in America for a number of years, and brought the whole inflatable idea back to Ireland, and although she can produce replicas of any bar you want, this one is by far her biggest project.
‘We have done an inflatable Queen Vic for an EastEnders fan, and we can do The Rovers Return from Coronation Street or McCoys from Fair City, or even the ‘local’ from back home for emigrants. Next on the list is the Nags Head from only Fools and Horses.
‘We’re selling all over the world, and one of the most popular is the original Pub, The Mac and inflatable Wild West saloon , that is in big demand in the southern states of the USA.
‘When we get Moe’s on the market we will then be launching our retail version for more residential use, we are currently in negotiations the several multinational retail companies for this product, so if someone wants one that he can pump up on his kitchen table, have a party in, and then take it down and fold it away in the garage, we’ll be able to help."
Check out www.inflatable.pub for more information.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade together with other business bodies and the Community and Voluntary Sector visited Stormont this week to make a final plea to local political leaders, and the two governments to find a way forward for creating a power-sharing government that works for all the people of Northern Ireland.
Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber commented "Devolved government is the only option to ensure that our business community continues to grow, attracts new investment and delivers job creation on the ground. As we unite with our fellow business groups and representatives from the community and voluntary sector, our message is clear. We unequivocally state that the best way forward for everyone in Northern Ireland is through a local power-sharing government which needs to progress corporation tax, restore business certainty and ensure that Northern Ireland has a strong voice at the Brexit negotiations".
The business and community and voluntary groups presented an open letter to all members of the Northern Ireland Assembly - calling on local politicians to find a way forward in creating a power-sharing government and a local Executive that works for all people in Northern Ireland.
The bodies that signed up to the letter
. Confederation of British Industry NI (CBI)
· NI Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)
· Ulster Farmers Union
· Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
· Institute of Directors (IoD) NI
· Federation of Small Business (FSB) NI
· Queen’s University Belfast
· Ulster University
· Construction Employers Federation (CEF) NI
· NI Retail Consortium
· Retail NI
· Freight Transport Association (FTA)
· Hospitality Ulster
· NI Food & Drink Association (NIFDA)
· Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade
· Quarry Products Association NI (QPANI)
· Manufacturing NI
· Women in Business
· Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
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If you are finishing your A Levels and GCSEs this summer and thinking about your next Steps get down to the Southern Regional College on Wednesday 26 April from 5-8pm to find out more about ‘Higher level Apprenticeship Opportunities’
The SRC in association with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade is hosting the event which will highlight and promote the range of new higher level apprenticeship options available to A’ Level school leavers. It will also provide information on the huge range of Apprenticeship options on offer for those students completing their GCSEs this year.
Local employers have committed to creating hundreds of new apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship job opportunities in a wide range of areas. Students leaving school in June 2017 are invited with their parents/guardians to attend this information and employer showcase evening to find out more about these 'local' apprenticeship opportunities starting from September 2017. This is a perfect opportunity for parents and young people to consider more cost effective, alternative routes to achieving degree qualifications whilst working locally.
Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said “We are hosting this event to highlight the tremendous opportunities that exist locally for school leavers. The new system of apprenticeships provides real jobs for young people right here on our doorstep.
He goes on to say “University is not the only option to young people wishing to obtain higher level qualifications and skills. Young people can now ‘earn and learn’ obtaining degree level qualifications without incurring the level of debt associated with full time higher education. The message is simple - if you want to gain skills and enter the workforce without any debt, then an apprenticeship is for you.”
Those attending this event will be able to meet and discuss potential career opportunities with many local employers who will be promoting a wide range of apprenticeship job opportunities. Some of the apprenticeship/higher level apprenticeship areas include: Science, Accountancy, Mechatronics, Computing Infrastructure, Engineering, Construction and many more…
Mary Meehan, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber said “We are delighted to support this event that aims to bring together employers and apprentices to celebrate the success of apprenticeship schemes whilst encouraging, even more, people to choose an apprenticeship to kick start their career. Apprenticeships are designed to build confidence, learn key skills and gain the qualifications that future employers desire. Providing apprenticeships is a mutually beneficial process and the companies hiring apprentices have as much to gain as the workers themselves with many apprenticeships going on to secure full time jobs”.
Don’t miss out, register for this event at thinkdifferently.eventbrite.co.uk or contact SRC on 0300 123 1223 or visit www.newrychamber.com
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Two local companies recently attended a world class design festival in Finland thanks to the Creative Momentum Project.
Representing Newry, Mourne and Down District were David Henderson from David Henderson Design, Kilkeel and silversmith Samantha Moore from Crossgar. Samantha outlined the benefits of the festival, “We got to showcase and discuss our work while developing a deeper understanding of the value of design in business. All this while networking transnationally and addressing living and working in a way that addresses sustainability through design”.
The six creatives attended Arctic Design Week 2017 as part of the Creative Momentum Project’s Northern Ireland group (which is led by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council). Advancing the economy is Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s number one priority, and assisting local businesses to gain greater exposure to international best practice will help grow the economy and promote exporting.
“These businesses are out there on a global platform,” commented Colin McCusker, Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, “networking with other creative professionals at an international level, exploring potential transnational future partnerships and collaboration. This experience can only lead to increased turnover and new jobs. What an opportunity”.
The festival in Rovaniemi, inside the Arctic Circle, allowed the local businesses to network, exhibit and attend events with Finnish and international designers, bringing together their creative expertise from Arctic regions and further afield.
All participating Northern Ireland businesses were exposed to international best practice which will in turn help generate new export and business development opportunities.
Overall there were six attendees representing the SEED region of Northern Ireland made up of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newry Mourne & Down District Council. Other companies supported through the Creative Momentum project include those from the EU regions of Northern Ireland, Sweden, Iceland and the Republic of Ireland with funding from the EU Northern Periphery and Arctic Regions Programme.
Creative Momentum is funded through EU Northern Periphery and Arctic Regions programme and the SEED group of councils of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
A creative momentum project' funds the www.MyCreativeEdge.eu website, the Creative Showcase for Europe's Northern Edge. Any creative enterprises based in the five regions can create a free online profile on MyCreativeEdge.
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The Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade has booked its own private suite at Down Royal Racecourse on Friday 26th May 2017 and members are looking forward to a fantastic social evening of networking and fun. The Main sponsors of this exciting event are American Airlines & British Airways.
Prizes for best dressed gent and best dressed lady, sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers will also be awarded on the day. As part of our main prize, each winner will receive a pair of tickets to London from Belfast courtesy of British Airways as well as a designer watch of their choice.
Caitriona Toner, American Airlines Country Sales Manager for Ireland has said how delighted American Airlines are to be supporting the Newry Chamber of Commerce.
Brenda Morgan, Partnership Manager for British Airways also said British Airways is thrilled to support the Newry Chamber of Commerce and to play a role in this exciting event.
Tickets are priced at £65 per person for members or £75 per person for non members or for a table of 10, it will cost £600 for members and £700 for non members.
Get your tickets booked early by emailing mary@newry.com and see if you will rein supreme on 26th May.
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Expressions of interest are being sought from companies interested in joining a Business Visit to Szczecin in Poland on 15th - 18th May 2017. The visit is being organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Honorary Consul of Poland and The Marshal's Office of the West Pomeranian Region who will assist with setting up and scheduling meetings for companies interested in cooperation with this region.
Mary Meehan, CEO of Newry Chamber commented "This initiative provides the perfect platform for growth orientated companies to explore new sources of raw materials, labour supply, direct sales, partnerships or manufacturing bases. Going as part of a Chamber delegation can certainly add more credence and credibility to the individual company and open many new doors for business".
Jerome Mullen, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland commented "Szczecin is an exciting place to do business and offers many opportunities across a range of sectors. Our well established in market links will ensure that participating companies maximise the opportunity to do business there".
Companies will benefit from free in market assistance in setting up pre scheduled meetings as well as enhanced networking opportunities through Civil and Embassy receptions.
To express your interest or to find out more, please contact Newry Chamber on T:028 30250303. Closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 7th April 2017.
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Best Property Services have achieved a unique new Investors in People standard and are the only property firm in Ireland to pilot a new generation of IIP assessment.
The company have a long standing history with Investors in People, reflecting Bests commitment to ensure its workforce are well trained, motivated and provide the most professional service to all its clients.
Office manager Edwina Flynn explains: “In October 2016, we were offered the opportunity to be assessed using a new IIP Generation 6 standard, as part of a pilot programme. We felt it was a great opportunity to develop as Generation 6 focuses on achieving high performance and ‘best in class’ HR practices.
“The process helped us to further improve our standards, highlighting some new areas for us to develop, support and motivate our staff to provide the highest standards - so it was a very positive experience.”
Eddie Salmon, Investors in People Practitioner Manager for IIP says: “Best Property Services is the first in its sector across the Island of Ireland to be assessed using the Developed framework and is leading the way for other small business to follow and benefit from this process.
The company successfully met all the requirements of the framework and were accredited using the sixth Gen Investors in People Developed Framework.”
The report stated that the company was found to have ‘a culture which promotes innovation, staff development and demonstrates a willingness to communicate and involve at all levels.’
Eddie adds: “These are key ingredients for success and traits of a business striving to achieve highest standards of performance in service delivery by its people and we congratulate them on their achievement.”
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