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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting local businesses to register their interest in taking part in its Make it Local marketing campaigns, designed to showcase local enterprise, boost trade and encourage residents and visitors to shop, dine and spend within the district. Building on the success of recent initiatives supporting hospitality, retail, personal services and tourism, the Council is now planning its next promotion centred on the Christmas shopping season.
The campaign aims to give businesses a timely boost during one of the busiest times of the year and the Council is encouraging enterprises from all sectors to submit an Expression of Interest to take part. Make it Local celebrates the people behind the businesses and the unique products and services they provide, with participating businesses gaining increased visibility through social media promotion, targeted advertising, print and outdoor campaigns, as well as access to thematic photography and video features.
While the next campaign will focus on Christmas, those who express their interest may also be considered for inclusion in future Make it Local campaigns throughout 2025 and 2026. This approach allows a broad range of enterprises, ranging from high street retailers, cafes and restaurants to artisans, service providers and start-ups, to benefit from free promotion and support.
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Philip Campbell, said every pound spent locally has a multiplier effect. "It sustains jobs, supports families and contributes to the vitality of our city, towns and villages. The Make it Local initiative gives businesses a platform to shine and reminds residents of the creativity, talent and value they can find on their doorstep," he said.
Expressions of Interest are welcomed until Monday 3 November 2025. Businesses can complete the EOI form and learn more about the initiative at www.newrymournedown.org or by emailing business@nmandd.org.
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Over 150 delegates from across the Newry, Mourne and Down District gathered in Newcastle last week for a major conference tackling recruitment and skills shortages in the area. The event, hosted by broadcaster and journalist Mark Simpson at the Burrendale Hotel, brought together businesses, education providers and policymakers to help shape a labour market strategy for the district.
The NMD Recruitment & Skills Conference was organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership (LMP) together with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Southern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, Queen's University and Ulster University. It was the second free district-wide conference following a successful event at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry last 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 conference theme was 'Meeting the District's Workforce Challenge', with delegates hearing presentations and panel discussions before taking part in interactive roundtable sessions.
The panel discussions covered three key areas: promoting economic inclusion and championing diversity in the workplace, the pathway to a career and the NI curriculum, and attracting and developing talent.
Speakers included Ana Desmond from Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Michelle Furphy from the Department for Communities, Justin Kerr from the Department for the Economy Careers Service, Emma Mullen from Deli Lites Ireland, Mark Palmer from Queen's University Belfast and Dr Conor Patterson, chair of the Labour Market Partnership.
Edwina Flynn, president of Newry Chamber, said the conference was about continuing the much-needed conversation about how everyone can collaborate to devise a locally focused strategy. "Newry Chamber is delighted to be involved in the organisation and delivery of this very important conference as one of the Chamber's Core Strategic Pillars is Tackling the Workforce Challenges of the Greater Newry Area," she said.
Councillor Philip Campbell, chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said the event demonstrated the power of collaboration between business, education and government in addressing workforce challenges. "By providing a platform for employers, educators and policymakers to share ideas and experiences, we are helping to shape practical solutions that will open up new opportunities for our residents, support our businesses to recruit and retain talent and ensure that Newry, Mourne and Down continues to grow as a place of innovation, learning and opportunity," he said.
The feedback from both conferences will be used to develop solutions to the workforce challenges facing businesses across every sector of the local economy as they struggle to recruit and retain staff.
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A well-established County Down estate agent has rebranded as Simon Brien Bradley.
Bradley NI officially launched its new name with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly rebranded Newry office. The move marks the start of a new chapter of growth and expansion for the firm.
Through the franchise partnership, Bradley NI's three offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Newcastle will rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley and become part of an eight-office network alongside Simon Brien's existing branches in Belfast, Newtownards and Holywood. The local teams will remain in place, ensuring clients continue to benefit from local knowledge while gaining access to the additional scale, reach and innovation of the wider Simon Brien and Sherry FitzGerald networks.
Simon Brien is part of the Sherry FitzGerald Group, the largest estate agency in the Republic of Ireland, with more than 100 offices and 600 professionals across the island. This gives Simon Brien Bradley clients access to broader expertise, knowledge and marketing reach than ever before.
Garrett O'Hare, managing director of Simon Brien Bradley, said: "Our business has had roots in the Co. Down property market since 1915. I am delighted to be taking the business to new heights with Simon Brien while retaining our strong ties to the local community. We are excited by Simon Brien's innovation in marketing and technology, which will allow us to offer the best possible service to our clients. Our new 24/7 online bidding platform, MY Simon Brien, is revolutionary for the market, giving customers flexibility like never before. This partnership is set to deliver bigger reach, stronger marketing and smarter technology for our clients. We are confident that our rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley is just one of many milestones to come."
From early October, all offices, for sale boards and marketing materials have been carrying the new name. The rebranded firm will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of property services including residential, commercial, lettings and property management, new homes, fine homes and professional services.
Clients will also benefit from cutting-edge technology tools such as MY Simon Brien, a 24/7 online bidding platform allowing buyers to bid at a time that suits them.
Simon Brien, managing director of Simon Brien, said: "We are delighted to welcome Garrett and his team to the Simon Brien network. We have ambitious plans for our business across Northern Ireland, and the launch of a franchise model is central to that strategy. While the strength of the Simon Brien brand is important, what matters most is the local reputation and high-quality estate agency service that Garrett and his team are known for. Together, we are a great match and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. This expansion is just the beginning as we look to bring the Simon Brien service to even more clients across Northern Ireland."
For more information about Simon Brien and their services, visit www.simonbrien.com or contact Simon Brien Bradley in Newry at newry@simonbrienbradley.com, Warrenpoint at warrenpoint@simonbrienbradley.com, or Newcastle at newcastle@simonbrienbradley.com.
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Entrepreneur Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad has taken the top spot at the Newry Mourne and Down Ultimate Pitch final after impressing judges with her nutrition sachets designed to blend seamlessly into drinks, foods and routines.
Ruchira secured £1,000 in investment for her business idea, Balantra, and a place in the regional Ultimate Pitch Final next month where she'll be in with the chance of an additional £5,000. The competition is organised by the government-backed enterprise support service Go Succeed.
Ruchira was among 10 entrepreneurs from across the district to pitch at the local heat held in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle. Sean Yalcin of AIMA OPEX, who was joined by his colleague Asem Mohammad, won the Rising Star award after pitching their business idea of an AI-powered platform that prevents mistakes, cuts costs and boosts competitiveness for manufacturers.
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Councillor Philip Campbell said the Ultimate Pitch is a wonderful celebration of entrepreneurship. "It's been inspiring to witness the creativity and determination of our local finalists. Congratulations to all who took part and to the overall winner as they prepare for the regional final. We look forward to seeing their future success and impact on our local economy," he said.
Heat winners from each of Northern Ireland's 11 councils will progress to the Ultimate Pitch regional final in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 19 November. The overall winner at the regional final will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, £5,000 investment and a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Winners of sub-categories at the regional final will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea, including the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16 to 25 year old entrepreneur. Members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite regional finalist to win the People's Choice Award, sponsored by Ardmore Group, with the winner also receiving a £1,500 cash prize.
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Over 200 local business people gathered at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Friday last 17 October, for this year's Newry Chamber President's Banquet, with the night raising £3,500 for the Chamber's 2025 charity partner, Women's Aid Armagh Down.
The event, which is one of the highlights of the business calendar in the city, was kindly supported by the Canal Court Hotel, Wood Innovations and Ulster Bank as principal sponsors. Chamber President Edwina Flynn, who is nearing the end of her two-year term, delivered her President's Address on the day, reflecting on leadership, progress and community during her time in office.
This year's guest speaker was Jarlath Burns, who has served as Armagh football captain, school principal, respected sports commentator, and now President of the GAA. The charity raffle on the night, thanks to the incredible generosity of guests, raised £3,500 for Women's Aid Armagh Down, an amazing local charity who provide such a vital service for many vulnerable people within the community. This brings the total funds raised by the Chamber for the charity to over £12,000 this year.
During her speech, Edwina Flynn reflected on her two years as President and the progress the Chamber is making in promoting the economic needs of the region locally, nationally and internationally. She said: "Like all good reflections, my mind was drawn to the moments that made it to the highlight reel of my presidency, 2023-2025. I thought of all the coffees and conversations, meetings and moments, speeches and smiles, I thought of all the faces I've seen, the hands shaken, the encouragement given, and wisdom shared."
Flynn recalled last year's banquet when the First and deputy First Minister were welcomed to Newry at the Canal Court Hotel, and spoke of the connections made from Washington to Westminster, from the Oireachtas to back home in Newry. She said: "I thought of connection and partnership and if collaboration really is the true currency of leadership, then Newry is one of the richest of them all."
Flynn spoke about Newry's potential: "For I can show you friends that stretch across the world who are already talking about Newry's future and potential. And I can show you the optimists, the believers, the connectors, the dreamers who see what Newry can be, not just what it has been." She added: "And I can show you a community that believes it deserves a seat at every table and isn't afraid to use its voice, and I will show you a region that refuses to be left behind. And I am proud that Newry Chamber has been at the heart of those connections, a catalyst for change and the promotor of progress."
This year the Newry Chamber President's Award was won by local businessman Feargal McCormack who received his award on the night.
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Feargal McCormack, founder of FPM Chartered Accountants, has received the Newry Chamber President's Award at this year's banquet in the Canal Court Hotel, becoming the fourth recipient of the Chamber's most prestigious honour.
The award celebrates visionary leaders who have made a lasting contribution to the local economy and community, using their success to make a wider difference and inspire future entrepreneurs.
Feargal founded FPM Chartered Accountants in Newry back in 1991 and grew it into one of Ireland's leading advisory businesses. He has always been quick to credit his colleagues past and present for helping him build a business that not only set new standards of professionalism but pioneered new models of growth and partnership, including the very first private equity merger of its kind in Ireland with AAB in 2022.
The award recognises not just business leadership but a lasting contribution to the local economy and community. Previous recipients of the prestigious award include, posthumously, the late Brian Conlon and Lord Ballyedmond in 2022, Martin Naughton, founder of Glen Dimplex, in 2023 and last year Paddy and John McParland, owners of the Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
Although he has stepped back from his day-to-day leadership role as Head of Ireland for the firm, Feargal continues to serve as Senior Partner & Head of Family Business for AAB Group, supporting entrepreneurs across the island to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises. His leadership has reached far beyond his own business through roles as President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Pro-Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, Chairman of the GAA National Finance Committee in Croke Park and Patron of Special Olympics Ireland. Feargal has also been recognised by both Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast with honorary doctorates for his contribution to business and to society.
A humble man, proud Warrenpoint native and devoted family man, Feargal was joined at the event by his wife Anne and son Ruairi to receive the prestigious award. The Newry Chamber President's Award is the most prestigious honour presented by the Chamber and bestowed upon visionary leaders from the local business community who are much cherished, highly respected and deep-rooted members of the area.
Following receiving the award Fergal made a very heartfelt acceptance speech which we print in full below.
I am very humbled, but honoured to receive the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Edwina Flynn’s President’s Award, in recognition of my contribution, to developing the socio economic transformation of the Greater Newry Area, which we have all experienced over the past 35 years.
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, under the leadership of Edwina Flynn (who has been an exceptional, inspirational and charismatic President), CEO Michael Savage and their predecessors, has made a very significant contribution to the socio-economic transformation in the Greater Newry Area and its pivotal role, at the centre of the Belfast / Dublin Economic Corridor. Although, I believe much has been achieved, but there is no room for complacency in the current World we operate in, and more needs to be done.
From a personal perspective, my life has been a journey of learning and leadership experiences. Since I founded FPM, over 34 years ago, in August 1991, at 98 Hill Street, with a part-time secretary and no clients, my motivation in business, has been to create a legacy business. The private equity backed merger of FPM and the AAB Group in May 2022, has enhanced the legacy of the business, by facilitating succession and transition to existing and future generations. Indeed, I have full confidence in the future of the AAB Group, under its current leadership team.
I’m very conscious, that anything I have been fortunate to achieve in Business, or in promoting the socio/economic opportunity in the Greater Newry Area, has been the result of a passionate collective TEAM effort, and I express sincere thanks to all current and former FPM / AAB team members, who have helped me along the way, and also to all of those, who worked alongside me in a variety of Newry socio-economic initiatives, including: Enterprise Newry, the Newry Pittsburgh Partnership, securing City Status and the Newry Business Christmas Charity Lunch event.
On an occasion like this, you think of the many people who have assisted you, in the development of your values, vision and actions. In the context of family and experiences, they shape our lives. Growing-up, the youngest of four children, alongside Roisin, Donal and Ruairi, in my beloved Warrenpoint, I was very fortunate, to benefit from a happy and loving family environment, nurtured by my parents Terry and Moya McCormack.
For the past 38 years my wife Anne, has been my rock and a continuous source of wisdom and advice, and has played an integral role in any success I have achieved. I would like to thank her and my sons Ruairi, who is here today and our severely autistic son, Seamus for all their kindness and support. I am also conscious that our eldest child, daughter Eimer, who unfortunately died, after four days of life, has been a constant, throughout our lives.
There are many parallels between education, sport and business and therefore, it is appropriate that our Guest Speaker today is GAA President, Jarlath Burns, a person to whom, I have had the privilege to work closely with. Jarlath is a truly outstanding inspirational leader, born and living in this area, who we all, should be very proud of.
In the context of sport and business and the recent NFL match involving the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park, I was inspired over the years by the half-time Chrysler commercial featuring Clint Eastwood at the 2012 Super Bowl Final.
It's half-time for the Greater Newry Area, in terms of its socio-economic fortunes, and its community, people and businesses are finding it difficult and challenging, perhaps due to exceptional economic volatility and global political uncertainty. But the Greater Newry Area and this island, can’t be knocked down by one punch, or by geo-political and economic uncertainty, because, we’ll get right back-up again, and when we do, the world is going to hear, and experience our engines roar.
Before concluding, I celebrated my 65th birthday earlier this year, and following discussion with Chamber President, Edwina Flynn, I thought that today was an appropriate occasion to share with you, the Ten Guiding Principles of advice, I would give my younger self, or future generations.
Yes it’s half-time. In the recent past, we have demonstrated a resilience and an ability to overcome political instability and “The Troubles”. The second-half is about to begin, let’s ensure our engines start roaring, and catch the rising technology & Artificial Intelligence tide, from this world class Greater Newry location, at the centre of the exciting Dublin / Belfast Economic Corridor.
Go forward with confidence, have fun, embrace and enjoy the journey. Onwards and Upwards.
Thank you
Feargal McCormack
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Former President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade Jerome Mullen has stepped down from the Chamber executive after 25 years.
At the annual Gala Presidents Lunch last Friday night 17 October at the Canal Court, outgoing Chamber president Edwina Flynn in her last address to members announced that Jerome was retiring after four decades of involvement with the Chamber.
The President went on to say that Jerome had joined the Chamber of Commerce 37 years ago, and took up the role of President in 1997.
The Gala guests heard that he spent the three years of his Presidency from 1997 building a new structure with a working executive and bringing about the amalgamation of the two Chambers of Commerce and Trade into one business organisation in 2000.
Over this period Jerome was involved in two campaigns, to have Intertrade Ireland, established under the Good Friday Agreement, located in Newry, and also to successfully achieve City Status for Newry in 2002.
Jerome Mullen remained committed to the Chamber in the years that followed, serving on its executive and guiding it to become the third largest Chamber in Northern Ireland, with a full time CEO and staff, and a membership of 350 businesses.
He said it was the greatest honour of his life to have had the opportunity to serve in such a great organisation and to have made a small contribution to its development and the growth of business in Newry over the past 25 years.
President Edwina Flynn presented him with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his historic service to the Chamber.
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Wood Innovations has become the first organisation to support the Changing Hearts and Minds Project (CHAMP), a pioneering initiative from Women's Aid Armagh Down aimed at addressing and ending violence against women and girls through long-term cultural change.
Based at Carnbane in Newry the company will roll out the CHAMP initiative across both its Newry and Walsall sites, with management and employees taking part in a series of awareness and training sessions delivered by Women's Aid Armagh Down. The programme, which is funded through the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Change Fund and supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, is designed to challenge harmful attitudes, build community capacity and create positive cultural transformation through education, mentoring and workplace engagement.
The sessions will include management awareness training, company-wide workshops on recognising signs of violence and understanding support pathways, as well as pre and post-training surveys to measure awareness and impact. The aim is to create a supportive environment where every employee can feel empowered to recognise, respond to and help prevent violence against women and girls.
Between 2020 and 2025, 28 women and girls across Northern Ireland were tragically killed by men, and the CHAMP project is part of a vital effort to confront this devastating issue through proactive, community-driven action. The initiative includes four key workstreams covering coaching boys into men, healthy and respectful relationships, community project mentoring, and EVAWG workplace action plans which mentor businesses to develop and implement tailored strategies that create safer, more informed workplaces.
Edwina Flynn, CEO of Wood Innovations formally signed a Declaration of Intent between Wood Innovations and Women's Aid Armagh Down, affirming the company's commitment to its corporate responsibility in fostering an environment within Wood Innovations and beyond where everyone can live and work in safety, dignity and respect.
Ms Flynn said: "We are proud to stand with Women's Aid Armagh Down as the first organisation to adopt the CHAMP initiative. At Wood Innovations, we believe that businesses have a critical role to play in promoting safety, respect and equality. By embedding these values into our workplace culture, we are helping to drive real and lasting chang, not only within our organisation but across the wider community."
Eileen Murphy, CEO of Women's Aid Armagh Down, added: "The CHAMP initiative is about transforming mindsets—within homes, schools and workplaces. We are delighted to have Wood Innovations as our first business partner in this important work. Their commitment demonstrates the power of the private sector to influence positive cultural change and support efforts to end violence against women and girls."
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in uniting the business community with frontline organisations tackling gender-based violence, with Wood Innovations and Women's Aid Armagh Down leading the way in showing that awareness, education and empathy in the workplace can truly change hearts and minds.
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Newry Chamber will host their annual NI SME Business Conference and Expo next week. The free event takes place on Thursday, 13 November from 8.30am to 2.30pm in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry with over 150 business representatives from across Northern Ireland already registered to attend.
This year marks the 11th year of the annual SME Conference and Expo, which features an expert line-up of speakers covering key business topics. The conference will address sales and marketing including embracing eCommerce and going global, finance and the economy including succession planning and making tax digital, as well as the challenges and opportunities around recruitment, skills, AI, innovation and the green economy.
Numerous exhibitors will be present on the day to inform SMEs about available support and discuss how they can assist businesses directly.
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber, said the conference was "all about connecting our SME business community with each other and with organisations that can support them."
Councillor Flynn added: "The Greater Newry Area is a vibrant business region. Despite the challenges of rising interest rates, stubbornly high inflation, skills and staff shortages, there is a still a huge ambition for growth. The conference allows businesses to learn from each other and raise awareness of what supports are available to them."
The NI SME Business Conference and Expo is supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, FSB Northern Ireland, Southern Regional College, Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University and Employee Ownership Ireland. SMEs can still register to attend the free conference online.
NI SME Business Conference & Expo Programme 2025
Register for the conference at forms.office.com
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