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Newry based flooring wholesaler Wood Innovations is inviting local jobseekers, career-changers and graduates to its Newry headquarters for a recruitment evening this February, a chance to meet the team, explore roles across the business and get a real feel for life inside the company.
With the company celebrating 30 years in business in 2026, Wood Innovations is continuing to invest in people, service and the customer experience and is now recruiting across multiple departments.
Edwina Flynn, CEO and Director at Wood Innovations, said: "We're proud of what we've built over the last three decades — and even more excited about what's next. If you're looking for a workplace with energy, opportunity and a team that backs you, come along on the night. You might be exactly who we are missing."
Wood Innovations operates across Ireland and the UK and is currently recruiting across a range of areas, including customer services, warehouse, finance, marketing and HR. Opportunities are available for both experienced candidates and those looking to build new skills.
The company is also a proud apprentice employer and a Living Wage Employer, committed to creating real opportunities and rewarding hard work.
The event is designed to be informal and welcoming, giving people the chance to chat with the team, ask questions, learn about opportunities and understand what a typical day looks like.
The recruitment evening takes place on Thursday 19 February from 6pm to 8pm at Wood Innovations HQ, 9 Springhill Road, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, BT35 6EF, Co Down.
To help manage numbers, advance registration is required via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk
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Local business people are invited to the Canal Court Hotel on Tuesday 24 February from 1.30pm-3pm for the Insights with AIB roadshow.
The roadshow will explore the latest economic trends, fraud awareness and prevention measures, and practical support available to local companies. The event will connect local businesses with AIB's corporate and business teams along with a panel of expert speakers.
AIB's Cyber Security team will share insights on the most prevalent fraud trends facing individuals and businesses today. According to figures from Action Fraud, victims in Northern Ireland reported losing a combined total of almost £19m to scammers over the past year, and approximately one in six Northern Ireland businesses have been reported being victims of cybercrime.
Against this background, the Insights with AIB events will showcase how businesses can take practical steps to protect themselves and reduce the likelihood of becoming victims of fraud. AIB economists will also provide an overview of the latest economic data and trends, exploring key drivers, challenges and opportunities shaping the NI economy as well as the prospects and risks facing businesses in the year ahead.
Seamus McGuckin, AIB's Head of Corporate NI, said as they move into 2026, the Northern Ireland economy continues to grow, underpinned by resilience, innovation and determination to adapt, despite the rise of cost challenges of recent years.
"These events are a great opportunity for businesses to find out more about the latest economic insights and the practical steps to take to improve resilience, particularly in relation to fraud and cyber security, which can have a real impact on confidence and growth for businesses. The roadshow also allows businesses across the region to network and build their own connections, while benefiting from expert advice and support on key and emerging trends," he said.
The roadshow provides a platform for businesses to network, learn from expert speakers and gain valuable insights into protecting their operations while understanding the economic landscape ahead.
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Outline Planning Permission is being sought for a Cross Border Mixed Logistics and Business Hub on the site of the former Good Shepherd Convent just of the A1 dual carriageway.
Applicants Ricapa Ltd located at Shelbourne Motors believe that the proposal on the 8.4 hectare site will support the development and growth of that part of Newry.
Documentation in the application explains the Hub is a major investment aimed at strengthening Newry’s economic and transport infrastructure. "A feature of the scheme is a new service link road which will connect Armagh Road with Shepherds Way, improving traffic flow and local connectivity. The Proposed Development will deliver a modern HGV lorry park with a dedicated Drivers Services Building, providing essential rest facilities and enabling a reduction in heavy vehicle movements through Newry town centre. Included in this development is a mix of commercial and industrial facilities, including a mechanic’s workshop and training centre, car showroom, call centre offices (B1), light industrial units (B2), general industrial units (B3), a storage and distribution warehouse (B4), and a café. The proposal incorporates extensive landscaping to enhance the Site’s visual impact as well as ensuring the sensitive preservation of the existing graveyard."
The proposal location is on lands north of 128 Armagh Road and east of the A1 Motorway, west of the Bessbrook Road/Tandragee Road and south of the playing fields at the Carnbane Road / Shepherds Way / Tandragee Road Roundabout, Newry.
A further document in the application adds "The uses are logistics in providing a parking area for HGV lorries close to the border and the Warrenpoint Port, a car showroom and repairs business which benefits from the close proximity of other showrooms close-by, close proximity of Warrenpoint Port for freight and the close proximity of the border for cross border car sales. The industrial uses give cross border companies the opportunity to locate a business in Northern Ireland, providing access to the GB and NI markets and regulatory systems and also the opportunity to provide a quick and easy access to the Republic of Ireland market, and encouraging staff and customers to come from both sides of the border. These uses alongside the ancillary use of the café complement the approved development of the strategic roadside services facility approved beside the site."
The application documentation also mentions that the developer is aware of a suggestion by a local action group, that the site may contain human remains relating to the former Good Shepherd Sisters Mother and Baby Home which was located there.
It adds that they are acutely aware of the historical sensitivities associated with the site's former use and explain "In recognition of the profound significance of the on-site graveyard and the concerns regarding potential unmarked burials, the proposal adopts a precautionary approach of absolute non-disturbance in these sensitive zones."
The application was submitted 3 February 2026.
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Clanrye Group has launched a new business-facing arm of its organisation at a Newry event, with Clanrye Corporate set to support employers across the region with recruitment, apprenticeships and workforce development.
The launch took place at S&W Wholesale in Newry, one of the first companies to partner with the new service. Representatives from local businesses including MJM Marine and Wood Innovations, as well as Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, attended the event. Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins oversaw the launch.
Clanrye Group has worked within the community for decades, supporting people who face barriers to employment not only to secure jobs but to stay in work, progress and grow. Clanrye Corporate builds on this foundation, applying the same people-first approach to the needs of businesses across the region. The service supports employers with recruitment and apprenticeships, helps upskill existing staff through accredited apprenticeship programmes, and delivers specialist training including carers' training, disability awareness and mental health awareness.
Liam Devine, CEO of Clanrye Group, said the new arm was a natural progression. "Clanrye Corporate is a natural extension of the work we have been doing for many years. We know that when people are properly supported, they thrive, and when people thrive, organisations benefit. If we can support both the business and potential employees, it just makes sense."
S&W Wholesale is currently working with Clanrye Corporate to upskill its existing workforce through apprenticeship NI programmes, creating clear progression routes and developing skills from within. Anthony McVeigh, CEO of S&W Wholesale, said the partnership reflected the company's commitment to its people. "We see real value in investing in our people and giving them opportunities to develop and progress. Our focus is not just on filling roles, but on building confidence, capability and long-term careers within our business. As an Employee owned (EOT) business, we have a commitment to our people and Clanrye Corporate is helping us to deliver on this in a structured, meaningful way."
Kimmins said the launch sent a clear signal about investment in local people and skills. "The launch of Clanrye Corporate reflects a strong commitment to investing in people, skills, and local opportunity. I welcome this initiative and the positive impact it will have for individuals, employers, and the wider community."
Following the launch, 15 apprentices took part in a guided tour of S&W Wholesale's warehousing facility, providing first-hand insight into the logistics sector and helping connect training with real-world career pathways.
Clanrye Corporate's early partnerships with Newry-based businesses reflect what the organisation describes as a growing commitment from employers to inclusive and sustainable employment across the region.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce hosted its seventh annual International Women's Day Celebration Lunch at Killeavy Castle last Friday, 6 March, welcoming over 200 guests to an afternoon of keynote speakers, panel discussions, a three-course meal and live music, sponsored by KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic.
Guests enjoyed a prosecco drinks reception in the castle surroundings before moving into the castle pavilion for the afternoon's programme. Live music was provided by Geraldine O'Doherty, Principal Harpist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Joanne Quigley-McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music, and local singer-songwriter CeeV.
The event, which has established itself as one of the most popular International Women's Day occasions in the Greater Newry area since its launch in 2020, welcomed Newry-born actor and writer Valene Kane as this year's keynote speaker. A past pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School, Kane has built an extensive career across television, film and theatre. She took part in a fireside chat hosted by MC Deborah Loughran, Managing Director of King Communication and Newry Chamber Board member.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College speaking on the theme of 'Give to Gain' said: "SRC is proud of the many initiatives we offer to support female learners of all ages. In addition to our Women Returner programmes, we are seeing more females achieve success at World Skills competitions and a growth in female learners in a range of Apprenticeship areas. We are also excited for the new STEM Racing team at the College, known as SCAR. Led by a female team principal, the team has qualified for the UK National Finals of the largest post primary STEM competition in the world, supported by Formula One.”
The afternoon featured three panel discussions centred on this year's theme, #GiveToGain. The first brought together representatives from the event's principal sponsors: Libby Shackels, Curriculum Director at Southern Regional College; Susan Smyth, Private Client Practice Director at KPMG Ireland; and Aine Larkin, Clinical Director at Younique Medical Aesthetics.
The second panel gave a platform to senior student leaders from local schools, sharing their ambitions and aspirations. Those taking part were Aoife Rafferty, Senior Leader at St. Mary's High School; Marianna O'Neill, Head Girl at Sacred Heart Grammar School; Jessica Dike, Head Girl at St. Paul's High School; Juno Cotter, Deputy Head Girl at Our Lady's Grammar School; and Lena Durkalec, Head Girl at Newry High School.
Marie Farrell, Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland said: “KPMG offers a range of programmes to ensure we deliver on our Gender Action Plan to include Connect @ KPMG, now in its fourth cycle, which empowers women to expand their networks and develop their leadership skills, providing a platform to help nurture and retain our female talent.”
“We are also incredibly proud of our Life Cycle Supports Policy which recognises how busy life can be for our people (male and female), providing a range of supports at all stages of life, to include leave for fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, along with support and leave for our people who act as carer to a family member. We believe that these supports (which are continuously evolving) help people achieve better work life balance and positively contribute to the firm’s success and inclusion, diversity and equity focus.”
The final discussion featured five female Newry Chamber Board members who, between them, are responsible for around 1,000 jobs locally. The panel addressed what the Chamber has done to advance gender equality within its own organisation, which now has 10 female members out of 15 on its Board. Those participating were Mairead McParland, Director of Canal Court Hotel in Newry; Edwina Flynn, CEO of Wood Innovations; Paula Maguire, Senior Contract Manager at BT; Gemma Murphy, Partner and Manager at Jack Murphy Jewellers; and Jackie Reid, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at DELI LITES Ireland.
Speaking at the event Conor Patterson, Newry Chamber CEO said “As President of Newry Chamber, I am immensely full of gratitude for an afternoon that brought over 200 representatives from the local business community together to celebrate the achievements of women, spark important conversations and most importantly drive meaningful change.”
“I would sincerely like to thank our Principal Sponsors, KPMG Ireland, Southern Regional College and Younique Aesthetics Clinic for their unwavering support of this important annual event.”
"It was also fantastic to hear Libby Shackels, Southern Regional College, Susan Smyth, KPMG Ireland and Aine Larkin, Younique Aesthetics talk about all the ways their organisations are helping to support their female workforce at the event.”
A charity raffle held during the event raised £3,000 for Newry Chamber's two charity partners, Parkinson's UK and Breast Mates Newry. Prizes were donated by local businesses including Younique Aesthetics, Killeavy Castle, DELI LITES, Canal Court Hotel, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Buttercrane Centre and Bank Bistro and Bar.
Aine Larkin, Clinical Director of Younique Aesthetics Clinic spoke of her enjoyment of the day: "It was truly inspiring to be in a room filled with so many remarkable women from all different walks of life - each with their own story, their own journey and their own ambition. Events like this remind us of the incredible strength and talent that exists within our local community."
"One of the most powerful moments of the day was hearing from the Head Girls of our local schools - listening to their dreams, their ambitions and their aspirations for the future. As women in business, it is our responsibility to champion the next generation and show them what is possible. Hearing their voices in that room gave us so much hope and motivation for the future."
"At Younique Aesthetics Clinic, empowering women is at the heart of everything we do - not just in how they look, but in how they feel about themselves. Being part of an event that celebrates women so wholeheartedly aligns perfectly with our values and we look forward to continuing our support in the years to come."
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce saw over 200 people attend their 11th annual Cross Border Trade and Economic Conference at the Carrickdale Hotel last Tuesday, 3 March. Cross-border trade now stands at around €15 billion, three times the trade when the conference first began in 2015.
The conference focused on the continuing theme of Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy and was supported by InterTradeIreland, Louth County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Louth Local Enterprise Office, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet and M1 Corridor. Broadcaster and journalist Mark Simpson hosted the event.
Speakers included NI Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Minister of State for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Niamh Smyth TD, with delegates from both sides of the border representing government, business and academia.
The headline announcement on the day was a new strategic partnership between Queen's University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), described as a significant development for the region and a new model within the Irish higher education landscape. The partnership is intended to help retain talent on the island, enhance research and innovation at the Dundalk campus, support regional development and contribute to the Shared Island initiative.
Dr Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber commented: “The conference was a huge success with such a varied range of speakers across so many areas of specialism and levels of expertise, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to what was an excellent event. We have a fantastic working relationship with our partners in Dundalk Chamber and both our Chambers have led the way for many years on driving cross-border trade.”
“We are now entering a time of huge economic opportunity in the North with many businesses in the Greater Newry Area actively trading on a North-South basis at scale never been seen before which is reflected in the trebling in the value of Cross-Border trade from €5 billion to around €15 billion over the past decade.”
“The conference highlighted those opportunities as well as the challenges that we face in our region, but it also provided our 200+ delegates plenty of information and insight to take back to their businesses.”
With Newry and Dundalk positioned at the centre of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor, cross-border cooperation formed the central thread of the day's discussions. The packed programme featured more than 20 expert speakers and a mix of presentations, panel discussions and interactive roundtable sessions, structured around three key themes: the all-island economy; skills and people through a cross-border partnership approach and collaboration and infrastructure at the heart of the all-island economy.
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Newry businesses are being urged to take part in a new research survey examining how prepared local companies are for changes in ownership and leadership, amid wider concerns that many firms lack any formal succession plan.
Employee Ownership Ireland has launched the survey to build a clearer picture of succession readiness among businesses in Northern Ireland. The organisation has already engaged with local universities and is working alongside business organisations to develop a regional and sectoral overview of the issue.
Research across the UK* suggests that as many as two-thirds of family-owned businesses do not have a documented plan in place for who will own or lead the company in the future. For Newry, where small and medium-sized businesses make up a large share of the private sector workforce and form the backbone of the local economy, the consequences of poor planning can extend well beyond individual owners.
Karen Maguire, Chair of Employee Ownership Ireland, said: "Every business owner eventually faces the same question - what happens to the company when they step back? Many businesses in Newry have taken years, sometimes decades, to build. They support local employment, supply chains and communities, yet succession planning is often left until very late."
The survey acknowledges that for many owners, succession is a question that is delayed while day-to-day demands take priority. However, without preparation, viable companies can be forced into rushed sales, closures, or ownership transfers that do not reflect the wishes of owners, employees, or the communities they support.
Maguire continued: "Without a clear plan, businesses can find themselves forced into decisions that are rushed or that do not reflect the long-term future the owner had hoped for. Understanding how prepared businesses are across Northern Ireland, including those in the Newry area is an important step in making sure valuable companies are not lost simply because the question of succession was never properly addressed."
The survey is open to all business owners and senior leaders in the greater Newry area and takes only a few minutes to complete. Findings will be used to inform future discussions around the range of options available to owners, including family succession, management buyouts, trade sales and employee ownership.
Employee Ownership Ireland will host a roadshow event at the MAC in Belfast on 24 March, with advisers and business leaders on hand to discuss practical approaches to succession planning, with remote joining also available.
Newry business owners wishing to take part in the survey or register for the roadshow can check out employeeownershipireland.com
Take part in the survey at docs.google.com
* Research reference: Carried out by STEP in 2024- they are a professional body that focus on family businesses. (https://www.step.org/press-office/family-businesses-risk-increased-taxes-family-and-business-breakdown-due-lack)
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Newry BID has been backed for a third consecutive term after businesses across the city centre voted overwhelmingly to continue the Business Improvement District, with 92% voting in favour.
A total of 198 businesses voted Yes in the ballot, a result which Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly described as a strong vote of confidence in the organisation and its work over the past decade supporting Newry city centre.Connolly said: "We are absolutely delighted with this result and extremely grateful to our members for the strong vote of confidence in Newry BID. A 92% Yes vote sends a very clear message that businesses value the work that is being delivered and want to see it continue."
He added: "Over the past two terms we have worked closely with our members and partners to support the city centre, respond to challenges and create opportunities for growth. This result allows us to continue that work and build on what has already been achieved."
Alongside the ballot result Rory McShane of McShane Solicitors has been appointed as the new Chair of the BID Board. Connolly welcomed the appointment, saying: "We are very pleased to welcome Rory McShane into the role as Chair and look forward to working closely with him as we begin this new five year term."
Tribute was also paid to outgoing Chair Peter Murray, Centre Manager at Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry, who Mr Connolly praised for his contribution during his time leading the Board. "I want to thank Peter Murray for his dedication and service as Chair of the Board. Peter has provided strong leadership and has been a passionate advocate for the city centre throughout his tenure," he said.
Mr Connolly also acknowledged the wider membership, noting that the success of the BID is built on collaboration and the willingness of businesses to work together for the benefit of Newry city centre. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Civica were also thanked for their role in administering the ballot process.
Looking ahead to the new term, Newry BID has outlined plans for a programme of activity centred on promoting wellbeing and encouraging footfall in the city centre. Mr Connolly said the first major initiative would be Health in the City, a series of events and activities supporting healthy living in Newry, set to begin after Easter. The organisation will also continue engaging with partners on issues including parking, rates, flood risk and economic development.
With 92% of voting businesses backing its continuation, Newry BID will start its third term with a clear mandate to keep supporting and developing Newry city centre for the five years ahead.
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A Newry businesswoman has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Women in Business Awards, which took place in Belfast on 12 March.
Seána Maginn, who works at Water Solutions Ireland, received the award, sponsored by VANRATH, in recognition of her academic learning on live projects, site supervision and decision making within her apprenticeship pathway.
The event, attended by close to 500 delegates, recognised and rewarded businesses across Northern Ireland, with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivering the keynote address to open the evening.
Women in Business CEO Roseann Kelly said of this year's winners: "Through these Awards, we shine a light on success, recognising the resilience and ingenuity within women-led businesses from start-ups all the way to established enterprises. In doing so, we champion these remarkable people for what they are: role models and a source of inspiration for the leaders of tomorrow."
Jo Bertram, Managing Director of Business at Virgin Media O2 Business, added: "Huge congratulations to all of this year's Women in Business Award winners. We are genuinely proud to celebrate the passion, determination and leadership you bring to your organisations and the wider business community."
A red-carpet special recorded by podcast partner Caroline O'Neill and the Digg Podcast team is now available across podcast and streaming platforms.
The winners
Award for Growth & Scaling Business of the Year sponsored by Danske Bank
Helen Jameson, Express Merchants
Award for Young Business Woman of the Year (Corporate and Entrepreneur) sponsored by Direct Medics Healthcare Recruitment
Corporate: Abigail Duffy, Visiting Angels Northern Ireland
Entrepreneur: Jennifer Smyth, Jenn's Gym
Award for Diversity and Inclusion Champion sponsored by Queen’s Business School
Corporate: HSC Business Services Organisation
Individual: Diane Davis, Minority Recognition Awards NI
Award for Customer Excellence sponsored by Fibrus
Corporate: Natasha Crooks, NIE Networks
Small Business: Shannon McCloskey, One Step at a Time - Mental Health & Wellbeing
Award for Professional Services Excellence sponsored by McKeever Hotels
Corporate: Sinead Stewart, Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Small Business: Mabel Higgins, MH Fire Safety Ltd
Award for Best Small Business sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt
Olga McAteer, McAteer Solutions Ltd
Award for Transformational Leader of the Year sponsored by IQ&Co.
Corporate: Melissa Cochrane, Business Services Organisation (BSO)
Small Business: Aisl?n Cathcart, Adoreboard Ltd
Award for Innovation in Business sponsored by Belfast Harbour
Corporate: Anne - Marie Norton, Direct Medics
Small Business: Adrienne Hanna, Right Revenue
Award for Best New Start Up sponsored by AIB
Lee-Anne Schmitz, MyPromoPal Ltd
Award for Apprentice of the Year
Seána Maginn, Water Solutions Ireland Ltd
Award for Mentor of the Year
Maria Moreno Diez, Fibrus
Award for Business Woman of the Year 2026
Mairead Mackle, Tarasis Enterprises
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