Write a comment
A free enterprise support service has helped 1,648 businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down district over the last two years, highlighting the strength of entrepreneurship in the area and the critical need for region-wide support.
The figures were revealed by Go Succeed, which is funded by the UK Government and all 11 local councils, at a special event in Parliament Buildings to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week. The service has been helping local businesses to start, grow and scale since its launch in November 2023.
Since launching, Go Succeed has awarded 209 grants to businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down district worth more than £635,704, enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to scale their operations and invest in new technology and equipment to drive efficiencies and growth. Masterclasses have been delivered to 1,594 entrepreneurs in the district, in addition to almost 12,127 hours of free one-to-one mentorship provided to local businesses.
Marie Ward, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, speaking on behalf of Go Succeed, said the service "has brought together all council authorities, alongside our delivery partners and the wider business and entrepreneurial ecosystem in an incredible collaborative effort to drive business growth in this region." She noted that supporting the goals of Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed brings together the expertise and local knowledge needed to drive innovation, job creation and improve regional balance.
Across Northern Ireland, Go Succeed services have directly led to the creation of around 2,500 new businesses and more than 3,500 new jobs. The service is delivered through all 11 councils in Northern Ireland and provides a range of services free of charge to entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of their journey.
Speaking at the Global Entrepreneurship Week event at Stormont, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the impacts highlight the critical importance of the service in supporting the future economic growth and prosperity of the region. Go Succeed was specifically developed to provide an integrated approach to council-led enterprise and business support services whilst also focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across the region with tailored advice that meets their specific needs.
Dr Archibald said Go Succeed has had "an incredibly significant impact across the north" and that "the service has provided entrepreneurs and small businesses with tailored support and expert guidance, helping thousands of people to turn ideas into viable enterprises." She added that given the importance of Go Succeed, "it is critical that the British Government continues to fund the service through its Local Growth Fund."
As part of their statutory responsibility for business start-up, local councils play a key leadership role in the delivery of Go Succeed, continually improving and adapting the service to the changing needs of entrepreneurs and businesses. Earlier this year, the UK government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund announced a renewal of funding for Go Succeed until the end of March 2026. Go Succeed supports entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support, including extensive masterclasses, mentorship, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning at every stage of their growth journey.
Write a comment
It was a packed house at Newry Rugby Club on Friday 21 November with every seat taken up for the Newry Chamber of Commerce International Mens Day event. It was the second year the business group hosted the event to help highlight mens mental health.
Edwina Flynn, who is coming to the end of her term as President of Newry Chamber said "International Mens Day is about encouraging real conversations about wellbeing, pressure, role models, support and belonging and I hope that today brings you space to connect, to reflect and to enjoy being part of this community". She welcomed Eileen Murphy, CEO of Women's Aid Armagh Down, the Chamber's charity partner and Colin Bell from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Proceeds from the event will go towards both charities. She also thanked CEO Michael Savage and the Chamber team for their help during her tenure.
A wide range of speakers from business people to community champions talked about their lives, with Presenter Thomas Niblock keeping the conversation flowing.
Sean O'Connor the Co-Founder of the incredible Newry born business STATSports spoke about founding the athlete tracking business in 2008 along with Alan Clarke, and its progress to the point where it was acquired by Sony just last month. To have a Newry founded business that lists the likes of Ronaldo and Messi as users of their high tech equipment is something that we can all be proud of.
Kevin McElvanna, a General Surgeon and 2002 Armagh All-Ireland football winner spoke of the horrendous road tragedy that came to his family and friends in November 2023 when he lost his wife Ciara and friends Patrick and Ciera Grimley as well as experiencing devastating injuries himself. He highlighted the support that followed from his incredible community of Madden and moving to the present day the Club's first Armagh County Senior Football Championship win.
A panel discussion followed with Colin Bell, Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust; Jim McGuigan, Actor and Director and John McEvoy, Executive Chairman, Duality Healthcare. While heartfelt conversations were had, thanks to Benny Tierney, School Principal and Armagh 2002 All Ireland Winner, a good laugh was never far away at the most enjoyable and thought provoking afternoon.
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is once again backing independent businesses across the district with the return of its Make it Local Christmas campaign, which launched, yesterday 24 November, to coincide with the busy festive shopping period.
The initiative, running under the strapline 'This Christmas Make it Local, #ShopLocal', aims to encourage residents and visitors to support local traders when buying their festive gifts and services. The campaign will shine a spotlight on businesses in Newry, Downpatrick, Warrenpoint, Castlewellan and Annacloy through a mixture of digital promotion, print media, social media and PR activities.
This year's campaign will feature Art Studio 23, Blue Beans, Elk Books, McCartan's and McGrath's Farm Shop, with the aim of showcasing the unique character, quality and creativity of independent businesses across the district.
A series of short vox pop videos will form a key part of the campaign, featuring local retailers filmed in their own shops talking about what the Christmas period means for their business. The authentic clips will highlight the importance of festive trading, the challenges and opportunities of the season and how much community support matters to independent traders.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: "Our Make it Local campaigns make a real difference to our independent businesses, and we are delighted to extend its impact in the lead-up to the festive season. Shopping local keeps money circulating within our district, sustains jobs and strengthens the fabric of our towns and villages."
Cllr Campbell added: "I am thrilled that five exceptional local businesses have been chosen to feature in this year's campaign. Their stories showcase the dedication, passion and innovation that make our district such a vibrant place to live, visit, and shop."
The council hopes the campaign will encourage shoppers to discover the diverse range of products and services on offer from local traders this Christmas, whether they're buying gifts or enjoying festive dining. More information on Make it Local is available at www.newrymournedown.org.
1 Comment
Two staff members from rug retailer Kukoon launched themselves from an aeroplane in a daring skydive to mark the start of the company's biggest ever Black Friday sale, which sees 25% slashed off prices across the range.
Marketing Specialist Niamh Donnelly and Social Media Executive Louise Mailey took the plunge in what has to be one of the most eye-catching sale launches around. The offer runs this weekend only, with early access beginning on Thursday 27 November and the sale running from Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December.
The dramatic launch follows a momentous year for Kukoon, which has reported impressive business growth and strong customer engagement. The company hit the headlines earlier this year when it donated an entire day's profits to Oxfam Ireland's Gaza Appeal, with the incredible gesture seeing Kukoon donate almost £180,000 to the emergency appeal.
Co-founder Clare Walsh said the business was keen to give back to their customers after a year of tremendous support. She said: "2025 has been an incredibly memorable year for Kukoon and we could not have done it without the backing of our customers. We know that times are tough for everyone, so we wanted to show our gratitude by holding our biggest ever Black Friday sale."
With 25% off all rugs, from cosy Scandi styles to vibrant vintage looks, shoppers are being urged to be quick and swoop up a bargain.
Those looking to land on the rug of their dreams can visit kukoonrugs.com for more details on the sale.
Write a comment
One of Europe's largest recycling companies has completed a £20 million phase one investment in a new state-of-the-art Municipal Solid Waste facility in Newry, creating 50 new skilled jobs and reinforcing its position as one of the norths most significant employers in the green economy.
Re-Gen's new facility at Derryboy Road, Carnbane Industrial Estate uses cutting-edge technology to recover additional recyclables from black bin waste including aluminium, paper, cardboard and glass. The company, which today employs over 400 people across its two sites, has seen its revenue increase from £30m to circa £100m over the last five years, making it the largest waste management company in Northern Ireland and a valuable contributor to the local economy.
Designed and engineered by Re-Gen's in-house research and development and engineering teams, the Derryboy Road facility incorporates the most up-to-date automation and digital systems, including AI-powered sorting, near infrared recognition and data analytics to track material efficiency and output quality in real time. These innovations significantly enhance the company's role in supporting attempts to transition Northern Ireland to a low-carbon, circular economy.
The new facility has also enabled two valuable fuel types to be derived. Solid Recovered Fuel is used as a lower carbon alternative to fossil fuel in cement manufacturing across Europe, while Refuse Derived Fuel is exported to countries that harness both heat and electricity from this fuel, maximising carbon savings and energy recovery.
Joseph Doherty, CEO of Re-Gen, said: "This £20 million initial investment marks a major milestone for Re-Gen and for Newry. The Derryboy Road site represents years of planning, innovation, and collaboration by our team and it firmly places Northern Ireland at the forefront of recycling and resource recovery technology in Europe. The new facility allows us to develop our black bin waste processes further, reducing dependence on landfill, treating local black bin waste and reducing carbon emissions. This investment directly benefits our local economy by creating new jobs, developing new skills, and strengthening the region's long-term sustainability. We look forward to rolling out Phase 2 of the Derryboy site as we continue to significantly invest in this outstanding facility."
He added: "Re-Gen was founded in Newry and remains deeply connected to this community. Every stage of our growth has been driven by a commitment to innovation and driving carbon emission reduction for current and future generations."
The new facility complements Re-Gen's existing Materials Recovery Facility and export operations across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Re-Gen is already a trusted partner to a range of local authorities and commercial waste providers seeking to improve recycling performance and reduce carbon impact. More information is available at www.regenwaste.com.
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has become the first local authority in the north to formally launch delivery of its Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, backed by £4.5 million in funding aimed at boosting jobs, productivity and regional balance.
The Economy Minister joined council representatives at a Local Economic Partnership meeting to mark the milestone. The council's partnership was established on 27 January 2025 to deliver on the Department for the Economy's Regional Balance Fund, which focuses on creating quality employment, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and supporting decarbonisation efforts.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald praised the locally-led approach to economic development. "Local Economic Partnerships set out a new strategic approach to economic development, locally led and with a mission to deliver on regional balance," she said. "I firmly believe local issues require local solutions. I look forward to seeing the delivery of this action plan that will have a positive economic impact as we move forward."
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, welcomed the Minister and thanked both her and the Department for their support and funding. "We are proud to be the first council in Northern Ireland to begin delivering through the Local Economic Partnership Action Plan," said Cllr Campbell. "This plan has been co-designed with our key stakeholders to strengthen productivity through targeted mentoring and grants for businesses and social enterprises."
The plan includes a new Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant designed to stimulate local economic activity, attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing enterprises to expand. The council will also work alongside the Department for Communities to maximise all available funding opportunities. Another element of the action plan focuses on working with partners to increase awareness and adoption of AI technology across the local business community.
Cllr Campbell also emphasised the council's commitment to sustainable tourism. "Our district is proud of its tourism offering, to ensure we maximise on our offering we will support the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network," she said. "This will play an important role in advancing our ambition to become a sustainable tourism destination."
The Chairperson concluded by paying tribute to members of the Local Economic Partnership for their dedication and input in developing the action plan, adding that she looks forward to seeing the projects progress in 2026.
For more information visit: www.newrymournedown.org
Write a comment
Dr Conor Patterson has been elected as the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, taking over from outgoing President Edwina Flynn at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 27 November at Enterprise House, Newry. Dr Patterson becomes only the third person in the Chamber's 205 year history to serve more than one term as President.
Patterson, who is the Chief Executive of Newry and Mourne Co-operative & Enterprise Agency, previously served as President from 2009 to 2011. He has been actively involved in the economic regeneration of Newry and Mourne and the Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland East Border Region since the mid-1990s. In returning to lead the organisation, which represents over 325 businesses and organisations from right across the Greater Newry Area, he follows in the footsteps of William V. Hogg and Eddie Mackle as the only presidents to serve multiple terms.
The AGM also saw changes to the Chamber's leadership structure after amendments to the Articles of Association were unanimously passed. Gary Digney, Restructuring & Recovery Partner at AAB Group, will remain in post as Vice President, whilst Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at Southern Regional College, was elected as a second Vice President.
Mairead McParland, Director at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, was elected as the new Treasurer, replacing outgoing Treasurer Kieran Grant, Finance Director at Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. McParland joins a number of new faces on the Chamber Board of Directors including David Holmes, CEO of Warrenpoint Port, Liam Devine, CEO of Clanrye Group, Elizabeth O'Connor, Director of People & Governance at MJM Marine and Gary Rocks, Senior Solicitor at Patterson & Rocks Solicitors.
The new board members replace outgoing directors Julie Gibbons, Emma Mullen, Kieran Grant, Cathal Austin and Jerome Mullen, who was appointed as an Honorary Board Member following his 37-year involvement with the Chamber.
In addition to the new board appointments, Caroline Willis, Finance Director at Shelbourne Motors, Ronan Callan, Director of Operations at The Exact Group, Rachel Mearns, Managing Director at Concept Occupational Health and Przemek Parulski, Co-Founder of DxF Engineering, will all join the Chamber Council. The Council consists of 23 local business representatives which feeds into the Chamber Board of Directors.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Patterson said: "I feel extremely honoured to be appointed as President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, for the second time. It is a real privilege to be asked to lead, this historic Chamber, one of Ireland's oldest and most respected Chambers, representing business in the Greater Newry Area since 1820."
He paid tribute to outgoing President Edwina Flynn, whose remarkable two year term has come to an end. Dr Patterson said: "I would like to thank outgoing President, Edwina Flynn for her deep commitment, positive energy and phenomenal leadership over the last two years and her ability to meet all challenges head on with her trademark positive outlook. She worked day in and day out to ensure that our region had a seat at the decision-making table at a local, regional and national level and that the Chamber was a real catalyst for change, a promoter of progress with a positive vision for Newry."
Looking ahead to his presidency, Dr Patterson acknowledged the challenges facing businesses but struck an optimistic tone. He said: "I am looking forward to working with our CEO, Michael Savage and the impressive Chamber team. There are undoubtedly challenging times ahead as we face into an uncertain new year. However, I'm optimistic. The Chamber has never been in a stronger position with an active and engaged membership of 325 businesses. During my presidency, I promise to do my best to represent and support our members and the other key stakeholders in Newry with whom it is essential that we work collaboratively."
Write a comment
Over 100 local business representatives packed into Newry Rugby Club last Friday 21 November for Newry Chamber's second International Men's Day Celebration Event. The successful gathering, which has now become a firm fixture in the annual events programme, combined humour and honest conversation about the challenges men face across family, work, performance and physical and mental health.
Presenter, commentator and award-winning broadcaster Thomas Niblock expertly hosted the event, which was kindly sponsored by Duality Healthcare, O'Hare & McGovern and DMC Events. The day featured a series of fireside chats and panel discussions with some of the area's most prominent figures, creating what attendees described as numerous magic moments throughout.
STATSports co-founder Sean O'Connor kicked off proceedings with a fireside chat discussing the remarkable journey of the Newry-based firm. He spoke about their meteoric rise from humble local beginnings to acquisition by global electronics giant Sony, offering insights into building a world-class business from the heart of Newry.
General surgeon and 2002 All-Ireland winner with Armagh, Kevin McElvanna, then took to the armchair to discuss deeply personal topics including the pain of loss, raising a family and developing a successful career. He also spoke about helping to turn tragedy to joy for his local club Madden, who lifted their first Senior County Championship in their 92-year history.
The panel discussion brought together some of the area's biggest personalities for plenty of banter, chat and advice. The panel included Benny Tierney, 2002 All-Ireland winner and school principal, Colin Bell, founder of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Jim McGuigan, actor, singer, director and fundraiser, and John McEvoy, CEO of Duality Healthcare. The speakers and panellists displayed a deep sense of humour that had the audience in stitches on many occasions, whilst also showing raw emotion and honesty around the issues facing men today.
All proceeds from the event will go to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Newry Chamber's 2025 charity partner, Women's Aid Armagh Down.
Newry Chamber thanked all sponsors, speakers, panellists, members and local businesses who attended the event.
Write a comment
A Belleeks-based custom sportswear company is organising a community GAA 7-a-side tournament next February to raise vital funds for Evora Hospice in Newry.
SixSense Sport, run by local founders Drew McVerry and Rory Craven, will host the event on 28 February 2026, aiming to bring local clubs and players together for a day of friendly competition, fun and community spirit whilst supporting a charity that plays a crucial role in caring for individuals with life-limiting conditions.
The Co. Armagh company creates high-quality custom sportswear for clubs and organisations across Ireland, including GAA teams, soccer, volleyball, darts and more. From hoodies and jackets to shorts and full team kits, every piece is designed to match each club's unique identity and needs.
Co-founder Drew McVerry said: "This Christmas, we wanted to give back to the community that has supported us. The GAA 7-a-side is all about bringing people together, having a bit of fun, and raising funds for an incredible local charity."
Each registered player will receive entry into the 7-a-side tournament, a custom SixSense team jersey and a donation made on their behalf to Evora Hospice. Teams can register now through a link on the SixSense Sport website or via the link in their Instagram bio.
Evora Hospice provides compassionate care for patients with life-limiting conditions, supporting individuals from diagnosis through to end-of-life with tailored care that prioritises comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Co-founder Rory Craven added: "Evora Hospice means so much to families locally. We're proud to play even a small part in helping them."
Check out sixsensesport.com
 |
 |
 |