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A local independent coffee house which started its business journey on Monaghan Street in Newry is set to create 10 new jobs in Belfast when it opens its second location in early 2025 following an initial investment of £300,000.
Nestled on the ground floor of the recently restored Printworks building on Queen Street, Nine Squared Belfast will have seating for 35 guests and bring its signature brews and bakes and unique event experiences to the heart of the city.
The coffee house was founded by Sean McDonnell in 2021 when he opened the first location in Newry beside The Railway Bar. Sean, who brings a wealth of experience within the independent coffee industry, has partnered with Newry businessman Neil Cole to open Nine Squared Belfast. Neil has an extensive background in marketing and social media and has held senior global positions with both Meta and TikTok, currently working with the latter.
Sean McDonnell co-owner of Nine Squared Belfast said: “Nine Squared opened three years ago this week and we are thrilled to announce that our second location will be opening in early 2025. Nine Squared Belfast will be more than just a coffee shop. It will be a destination where people can gather, relax, and enjoy an immersive coffee experience. Our mission revolves around four key pillars: Iconic Coffee, Iconic Venue, Iconic Staff, and Iconic People and we’re dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, serving exceptional coffee and tray bakes.”
Neil Cole, co-owner of the Nine Squared Belfast said: “We’re proud to be creating a dynamic space that embodies both community and creativity. Nine Squared Belfast is rooted in the 'Third Place' concept – offering people a stylish, welcoming space where connections and conversations thrive and a venue that truly celebrates Belfast’s vibrant culture.
The Printworks building has been lovingly restored and is the perfect location for our Belfast coffee House. We are excited to be working with a fabulous up and coming Architectural Designer, Aoife Mulvenna of Fada Studio, who has brought our vision to life. It’s a truly unique venue and we’re excited to create a new event space as part of this. We already have some exciting partnerships confirmed with local and world-class brands and will be hosting VIP nights for our customers with some very special guests to look forward to.”
Nine Squared is also a proud accredited Living Wage employer, committed to supporting and empowering its team.
“As one of the few employers in Northern Ireland to offer the Living Wage, we’re focused on creating a work environment that values and uplifts our team. We believe that supporting our people not only strengthens our brand but also creates a positive, engaging environment for our customers,” Sean added.
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Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy has met with the Senior Management Team at First Derivative to discuss any potential risk to the operation in the north following an announcement in November that FD Technologies have sold the First Derivative part of the business.
In a reply to a question from Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty Mr Murphy said "Early indications are that the announcement does not initially change or impact the roles of FD Technologies staff in the North Ireland, who will continue to work as normal. I am scheduled to meet the senior team in January 2025, post-acquisition, to discuss any further developments and opportunities."
Mr McNulty had asked the Minister for the Economy to detail any action his Department has taken to retain First Derivatives jobs in Newry.
In his reply Mr Murphy added "The business is particularly important to the sub-regional economy around Newry, and employs over 900 locally."
The economy Minister said "Since the announcement of the restructure, I have met with the First Derivative senior management team to discuss any potential risk to the operations in the North of Ireland. I have also highlighted the importance of maintaining the business in the North and the opportunities to continue to grow the business, based on the strong track record of success and the capability of local talent.
"Invest NI CEO Kieran Donoghue has also met with FD to discuss the business’ re-structure plans. Invest NI has a long-term strategic relationship with the business and is engaging with the management team to help ensure a strong future for the business in Newry."
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Tourism Northern Ireland has presented Newry based Two Stacks Irish Whiskey with a special plaque in recognition of their participation in the NI Spirits Trail. Killowen Distillery near Rostrevor also received a plaque along with the other distilleries who form part of the 13 distillery visitor trail.
Two Stacks based on the Chancellors Road sell their products throughout the world including many Duty Free facilities.
Visitors can pick up a `Distillery Trail Passport’ at any of the stops and collect stamps as they explore the breadth and quality of our spirit-led experiences.
The distilleries featured on the trail also include Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee; Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin; Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar; Hinch Distillery, Ballynahinch; Woodlab Distillery, Dungannon; The Boatyard Distillery, Enniskillen; Wild Atlantic Distillery, Castlederg; Old Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills; Titanic Distillers, Belfast; McConnell’s Distillery, Belfast and the Walled City Brewery, Derry.
It is hoped that the plaque will strengthen the collective brand of the trail, while ensuring the distilleries receive continued visibility as part of a sustainable tourism initiative that benefits all regions across Northern Ireland.
Gary Quate, Food and Drink Tourism Manager at Tourism NI said: “These plaques highlight the businesses' commitment to offering an authentic, tourism-driven experience as part of a broader visitor initiative.
“By displaying the plaque, businesses not only encourage more engagement with the trail, but also give customers confidence in the quality and authenticity of their experience.”
Further information about the NI Spirit Trail is available at discovernorthernireland.com
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Economy Minister Conor Murphy was in Newry last week to launch a three-year Social Enterprise Action Plan.
Developed by a sector-led co-design group, the Action Plan aims to increase the commercial capacity of social enterprises and, in turn, strengthen and grow the sector across Northern Ireland.
Minister Murphy launched the action plan at local social enterprise Centred Soul in Hill Street Newry on Wednesday 4 December.
Speaking at the event the Minister said: “The social enterprise sector is one of the cornerstones of the local economy, employing around 25,000 people across approximately 850 businesses and generating more than £625million in turnover.
“Social enterprises also play an important role in society, providing a much-valued service to their local communities.
“Through this action plan, which the sector has helped develop, I want to help social enterprises grow further, employ more people and make an even greater positive impact on the economy and wider society.”
Actions include bespoke leadership training for staff in the sector; the introduction of social enterprise champions in Invest NI, InterTrade Ireland and all local councils; and a commitment to explore demand for a social enterprise capital growth fund.
Dave Linton, CEO of local social enterprise Madlug and Chair of the Social Enterprise Action Plan co-design group, said: "As Chairperson of the Action Plan group, I am thrilled to see the action plan launched – a significant and welcome development for Northern Ireland's social enterprises.
“I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed their time and expertise to the development of this plan. This marks a pivotal moment in empowering communities, driving sustainable growth, and fostering innovative solutions.”
The Social Enterprise Action Plan is available at: www.economy-ni.gov.uk
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Lislea engineering company Versaffix has picked up two prestigious accolades at the Machinery Movers Awards 2024 held in Enfield, Co Meath.
The company took the Engineering and Manufacturing Award at the flagship ceremony while founder Gerard Doherty took the Young Entrepreneur Award.
Versaffix manufactures the tiltrotator, a bucket attachment for excavators which can rotate 360 degrees and also tilt to allow operators an enhanced range of movement. Suitable for excavators ranging from 3 to 22 tonnes, the tiltrotator boost efficiency on site by up to 35% while also reducing wear and reducing fuel consumption.
Commenting on the achievement, Gerard Doherty said: “Winning these awards is an incredible honour for our entire team at Versaffix. It validates the hard work, passion, and innovation we’ve put into our product over the past four years. Our tiltrotators are redefining possibilities in the construction sector, and we’re excited for what the future holds."
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award highlights Gerard’s exceptional ability to identify a gap in the UK and Irish markets for tiltrotator technology and transform it into a flourishing business. By keeping manufacturing and employment local, he has not only created jobs but also boosted trade within the community. Drawing on his background in mechanical engineering and extensive global industry experience, Gerard has positioned Versaffix as an innovative leader that prioritises research, design, efficiency and productivity. With Versaffix products now used internationally, the company is paving the way for increased investment and economic growth in the region.
Gerard Doherty is a man with a mission. That mission being to drive Versaffix to the forefront of the construction industry. Versaffix was founded by Mr Doherty, the youngest sibling in the family behind the Re-Gen Group, which also includes Re-Gen Waste, Re-Gen Robotics, and Connex Offsite, in 2020. His leadership has driven the company’s rapid success, with its tiltrotators transforming how contractors approach efficiency, productivity and safety on-site.
For more information on Versaffix visit www.versaffix.com
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James Kenny, a proud native of Newry and Restaurant Manager at Killeavy Castle Estate at Slieve Gullion is the only finalist from Ireland to reach the finals of the esteemed 2025 Gold Service Scholarship.
At just 26 years old, James stands alongside fierce competition from restaurants such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Claridge’s and Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay to name a few. His achievement underscores James’ outstanding talent, dedication, and passion for delivering exceptional service. The competition was incredibly stiff, narrowing from 200 participants to just 50 in the semi-finals, and finally down to the top 10 for the final round.
The Gold Service Scholarship, awarded by the Gold Service Foundation, is one of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality industry. It aims to inspire, educate, and nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders in the UK.
Reflecting on this achievement, James shared, "I am absolutely delighted, I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. I’m really proud to represent the island of Ireland and I can’t wait to get stuck into the final in January.
Adrian Martin, Director of Hospitality at Killeavy Castle Estate, praised James’ accomplishments: “We are incredibly proud of James and all he has achieved so far. He is a rising star, and we’ve had the privilege of watching him grow and excel since his first day at Killeavy Castle Estate. We wish him every success in the next stages of the scholarship.”
The Gold Service Scholarship provides transformative opportunities, including access to world-class mentorship and career development, designed to elevate the careers of front-of-house professionals across the UK. It sets a gold standard for excellence in hospitality and empowers individuals to achieve extraordinary heights in their careers.
The final will take place on 13 January 2025 at the Corinthia London, with the Scholar named at an awards ceremony on 10 February at Claridge’s in London.
Each year’s winning finalists receive a range of prizes tailored to support their professional development, including a trip to Porto, a bespoke development programme at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, and the opportunity to work a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
In addition the scholar and commended finalist benefit from work experience at prestigious hotels and restaurants such as the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, an overseas Rocco Forte Hotel, and the Waterside Inn, as well as a trip to Laurent-Perrier in Champagne.
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The Chief Executives of Tourism Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Safefood joined Economy Minister Conor Murphy to discuss the impact of 25 years of the North-South implementation bodies on all-island tourism marketing, food safety promotion, and cross-border trade and collaboration at an event in Armagh on Thursday 12 December.
Conor Murphy, Economy Minister at the Northern Ireland Executive, said: “I welcome the opportunity to attend today’s event to reflect on the significant contribution North South Implementation Bodies have made to life across this island over the last 25 years.
“It’s encouraging to hear ongoing research into the collective and cross-cutting impact of our implementation bodies is positive. The research points to the economic, but also environmental, cultural and health related impacts which have helped to shape the island we know today."
Seven cross-border organisations were established in 1999 under Strand 2 of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.
Margaret Hearty, who leads InterTradeIreland in Newry believes InterTradeIreland plays a unique role in identifying opportunities for North-South collaboration that can accelerate growth in both economies, as well as connecting business across the island to export cross-border, collaborate, innovate and attract investment.
Ms Hearty said “Across the island there are many shared policy priorities and economic opportunities that can be best addressed by working with our partners. We were established to work across the island, and so facilitating and delivering collaboration is in our DNA.
“We would like to acknowledge the success of all the North-South bodies and we look forward to working with them over the next 25 years to continue to increase all-island economic growth and cooperation.”
‘S2@25’ is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and being led by the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation.
Minister Murphy continued: “The contribution our implementation bodies have made in last 25 years is remarkable. From my department’s perspective, the impact Tourism Ireland and InterTradeIreland have made cannot be understated. InterTradeIreland has supported over 60,000 businesses across this island to innovate, grow, and export into new markets. With cross-border trade now at a record level of €15bn, the positive impact of this body – not just on the economy, but on people’s lives, is plain to see. Similarly, tourism has flourished under the peace process. It has helped open up the island, bringing more visitors to the north than ever before. It also supports job creation, boosts entrepreneurial activity, and drives cultural diversity across the island.
“I would like to commend the work of SEUPB. With over £3bn invested to date, SEUPB continues to support better lives for over two million people fostering peace and reconciliation. By building skills, promoting participation, and encouraging cross-community engagement, SEUPB programmes have enabled long-term economic and social development. I look forward seeing what can be achieved in the next 25 years, and beyond."
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Overseas tourism to the island of Ireland is now worth over €6.4 / £5.1 billion per year, with 8 million visitors choosing to come each year and with a quarter visiting Northern Ireland. Beyond the numbers, tourism is made up of inspiring businesses in local communities island wide. Tourism Ireland is committed to bringing overseas visitors who help these businesses to thrive, contributing to tourism being the foremost indigenous industry on this island.”
Safefood is headquartered in Cork and Dr Gary A Kearney, Chief Executive, said: “As a public health organisation enhancing the health of our citizens across the island through food safety and healthy eating, Safefood is delighted to celebrate and mark the many successes of North-South Bodies and we look forward to further optimising the benefits and value of cross-border working.”
The Centre for Cross Border Cooperation is working closely with project partner Atlantic Technological University, and with associate partners Foras na Gaeilge, InterTradeIreland, Loughs Agency, Safefood, SEUPB, Tourism Ireland, the Ulster-Scots Agency and Waterways Ireland.
Dr Anthony Soares, Director at the Centre, said: “Capturing 25 years of the collective knowledge, experience and achievements of the implementation bodies established under Strand 2 is a very exciting project.
“It is one of the largest research projects in which we’ve been involved. We’re delighted to be working with the chief executives, leadership teams and employees at Foras na Gaeilge, InterTradeIreland, Loughs Agency, Safefood, SEUPB, Tourism Ireland, the Ulster-Scots Agency and Waterways Ireland.
“We believe that the research report will improve communication, cross-border cooperation and collaboration which will have far-reaching results over the next 25 years.”
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Third generation automotive dealer JC Campbell has relocated from Rostrevor to new purpose-built premises in Newry creating additional jobs in the process. It's part of a £2 million investment supported by Ulster Bank and the facility will allow the dealership to grow its used vehicle offering.
Established in 1945 by Jim Campbell, the business was an early dealer of British Leyland, the manufacturer behind brands such as Austin and Morris. In the 1970s Jim’s son, Colin, entered the family business and paved the way for new partnerships with Rover, Citroën and Honda. Today, the third generation business is managed by Colin’s son, Stephen Campbell, whose stewardship is guiding the family enterprise though the electric revolution in the motor industry.
The dealership which is entering it's 80th year currently employs 24 staff with several more colleagues joining its sales and servicing departments in the new year. Based on the former CARS of Newry site at 11 Old Warrenpoint Road the new 1200sqm dealership has doubled its capacity for new and used stock.
Stephen said: “This is an area we’ve been looking at for the best part of a decade. The local population is growing and the infrastructure means it’s easily accessible to motorway and cross-border traffic. It really expands our territory and opens us up to more business geographically.”
As part of the investment in the new facility, the business has also secured a new contract with MG as one of its premier authorised dealers.
“We’ve real confidence in the future of the MG brand. Sales have been skyrocketing in recent years. It remains one of the fastest-growing in Europe and that’s down to an excellent mix of electric and hybrid vehicles at different price points to suit a wide range of drivers.”
Ulster Bank senior relationship manager Danny McGivern said: “Over the past 80 years, JC Campbell has seen and adapted to significant change in the automotive industry, not least the rise of the electric car. It has always been a forward thinking family business and its latest investment is a real demonstration of this fact. The investment will create and sustain important employment opportunities in the Newry area and it provides the capacity to expand their offering into the future for their loyal and growing customer base. We are proud to support them in this new venture and wish Colin, Stephen and the entire team continued success.”
Alongside its new vehicles, the business also runs JC Certified, its used car division with an inventory of over 60 vehicles across a variety of makes and models.
Stephen said: “With greater capacity on site, we’re in a really strong position to grow our used vehicle division, which is the biggest part of our business. Reliability is key with used cars and our customers have come to recognise the value of the JC Certified trust mark. These are franchise standard used vehicles that are fully checked and prepared with longer warranty than others in the market. That provides great confidence to road users.”
Commenting on the future of the used car market, Stephen added: “Legislation prohibiting the sale of new internal combustion engines won’t apply to the used car sales, so we still see great opportunity to grow this side of the business over the coming years.”
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Newry based cruise ship outfitter MJM Marine has just announced the completion of a landmark project for Aroya Cruises marking the largest refurbishment ever undertaken in the marine cruise outfitting industry. The vessel officially launched earlier this week sailing from its homeport of Jeddah.
The project involved the major conversion of the former “World Dream” to the “Aroya”, a flagship vessel under the Aroya Cruise brand. Featuring a fusion of stunning culinary offerings, captivating entertainment spaces, and culturally immersive design, the Aroya sets a new benchmark for luxury and innovation in cruising.
MJM Marine is a global specialist in cruise ship refurbishment, refit and interior fit out services, offering comprehensive and turnkey solutions to clients in the marine sector.
MJM Marine was awarded the contract for the upgrade of all cabins, building of new suites, opulent dining areas and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities. With the largest retail and Kid’s venues at sea, the transformation ensures that every guest’s journey aboard the Aroya is unparalleled. From undertaking initial surveys and design development in Singapore, working aboard during its dry-dock in Rotterdam, relocating to Bremerhaven in Germany and finally sailing to enter service in Jeddah, MJM Marine has been extensively involved in all stages of this comprehensive refit and refurbishment.
“This project underscores our dedication to delivering the exceptional, and leading cruise outfitting in the marine industry,” said Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine. “By working closely with Aroya Cruises, their stakeholders and our trusted partners, we have created a vessel that not only delivers on our client’s vision of “Remarkably Arabian,” but also celebrates the opening of a new sector within the industry.”
The Aroya is poised to captivate global audiences with its seamless blend of Arabian elegance and modern functionality. As a melting pot of cultures, the vessel promises to deliver an unparalleled cruising experience, one that celebrates the richness of its guests' diverse preferences while setting a new standard for the industry.
MJM has over 40 years’ of experience and has also an office in Poland. The company has built a reputation, not just for quality, but for meeting tight turnaround dates and collaborative flexible approaches to resolve challenges and meet shared goals.
For more information about MJM Marine and this project, please visit www.mjmmarine.com
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