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Ten per cent of toys donated to the north's Tesco stores as part of a Christmas initiative came from the Newry store.
Before the festive celebrations, the Tesco store in Newry called on shoppers to support a collection of toys so that families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift wouldn’t miss out on the big day. A total of 815 toys came from Newry's Downshire Extra Tesco store.
People across the community responded enthusiastically to the campaign, with 2,172 of brand-new toys being gifted to the Salvation Army and the Children's Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, bringing a smile to many children’s faces on Christmas Day. A total of 8,230 toys were donated in NI.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We really can’t thank our customers enough for their kind contributions to this great cause.
“Throughout the year our stores give support to children and their community, and without fail local people support us in our efforts.
“So once again we are grateful to the people of Co. Down for showing that the magic of Christmas is very much alive and well.
“They have made a great many children so happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much again for your support.”
In addition to the toy collection, Tesco donated £25,000 to the Salvation Army to support its ongoing efforts in providing essential services and support to vulnerable families during the festive season.
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Pure Engineering Group is investing £4.7 million in its manufacturing facility in Newry which will see 16 new jobs at its Derryboy Road, Carnbane headquarters. The mechanical engineering firm specialises in the provision of heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions to a wide variety of sectors including hospitality, commercial and industrial premises.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA visited the facility yesterday. Minister Murphy said the investment was a significant boost for the Newry region that will support economic development in the area and enhance the company's productivity. “Introducing advanced automation and machinery onsite will not only enhance the company’s productivity but boost its competitiveness and export footprint on a global scale. I am particularly pleased this new investment will include environmentally sustainable features to reduce the company’s carbon emissions which aligns with our decarbonisation goal of achieving net zero.”
Invest NI has worked in partnership with Pure Engineering Group since 2019, offering a range of support including software development assistance, innovation and trade advice. The enlarged manufacturing facility will be located within the Invest NI owned Carnbane Business Park.
Pádraig Mallon, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Engineering Group added: “This investment is a pivotal step in our ambitious growth strategy. By expanding our capacity and creating 16 new jobs, we will be equipped to secure larger contracts and strengthen our presence in GB, Europe and ROI. This new facility also lays the groundwork for future investments in innovation and R&D, driving long-term growth and competitiveness."
The new jobs are supported by Invest NI and include a mix of skilled professionals and manufacturing roles such as project managers, fabricators and engineers.
Alan McKeown, Executive Director of Business Growth at Invest NI said: “This investment enhances Pure Engineering Group’s global competitiveness and will create a ripple effect across the local economy, strengthening supply chains and delivering valuable jobs in Newry.
“Invest NI is proud to have supported Pure Engineering Group over the past five years, aiding its growth and innovation journey. Through our support to recruit a Supply Chain key worker and to adopt cutting-edge software to optimise product design and workflow, we’ve helped the company position itself as a leader in its field. As the company implements its growth plans, we will continue to support Pure Engineering Group to grow and explore new markets.”
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Economy Minister Conor Murphy has allocated an estimated £4,509,000 for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area as part of a £45million regional balance fund across all 11 councils in the north aimed at driving economic development.
The news follows the publication of the Minister’s Sub-Regional Economic Plan at a meeting in WIN Business Park, Newry yesterday. The plan includes the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs) in each council area to identify their specific needs and the interventions needed to aid their economic development.
Yesterday 27 January the Newry, Mourne and Down Local Economic Partnership met for the first time.The partnership includes a range of local stakeholders including Invest NI, Further Education representatives, Local Enterprise Agency representatives and Local business/Chamber of Commerce representatives.
Minister Murphy said: “I recently launched the Sub-Regional Economic Plan which sets out a new strategic approach to economic development; locally led and with a mission to deliver regional balance. A key element of the Plan is the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships at council level.
“Partnerships will identify the main barriers to economic development and the priority interventions that will build the region’s value proposition. My Department will recalibrate its programmes and budget to help meet these priorities. Partnerships will also have additional dedicated funding to support local action.
“This £45m Regional Balance Fund will help fund the actions the Partnerships bring forward to drive economic development in their area and help deliver a regionally balanced economy where everyone shares the benefits of prosperity.”
Supported by the Department and Invest Northern Ireland, each of the Partnerships will now develop proposals in line with Minister’s economic plan of creating good jobs, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and decarbonisation.
The Minister added: “I firmly believe local issues require local solutions and the Department and Invest NI will champion and support councils in the delivery of this important work.”
Alan McKeown, Executive Director of Regional Business at Invest NI said: “Invest NI’s regional strategy, in support of the Minister’s Regional Economic Plan, outlines our commitment to supporting regional balance. This includes a commitment to deliver 65% of our investments outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area.
“These Local Economic Partnerships are crucial to delivering a locally focused approach to economic development and delivering on this commitment. They will ensure all stakeholders are working together to unlock significant opportunities for businesses in their area. We will work closely with councils and local stakeholders to develop impactful proposals that will drive sustainable economic growth and deliver lasting benefits for our communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives NI, its Chair Marie Ward said: “Local Economic Partnerships will have the tools to place regional balance at the centre of their ambitions, shaping economic priorities that will deliver capital investment against the Department’s ambitions of creating good jobs, delivering increased productivity, decarbonisation, and addressing sub regional disparities across Northern Ireland.”
Cllr Pete Byrne, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The Minister’s visit coincided with the inaugural meeting of the Local Economic Partnership, established specifically for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. The investment brought forward by the Department for the Economy, will be an enabler for this Local Economic Partnership to not only propose and develop local actions, but to take forward strategic investment opportunities for the district, addressing localised challenges, and delivering against the Department for the Economy’s vision for economic growth and achieving regional balance.”
You can check out the Sub-Regional Economic Plan at www.economy-ni.gov.uk
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Newry BID is offering a spring training programme for members in skills as varied as customer service, leadership skills and digital marketing.
The programme is supported by Department for the Economy and will be delivered by Southern Regional College.
The accredited training is aimed at helping Newry BID member organisations get ahead, despite the many challenges in business. The courses are funded by Newry BID and open to all members in the Business Improvement District in Newry. The courses are tailored towards the areas of business that members have suggested they need to upskill in.
Courses
Level 2 Customer Service- 10 hours 2 x 5-hour sessions
Level 3 Award- Leadership & Management 36 hours 12x 3-hour sessions
Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management 60 hours 20 x 3-hour sessions
Level 2 Award- Audio Visual Skills for Digital Marketing (Evening Course)
Level 2 Introduction to Cyber Security 36 hours 12 x 3-hour sessions (Evening)
Level 2 Allergen Awareness – 8 hours 1 Day Course
Speaking on the initiative Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager said: “It is fantastic to be bringing this programme of free training to our members when there are so many challenges to doing business at the moment. This programme covers a number of areas with support ranging from business skills and customer service to practical support such as in digital marketing, cyber security and allergen awareness.
"The courses are subsidised by Newry BID for BID members and spaces are limited for each course. Applications from non-BID members will be considered, depending on demand, for a small contribution towards the costs. Thank you to SRC for facilitating this programme. SRC are a very valued partner of Newry BID and a very important resource for this local area.”
Margaret McNamee from SRC added: “We are delighted to partner with Newry BID with the support of Department of the Economy to offer these courses to members. It is essential that all businesses provide training opportunities for their teams to keep them well skilled, but also so team members can feel fully engaged. We hope that businesses will take up this opportunity through Newry BID and avail of this support for free.”
To find out more or to book spaces on any of the courses above for members, or non-members, please contact eamonn@newry.com
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Stormont Junior Minister Pam Cameron visited Re-Gen Headquarters in Newry on 5 February. The Minister received a tour of Re-Gen's recycling plant and learned about the company's plans for the future.
During the visit Minister Cameron praised the innovative work being undertaken by Re-Gen in relation to recycling and waste management, and its positive contribution to the local economy.
Re-Gen currently employ over 350 people with their mission to decarbonise the environment, driving a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
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Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA visited MJM Marine in Newry last week to find out more about the Navigate Student Programme operating across the Rathbane Group (MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass).
The Navigate Programme at MJM supports students through different stages of their education journey and helps build a talent pool of employees. Navigate begins with Key Stage Four, students aged 14 - 16, and continues through to graduate level. As an MJM Navigator, you become equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in your chosen career.
You will achieve industry recognised qualifications, become part of our talented team and work on prestigious and challenging projects. Whether you are a school leaver, graduate, or interested in gaining some work experience, our Navigate Programme offers an opportunity to start a dynamic and rewarding career.
Brian McConville established MJM in 1983 and the company has evolved into a global marine outfitting specialist. The company has completed major refurbishment works on many of the world's top cruise ships.
The Minister met a number of young people on the programme including Holly McCafferty, an Apprentice Technical Engineer, Shea Rooney who came through the Navigate Programme and is now an Assistant Contracts Manager, and Jack McElherron, HLA of the Year at Newry Chamber 2024 Employee Awards.
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DFI Beds has announced its latest charity partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.
Providing charities and charitable organisations with a unique platform to showcase their messaging on DFI Beds’ fleet of delivery vans, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland’s logo will now be proudly displayed on a range of DFI vehicles. DFI Beds Outlet is at The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland provides accommodation and a caring, supportive environment for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at CHI, Crumlin, Dublin.
Speaking about becoming the 2025 Charity Partner, Joe Kenny, CEO of The Ronald McDonald House Ireland, commented:"Partnering with DFI Beds for 2025 is a huge opportunity to make a real difference. The company’s support will help us provide comfort and care to families when they need it most, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this amazing initiative will create.”
Giving her personal story Elaine Hall, who stayed at Ronald McDonald House while her daughter Jessica awaited a heart transplant, said “Ronald McDonald House became our lifeline when Jessica was critically ill. It kept us close as a family during the hardest moments. The care and support we received went far beyond a place to stay—it was a true home away from home.
“After seven long months on life support, Jessica’s life changed in an instant when we got the call for a donor match, and the House was there for us every step of the way. We’ve been regular visitors since 2015, and we’ll always be grateful for the kindness that makes it all possible.”
Managing Director of DFI Beds, Brian McCann added, “We are thrilled to support Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping to bring their important mission to more people.
“Last year, we were delighted to offer branding opportunities to the Cancer Fund for Children, and due to the success of this campaign and feedback from the charity, we felt that it was important to continue to offer this space to charities across Ireland.
“Several years ago, my family directly benefitted from the incredible support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. They provided us with a home in Birmingham when we were rushed there with our daughter Ella. Amongst the chaos- we hadn’t even thought about accommodation etc, but the nurses then advised us that there was ‘a room in the house’. This made such a difference to us and we’re keen to support the charity in any way we can to ensure other families benefit from this important service when they need it most.”
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A new initiative aimed at transforming business ownership in Northern Ireland is coming to Newry, with local business leaders encouraging companies to explore the benefits of employee ownership models.
Employee Ownership Ireland, which launched last month, will hold a roadshow event at the Canal Court Hotel on 26 February 2025. The organisation aims to support the development of 10,000 employee-owners across Northern Ireland by 2029.
Among the prominent supporters is Newry-based business leader Anthony McVeigh, CEO of S&W Wholesale, who has already implemented this model in his own organisation.
"Our journey to becoming an EOT initially began as a strategic move to ensure we had succession plan in terms of ownership, but it has actually gone on to really improve the culture and dynamic within the whole organisation," McVeigh said.
"Our colleagues are showing more initiative and enthusiasm for their respective roles, working together while and engaging on a more positive level with our customers who are then more likely to keep returning to us, so it's creating a very happy cycle."
The initiative is supported by the DLD Fund, whose Head Aidan O'Neill explains the economic benefits: "Essentially Employee Ownership refers to a business model where employees own a significant portion of a company either directly or through establishing trusts. All evidence shows that this approach can increase productivity and employee engagement which is obviously beneficial in terms of overall outputs and profitability."
The organisation's board includes Karen Maguire as chair, alongside Joan McCoy of White Ink Architects and Ronan Heenan of People 1st. Employee Ownership Specialists Glen Dott and Andrew Harrison are also involved in an advisory capacity.
Similar roadshow events are planned for the Northwest, Mid Ulster and Belfast. Business owners interested in attending the Newry event can find registration details at www.employeeownershipireland.com
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade are holding their sold out 6th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Lunch on Friday 7th March 2025 in Killeavy Castle Estate. This prestigious event has been the hottest ticket in town since its inception in 2020 and is already completely sold out.
The Chamber have secured a trailblazing Keynote Speaker, Sósanna Ní Dhubháin, Composite Lead Engineer at the Aston Martin F1 Team. 2025’s theme is #AccelerateAction and they couldn’t have wished to secure a more appropriate Keynote Speaker for this year’s theme.
Sósanna is an engineer renowned for her significant contributions to Formula 1, particularly with the Aston Martin F1 Team. A native of Rostrevor, County Down and past pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School, she embarked on her professional career as a Junior Composite Designer at Team Lotus in 2011. Over the years, she advanced through various roles and in 2024, she was promoted to Lead Composite Engineer at Aston Martin F1 Team, where she now oversees the design and development of major components for the car.
Continuing with a sporting theme, the event will also have a panel of inspirational local sportswomen who are all high achievers in their respective sports, with MC, Deborah Loughran overseeing proceedings on the day.
The events Charity Partner is Women’s Aid Armagh Down who will also be the focus of the Chambers fundraising efforts for the whole of 2025 as Women's Aid work towards a much needed and purpose-built facility on the Downshire Road, Newry requiring £2 million in funding.
Best Dressed Sponsor, Shelly’s Dress Hire based in Rostrevor are also kindly offering any guests attending the event 10% OFF their dress hire for the event.
The event is sponsored by Southern Regional College, KPMG Ireland and Zen Orthodontics.
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