This year's NMD Recruitment & Skills Conferences will take place on Wednesday 8 October in Newcastle. Organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership (LMP).
The conference at the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle runs from 9am to 3.15pm on 8 October.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work. The event is also supported by Southern Regional College (SRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Ulster University (UU) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
Addressing recruitment and skills shortages is one of the biggest challenges facing the local business community across the entirety of the District. Businesses, education and training providers and policymakers are encouraged to attend this year’s conference and play a significant role in further shaping and developing a Labour Market Strategy for the District over the next decade and beyond.
The presentations, panel discussions and interactive roundtable discussions will focus on continuing to build on the huge quantity of feedback from businesses, education and training providers and policymakers at last year’s conference and the work that has been done over the last 12 months on the back of that, to develop bespoke solutions to the Workforce Challenge of the next decade and beyond as businesses across every sector of our local economy struggle to recruit and retain staff.
The full line-up of expert speakers for this FREE District-wide full day conference will be announced in the coming days and it will be hosted by MC, Broadcaster & Journalist, Mark Simpson.
Launching this year’s conference, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Recruitment and skills remain one of the greatest challenges for businesses across Newry, Mourne and Down. Following on from last year’s Skills Conference, supported through NMD Labour Market Partnership, this year’s event brings employers, educators and policymakers together to focus on practical solutions, from creating clearer pathways into careers, to supporting upskilling and embracing diversity in the workplace to ensure high levels of employee retention.”
“By working in partnership with Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade; our two regional colleges, SERC and SRC; Ulster University and Queens University; and our business community, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that gives our citizens the opportunities they deserve and helps our businesses thrive. I look forward to seeing local employers from across the District at the Skills Conference on 8th October in The Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle.”
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade said: “Meeting the Workforce Challenges of this area is one of the core strategic pillars of the Chamber and we are delighted to be organising this Conference on a District-wide basis with the NMD LMP, our regional colleges, SRC and SERC and our universities, Ulster University and Queen’s University.”
“Following on from last year’s highly successful conference, it was clear that there is a strong appetite for collaboration in devising a strategy that supports businesses to attract and retain staff and also provides opportunities for those seeking career opportunities, particularly our young people and those who have been economically inactive and want to take their place in the District’s workforce and build a career here in this region.”
“It is important that businesses and everyone with a stake in this issue from Saintfield to Culloville attends the event in Newcastle to ensure that the solutions we come up with are reflective of the issues across the whole district. We look forward to welcoming everyone from across the District to Newcastle on the 8th October.”
Bus from Newry
Newry Chamber will be putting on a complimentary bus for businesses located in the Greater Newry Area. The bus will be leaving The Stone Bridge in Newry at 8am and will return to Newry after the conference in The Burrendale Hotel has concluded so if you would like to reserve a spot on the bus for you and/or your colleagues, please email admin@newrychamber.com.
Please note, spaces on the bus are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Book your free place at the conference at www.newrychamber.com
JMK Solicitors has announced that five of its talented apprentices have been accepted at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS), marking an exciting new chapter in their legal careers.
The successful candidates, Aoife Killackey, Hannah Mayes, Helen Brown, Lorna McKeown, and Ryan O’Hanlon, have all recently completed their degrees and are now poised to take the next step towards becoming qualified solicitors.
During their time at JMK Solicitors, each apprentice has showcased a strong grasp of legal principles, a deep understanding of personal injury law, and an unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding client care. Their achievements reflect the firm’s ongoing dedication to developing legal talent and upholding the highest standards of service in personal injury and road traffic accident claims.
JMK Solicitors has built a reputation for excellence by continually developing a dedicated team committed to advocating for clients who have experienced loss or injury, while consistently achieving the best possible outcomes through expert legal support.
Louise Mone, Managing Director at JMK Solicitors, expressed her pride and congratulations by commenting "We are incredibly proud of Aoife, Hannah, Helen, Lorna, and Ryan for the dedication they have shown since they joined JMK Solicitors. Their success is not only a testament to their individual hard work, but also to the supportive environment and mentoring provided at JMK. The outstanding feedback each has received from clients speaks volumes about their professionalism and empathy. We wish them all the very best in their studies at the Institute and look forward to their continued success within the legal profession.”
Over 400 people gathered at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa on Friday 19th September to celebrate the cream of local business talent at the 10th Greater Newry Business Awards. The glittering gala ceremony recognised 25 individuals and organisations across the district, with standout wins for Jacinta Linden of Bolster Community and the Rooney Family who hailed from The Meadow in Newry who own the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The biennial awards, which have been running since 2004, have established themselves as the premier celebration of business excellence across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. This year's event was backed by principal sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and NIE Networks, alongside 24 category sponsors, with Newry Chamber organising the prestigious ceremony.
The big individual honours went to some familiar local names, with Jacinta Linden, CEO of Bolster Community, taking home the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area' award. The 'Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award' was presented to the Rooney Family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, recognising their continued connection to the area.
Sarah McAvoy from The Whistledown Hotel claimed the 'Best Businesswoman' award, whilst the 'Best Businessman' gong went to Colm Gribben from Viltra. There was also a special Social Enterprise Recognition Award presented to the People of Newry to mark 50 years since the formation of Work In Newry (W.I.N.).
The ceremony also saw Women's Aid Armagh Down, the leading agency in tackling domestic and sexual abuse, receive recognition as 'Best Charity'. The organisation, which is Newry Chamber's charity partner for 2025, benefited from the evening's charity raffle which raised over £5,000 through the generosity of those attending.
Other notable winners on the night included DELI LITES Ireland, who had a particularly successful evening taking home both the 'Best Green Business' and 'Best Export Business' awards. Jack Murphy Jewellers also proved their excellence by winning both 'Best Use of Digital Marketing' and 'Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer)'. Canal Court Hotel & Spa, the evening's venue, claimed the 'Best Tourism Business' award.
In the young entrepreneur categories, Caoimhe Toner from Water Solutions Ireland Ltd was named 'Best Young Businesswoman', whilst Patrick Mackin from Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd took the 'Best Young Businessman' award. Mackins also went on to win 'Best Small Business', showing the strength of their operation across multiple areas.
Concept Occupational Health was recognised as 'Best New Business', The Exact Group claimed 'Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business', and Health Matters Occupational Health won 'Best Professional Services Business'. In the hospitality sector, The Oliver was named 'Best Place to Eat (Licensed)' with Synge & Byrne taking the unlicensed category.
S&W Wholesale was recognised as the 'Best Place to Work', MJM Marine won 'Best Apprenticeship Employer', Shelbourne Motors claimed 'Best Family Business', and The Whistledown Hotel rounded off their successful night by also winning 'Best Business in the Community'. Armatile Ltd took home the 'Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer)' award, whilst Environmental Products and Services Ltd was named 'Best Innovative Business'.
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber, reflected on what has been a challenging period for local businesses. "The awards last took place in September 2023 and the 26 months since then, has undoubtedly been an incredibly testing period for local businesses, across the district. However, from the 200+ entries received, we can clearly see the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who call this region home," she commented.
Flynn praised the resilience shown by the local business community, adding: "The strength of this year's awards illustrates a determined, resilient and confident local business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. I want to congratulate all the winners, highly commended and finalists and thank everyone who took the time to enter this year's awards."
She concluded by highlighting the area's business credentials: "The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year's awards have recognised the very best that this region's local business community has to offer. As a Chamber, we were delighted to be able to organise these prestigious awards and showcase Greater Newry's Greatest."
WINNERS
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency
WINNER - The People of Newry & Mourne Celebrating 50 Years Since the Formation of
Work In Newry (W.I.N.)
Sponsored by AAB Group
WINNER - Women's Aid Armagh Down
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
WINNER - DELI LITES Ireland
Sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
WINNER - Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
WINNER - Jack Murphy Jewellers
Sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
WINNER - Armatile Ltd
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
WINNER - Environmental Products and Services Ltd
Sponsored by InterTradeIreland
WINNER - DELI LITES Ireland
Sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
WINNER - Caoimhe Toner, Water Solutions Ireland Ltd
Sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
WINNER - Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Sponsored by Brown & Brown
WINNER - Concept Occupational Health
Sponsored by Collins Aerospace
WINNER - The Exact Group
Sponsored by Newry Reporter
WINNER - Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Sponsored by Newry BID
WINNER - Health Matters Occupational Health
Sponsored by S&W Wholesale
WINNER - Jack Murphy Jewellers
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
WINNER - The Oliver
Sponsored by Newry.ie
WINNER - Synge & Byrne
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
WINNER - S&W Wholesale
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
WINNER - MJM Marine
Sponsored by AIB
WINNER - Shelbourne Motors
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
WINNER - The Whistledown Hotel
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
WINNER - Sarah McAvoy, The Whistledown Hotel
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
WINNER - Colm Gribben, Viltra Ltd
Sponsored by MJM Marine
WINNER - The Rooney Family - Pennsylvania, USA
Sponsored by The Exact Group
WINNER - Jacinta Linden, Bolster Community
The evening demonstrated that despite the challenges of recent years, the Greater Newry business community continues to thrive and innovate. With over 200 entries received for this year's awards, it's clear that local entrepreneurs and established businesses alike are driving forward with ambition and determination, creating jobs and prosperity across the district whilst maintaining the area's reputation for business excellence.
A Newry-based engineering firm is set to host a special fundraising event this weekend to support a charity close to their hearts. Pure Engineering Group will be organising a 5 a side football tournament and family funday for the Children's Heartbeat Trust on Sunday 28 September at Newry City Football Club.
Pure Engineering Group, mechanical, heating and cooling specialists are gearing up for the major fundraiser which will run from 12:30pm to 3:00pm, with a quiz and raffle continuing in the clubhouse from 3:00pm onwards. Entry is completely free with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
The funday promises something for all ages, with plenty of activities planned including a bouncy castle, mini athletics, arts and crafts, face painting, football, and a DJ to keep everyone entertained. There will be a variety of food and craft stalls with lots of treats on offer including an ice cream van, sweet truck, donut van and cocktails for the adults.
The event is being held in recognition of the incredible support the Children's Heartbeat Trust gives to families going through difficult times. The charity provided immense support to a member of the Pure Engineering team, whose little boy Archie was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition at just five months old. Following open-heart surgery in Dublin and months of care, thankfully Archie is thriving today. Pure Engineering along with Archie's family want to give back to the charity that supported them during this challenging period.
Charlotte Magennis, Operations Manager at Pure Engineering, explained the personal connection behind the fundraiser: "As a mum, I know first-hand the difference Children's Heartbeat Trust makes. When our son Archie was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, it was the most frightening time of our lives. The charity stood beside us with guidance, kindness and support that gave us strength when we needed it most. Hosting this Family Funday is our way of saying thank you and giving back. We want as many people as possible to come along, enjoy the day, and help us support this amazing charity so they can continue to be there for other families like ours."
Several local businesses have shown their support for the five-a-side football tournament, including Specsavers, Orior Furniture, Connex Offsite, Vantastic Van Man, Cunningham Contracts, Haldane Fishers and O'Reillys Wholesale.
The event is open to everyone and families are encouraged to simply turn up on the day. All proceeds from stalls, activities and donations throughout the day will go directly to Children's Heartbeat Trust.
For those who can't make it but would still like to contribute, donations can also be made online via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com
A Rostrevor restaurant has made it to the final six in Ireland's most prestigious seafood chowder competition, with Feast in the village earning recognition alongside establishments from across the island for their exceptional take on the popular dish.
Cully & Sully and food critics John and Sally McKenna have announced the finalists for the annual Souperb Awards, which seeks out Ireland's finest seafood chowder.
The six finalists represent a geographical spread that showcases Ireland's rich coastal food culture. Alongside Feast from Rostrevor, the shortlist includes Peggy's Bar in Claregalway, County Galway; Savoir Fare in Westport, County Mayo; Pat Cohan's Bar in Cong, County Mayo; The Moorings in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and O'Connell's Seafood Bar on Patrick Street in Cork.
"We are looking for the chowder that puts the most soul in the bowl," said John McKenna, one of the four judges. "Chowder is a dish that has an enormous emotional resonance for Irish people, so we want to find the one that brings together all the strengths of Ireland's food culture: great seafood, great dairy, and plenty of potatoes."
Feast's inclusion comes after what owners Melissa McCabe and Roisin McCaffrey describe as a successful year for their Rostrevor establishment, with Melissa's unique seafood chowder proving to be their best-selling dish. The judges were particularly impressed with the restaurant's innovative presentation, noting the chowder's distinctive topping of Burren Balsamic Pearls which adds both visual appeal and a tangy flavour contrast.
"Feast, Rostrevor, Co Down, Northern Ireland Next to Rostrevor, a pretty and far flung getaway on the County Down isthmus, Roisin and Melissa are celebrating a year of success in Feast, and their best-selling dish during the year has been Melissa's unique version of seafood chowder. Many will travel all the way to remote Rostrevor for the good thing. The Feast chowder is a most gorgeous bowl, uniquely topped with Burren Balsamic Pearls, giving a translucence as well as a tang of acidic flavour. The heart shaped slices of soda bread were a delightful accompaniment to a very special chowder," the McKennas wrote in their assessment.
Two of the finalists earned their place through public voting, whilst the judges selected the remaining establishments based on their culinary expertise and nationwide tasting tour that took them from Waterford to Westport and from Rostrevor to Cork. Cullen Allen of Cully & Sully, the competition's sponsors, highlighted how the diverse range of venues represented shows the importance of quality chowder across Ireland's hospitality sector.
The overall winner of the 2025 Souperb Awards will be announced by Cully & Sully on Friday 3 October.
A Warrenpoint based building services company has been acquired by UK group Cardo as part of an expansion strategy that will see enhanced maintenance and improvement services delivered across the region while maintaining local expertise and community connections.
CTS NI, which has built a strong reputation over decades as a trusted partner for public sector clients, has joined the Cardo Group in a move that promises to bring additional investment and resources to the Northern Ireland market. The company provides full-service maintenance contracts to thousands of properties across the region, offering services that include planned and reactive maintenance, mechanical and electrical works, compliance testing, and specialist improvement projects.
Connaire McGreevy, Founder of CTS Projects, emphasised that the company's local focus would remain unchanged. "We're proud of the strong local relationships we've built here in Northern Ireland, and our team remains firmly rooted in the communities we serve. Joining Cardo is an exciting step for us. It means we can keep doing what we do best - delivering excellent service for our clients, while benefiting from the expertise, investment, and innovation of a larger organisation that shares our values."
McGreevy assured existing clients and partners that the transition would be seamless. "For our clients and supply chain partners, it's business as usual with the same experienced people and commitment to quality. But now, we'll also have the resources to invest more in our people, grow opportunities for local suppliers, and take on projects at a larger scale."
The acquisition forms part of Cardo's broader growth strategy to expand its national footprint while ensuring services continue to be delivered by local teams who understand their communities. For CTS, the partnership offers access to greater resources and expertise whilst maintaining its established local relationships and commitment to the Northern Ireland market.
Liam Bevan, CEO of Cardo, highlighted why CTS was an attractive acquisition target. "CTS is an established and respected local business with a strong track record in the region. They share our focus on quality, reliability, and community, which makes this a natural fit. This acquisition is a key part of our growth strategy - expanding our presence into Northern Ireland while ensuring services are still delivered by local teams who know and serve their communities best."
Bevan outlined the benefits of the partnership for the broader market. "By combining our expertise, we can deliver high-quality services at scale, support local jobs and suppliers, and strengthen our position as a provider of choice across the UK."
The acquisition represents a significant development in Northern Ireland's building services sector, with CTS's senior leadership team guiding the integration process to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The move promises to strengthen the region's capacity for large-scale building maintenance and improvement projects whilst preserving the local expertise and community relationships that have made CTS a trusted name in the industry.
Business leaders from both sides of the border have joined forces with companies from Pennsylvania for a major trade mission designed to forge new partnerships and boost economic links with Newry Chamber of Commerce playing a key role in facilitating the cross-Atlantic collaboration.
The USA/Cross Border Trade Mission officially launched at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, bringing together around 12 US companies with a similar number of cross-border businesses for several days of networking, knowledge-sharing and business matchmaking. The initiative is being facilitated by AMTCE alongside partners including Newry Chamber of Commerce, Southern Regional College, Invest NI, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh.
The timing of the mission coincides with the NFL match at Croke Park between Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, adding extra significance to the Pennsylvania connection. The US delegation is being led by Jim Lamb, President of The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, Amanda Stewart, CEO of High Performance Building Alliance, and Jenna Cramer, President & CEO of Green Building Alliance.
Michael Savage, CEO, Newry Chamber highlighted Newry's particular connection to Pittsburgh and the opportunities this presents for local businesses. "Newry has a strong affiliation with Pittsburgh and we are committed to growing that relationship further in the coming months and years by encouraging US companies in key growth sectors to partner our companies and maximise the unique opportunities Newry's strategic location can provide through Dual Market Access to the UK and EU and lower trade tariffs."
Participants represent a diverse range of sectors including technology, software, manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, healthcare, agri-food and food tech, with the agenda featuring expert briefings, site visits and networking opportunities all aimed at fast-tracking commercial growth and deepening transatlantic trade links.
Mr Savage also emphasised the long-standing collaborative approach between the border chambers and the strategic advantages the region offers. "Newry and Dundalk Chambers have always worked closely together to encourage cross border trade and promote this region as a cross-border hinterland with a bright economic future, capable of attracting inward investment and strengthening collaboration either side of the border and across the Atlantic."
The mission has attracted support from multiple partners, with Invest NI, LMETB-Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor and both chambers providing sponsorship. Martin O'Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, described the initiative's broader significance, stating: "The Trade Mission is about more than business – it is about building lasting relationships. By bringing companies from the island of Ireland together with our long-standing partners in Pennsylvania, we are opening doors for collaboration in advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and beyond."
Gerard Smith, Director of AMTCE, noted how the mission reflects the centre's vision "to act as a bridge between industry, education, and international partners. The opportunities being explored this week have the potential to deliver real economic benefits across the island of Ireland."
The trade mission represents a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the cross-border region and Pennsylvania, with Newry Chamber's involvement underlining the area's commitment to leveraging its unique position to attract international investment and create new business opportunities for local companies seeking to expand their global reach.
Kilmorey Care Ltd are acquiring the Orana Site on the Warrenpoint Road in Newry with a view to refurbishing the existing buildings and open a new Nursing Home on the site in 2027.
They currently run the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home which is situated next door to the new site and they plan to operate both homes separately from the same site. They have emphasises that the Mother of Mercy home will not be affected by the development.
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins and Newry City Councillor Valerie Harte have welcomed the acquisition. Ms Kimmins said:
“This is a positive development for Newry and the surrounding area. The delivery of additional care capacity will help to relieve pressure on local health and social care services, which are already under significant strain.
“The new facility will play an important role in meeting growing demand for residential and nursing care, while also supporting families who require quality services closer to home.
“It is also welcome to see this historic and currently unused site being brought back into use in a way that benefits the community.”
Councillor Valerie Harte added: "Expanding care provision locally is essential to ensuring people can access the support they need, when they need it, and without being forced to travel further afield.
“This project will add important capacity to the system, and proposals for future expansion on the site are a step in the right direction.
"Sinn Féin will continue to support efforts to strengthen care services across Newry and Armagh as part of a wider strategy to meet the needs of our ageing population."
GAA President Jarlath Burns will take centre stage as guest speaker at this year's Newry Chamber President's Banquet, set to take place on Friday 17 October from 12 noon to 4pm at the Canal Court Hotel. The prestigious event, which draws over 200 guests from businesses and organisations across the Greater Newry Area, has become one of the standout occasions in the city's business calendar.
Broadcaster and journalist Sarah Travers will MC the afternoon, sitting down for a conversation with Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. The event will also see the announcement of this year's President's Award recipient, which recognises an individual for their exceptional vision, leadership and commitment to the economic development of the Greater Newry Area. Guests can look forward to a three-course meal, live music, and plenty of networking opportunities in what promises to be a celebration of business success in the region.
The banquet is supported by Wood Innovations, Canal Court Hotel & Spa, and Ulster Bank, with Women's Aid Armagh Down serving as charity partners for the event.
Speaking ahead of what looks set to be a memorable afternoon, Chamber President Edwina Flynn said: "I am delighted that Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, has agreed to join us as our guest of honour. I am looking forward to hearing about his time in office to date and how leading an organisation like the GAA compares to leading a business. Jarlath is an excellent public speaker with an engaging personality who has brought a new dimension to the role of Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, and I have no doubt he will be a big attraction."
Flynn added: "We will also be honouring a very special person with the President's Award. This person has shown outstanding vision, leadership, and commitment to the economic development of Greater Newry over many years."
The event holds particular significance for Flynn as her two-years as Chamber President come to a close in November. "The event will be a time of personal reflection as I look back on a wonderful two years as Chamber President as my presidency draws to a close in November. I am looking forward to an afternoon of celebration, conversation, good food, and networking," she said. She also expressed her gratitude to the event sponsors, saying: "I am extremely grateful to Banquet sponsors Wood Innovations, Canal Court Hotel & Spa, and Ulster Bank for their support. We are also delighted to have Women's Aid Armagh Down as our charity partners for the event."
Mairead McParland, Director at Canal Court Hotel & Spa, commented: "We are delighted to partner with Newry Chamber once again. The Canal Court, as the city's largest hotel and conference facility, has a strong working relationship with the Chamber. Our professional staff will ensure a great afternoon for the Chamber's guests and the local business community."
Gavin Moan, Head of Sales Ireland for Wood Innovations, added: "Wood Innovations is delighted to support the President's Banquet and to hear from Jarlath Burns. His leadership in sport and community is a real source of inspiration for the business world, and we look forward to what promises to be a memorable afternoon."
Daniel Hughes, Finance Manager at Ulster Bank, said the bank are looking forward to celebrating local success over the last 12 months.
Tickets for the President's Banquet can be reserved by contacting the Newry Chamber office via email at admin@newrychamber.com or via: https://newrychamber.com