Write a comment
Newry's CRASH Services is marking 30 years in business with an investment of almost £500,000 in new premises in Mallusk, creating a dedicated operational hub to support its growing fleet and team.
Founded in 1996 by local businessman Michael McKeown and led since 2015 by his son Jonathan McKeown, CRASH Services has grown to become the north's best-known accident management company, with offices in Belfast, Newry, Derry and now Mallusk. The business provides motorists with a complete service after a collision, covering recovery and repairs, replacement vehicles, insurance assistance, legal support and medical services.
The new facility spans 6,579 sq. ft on a 1.7-acre site and has been designed to help manage and maintain CRASH's fleet of more than 630 vehicles, enabling faster vehicle turnaround and helping customers return to the road with minimal disruption following a collision.
The site includes purpose-built wash bays and full valeting facilities, a water recycling system that captures and reuses water used in vehicle cleaning, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure capable of charging up to six hybrid or electric vehicles simultaneously.
Jonathan McKeown, CEO of CRASH Services, said: "Reaching 30 years in business is a milestone we're incredibly proud of. This investment in Mallusk reflects the scale of our growth and the continued trust motorists place in us. What began as a small family business has grown into a sector leader, and that's down to the dedication of our team and the strong partnerships we've built over the years."
The company has supported over 150,000 motorists in Northern Ireland, with non-fault case numbers rising by more than 200% since 2000. Staff numbers have grown by 50% over the past five years, with the team expected to reach 140 in 2026.
Over the past 12 months, 99% of customers who returned surveys said they would recommend CRASH, and the company has maintained ISO 9001 certification across all sites for 16 consecutive years.
CRASH Services was also among the first employers in Northern Ireland to introduce a four-day working week with no loss of pay. Since 2020, staff hours have reduced from 35 to 28 per week.
McKeown added: "Our goal has always been simple, to take the hassle away for motorists after a collision. We act with care, we act quickly, and we act in the customer's best interests. As we look ahead, we'll continue investing in our people, our fleet and our facilities to ensure we remain best in class."
2 Comments
Staff at Newry's Buttercrane Shopping Centre as well as the wider community have paid tribute to Centre Manager, Peter Murray, who retired today, 5 June after more than 38 years at the helm. His departure marks the end of an era for one of the city's most recognisable commercial landmarks.
Peter joined Buttercrane in its earliest days, and his tenure has spanned the full arc of the centre's history since it officially opened on 10 November 1988. At the time, the opening represented a significant investment in Newry during a period of considerable economic hardship and high unemployment, bringing the first modern town centre retail space to the city.
Built beside the historic Newry Canal on a site long associated with local commerce, Buttercrane has grown considerably since those early days. The centre now supports around 900 jobs, contributes approximately £13 million annually to the local economy and currently holds an occupancy rate of 98 per cent. Anchor tenants include Primark, Dunnes Stores, LIDL and Sports Direct USC.
Over nearly four decades, Peter witnessed many well-known names trade from the centre, among them Wellworths, Stewarts Supermarkets, Connors Chemists, Virgin Music and Caroline Music.
Reflecting on his time at the centre, Peter said: "Originally when we opened, we had two supermarkets, no mobile phone shops and a limited food and beverage offering. The 90s also offered significant challenges on both political and economic fronts, but we stayed the course and continued to adapt to what customers wanted."
He added: "It's with a heavy heart I leave a job I truly loved. Buttercrane will always be a special place for me and I thank all those associated with the centre for their support, assistance and patronage over the years and wish them well going forward. The Centre will continue to flourish under new management as plans are in development for a major refurbishment in 2027."
Andrew Givan, Director of Property Management with Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "Peter has played an integral role in the success and development of Buttercrane Shopping Centre. His deep knowledge of the centre, his unwavering support for retailers, and his strong relationships within the local business community have been central to Buttercrane's continued strength and relevance."
Jim Whyte, Head of the Buttercrane Traders Committee and Sports Direct USC Manager, also paid tribute, saying: "Peter has made an outstanding contribution to Buttercrane Shopping Centre and to the wider Newry retail community over the past 38 years. His leadership, professionalism and commitment have helped shape the centre into the successful, modern retail destination it is today."
Recalling the opening day in 1988 Peter said: "My eldest son, is a week younger than this place. Here was meant to open earlier, and I said that's great, because that'll get that open, and then the baby will come along. Of course Buttercrane was delayed, and then Conor was delayed! We opened here one Thursday, and he arrived the next Thursday."
He added "It was literally down to the wire to get stuff done. Eamon O'Hare [O'Hare and McGovern] would recall he was down at Dunnes entrance, down at Francis Street, he said he cut the last bit of mat and it dropped into place, and he leant back against the wall as the rush of customers came in". And the rest as they say, nearly 40 years later ... is history.
Write a comment
Newry BID has welcomed a series of planning approvals in the past few weeks, describing them as further evidence of growing confidence in the city's future. The decisions follow a number of other significant projects already under way in Newry.
Among the schemes approved at last week's planning committee was a proposal by Downey Developments for the long-derelict former arcade site at 8-18 Sugar Island and Bank Parade. The plans include a new drive-thru restaurant, office accommodation and the reopening of the historic Carriage Arch access point. The development will also connect with wider public realm work linked to Newry's new theatre and conference facility.
Planning permission was also granted for the site at 46 Monaghan Street, at the corner of Patrick Street. The application by Tinnelly Construction Ltd, designed by CD Architects, will see a new ground floor retail unit created alongside nine two-bedroom apartments, with bicycle parking, private outdoor space and secure parking facilities also included.
The approvals come as several other major projects progress in the city, including the Newry City Park development, the new theatre and conference centre, and the recent sod-cutting ceremony for Southern Regional College's £14.5 million Newry Innovation Centre on Patrick Street.
Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said: "Over recent years there has been understandable frustration at times around the pace of development and regeneration projects within the city. What is encouraging now is that we are beginning to see visible progress across a number of major schemes at the same time.
"These projects are all different in scale and purpose, but collectively they send a positive message about confidence in Newry and about the future direction of the city centre.
"It is particularly important to see long-derelict and underused sites being brought back into productive use. Developments which increase residential living, improve the appearance of key gateways into the city and create opportunities for business activity all contribute towards building a stronger and more vibrant city centre."
Mr Connolly added: "There is no single project that changes a city overnight. Regeneration happens through a combination of public and private sector investment over time with more to come in the next few weeks. Confidence is building and there is a growing sense that Newry is entering an important new phase of development."
Write a comment
Newry Chamber hosted its inaugural Greater Newry Sustainability Conference and Expo at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry last Thursday 29 May, with more than 100 delegates in attendance.
Hosted by Newry's Dearbhail McDonald, the theme of the event was 'Building a Sustainable Future and The Green Economy'. The conference was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Kinecx Energy, AIB, Re-Gen and NIE Networks.
Presentations and panel discussions focused on four areas: recycling and waste reduction, delivering a lower carbon energy future, renewable electricity within the energy transition, and the role of green credentials in supply chains. The event also featured exhibition stands and roundtable conversations on the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. The potential to develop the Greater Newry area into a Green Economy Hub on the island of Ireland was highlighted throughout the day.
Dr Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber, said: "Newry Chamber was delighted to host our inaugural Sustainability Conference which was an informative and positive solution-focused event where all the key players involved in building a sustainable future and a strong green economy across our island came together and shared ideas that ultimately protect our planet, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide cost-effective sustainable solutions to growing our economy."
He added: "Sustainability is not something any one organisation can deliver alone. It requires collaboration, innovation and leadership and that is exactly what the programme for the conference reflected."
Dr Patterson also pointed to the wider economic opportunity. "The event also focused on the need for our region to embrace and develop the Green Economy and heard from businesses and organisations that are playing an innovative and pivotal role in driving and growing this sector, creating jobs in industries that help lower our carbon footprint, reduce energy costs and support increased productivity."
He concluded: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our sponsors, presenters, panellists, exhibitors and delegates in attendance for making the event the huge success that it was and we look forward to building on it for next year's conference."
Write a comment
Newry based waste management company Re-Gen was among 13 businesses that took part in this year's Business in the Community (BITC) Charity Shop Challenge on 29 May, raising funds for Cancer Focus NI.
Re-Gen, which employs over 400 people across its two sites in Newry, took over the Cancer Focus NI shop in Banbridge for the day. To drive footfall, the team organised live music, bucket collections, a bun sale and three prize raffles. Raffle prizes were supported by local businesses, with Mourne Hydraulics donating a £100 voucher and AJG Gallaghers contributing £200 in vouchers.
In the run-up to the takeover, the team also launched a JustGiving page, held a staff coffee morning, ran a staff raffle offering a £100 Amazon voucher, and organised an in-office pool tournament.
Celine Doherty, Commercial Director at Re-Gen, said: "Taking part in this year's BITC Charity Shop Challenge has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the team. Not only did it allow us to support Cancer Focus NI, but it gave our colleagues the opportunity to come together and have a quality teambuilding experience outside of the office. The team fully embraced the challenge, demonstrating how supporting good causes is rooted in the culture of our business, having donated £1 million to local charities to date."
Now in its 13th year, the BITC Charity Shop Challenge has raised over £450,000 for charities in Northern Ireland since its launch in 2011. BITC has supported businesses and communities in Northern Ireland for more than 35 years, helping organisations develop a responsible approach towards their people, the planet and the places where they operate.
Lauren Cunningham, Community Engagement Manager at BITC, said: "Our Charity Shop Challenge continues to demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses engage with their communities. Each year, we see participating teams fully immerse themselves in the experience, and since its launch in 2011, members have helped us raise over £450,000 for charities across Northern Ireland. We are delighted to have had Re-Gen participate this year, its commitment aligns with our goal of influencing change across key societal and environmental issues."
Re-Gen's mission is to decarbonise the environment by diverting waste from landfill and maximising the value of household waste. Revenue has grown at the company from £30m to around £100m over the last five years, following continued investment in carbon reduction technology.
Write a comment
Newry-based food-to-go company Around Noon has announced a four-year partnership with Natasha's Foundation, the food allergy charity established in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from anaphylaxis at the age of 15. The arrangement will see the company provide funding and industry expertise to support the Foundation's work in allergy awareness, research and education through to 2030.
The partnership formalises a relationship that began in 2024, when Around Noon co-sponsored the Game Changer Award at the Women of the Year Awards, which was presented to Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Natasha's mother and co-founder of the Foundation, in recognition of her campaigning work on allergen awareness and food safety legislation. Around Noon subsequently welcomed Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Natasha's father and fellow co-founder, to its Slough manufacturing facility to discuss allergen safety standards in the food sector.
Under the new agreement, Around Noon, which has sites in Newry, Slough and North London, will contribute manufacturing expertise, operational insight, and participation in workshops and strategic discussions on allergen management alongside its financial commitment.
The partnership was formally launched on Thursday 4 June, during International Food Safety Week, when Ella Dobson, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Natasha's Foundation, took part in a company-wide engagement event at all Around Noon manufacturing sites. The event covered allergen awareness, Natasha's legacy and the Foundation's consumer safety work. Food Safety Lunch and Learn sessions were also held at all sites, with factory teams taking part in discussions on food safety culture and allergen management.
Dominic Darby, Group Technical Director at Around Noon Foods, said: "We are excited to continue working with Natasha's Foundation and formalise our partnership in a four-year agreement that will help their essential research and awareness work to continue. Food allergy awareness and allergen management remain critical priorities for the food industry, and we are proud to support the Foundation's mission while also helping shape best practice across manufacturing and food service."
Ella Dobson said: "Natasha's Foundation is excited that Around Noon has come on board as a corporate partner, and we are looking forward to the industry insight and collaboration they will bring to our work. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us raise awareness, influence positive change, and continue driving improvements in food allergy safety."
Natasha's Foundation has separately announced a £10m global research prize aimed at creating a future without food allergy. Nadim Ednan-Laperouse said: "Creating a future without food allergy is an ongoing challenge, and achieving meaningful breakthroughs will require significantly greater investment and collaboration. The Foundation is therefore seeking additional investors and partners to be able to give more than the £10 million, accelerate innovation, and drive a bigger impact in this critical area. To find out more about Natasha's Prize visit Natashasprize.org.uk where you can explore the Foundation's research strategy and learn more about the urgent need to create a future without food allergy."
Write a comment
A Newry private clinic is marking ten years in business this month, having grown from a part-time pregnancy scan service in Warrenpoint to one of 15 healthcare services now operating under the Mourne Private Clinic umbrella on Bridge Street in Newry.
Director Lisa Hughes launched Mourne Scan Clinic in June 2016, working part-time from a small clinic in Warrenpoint while still employed in the NHS. Initially offering a limited range of pregnancy scans, the clinic has since expanded significantly to include general musculoskeletal scans, 4D and gender scans, full X-ray services, blood testing, cancer gene screening and non-invasive prenatal testing.
A significant milestone came in 2023 when Mourne Scan Clinic became the first private provider outside Dublin or Belfast to offer DEXA scans. The clinic now operates from modern, spacious premises on Bridge Street in Newry as part of the wider Mourne Private Clinic family, which employs 16 staff.
In the ten years since opening, the clinic has scanned more than 20,000 babies.
Director and Lead Sonographer Lisa Hughes said she was grateful for the support received since the beginning. "I am very grateful to everyone for their continued support since we first opened. I'd like to thank my family, friends and staff for all their encouragement and a special thanks is due to all our wonderful clients for trusting us with their healthcare."
She added that further developments are planned before the year is out. "Congratulations to the team on marking a decade of service, providing support to thousands of patients and we have had the privilege of scanning more than 20,000 babies. There are some exciting new developments to follow later in the year, so stay tuned!"
Write a comment
Newry-based MJM Marine is gearing up for its 2026 Charity Golf Day, with more than 130 golfers and 55 sponsors signed up in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. The event takes place at Warrenpoint Golf Club on Friday 3 July.
Clients, suppliers and industry partners from Ireland, the UK and further afield are expected to attend the fundraising and networking event. To mark the launch, MJM Marine welcomed Eoin Caughey, Fundraising Officer with Cancer Focus NI, to its Newry headquarters, giving both parties an opportunity to recognise the support sponsors have already committed ahead of the day.
Chris Rodgers, Chief Financial Officer at MJM Marine, said: "The support for this year's Golf Day has been outstanding. We are delighted to have 55 sponsors involved and to welcome golfers from across Ireland/the UK, and beyond.
"Like many organisations, cancer has touched the lives of people across our business and our wider community. Supporting Cancer Focus NI is something our team feels strongly about."
Cancer Focus NI provides care and support services for cancer patients and their families throughout Northern Ireland, alongside prevention, research and awareness programmes.
Elizabeth O'Connor, Director of People and Governance at MJM Marine, said the partnership was focused on making a genuine impact. "We are proud to support Cancer Focus NI and the work they do for individuals and families across Northern Ireland. Our employees have fully embraced the partnership and the Golf Day is one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar."
She paid tribute to those who made the event possible. "I would like to thank our Social, Health and Wellbeing Committee for their work on the event. We are grateful to every sponsor, golfer and supporter who has chosen to get involved."
Funds raised on the day will go towards Cancer Focus NI's services throughout Northern Ireland.
Write a comment
A Crossmaglen manufacturer of mobile crushing and screening equipment is to create 30 new jobs and invest £2.5m in expanding its factory. The announcement follows £8m in export sales secured by Roco over the past 12 months.
The investment will double the company's headcount, increasing capacity and productivity at the Crossmaglen facility. Roles in production, design, finance and sales are available, with seven of the 30 posts already filled.
Roco's hybrid electric machines are used in the construction, quarrying and recycling industries to reduce rubble and screen materials into various sizes. The equipment is currently sold in Ireland and Britain, as well as the US and European markets.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald visited the Crossmaglen factory to mark the announcement. She said: "Roco's export success shows how local firms can compete on the global stage. This investment will boost productivity, create high-quality jobs in Crossmaglen and help strengthen the local economy, supporting my vision of a more regionally balanced economy."
Shane Connolly, Roco CEO, said the expansion would allow the company to take more assembly production work in-house. "To grow our business we need to improve the quality of our products and reduce our lead times. We've realised that to do this, we need to expand our facility and our workforce, to bring more assembly production work in-house."
He added: "This will not only improve our efficiencies but also our productivity. We will be able to double the amount of machinery options we offer so that we can attract even more new customers in international markets following our recent export wins."
Invest NI has offered £210,000 in support towards the creation of the 30 jobs. Alistair Quinn, Invest NI's Head of Southern Regional Business, said the agency had worked with Roco since 2020 to build its capability and open up international markets, including support to attend trade events in the US.
He said: "It's great to support the company to double its Crossmaglen workforce now. Along with the support to grow its headcount, our trade team has connected Shane with our in-market teams in the US and Middle East to develop opportunities in Mexico, Europe and Asia. We're looking forward to seeing where this investment takes the company next."
 |
 |
 |