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If you are looking for a rug currently, this Friday 8 August is the day to buy it, with Newry based rug retailer Kukoon donating 100% of the revenue it raises from both online and in-store to help save lives in Gaza. All proceeds will go to the Oxfam Gaza appeal and the initiative is expected to raise around £40,000.
The decision was taken by Kukoon’s owners, brother and sister duo Paul and Clare Vallely and it comes as UN-backed global food security experts warn “the worst-case scenario of famine” is unfolding in Gaza. This alert, issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) also says there is mounting evidence that widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths among the 2.1million population.
Explaining why they have taken this initiative, Paul and Clare said they felt they could no longer watch on and do nothing.
They said: “We’ve watched the situation unfold with heavy hearts.
“Children should never be caught in conflict and what’s happening right now is deeply wrong. We want to stand for compassion, care and what’s right.
“On Friday, August 8, we’re donating 100% of our revenue from online and in-store sales to the Oxfam Gaza Appeal.
“It’s a small act of support for those facing the unimaginable. If you’re planning a purchase, Friday is the day to do so.”
Oxfam’s Gaza Appeal is working tirelessly to support those facing starvation, mass displacement and the collapse of essential services.
The charity’s CEO, Jim Clarken said: “This support will be felt in Gaza. On the ground it means that a typical purchase from Kukoon could provide three families with ready to eat food for three weeks.
“I would encourage all Oxfam supporters who are considering purchasing a rug to look to Kukoon this Friday. We can and will make a real difference with your support.”
Every £9 raised can support 10 families to access water for a day or one family for a week while £43 can provide one family with ready-to-eat food parcels for a week.
For more information, or to donate directly, visit Oxfam's Gaza Crisis Appeal website at www.oxfam.org.uk
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Private GP and primary care provider, Duality Healthcare Group has announced the successful completion of a £4.5 million investment.
The funding will accelerate the launch of new clinics, further expansion of healthcare services and the creation of up to 80 new jobs across the province.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Declan Morgan and John McEvoy, Duality Healthcare is Northern Ireland’s largest private GP provider, combining in-person clinics with province-wide virtual care to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. The company’s mission is to make private primary care affordable and accessible to all, with enhanced clinical services and modern digital solutions.
Clinics are currently open in Newry, Ballymena and Omagh, and further clinics are earmarked to open in 2025 and 2026
As well as new clinics the funding will see xpansion of Duality’s virtual care service across the UK and up to 80 new jobs in clinical, digital and operational roles. Duality have also invested in digital systems to enhance patient experience and clinical efficiency and expanded its suite of healthcare services
John McEvoy, Executive Chairman and Co-founder, said: “Securing this investment is a significant milestone for our team and a strong endorsement of our vision to provide high-quality, patient-centred healthcare that is affordable and accessible to everyone in Northern Ireland. This investment follows a period of rapid growth and with our expansion plans and commitment to innovation, we’re proud to be creating new jobs, supporting local communities, and raising the bar for private primary care services in Northern Ireland”.
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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited Saica Pack in Warrenpoint to show her support for local economic development.
Part of the Saica Group Saica Pack provides sustainable solutions for paper and packaging manufacturing as well as waste management and recovery.
The facility employs over 160 people.
Minister Kimmins said: “I am keen to support economic development across the north. It was great to hear about the company's plans for the future and their experiences with the local planning system and connecting to utilities such as water. I am committed to ensuring that the services I am responsible for do all they can to support economic development. NI Water recently developed an innovative solution to unlock waste-water capacity in the Newry area from which Saica Pack will benefit."
Minister Kimmins concluded “Working collaboratively we can deliver better services which support local people and local economic development.”
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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that four local companies are investing almost £2m to grow exports and create 24 new jobs.
The roles from the four companies include software engineers, technicians, business development managers, and a range of production, mechanical, electrical and managerial roles.
Pronto Engineering in Camlough; Sheaney in Newry; Versaffix in Lislea and Viltra in Newry plan to increase productivity and turnover, build capacity, and grow sales in the Republic of Ireland, Britain and Europe.
Making the announcement during a visit to Versaffix, a manufacturer of tiltrotators for excavators where the Minister met representatives from all four companies, the Minister said: “SMEs are the backbone of our economy and access to financial support for these types of businesses is crucial. I was encouraged to meet all four companies who have benefited from Invest NI’s support and hear how these investments have increased capacity, driven sales, and unlocked new export opportunities.
“Supporting rural SMEs is essential to creating inclusive and long-term economic resilience. It also aligns with my economic vision to recalibrate economic development across the north by creating good jobs and addressing historic regional imbalances.”
Invest NI has offered £191,700 of support towards the companies’ investment projects which will contribute to almost £2m of investment in the local economy over the next few years.
Versaffix is investing £701,000 in its business and creating eight new jobs with support from Invest NI.
Martin McMenamin, Business Development Manager, at Versaffix, said: “As an early-stage business, this investment will enable us to build our management team and increase production capacity, supporting us to commercialise our product and expand our global reach.
“We’re also investing in market development activities to help us to grow sales in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, before launching our tiltrotator products in the European market. The advice and support from Invest NI has given us the confidence to take this exciting next step for our business.”
Viltra, a provider of wastewater treatment solutions in Newry, is investing £514,000 to strengthen its management team and production capacity. The company will recruit six new roles, helping it to increase exports to the south of Ireland and France and take on larger projects.
Pronto Engineering, based in Camlough, designs complex industrial automation solutions and is investing £462,000 to increase productivity, grow sales in target markets and create six jobs.
Sheaney, a specialist in marine, civil engineering and infrastructure project management, also in Newry, is investing £270,000 to increase its exports to the South of Ireland and create four jobs.
Steven Heaney, Managing Director at Sheaney, said: “This investment will equip us to capitalise on opportunities in the Republic of Ireland, building on our existing contract in Dublin port. We’re growing our geotechnical, sales and marketing expertise and building our capacity to support new and existing infrastructure projects.”
John McKibben, Southern Regional Manager at Invest NI, said the companies are now in a position to increase their workforces and excitingly, grow sales outside Northern Ireland : “We’ve worked closely with Pronto Engineering, Sheaney, Versaffix, and Viltra, supporting them to improve operational efficiencies, strengthen leadership, boost competitiveness and increase digitalisation."
McKibben reiterated their commitment to supporting businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area and explains that they offered almost £8m of support to over 130 companies here in 2024-25. "This will contribute to a total investment of £47m in the local economy and the creation of 289 new jobs, contributing towards the Minister’s drive for regional balance.”
For information on how Invest NI supports businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, visit investni.com
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S&W Wholesale has appointed building contractor Kelly Brothers LLP from Warrenpoint as the Main Contractor on its new, purpose- built facilities in Newry. S&W Wholesale is one of Ireland’s largest independent wholesalers of FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods); while Kelly Bros. have been a leader in the construction sector across Ireland for almost 60 years.
The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park, is situated adjacent to the A1 southbound. The new facilities will support S&W’s future growth plans right across the island. The proposal for the 16,730 sqm storage and distribution warehouse including ancillary office accommodation will be a major boost to the EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) business as it looks to the future.
Anthony McVeigh, CEO of S&W Wholesale said, “We are pleased to appoint Kelly Bros. to deliver this major, new infrastructure project for the business. The business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites. This investment in the new facilities will secure the long-term future of S&W as a leading, independent grocery wholesaler.
“As an Employee Ownership Trust business, it is essential that we continue to invest in the business, our people and in the local community. This new facility will allow us to maximise our operational efficiency, while giving our valuable team a pleasant, fit for purpose working environment.”
Ronan Kelly, Managing Director, Kelly Brothers. added, “We are delighted to be appointed to work on behalf of S&W Wholesale to deliver their new headquarters. The construction phase of this project will support local jobs and will engage a number of local contractors.
“We look forward to delivering these fit for the future facilities, which will help S&W to keep Newry on the map in the island wide grocery wholesaler sector.”
Road widening and other periphery works have already been carried out. Construction work will begin onsite in mid-August and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
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A Newry co-working space is one of the small businesses from across Northern Ireland that features in the annual Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100.
As the annual campaign kicks off its call to celebrate and support the nation’s favourite businesses, The Hub joins Belfast’s natural haircare brand Percy & Pop, Saintfield safety business Fly High Inspections and Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling in Belfast in this year’s line-up of the UK’s most innovative and admired small businesses.
Each business will be showcased as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday on 6 December. The campaign aims to celebrate and uplift independent firms by encouraging the public to support and spend with small businesses. Small Business Saturday is not just a date. It’s a year-round national movement to spotlight the small businesses that make a big difference to our communities and economy.
The Hub Newry - co-founded by Suzanne Murdoch, this coworking and event space offers a supportive community for remote workers and micro businesses.
“Being named one of this year’s SmallBiz100 is an honour, it shines a light on the role neighbourhood coworking spaces play in helping small businesses and communities thrive,” said Murdock.
“Small businesses are built on heart and resilience, we’re proud to be recognised in the SmallBiz100 for championing both every day.”
Despite signs small business confidence is returning, the UK’s 5.45 million small firms continue to face an array of economic challenges. Campaigners say public support will be vital for small businesses heading into the final critical peak period of the year and essential to powering much-needed economic growth.
“Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses – bringing immeasurable value to our local communities and powering the wider economy,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“From family-run cafés and local restaurants, to independent makers, services and traders, this year’s SmallBiz100 represents some of the UK’s most-loved small businesses. It is exciting to kick off this year’s campaign with so many fantastic businesses from across Northern Ireland featured. With small firms still facing lots of challenges, public support makes all the difference as independent firms enter their most critical quarter of the year.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots non-commercial campaign that was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the campaign’s principal supporter in the UK.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Through our long-standing support of Small Business Saturday, American Express is proud to champion the nation’s small businesses. Congratulations to this year’s SmallBiz100, which once again showcases the incredible vibrancy and innovation of small firms and the valuable contribution they make to local communities.”
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants, to small service and b2b businesses like plumbers and accountants. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Last year, the campaign saw support from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.
To learn more Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has appointed Austin Smyth to serve a first term and reappointed Fiona Hanna as Non-Executive Members on the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA).
The Authority has responsibility, under a series of Harbour Acts and Orders, for developing, maintaining, and operating Warrenpoint Port to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security to the benefit of all stakeholders.
Minister Kimmins said: “I am pleased to announce these important appointments. I am confident that Fiona and Austin will use their combined significant skills and experience to aid the Executive team and enhance the Board in the task of operating, maintaining and improving the harbour in the years ahead."
With over 40 years’ experience, Professor Austin Smyth has advised on port development in various countries from Oman to Ireland. As Director General of Ireland’s NITL he promoted best practice in logistics and supply chain management. He has held professorships at four UK universities and has served on/engaged with boards in the electric vehicle, transport and logistics and supply chain sectors, as well as being director of his own consultancy practice and has served as Examining Inspector for strategic infrastructure at the Planning Inspectorate (England & Wales). Austin also holds a retaining role as Expert Advisor to the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment, Department for Communities, for which he receives a daily rate of £250 on attendance.
Fiona Hanna is a Chartered Accountant with a range of experience across finance and business including positions as an independent advisor and a non-executive director. Currently Fiona’s primary role is jointly running an arable farming enterprise in County Down, managing this alongside her advisory portfolio. Fiona is a Trustee and Board Member of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and serves as Chair of their Audit Committee. Fiona has just completed her first term as a Board Member of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and is pleased to have been reappointed for a second term to the Authority’s Board. She holds no other public appointments.
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Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce joined over 100 business representatives in Dundalk today, 11 September, to launch a USA/Cross Border Trade Mission due to arrive in Ireland towards the end of the month.
The gathering took place at the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board's, Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk
The USA delegation will be led by the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh (IIP) and its CEO, Jim Lamb and today's launch outlined a packed schedule of cross-border engagement and networking opportunities in Newry, Dundalk, and Belfast during the Trade Mission, which runs from 22–25 September. The visit coincides with the highly anticipated NFL clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.
The partners behind the Trade Mission initiative are Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Newry Chamber of Commerce, AMTCE-LMETB and Invest NI. Senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Louth CC, DBEC (Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor) and DKIT also attended the launch.
Attendees included representatives from early-stage scale ups and established SMES looking to break into the US or expand cross border in technology, software, manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, healthcare agri-food and food tech and other high growth sectors.
Speaking at the meeting Michael Savage CEO of Newry Chamber said: "Today's event is about nurturing and encouraging cross-border collaboration and promoting the Newry-Dundalk border hinterland as an excellent place to do business. Both our chambers are working hard with businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for the border region. Newry's dual market access opportunities are pivotal to our future success in both areas, and our engagement today will help build strong cross-border relationships that will maximise that economic potential.”
Paddy Malone, PRO and Board Member of Dundalk Chamber said, “We have worked very successfully with LMETB and Newry Chamber in the past and we are delighted to be partnering with them again on this very important initiative. Both Chambers have made submissions in regard to the national development plan and the upcoming Trade Mission is another step in promoting the M1 Corridor and the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC).”
Gerard Smith, Director of AMTCE, said, “The USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission is a strategic initiative designed to open new pathways for companies, enabling them to explore cross-border opportunities while also accessing the U.S. market. It will foster joint ventures, collaborative alliances, and knowledge-sharing around innovative technologies and services ensuring businesses stay ahead of emerging trends in real time.”
Since its opening, AMTCE has established itself as a national and cross border hub for training and innovation. It delivers world-class education and upskilling opportunities for apprentices, students, and workers at every stage of their careers. By combining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, the Centre ensures learners gain the practical skills demanded by modern manufacturing. It also acts as a bridge between industry and academia, fostering collaboration, research, and a culture of continuous innovation.
Sam Knox of Invest NI spoke about the trade opportunities that the Trade Mission offered and commented “The key opportunity areas for collaboration in Ireland are renewable energy, low carbon heat and transport, circular economy and carbon services, green manufacturing and the Dublin to Belfast Economic Corridor, with its potential for increased trade and tourism.
But to deliver all this, we need training and investment, hence the high level of government investment into the AMTCE here in Dundalk and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Belfast, who are working collaboratively with businesses to deliver the skills needed now and in the future.”
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Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have announced today 15 September that ReGen Waste has removed all Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) waste bales from the port and that they are proposing that in future any RDF waste is not stored there, but put directly on to ships instead. Currently they are allowing Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) to be stored on site but because of odours in recent days they are requesting that these are also removed for a period of assessment.
** Despite a query to ReGen from Newry.ie 18/9/25 they have been unable or unwilling to confirm to us that RDF has indeed been removed from site, casting the WHA into doubt.
In their statement WHA said "Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) shares the frustration of the local community relating to the intermittent RDF odours at the Port.
"We have had extensive engagement with ReGen over many months on this issue. ReGen have now removed all RDF from the Port and are currently only storing SRF on site. We have proposed that, in the future, RDF is not stored at the Port but is instead transported directly to ships, for export.
* "Only Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) is now being stored on site which we have been informed should be non-odorous.
"While the removal of RDF is a welcome development, further investigation is required to resolve the odour issue fully. We expect ReGen to continue to collaborate constructively with us to achieve this."
The statement continued "While the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are responsible for reviewing and approving ReGen's license at the Port, WHA are taking every step possible to ensure our concerns are addressed.
"We have requested urgent meetings with the NIEA and with Minister Andrew Muir to discuss those concerns."
Position Vindicated
Speaking on the WHA announcement, Crotlieve Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly a member of WHA Board said: "I only joined the WHA board in August 2024 and promised myself that as a local councillor I would endeavour at every turn to help get this matter resolved from within or I would not remain on the board if that proved an impossible task."
"Prior to my appointment, locals lamented the absence of local councillors on the board and yet when appointed I quickly became the lightning rod for their vocal opposition to Regen.
"Despite the abuse and relentless criticism I stuck to the task and I believe my position has now been vindicated."
Cllr Tinnelly concluded "We have gone from 20,000 ton of RDF storage to zero in just over a year and my job now as part of the board is to ensure this continues."
Warrenpoint campaign group Rotten to the Point has constantly highlighted smells coming from the port and has campaigned for the removal of the bales. In a Facebook post yesterday they said they believed there would be an announcement today but "Unless the big news is that Re-Gen Waste is packing their bags and leaving the Harbour for good, we’re not interested"
South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis also welcomed news that Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) has been removed from Warrenpoint Port, crediting the move to sustained pressure from Sinn Féin and the local community.
"This is a huge victory for the people of Warrenpoint and the surrounding area who have endured an unacceptable foul odour for far too long,” said the South Down MLA.
"The removal of RDF is a direct result of the political and community pressure, including Sinn Féin's decision to resign from the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority board in July this year.
"Public health and well-being must always come first. When we took the decision to resign from the board, we made it clear that we would not re-engage until there was a complete and permanent end to all RDF activities at the port.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the power of political representatives working together with the community to demand decisive action.
"We have been informed that only odourless Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) will now be stored at the port. Alongside the local community, we will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
What is SPF and RDF
Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is produced from Household Residual Waste The ReGen site states "RDF is an efficient use of otherwise valueless waste. The material we process goes on to heat homes and create electricity".
SRF is produced from mainly commercial waste including paper, card, wood, textiles and plastic. The ReGen website explains "Our highest-grade fuel, SRF, is the result of a detailed process which uses the latest technology to remove the contaminants and produce a low chlorine fuel with a high calorific value.
"Our plant utilises a series of magnets, screens, eddy currents and windshifters to refine the fuel prior to final processing where the specification can be matched to each client’s requirements..."
*Statement Update 11.20 15/9/25
** Update 19/9/25 - We have changed headline to allegedly as ReGen have been unable to confirm to us that this is the case despite WHA restating yesterday that this was the case. We have also added a caveat to the story.
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