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The benefits of Dual Market Access for local businesses and how they can maximise the opportunities were some of the topics discussed at a workshop last week. The workshop was held 20 February by Newry Chamber in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Fortior Insight at Invest NI’s Southern Regional Office in Newry.
Chamber members and representatives from the local business community heard two insightful and detailed presentations from Peter Curran, Head of Dual Market Access at Invest NI and Jonathan Walsh, Director of Fortior Insight, two of the foremost specialists in this area in NI.
Despite the huge uncertainty in Global Trade Markets following the imposition of trade tariffs by the US President, Donald Trump and the subsequent imposition of retaliatory tariffs from impacted countries, the Greater Newry Area finds itself in a potentially unrivalled trading position.
With Newry City’s strategic location on the threshold of both the UK and EU Markets alongside its Dual Market Access, our region now has a huge opportunity to trade on a scale never seen before.
Speaking at the event Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: “Greater Newry’s location as the Gateway City to both the UK and EU Markets provides our businesses with a huge opportunity to maximise the potential of Dual Market Access. This event crystalised those opportunities and provided extensive insight on how to navigate any potential customs clearance and declarations challenges that need to be overcome.”
“We’re on the cusp of something really exciting in this region in economic terms and Newry Chamber is extremely grateful to Peter Curran of Invest NI and Jonathan Walsh from Fortior Insight for their extensive and detailed engagement with our members. There is a lot to play for and this event is just the first step on an exciting journey for businesses in the Greater Newry Area.”
By embracing the Dual Market Access to both the UK and EU Markets and taking advantage of potential UK Free Trade Agreements, Newry has the potential to become the Gateway City to market for many companies across the globe.
Peter Curran, Head of Dual Market Access at Invest NI said: “Dual Market Access offers a unique competitive advantage for Northern Ireland businesses. No other region enjoys seamless trading in goods to GB and the 27 member countries of the EU. Embracing this will not only give manufacturers an edge over competitors, but it will strengthen our reputation as a dynamic hub for trade and innovation, leading to future job creation and economic stability.”
From post-event feedback, 100% of the attendees who responded found the event to be beneficial. However, it was very clear from the lengthy Q&A session with those in the room surrounding the understanding of Dual Market Access, there is now a piece of work required to establish a central information hub to provide local businesses with the clarity they need to fully capitalise on the benefits that come with NI’s unique position of having a foot in both markets.
Jonathan Walsh, Director of Fortior Insight added: “I am someone who honestly feels that our unique trading position here in Northern Ireland, and in particular, in border areas such as Newry and Mourne, provides us with a real opportunity to act as a conduit for trade between the UK and European Union.”
“This is a time for businesses to be making their pitch, especially for those in and around Newry as an access point to the island of Ireland and beyond with our central location between Belfast and Dublin and with our own port facilities at Warrenpoint.”
As a Chamber, we are fully committed to working with Invest NI and other key stakeholders to ensure that this important piece of work is completed so our businesses have all the information that they need in order to maximise the many opportunities associated with Dual Market Access.
Businesses in the Greater Newry Area can access market specific information through Invest NI’s Business Information Centre and take advantage of a FREE Export Health Check and Introduction to Exporting Events at the Invest NI Southern Regional Office in Newry.
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BT has come onboard as Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade's Communications Partner. The new partnership comes at an exciting time with BT Group's proposed investment in its EE 5G infrastructure across Newry and the north.
The Chamber believes that Newry's location on the threshold of the UK and EU Markets alongside its Dual Market Access strategically positions the city to become a pivotal digital hub. The applications that can be enabled by 5G technology will offer game-changing and transformative economic, social and environmental benefits for local businesses and public services.
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said: "Newry Chamber is delighted to welcome BT as our Communications Partner and look forward to working with them to deliver key digital investment to the Greater Newry Area. This support from BT is recognition of Newry as a key area for economic investment in Northern Ireland and the Chamber's deep commitment to growing our local economy."
The Chamber and BT recently held an event at the SRC Graduate Restaurant in Newry on what, why and how 5G can help all levels of businesses in our region and why they are investing in Newry City.
At the event, the BT Team highlighted to representatives from the local business community in attendance how productivity can be boosted by increasing both worker and equipment efficiency, reducing energy consumption and improving worker safety by using 5G to connect people and assets together to simplify business life.
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: "Securing digital infrastructure investment is critical to the economic growth plans for Greater Newry and Newry Chamber will work closely with BT to ensure that our city can compete with any region across the globe in relation to future connectivity, digitisation and automation. Exciting times lie ahead for our members and BT is committed to working with the Chamber to ensure that businesses in this region have access to the latest digital technology so that they can plan for future expansion with confidence."
Paula Maguire, Senior Contract Manager at BT added: "We are proud to announce BT becoming Newry Chamber's Communications Partner and working together to promote economic recovery and growth for businesses in the Greater Newry Area."
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JMK Solicitors have appointed six new Directors to the business.
Speaking on the new appointments Jonathan McKeown, Co-Founder of JMK Solicitors said: “Our newly appointed Directors collectively bring decades of extensive experience in personal injury law and litigation practice. Each has demonstrated outstanding skill, dedication, and a deep commitment to our firm’s mission- to improve the lives of our clients following traumatic events, achieving the best possible outcome, with the least stress."
The appointments include Louise Mone who has been appointed Managing Director while Gerry Casey is taking up the role as Legal Services Director. Meanwhile Carmel Ross takes the Operations Director position; Kathy Ferguson steps into the Risk and Compliance Director spot with Andrew Moore also joining as Finance Director. Catherine McQuade who has specialist expertise in her field also joins the firm’s executive team as its first Legal Technology Director.
Maurece Hutchinson, Co-Founder of JMK Solicitors added “We are delighted to welcome our six new Directors to our senior team as they take the helm in overseeing our day-to-day operations, supported by myself and Jonathan as co-founders.
"Each of our new Directors brings an opportunity for a fresh perspective and approach to how JMK Solicitors interacts with our clients and our employees in the future."
Four of the new executive team began working for the firm as paralegals, before they began their legal apprenticeships and careers as fully qualified solicitors.
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Bank of Ireland’s team in Newry recently hosted a coffee morning in their branch to raise funds and awareness of Stomach and Oesophageal Cancer.
The event raised a total of £200 for OG Cancer NI and the team would like to thank all those who contributed for their generosity.
OG Cancer aim to support patients and carers affected by Oesophago-Gastric (Oesophageal and Stomach) Cancer, to communicate the early signs and symptoms to promote early intervention and to work in partnership with healthcare providers to be patient advocates and promote best outcomes.
Early diagnosis of Oesophageal cancer is key. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms for longer than 3 weeks you should consult your doctor.
Persistent Indigestion
Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
Heartburn acid reflux
Hiccupping that wont go away
Unexplained weight loss.
For more information see ogcancerni.com
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JMK Solicitors has added five talented graduates to its growing team reinforcing the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering the next generation of legal professionals.
The five new recruits bring unique skills and fresh perspectives to the team. Through hands-on experience, they will not only contribute to driving innovation and development but also gain invaluable practical knowledge.
Carmel Ross, Operations Director at JMK Solicitors, commented: “We believe in the power of education and are passionate about creating an environment where legal talent can thrive. Our new graduates are the future of the profession, and we are excited to support them on the journey to develop into skilled and compassionate solicitors. We are thrilled to welcome Lorna McKeown, Keri Whiteside, Will Poland, Nik Kane, and Ryan O’Hanlon to our team.”
JMK are currently hiring for their next intake to their Graduate Programme. For more information and to apply go to https://www.jmksolicitors.com
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Over 250 business representatives from across the island of Ireland were in attendance at the 10th Annual Cross-Border Trade & Economic Conference jointly hosted by Newry and Dundalk Chambers’ on Tuesday 4th March in the Carrickdale Hotel.
The ongoing theme for the conference is ‘Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy’ and featured 12 expert speakers from both sides of the border across four sections including the All-Island Economy, Business Supports, Skills & People and Growing Prosperity on a Shared Island.
When this conference was first held in 2015, cross-border trade was worth just over €5bn. According to most recent figures, this has now trebled to around €15bn, illustrating the significant growth and importance of cross-border trade to our economies both North and South.
This year’s conference was addressed by Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy in the Irish Government and Shane Murphy, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Department for the Economy.
Speaking after the event, Newry Chamber President, Edwina Flynn said: “This important conference has been another major success with such a varied range of speakers who are experts in their respective fields and I would like to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to contribute what was an excellent event.”
“We have a fantastic working relationship with our partners in Dundalk Chamber and both Chambers have led the way for many years on driving cross-border collaboration. The conference highlighted the many opportunities and challenges we face and with the help of a wide range of business support organisations who were exhibiting in the room, there is an extensive range of funding and training programmes available to businesses both North and South.”
Paddy Malone, Public Relations Officer of Dundalk Chamber said: “This conference has been a beacon for the promotion of cross-border trade for many years and our partnership with Newry Chamber continues to flourish and set an example of how collaboration can bring benefits to both sides of the border.”
“The aim of the conference is to promote Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy and all our speakers and panellists demonstrated how this can be done and what challenges we need to meet along the way. There is so much economic potential across this island and we all now need to play our part in grasping those opportunities that are coming our way.”
This conference was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Louth County Council, InterTradeIreland, Louth Local Enterprise Office, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet and M1 Corridor, hosted by Broadcaster & Journalist, Mark Simpson.
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Over two hundred guests attended Newry Chamber's Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Lunch at Killeavy Castle on Friday 7 March.
Guests heard about the incredible journey of Keynote Speaker, Sósanna Ní Dhubháin, Composite Lead Engineer at the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team and a native of Rostrevor.
The vision of Chamber President, Edwina Flynn for this year's event was to acknowledge women in sport and guests also heard from a panel of inspirational local women who are all high achievers, operating within the world of sport.
The panel on the day included Armagh Ladies Footballing Superstar, Aimee Mackin, Newry All Stars & Special Olympics Athlete, Maeve Robb, CEO of Down Royal Racecourse, Emma Meehan-McCoy and Top Irish Amateur Golfer, Louise Coffey.
Over £3,500 was also raised through a Charity Raffle for the Chamber's Charity Partner, Women’s Aid Armagh Down. The funds will support their vital ELEOS project which their CEO, Eileen Murphy spoke about during a fireside chat with MC, Deborah Loughran.
Women’s Aid Armagh Down was not only the Chamber’s Charity Partner for the event, but they are the focus of fundraising efforts for the whole of 2025 as they work towards a much needed and purpose-built facility on the Downshire Road, Newry requiring £3 million in funding.
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber thanked event sponsors KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Zen Orthodontics and added : “As President of Newry Chamber, I am immensely full of gratitude for an afternoon that brought over 200 representatives from the local business community together to celebrate the achievements of women, spark important conversations and, most importantly drive meaningful change.”
Marie Farrell, Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland said: “We were delighted to support the International Women’s Day event with Newry Chamber again in the magnificent surroundings of Killeavy Castle Estate. At KPMG Ireland, we believe that ensuring women thrive in the workplace is one of the keys to our success now and in the future.”
KPMG are planning that 50% of all new partner promotions will be women from 2025.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College said: “We pride ourselves on providing a range of supports for females including accredited management training and we are extremely proud that SRC’s senior management team has a healthy balance of female and male directors. The College has a range of health and wellbeing resources as well as family friendly policies to support all employees.”
“We continue to deliver a number of Women Returners programmes to encourage and support women back into the world of work, by providing up-to-date skills, mentoring, confidence building and motivational training which are tailored to individual needs.”
Zen Orthodontics actively encourage all their female employees to continue their education and development through in-house promotions and further enhancements. Dr Aidan Callan, Principal Orthodontist said: "We are extremely proud to have given 5 of our dental nurses the opportunity to progress into Orthodontic Therapy over the years, with another nurse hopefully starting a course this June. Additionally, encouraging academic growth is top priority for our practice, having sent our Practice Manager, Zeeola, on to do an MBA.”
Dr Callan concluded "Zen has always created a workplace where women can thrive and wellbeing is a priority, producing family friendly policies to support our employees and offering flexible working. We’re so grateful to have a dynamic, creative and dedicated female workforce and are committed to Marching Forward and Accelerating Action together.”
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A new coffee shop is opening in Warrenpoint next week courtesy of mother and daughter duo Nuala and Aisling King.
Sweet Pea Coffee Shop, located on Duke Street in the seaside town will open next Thursday 20 March.
The pair are no strangers to the hospitality business having run Sweet Pea Café for 12 years in the town.
"We’re so excited to share our passion for fresh food and coffee with the community,” says Nuala, owner of Sweet Pea Coffee Shop. “This coffee shop represents not just our love for quality ingredients and homemade offerings, but also our understanding of how important it is to take time out of our busy lives to enjoy the simple things.”
Whether you're in the mood for a specialty coffee, a freshly baked treat, an Italian-inspired sandwich, or a stack of homemade pancakes, Sweet Pea will be the perfect place to unwind. The coffee shop also offers hearty soups, colourful acai bowls and more.
Sweet Pea’s indoor seating and covered terrace at the back offer the ideal spot to chill in the peaceful surroundings. From matcha drinks to homemade gluten-free desserts, there’s something for all.
Sweet Pea Coffee shop is located at 8 Duke Street.
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A long established Newry business that has been supplying wallpapers and paints to Newry decorators since 1939 has closed its doors for the last time. Alexander Hanna Paint and Wallpaper at Upper Water Street in Newry finally closed its doors at 5pm on Friday past, 14 March.
The business was started by Alexander Hanna in 1939 at a property in Merchant's Quay in Newry. Alexander was followed by his son William who passed away in 1978. William's son, also William started in the business in 1956 in the office and worked up until his retirement in 2018, when his niece Samantha Wilson took over the running of Alexander Hanna Ltd.
The business has been located in several locations in Newry since it opened. As William explains "My grandfather started his own business in 1939 in Merchants Quay, then maybe the beginning of the 1950s he moved down to Basin Walk where Thompson's tyre place is."
Next stage for the business was a move to Upper Water Street in the town where Tresses Wig and Hairpiece Boutique currently is. William said "The seller was William Hogg and he had bother getting rid of it, he couldn't get rid of it. So he came round to us and said 'It's about bloody time you's had a retail shop'. He wouldn't take no for an answer so we had to buy it. We bought it and we didn't look back."
"We bought that shop in 1961 and I started retailing the first week in May. We got to the stage where the shop wasn't big enough, so in 1967 this shop [20 Upper Water St] was up for sale - this was O'Hare's grocers shop."
They renovated the shop and put up shelves for the wallpaper and paints and it was opened the first week in January 1967.
Reflecting on the changes in the business over the years William said "Everything has changed. Then it was nearly all wallpaper, maybe nine out of ten sales was wallpaper and then maybe about 20 years ago, a lot of new houses came on the scene, and they just give it a coat of emulsion, and that was it. Very little wallpaper sold now, I think that's worldwide."
There were also a lot less shades to pick from and If they hadn't got it on the shelf, it was ordered in and you had it in about three days time, unlike nowadays when everybody wants things instantly. The glosses and the undercoats were lead based back then but then lead was banned from being used in paint. Paint brushes were also the only show in town back then but now it's very much a roller world.
William's happiest memories of his time working are the people he met along the way "I met a lot of people and made friends with a lot of people. Good memories with the people of this town. Most of the people in this town know me and I know them and I got to like them, they're all decent people."
"a man called Felie Turley from Sinclair Street - he was a great man at door graining and sign writing, he was gifted that way."
William's niece Samantha went straight into the family business from school and worked there for 32 years and again has fond memories of the customers she met and of seeing all the changes of the paint mixing machines over the years.
Hanging up their paint brushes for the last time, Newry.ie wishes Samantha and William all the best in the next stages of their lives.
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