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Tughans has promoted Nadine Brennan who is originally from Newry to partner within its Dispute Resolution practice, where she will drive strategic growth and support the firm's wider expansion plans.
The former Our Lady's Grammar School pupil has built a reputation for delivering clear, practical and commercially sensitive solutions to challenging cases.
Brennan joined Tughans as a paralegal in 2012 after completing her studies in Law with Politics at Queen's University Belfast and the LPC at the College of Law, Manchester in 2011. She secured her training contract the following year and qualified into the Disputes team in March 2015 after completing seats across several practice areas. Over the past decade, she has built extensive experience across commercial litigation, particularly in public law, procurement, energy and property disputes.
Qualified to practice in both Northern Ireland and England & Wales, Brennan acts for a wide range of clients, from public bodies, local authorities, charities and utilities to financial institutions, lenders and private companies and individuals. Legal 500 describes her as "fantastic … her support is unmatched."
Speaking about her interest in the field, Brennan said: "Every case is different, and I like the combination of legal complexity and commercial sensitivity that many disputes require. It's about understanding the law but also understanding the client, what they are seeking to achieve and what we can do to get there."
The newly promoted partner has seen significant changes in the commercial litigation landscape during her time at Tughans. In the energy sector, the transition to net zero is driving a surge in contentious issues around electricity generation, renewables, infrastructure and regulatory decisions, with greater competition in the electricity market leading to increased legal challenges. There is growing litigation around major infrastructure projects, including new roads schemes, improvements to public transport links and upgrades to water and sewerage infrastructure.
Northern Ireland's government funding pressures and identified funding shortfalls remain an ongoing problem that has caused, and is likely to cause further, legal challenges, particularly where the lack of sufficient funding poses serious risks to the sustainability of public services and infrastructure. The change in public procurement law which came into effect this year with the Procurement Act 2023 will likely see changes in the type and frequency of challenges brought in respect of procurement competitions.
As Partner, Nadine looks forward to growing the practice, mentoring the next generation of dispute resolution lawyers, and helping clients navigate an increasingly complex commercial and regulatory environment. "I am excited to play a role in shaping the continued growth of the practice and to support our clients as their challenges evolve. It's a privilege to work alongside a team with such depth and expertise," Brennan said.
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The fantastic sum of £103,000 has been raised at this year's Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner, reinforcing Newry's solid reputation for supporting local communities. A massive toy mountain stood in the foyer of the Canal Court Hotel as a symbol of Newry generosity.
The 26th annual fundraising event took place last Friday night 5 December at the Canal Court where the business community and friends rallied together to ensure children from the greater Newry area who are less fortunate will wake up to a gift on Christmas morning.
The much-loved, community-centred event saw board members and attendees demonstrate remarkable compassion and support at a time of year that can be particularly challenging for many families. The spirit of Christmas was alive and well as guests contributed to the overwhelming total raised on the night. The fantastic Brian Kennedy entertained the crowd with songs from his extensive catalogue.
Huge congratulations were extended to the Organising Committee of Caroline Courtney, Jerome Mullen, Eamonn Connolly, Anne Murphy, Caroline Grant, Dr Gerard O'Hare, Katrina Quinn and Lianne McCooey for their tireless but appreciated work behind the scenes to deliver the extraordinary night.
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Newry based company Re-Gen has donated £10,000 to help local people who may be struggling to pay their heating bills this winter.
This week Re-Gen presented a cheque to St. Vincent de Paul in Warrenpoint, who will administer the donation to support families and individuals facing difficulty with their fuel costs during the cold months ahead.
The donation comes at a time when many families are facing increased pressure on their finances, with the cost of heating continually rising.
Joseph Doherty, Re-Gen's CEO, said they realise that household budgets are tight now, especially before Christmas, and recognise that many local households will be worried about their winter fuel bills. "We are delighted to be working with St. Vincent de Paul on this crucial project and hope it helps keep local homes warm during this festive season and beyond."
Re-Gen is one of Europe's largest recycling companies, employing over 400 people locally.
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CRASH Services, in partnership with JMK Solicitors, has successfully wrapped up their 2025 charity partnership, raising £42,200 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, a sum that will provide over 767 hours of support through vital services.
Both organisations have a longstanding tradition of supporting a chosen charity each year, with a dedicated Charity Committee driving a variety of fundraising initiatives. In 2025, staff from CRASH Services and JMK Solicitors enthusiastically took part in a range of activities to support Cancer Focus NI, including breakfast mornings, lunchtime quizzes, the Belfast Marathon, monthly salary contributions and dress-down days across their offices. Additionally, both organisations contributed £1 for each download of their customer and client app, further enhancing their charitable efforts.
Paula Mahoney, Marketing Director at CRASH Services, reflected on the significance of supporting Cancer Focus NI, saying: "This year, our team was particularly motivated to support the vital services provided by Cancer Focus NI. Through our fundraising events and ongoing contributions, we raised over £42,000, and we hope this donation makes a meaningful difference in the charity's ongoing work for those affected by cancer."
Louise Mone, Managing Director at JMK Solicitors, expressed her gratitude for Cancer Focus NI's work, saying: "Each year, our team selects a charity that resonates with us, and this year, we were proud to support Cancer Focus NI. With over £42,000 raised, we hope our contribution will help the charity continue to provide essential care and support to individuals and families in our community."
Thanking CRASH Services for the donation, Eoin Caughey, Corporate Fundraising Officer, said: "We are deeply grateful to CRASH Services and JMK Solicitors for their incredible support and generosity. Raising £42,200 in 2025 will allow us to continue to support local people and their families who are on their cancer journey. We are blown away by the support and commitment shown by both CRASH Services and JMK Solicitors, who have gone above and beyond to make this partnership a huge success."
The funds raised will play a crucial role in supporting Cancer Focus NI's ongoing work, helping provide essential care, guidance and resources to individuals and families affected by cancer. Cancer Focus NI offers comprehensive support services, runs cancer prevention programmes and funds vital research into the causes and treatment of the disease. The donation will provide over 767 hours of support through services including counselling, family support, support groups, specialist bra fitting and patient driving service.
To find out more about Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, how you can access their services, or how to support their fundraising efforts, visit cancerfocusni.org
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Newry based Murdock Group has announced the acquisition of Donegal Town Hardware & DIY Ltd, bringing the group's network to 26 branches and reinforcing its position as the largest family-owned builders merchant group on the island of Ireland.
The move supports the group's national growth strategy and complements recent greenfield openings in Antrim and Drogheda earlier this year. Donegal Town Hardware & DIY will retain its name, brand and local leadership team, ensuring continuity for customers and staff.
Ciaran Murdock of the Murdock Group said: "Donegal Town Hardware is a respected and well-established local business built on strong customer service. Martin and Gerard have created a solid, trusted operation and we're delighted to welcome their team into the Murdock Group. This partnership allows us to support the business with our wider Group capabilities while preserving the local identity and customer relationships that have made it so successful."
Martin McGowan, Founder and Managing Director of Donegal Town Hardware & DIY, commented: "Joining the Murdock Group gives us the scale, support and procurement strength to enhance what we already do well. Customers will continue to work with the same team and receive the same level of service, now backed by a wider product range and the resources of a national network."
The Murdock Group now has a presence in 14 counties in Ireland.
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Newry-based global marine outfitter MJM Marine has announced the opening of a new Belfast office as part of the latest phase of expansion for the business and the wider Rathbane Group.
The Belfast office will be based at the Group owned Pearl Assurance House on Donegall Square East and is expected to be fully operational in early 2026. The new location complements MJM Marine's headquarters in Newry and its established operations in Poland.
MJM Marine will be recruiting for a variety of Belfast based roles across Contracts Management, Technical and Design Engineering, Project Planning and Commercial functions, with recruitment already underway. Applications are currently open via mjmmarine.com.
Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine, said the new Belfast office is a practical and strategic step for the company. He added that it strengthens delivery capability and supports collaboration across project teams. "We believe this additional location gives us access to an increased pool of people, who want to work on world-class marine projects without a long commute," he said.
The Belfast office will support MJM Marine's ongoing project delivery across its global cruise and ferry portfolio, while strengthening the company's ability to attract talent across a wider geographic area. It will form part of MJM Marine's integrated delivery model, working closely with colleagues across the Rathbane Group's specialist businesses in design, manufacturing and technical services.
Naoimh McConville, Joint Group Managing Director of The Rathbane Group, said the expansion reflects both the continued growth of MJM Marine and the long-term vision as a Group. "Belfast provides access to a strong talent pool and allows us to support our teams and clients more effectively as we deliver increasingly complex projects across global fleets," she said.
MJM Marine is a trading business within The Rathbane Group, the parent brand of the group of companies and entities also including Mivan, Topglass, NTS and Rathbane Holdings.
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Buttercrane Centre has installed hand sanitisers throughout the mall as the NHS grapples with the latest flu outbreak.
The move comes as over 670 people were admitted to hospital with flu across Northern Ireland in December, placing significant pressure on local healthcare services and hospitals.
Centre Manager Peter Murray said the news reports of the rising infection levels and pressures on local healthcare and hospitals is of concern to everyone. "We've also noted some customers wearing masks in recent weeks. In an effort to protect customers, we've taken the decision to reintroduce hand sanitisers across our mall zone," he said.
Buttercrane have added sanitising stations in entrance and exit zones in the Centre to support customers and local health services. NHS guidance cites hand hygiene as a critical element of breaking the cycle of infection.
Mr Murray said the message is really to help protect the NHS and vulnerable customers. "The hand sanitising stations will remain in mall throughout the winter period," he added.
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Dr Conor Patterson the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade has called for unity and collaboration to secure substantial investment in the city and region as he outlined his vision for 2026.
In his Christmas message, the incoming president paid tribute to his predecessor, Edwina Flynn, for the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism she brought to the role over the last two years. He said 2025 had been a strong year for Newry Chamber, with the team led by Michael Savage and the Chamber Board delivering another programme of well-attended, informative and engaging events.
Dr Patterson said the lobbying efforts of partners to attract Government support and investment have been strengthened with Newry Chamber carrying that message into the corridors of power in Stormont, Westminster, the Oireachtas and the United States. However, he warned that significant challenges can only be overcome through a collaborative and unified approach from all stakeholders with an interest in seeing Newry fulfil its potential.
"Unity of purpose is paramount if we are to achieve anything for our businesses and our citizens," he said. "We can all hold differing views on some aspects of the route map, but none of us can disagree that there is a need to secure substantial investment in our city and region to support and stimulate economic growth."
Newry Chamber is working with local and central government partners to shape a strategic plan for the city and region with achievable ambitions to secure significant public sector investment in the area. A programme to increase wastewater capacity is described as vitally important, as well as other key infrastructure initiatives such as the Southern Relief Road, to address the current and future socio-economic needs of the population and improve quality of life. The plan must also address the skills and recruitment challenges which businesses wanting to create good jobs face.
The president said he wants to lead a Chamber that will fight to ensure that the investment deficits in the region are addressed by the Executive as well as the Irish and British Governments. "Only if our businesses flourish can we fulfil our ambition to develop Newry into an economic powerhouse on the Dublin-Belfast corridor," he added.
Dr Patterson said "We have proven in the past that when we all talk our city and region up and when we all work with a unified sense of purpose, we can achieve great things for Newry". He added "I want 2026 to be a year in which our community unites behind this common goal of regenerating our city, growing our economy and providing exciting opportunities for future generations to live, work and raise a family in Greater Newry."
As well as leading on all things economic, the Chamber will also be supporting efforts to improve the social fabric of the city and district, including continuing to play its part in the Daisy Hill Future Group which is working to secure the long-term future of local hospital services. The Chamber will also continue to support vital local charities and social enterprises that provide a safety net to protect the vulnerable in society.
The president concluded by urging positivity about 2026 and called for everyone to work together to build a city and region that can be an attractive destination for investors from all over the world. The Chamber Offices will reopen on Monday 5 January.
Dr Patterson wished everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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The way people find local businesses has shifted more in the past 18 months than in the previous decade. Newry business owners searching for customers online are now competing in a fundamentally different environment – one where Google's AI summaries answer questions before anyone clicks a website, where your Google Business Profile matters more than your homepage, and where a steady stream of recent reviews can make or break your visibility.
This isn't about chasing the latest trends. It's about understanding what's working right now for businesses in Newry and across Northern Ireland, and what you can do this month to start seeing results.
Google Business Profile Is Now Your Most Important Digital Asset
If you haven't touched your Google Business Profile since you set it up, you're invisible to a significant portion of potential customers. Google has transformed this free tool into the primary way people discover local services – and the businesses that treat it seriously are pulling ahead of those that don't.
When someone searches "accountant Newry" or "café near me," Google decides which businesses to show based largely on how complete, active, and trusted your profile appears. A half-finished profile with no recent activity tells Google you're probably not the best result to show.
What actually moves the needle: fill in every single section, including your services with proper descriptions. Add photos regularly – businesses with more than 100 photos get significantly more calls and direction requests than those with fewer than ten. Post updates at least weekly, even if it's just a quick note about a new product or a reminder about your opening hours. Respond to every review within 24 hours, whether positive or negative.
The businesses dominating local search in Newry aren't necessarily the biggest or longest-established. They're the ones treating their Google Business Profile as a living, active channel rather than a set-and-forget listing.
Reviews Have Become a Ranking Factor, Not Just Social Proof
Google now weighs reviews more heavily than ever when deciding which local businesses to show. But it's not simply about accumulating five-star ratings – the algorithm considers recency, your response rate, and even the natural language customers use in their feedback.
A Newry restaurant with 200 reviews from 2022 will consistently lose visibility to a competitor with 80 reviews from the past six months. Freshness signals that you're active, trading, and worth recommending.
The practical approach: build a simple system for asking satisfied customers to leave a review. This doesn't need to be complicated – a follow-up email, a card with a QR code, or simply asking at the end of a successful job. Make it easy and make it consistent.
When reviews come in, respond to every single one. Thank people for positive feedback with something specific to their experience, not a generic reply. Address negative reviews professionally and constructively – potential customers read your responses as much as they read the complaints, and a thoughtful reply often builds more trust than the original criticism damages.
The keywords customers naturally use in reviews also matter. When someone writes "best fish and chips in Newry" or "really helped with our business accounts," those phrases help Google understand what you do and where you do it. You can't control what people write, but you can encourage detailed feedback by asking specific questions: "What did you think of the service?" rather than just "Could you leave us a review?"
Local Mentions and Citations Build the Signals That Matter
Getting mentioned on local websites, news outlets, and business directories creates what search engines and AI systems recognise as "entity signals" – evidence that your business exists, operates in a specific area, and is talked about by others.
A mention in a Newry.ie article or a feature in the Newry Reporter carries more weight than dozens of generic directory listings. These local citations tell Google and emerging AI search tools that your business is a real, established part of the Newry community.
Look for opportunities to contribute to local conversations. Sponsor a local event and get mentioned on the organisers' website. Offer expert commentary when journalists cover topics related to your industry. Join the Newry Chamber of Commerce and ensure your listing is complete. Write for local publications when the opportunity arises.
The goal isn't link building in the old SEO sense – it's establishing your business as a recognised entity within the local area. This matters increasingly as AI-powered search tools decide which businesses to recommend when someone asks "who's the best web designer in Newry?" or "where should I get my car serviced in the Newry area?"
Video Content Builds Trust Before the First Conversation
Businesses in Newry with active video content – whether on YouTube, embedded on their website, or within their Google Business Profile – consistently outperform those relying purely on text and static images.
This doesn't require a production budget or professional equipment. A simple walkthrough of your premises filmed on a phone, a 60-second explanation of how your service works, or a quick introduction from the business owner builds trust and familiarity before someone even picks up the phone to call you.
Video works particularly well for service businesses where customers can't easily evaluate quality before purchasing. A solicitor explaining the conveyancing process, a mechanic showing their workshop, or a restaurant chef talking about their ingredients – these give potential customers confidence that they're dealing with real people who know what they're doing.
For businesses wanting to go further, animation and explainer videos can communicate complex services clearly and professionally. Educational Voice, a Belfast-based animation studio, works with businesses across Northern Ireland to create content that explains what they do in ways that text simply can't match.
Upload videos to YouTube with proper titles and descriptions including your location. Add them to your Google Business Profile. Embed them on your key website pages. The same content working across multiple platforms multiplies your visibility without multiplying your effort.
AI Search Is Changing How People Find Local Services
The biggest shift happening right now is the rise of AI-powered search. When someone asks ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, or Perplexity for recommendations, these systems don't just search – they synthesise information from across the web and provide direct answers.
If someone asks an AI assistant "who are the best accountants in Newry?" the answer they receive depends on what information exists about your business online, how authoritative it appears, and whether you're mentioned in contexts that suggest expertise and trustworthiness.
Businesses that start appearing in AI recommendations now will have a significant advantage over the next two to three years. The foundations are the same things we've discussed – complete Google Business Profile, recent reviews, local mentions, clear website content explaining what you do and where – but the presentation matters.
AI systems favour clear, factual statements over marketing waffle. They pull from content that directly answers questions. They look for consistency across multiple sources. A business mentioned positively in local news, with strong reviews, and a website that clearly states "we provide accounting services to businesses in Newry and across County Down" is far more likely to be recommended than one with vague, salesy content that never quite says what it does or where.
What to Do This Week
Rather than trying to transform everything at once, focus on the actions that will make the biggest difference in the shortest time.
Check your Google Business Profile and complete every empty section. Add your full list of services with descriptions. Upload at least ten new photos if you haven't added any recently. Post an update about what's happening in your business this week.
Look at your recent reviews and respond to any you haven't acknowledged. Set up a simple system – even just a reminder on your phone – to ask happy customers for feedback over the coming weeks.
Search for your business name plus "Newry" and see what comes up. If you're not appearing where you should, or if the information shown is outdated, that's your starting point for improvement.
Consider one piece of video content you could create this month. It doesn't need to be polished – authenticity often works better than production value. Film something that shows your expertise or gives people a sense of what it's like to work with you.
Getting Expert Support
Digital marketing has become more complex, but the fundamentals for local businesses remain straightforward: be visible where your customers are looking, make it easy for them to trust you, and clearly communicate what you do and where you do it.
At ProfileTree, we've spent over a decade helping businesses across Northern Ireland build their online presence – from website design and SEO through to video production and AI implementation. We work with businesses in Newry and throughout the region who want to grow their visibility without wasting time on tactics that don't deliver results.
"The businesses seeing the best results right now are the ones treating their digital presence as an ongoing investment rather than a one-time project," says Ciaran Connolly, founder and director of ProfileTree. "It's not about doing everything – it's about doing the right things consistently, and understanding how the landscape has shifted over the past year."
Whether you need a website that actually generates enquiries, help getting your Google Business Profile working properly, or a full digital marketing strategy, our team can help you work out what makes sense for your business and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is Google Business Profile for Newry businesses in 2026?
Google Business Profile has become the single most important factor for local visibility. When someone searches for services in Newry, Google primarily decides which businesses to show based on profile completeness, activity, reviews, and relevance. A well-maintained profile can generate more enquiries than a website for many local businesses.
How many Google reviews do Newry businesses need to compete?
There's no magic number, but recency matters more than total count. A business with 30 reviews from the past six months will typically outperform one with 100 reviews from several years ago. Focus on building a consistent flow of new reviews rather than hitting a specific target.
Do local news mentions really help with search rankings?
Yes. Mentions on local websites like Newry.ie, the Newry Reporter, and other regional publications create what search engines recognise as entity signals – evidence that your business is established and talked about in the local community. This influences both traditional search rankings and AI-generated recommendations.
How is AI search affecting local businesses?
AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini increasingly provide direct answers rather than links. When someone asks for local recommendations, these systems synthesise information from across the web. Businesses with clear, consistent information, strong reviews, and local mentions are more likely to be recommended in AI responses.
What's the most important thing a Newry business can do this month for better online visibility?
Complete and optimise your Google Business Profile. Most businesses have profiles but haven't fully completed them or updated them recently. This single action typically delivers faster results than any other digital marketing activity for local businesses.
ProfileTree is a digital agency based in Belfast, working with businesses across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK. Services include web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, and AI training. Visit profiletree.com to learn more.
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