Pictured at the Newry Chamber of Commerce Annual Diinner in the Canal Court Hotel. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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Local worthy causes will benefit to the tune of almost £100,000 after last weeks Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade's 17th Annual Christmas Charity Dinner.
More than 700 patrons attended the dinner in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. After breaking the £1 million fundraising target for local charities two years ago, people were equally generous this year with just under £100,000 raised for local causes. This brings the total raised during the past 17 years to just under £1.230 million.
The annual total is a combination of more than £13,000 raised through the first ever Newry Christmas Charity Colour Run which attracted more than 750 runners; the sum of the value of the toys brought by guests for the huge toy mountain which will be distributed to local families through St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army this Christmas; ticket sales for the dinner, donations, a golden ticket raffle and a raffle on the night.
Amongst the special guests were TV star and comedian Ardal O Hanlon, Apprentice star Grainne McCoy, singer Susan McCann, politicians, clergy and dignitaries from across the island. The guests of honour were four very special local school children and their families who were nominated by their schools to receive dream holidays. Elish Larkin, Niall Travers, Daniel Boyle and Sean McKinley were presented with travel vouchers for a family holiday of their choice by committee members.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said, 'Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is very proud of the generosity of its members. For the past 17 years businesses and individuals from across the greater Newry area have embraced the Christmas Charity Dinner to help families have a better Christmas and to support organisations/charities doing tremendous work in our communities.'
Michael also thanked the management and staff of the Canal Court Hotel as well as the organising committee of Emma Turley, Dr Gerard O’Hare, Mark Crimmins, Gavin O’Shea, Deborah Loughran, Mary Meehan, Declan McChesney, Jack Murphy, Gemma Murphy, Natasha Daryaie and Tony McKeown.
All of the proceeds from the event were presented on the night to the beneficiary charities. There were 23 charities who benefitted from the Christmas Charity Colour Run and a host of others from the dinner they included Rathore School, Daisy Hill Children’s Ward, Head Injury Support, Southern Area Hospice Services, The Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul, The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Newry & District Gateway Club.
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Twenty thousand pounds have been raised for Action Cancer by the Newry and Lurgan sites of ABP, with the help of its local farmer suppliers.
A further £5,000 has also been donated between Home Start Newry and Reach Mentoring Lurgan. The money was raised at the beef processing company's annual fund-raising Barbecue.
Roger Sheahan General Manager of ABP Newry explained, “A wife of one of our supplier’s volunteers for the charity local committee in Banbridge and she approached the company for support. The local ABP management team were delighted to help. Over 600 of our suppliers rallied to the cause by attending our fund-raising BBQ event.”
Thanking ABP’s support for the vital work Action Cancer carries out Dougie King of Action Cancer said, “This was an outstanding individual, team and community performance by ABP and its local farmer suppliers in support of The Banbridge Action Cancer Group. When you imagine all the people who will use our services in the weeks and months to come, it’s a good thing to know that this generous donation is making such a difference to local people’s lives, every day.”
“Action Cancer provides a range of cancer prevention, early detection and support services across Northern Ireland. The support from ABP means that we can offer free breast screenings, health checks, counselling for children as young as 5 years old and adults and complementary therapies. These services are available either on board the Big Bus mobile unit, at Action Cancer House or at over 12 regional locations. One in two people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, so on behalf of people who will benefit I would like to thank ABP.”
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An £11million rural investment scheme in Newry, Mourne and Down has been launched by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen.
The Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership will deliver direct grant aid to projects in the area across a range of schemes, with the overall aim of stimulating the economy and improving the quality of life for residents.
Speaking as she attended a special launch event in Ballynahinch, Miss McIlveen said: “As Minister with responsibility for rural affairs, I am committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the high proportion of Northern Ireland citizens that live in rural areas.
“My Department, through the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership, is investing more than £11million to help stimulate the economy, create employment, improve basic services and promote rural regeneration. This in turn will deliver real benefits to people in the area – boosting overall wellbeing, life chances and opportunities.
“This £11million scheme is part of an overall investment of around £70million in rural areas across Northern Ireland and is a powerful indicator of the importance the Executive places in stimulating and supporting rural communities.”
The Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership will roll out four key schemes which together will lead to the investment of up to £11.18million of grant aid in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area:
Rural Business Investment to support for the creation and development of micro and small enterprises (including farm diversification and private tourism businesses) in rural areas.
Rural Basic Services, to support capital investments which will provide access to basic services or improvements in social infrastructure (including activities to reduce isolation and/or poverty) to improve the welfare and access to basic services of those living in rural areas.
Village Renewal, which will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through village plans.
Rural Broadband, which will provide financial support to fill the gap for rural dwellers who cannot avail of broadband and will help address the very rural ‘not spots’ that are not within the scope of any other government initiatives.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick added: “It is fantastic news that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have secured financial support to deliver Priority 6 of the Rural Development Programme. This funding will help improve many aspects of rural dwellers within our district, offering the opportunity to develop projects to address a wide range of social and economic issues. I look forward to seeing the engagement from project promoters across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and would encourage anyone with a project to contact the LAG Office.”
Nicholas McCrickard, Chairperson of Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership’s Local Action Group, which will deliver the programme, also added "I am delighted to chair the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership in the delivery of Priority 6 of the Rural Development Programme. The Local Action Group members and stakeholders have been instrumental in developing an interim Local Rural Development Strategy to help us to allocate these funds, and I have full confidence that this will guide us towards the delivery of a wide range of projects focused on addressing social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in the area.
"Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership is responsible for the delivery of the programme across the rural areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with specific focus on Rural Business Investment, Basic Services, Village Renewal, Rural Broadband and Co-operation. With reference to the Rural Business Investment Scheme only, the LAG were keen to include the towns of Ballynahinch, Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Newcastle as eligible areas for grant assistance. We would encourage those interested in engaging with the programme to contact the administration unit for more information."
For more information on the support available or to discuss a potential project contact a member of the Rural Development Team at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233 or visit www.mournegullionlecale.com
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is encouraging small businesses across the district to get involved in Small Business Saturday on Saturday 3 December with Business Owners and Managers encouraged to get involved by providing special offers and discounts for customers.
The initiative is designed to help small traders promote their businesses in the run up to the Christmas season, and to emphasise the importance of ‘shop local’ to consumers.
The Council has already confirmed support for ‘Make it Local’ initiatives and a programme of activities has been organised to ensure the promotion of ‘Local First’ in main towns throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down area. It is recognised that the Council needs to work in partnership with local retailers to ensure the sustainability of vibrant city and town centres across the district.
Participating in Small Business Saturday is a positive way to promote the local retail sector and to encourage the spread of ‘Make it Local’ practices.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick is pleased with the progression of the ‘Make it Local’ initiative and welcomes the positive response from the local traders across the district. However, for the maximum benefits to be achieved for the town it is important for local shoppers to get involved and to support the initiative. Councillor Fitzpatrick said ”I am keen to encourage as many businesses as possible to promote Small Business Saturday and hope that the day will act as a catalyst for a successful Christmas shopping campaign. I would also ask that when shopping in future people adopt the ‘Make it Local’ message and help create vibrant and sustainable town centres across the entire district.”
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The Canal Court Hotel was a busy venue on Thursday with Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D as guest speaker at the Newry Junior Chamber lunch event ‘Bordering on Brexit’.
Newry Junior Chamber organised the event for members and the surrounding businesses in light of the current talks on Brexit and to inform the Taoiseach of issues surrounding the members and the impact it will have to businesses on the border.
At the meeting, the Taoiseach said "I am delighted to be in Newry today to have the opportunity to speak with you and hear your views on Brexit. I understand the very particular issues that the UK referendum result raises for all border communities on this island. In Newry, there are real concerns about any future arrangements that might harden the border so I want to assure you today that I and my Government are doing our utmost to ensure that we maintain the free movement of goods, services and people across this island. In 2014 total cross border trade in manufacturing came to over 3 billion euro or just under 2.5 billion pounds. That is a 7.1 per cent increase on the total cross-border goods trade in 2013 and I want to see this trend continuing. I would like to commend the great work the Newry Junior Chamber are carrying out as they contribute to enhancing their local business community".
Commenting on the number of shoppers coming north at present the Taioseach added "More recently we have seen a growth in the number of shoppers crossing the border to take advantage of cheaper sterling. Of course this is a phenomenon that we have seen before and are likely to see more of in the run-up to Christmas. I am conscious that while this is good news for retailers here in Newry, on the other side of the border the sterling effect is a real challenge. This is something that was brought home to me during my visit to Dundalk earlier today.
"But overall, the freeflow across the Border has been good for this island. We remember what a hard border was like. We remember the cost – both in practical and psychological terms. And we are in agreement with the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive that we will work hard to avoid barriers to cross-border traffic and economic activity. Our economies are intricately linked - there is nothing to be gained from one-upmanship on either side of the border. What is good for the Northern Ireland economy is good for the Southern economy and vice versa."
The event was well attended by businesses across the Newry and surrounding areas. Guests were entertained by the Gaudeamus Choir who sang ‘Co. Down’ as the Taoiseach entered the event. Speaking on the day, Nicole Curran, President of Newry Junior Chamber said “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Taoiseach for taking time out of his no doubt jam packed schedule to attend our event. I am grateful that he has recognised the importance of speaking to the Newry business community who work continually to ensure that the correct decisions are being made for the Island as a whole following the UK Referendum Result and consequential times of uncertainty. The Newry Junior Chamber recognises the need to encourage and promote personal and business development and provide a platform for proactive local businesses and entrepreneurs to share knowledge and engage with likeminded individuals who are always seeking ways to develop the area and local business community. We as a Chamber have an All Island outlook economically and we want to ensure that throughout the Brexit process it remains positive and grows”.
On the day, guests also heard from Gillian Fitzpatrick, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who thanked the Taoiseach for attending and presented a gift as a token of appreciation. Gillian also commended the work of the Newry Junior Chamber and the work they are doing for local businesses in the area.
The Taoiseach also had a meeting after the event with members of Newry Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to become a member of Newry Junior Chamber or would like more information about upcoming events, please visit www.newryjuniorchamber.com
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First Derivatives are continuing their period of strong growth having seen their revenue increase by 34% to £72.4 Million in their 6 Monthly financial results till 31 August. The First Derivatives group employs more than 1700 people.
Their software business was a particular cause for note with revenue increasing by 60% to nearly £30 Million, almost 50% or their entire revenue.
The Brexit induced weakness in sterling has been of benefit to the company with over 60% of their revenue generated outside of the UK!
Commenting on their latest results Seamus Keating, Chairman of First Derivatives said “We are pleased to report another period of strong growth for the first half of the Group’s financial year. In the six months ended 31 August 2016 revenue increased by 34% to £72.4m and adjusted EBITDA was 26% ahead of last year at £13.6m. We delivered on our strategy in a number of important areas; winning larger, multi-year contracts in managed services and consulting, extending the capabilities of our software and, through additional investment in sales, marketing and people, laying the foundations for further growth.
“We are particularly pleased with our software business where revenue increased by 60% to £29.4m. As we operate a predominantly subscription-based license model, this growth reflects the successful implementation of contracts signed last year. We have continued to win contracts with new and existing clients during the first half and the financial benefits of these will be recognised in future periods.”
“We continue to focus strongly on the financial services market which is the source of the majority of our software revenue, while advancing our strategy to penetrate other vertical markets, primarily marketing technology and utilities. We are also actively working with potential clients to explore use cases for our technology in other arenas such as telecoms and the Internet of Things.”
Looking forward to continued growth Chief Executive, Brian Conlon commented “We remain confident that our software has significant competitive advantages in financial markets along with a range of other verticals. During the first half we have advanced our discussions with multiple potential customers in other industries and have also sought to increase our routes to markets through partnership and OEM agreements with third parties.
“We continue to see evidence that FD is becoming an increasingly strategic managed service and consulting partner for large investment banks, evidenced by the pipeline of new managed services assignments being discussed with clients. Our clients’ demonstrable confidence in our capabilities and appetite for our services allows us to continue to invest in the training and retention of our own staff as we prepare for continued growth.”
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is celebrating the First Year of the Social Investment Fund ‘Work It’ Training and Employment Programme.
The Northern Ireland Executive has allocated £80 million towards the Social Investment Fund which aims to make life better for people living in deprived areas by reducing poverty, unemployment and physical deterioration.
The Social Investment Fund is being delivered in partnership with communities across nine social investment zones throughout the province.
The aim of the Southern Zone (covering the three new council areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Mid Ulster District Council.) ‘Work It’ programme is to give those who are most removed from the labour market a bridge to the world of work by improving participant’s skills and general employability by providing 48 weeks training and employment for 160 participants. The programme aims to build confidence, increase self esteem and provide accredited training opportunities for participants of the programme while also adopting a partnership approach to delivering community regeneration projects.
The Social Investment Fund will be targeted at those areas that are within the top 20% most deprived Super Output Areas and this programme will specifically target areas within Lurgan, Newry City, Coalisland and Portadown.
Junior Minister, Megan Fearon said, “Getting people into jobs is no easy task but the ‘Work It’ project has proved to be a real success. The project is delivering for local people and this investment is really making a difference. Already it has worked with over 550 people and delivered 160 full time placements. As a result, 80 people are now employed.
“It’s also more than just headline figures; families and the wider community are benefiting from the personal and professional development this initiative provides people with.”
Junior Minister, Alastair Ross said, “The ‘Work It’ project is a great example of how local people, working in tandem with the Executive, can make a real and tangible difference for the better.
“Projects such as Work It deliver what the Northern Ireland Executive’s £80million Social Investment Fund is designed to do by improving the skills, talents and opportunities that people need to succeed. Together, we are improving people’s lives and making a better society for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
The Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick stated, “On behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I would like to thank the Executive Office for providing us with the opportunity to lead on this innovative programme. Today has been a fantastic opportunity to talk directly with beneficiaries and hear first hand how this programme has provided life changing opportunities for participants and community projects.”
This programme is still active and if you would like any further information, either as a participant, employer or community group, on the Social Investment Fund ‘Work It’ Programme please contact:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Programmes Unit by telephoning 028 3031 3024 or e-mailing: programmesunit@newryandmourne.gov.uk or contacting Network Personnel by telephone on 028 3839 2777 or e-mail: Carla.Campbell@networkpersonnel.org.uk
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If you have being wondering what is happening on the site at the former Newry Tax Office, today it has been revealed that the development will contain a Dental Clinic as well as retail and office/ restaurant units, helping revitalise a long forgotten stretch of the former thriving Merchants Quay.
Building work has been taking place on the site this past few months and the building is going to be known as The Custom House.
The first significant commercial investment in City Centre Development in almost a decade is being developed by Downshire Quay LLP. The Custom House scheme beside Bellinis, represents a £2million pound investment which will deliver a mixed retail/office scheme over 3 floors on a 0.7acre site.
Daragh Mallon, Chartered Valuation Surveyor with Best Property Services Commercial Department says: “This is a significant investment in the City centre in excess of £2 million and will enhance the City’s retail provision and enliven the upper Merchant’s Quay area.
“The scheme will be anchored by South Down Dental Clinic who will occupy the first floor with complementary medical and facial aesthetics treatments. The ground floor is available to lease and will comprise of 5 retail/office/restaurant units (ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 sq ft) with modern ceiling to floor glazing creating a really contemporary look to the whole building in keeping with the recently completed Public Realm scheme along the quayside,” Daragh adds.
Custom House is expected to complete in early 2017.
For more information/register your interest contact Best Property Services Commercial team on 028 3026 6811 or visit www.bestpropertyservices.com
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Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan was in Newry yesterday speaking to Newry Chamber of Commerce on Brexit.
During his visit, Minister Flanagan also met with Whitecross based group Peaceful Futures South Armagh. as well as visiting St Malachy's Primary School, Ballymoyer.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Flanagan said “My visit to Newry is part of the Irish Government’s ongoing outreach and engagement with business leaders and communities in Northern Ireland to hear first-hand their views on the impact of Brexit. I had a productive visit to Derry last week and I look forward to visiting Newry and discussing the Government’s approach to the very real challenges that lie ahead.”
The Minister added “While there is no doubt that a UK departure from the EU poses serious challenges which will impact on the lives of all of the people of this island, the Irish Government is clear about its steadfast commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to reconciliation. We are responding to the desire for a broad conversation with civic society on these matters and my visits to Northern Ireland along with the upcoming All-Island Civic Dialogue in Dublin on 2nd November are key parts of our approach to this engagement.”
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