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Local chocolate manufacturer NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate has secured a new distribution agreement to sell its handcrafted chocolate products in the US market. The company met its new distribution partner while attending the North West Chocolate Festival in Seattle in October 2025 and have recently announced their new distribution partner.
The family business established in 2011 is situated between Rostrevor and Kilkeel with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough & the Mourne Mountains.
Founder Shane Neary said: "This new partnership is a significant milestone for NearyNógs. Invest NI's help to connect us with our new distributor has opened the door to new customers in the US and gives us a strong platform to grow our handcrafted chocolate brand internationally."
NearyNógs ethically source sustainable cacao beans, supporting the rainforest alliance and it practices direct trade where possible.
The business runs Master Craft Chocolate tours of their factory and you can find their chocolate in Newry at George Preston Flowers, Phillips Fruit and Flowers, Seasons Coffee Studio, The Food Market - Just Good Grub, MJM Marine and Two Stacks as well as at Killeavy Castle.
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Water Solutions Ireland (WSI) has announced plans to develop a new purpose-built headquarters in Newry City, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth. The development, planned for Carnbane Business Park, with construction scheduled for completion in July 2028 subject to planning approval.
The new headquarters will be located close to WSI's existing offices, providing the space, flexibility and capacity needed to support the company's next phase of growth while maintaining its roots in the local area. The development represents a significant investment by Patrick Cunningham, Contracts Director, and Conor McKeown, Commercial Director, reflecting their confidence in the company's future and their ambition to build on its continued success.
Since 2018, Water Solutions Ireland has grown from a team of six to 47 employees, while significantly increasing its turnover and expanding its presence in Ireland and the UK. This growth has created the need for a larger, purpose-built facility capable of supporting future expansion, attracting new talent and providing a platform for the next stage of the company's development.
Designed with future growth and sustainability in mind, the new headquarters aims to provide a modern, flexible working environment that supports collaboration, innovation and operational excellence.
Patrick Cunningham, Contracts Director at Water Solutions Ireland, said: "The development of our new headquarters marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Water Solutions Ireland. Over the past eight years, we have grown significantly, and this investment reflects both how far we have come and our ambitions for the future.
"Carnbane Business Park has been an important part of our journey since 2014, and we are delighted to remain in the area as we create a modern facility that will support our people, our clients and our continued growth for many years to come."
The investment demonstrates Water Solutions Ireland's ongoing commitment to Newry and the wider region, providing a foundation for future job creation, continued innovation and long-term business growth. As the company looks towards the next decade, the new headquarters will strengthen its ability to meet the evolving needs of the water sector in Ireland and the UK, reinforcing its position as one of the region's engineering specialists delivering process, mechanical and electrical engineering solutions, including critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
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Newry BID has launched an awareness campaign to ensure shoppers know of the one-hour grace period for on-street parking in Newry city centre. The campaign, titled "More time in Newry", will be promoted through billboards, press and radio advertising, window graphics and leaflets distributed to businesses by the Newry BID team.
The one-hour grace period applies to on-street parking spaces within Newry's Controlled Parking Zone, allowing drivers up to a further hour to return to their vehicle once their paid parking period expires before a Penalty Charge Notice is issued. The minimum on-street parking tariff in Newry is 20p for up to 15 minutes, meaning that once this period expires, drivers can then benefit from the additional hour.
The measure was introduced on a pilot basis in November 2025, and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins recently confirmed it would be made permanent.
Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said the organisation had lobbied for the measure on behalf of local businesses. "This is a really positive measure for Newry and one which Newry BID has actively lobbied for on behalf of our businesses. We want to thank Minister Liz Kimmins and her team for listening to the business community; introducing the pilot; and now making the one-hour grace period permanent," Mr Connolly said. "Our focus now is making sure people know about it and, importantly, understand how it works. You can pay just 20p for 15 minutes of on-street parking and, when that paid period expires, you then have up to a further hour to return to your vehicle before a Penalty Charge Notice is issued. The cost is slighter higher using the app, with the administrative charge, but the grace period still applies."
He said the measure gave people greater flexibility when visiting the city. "This gives people greater flexibility when they come into Newry. Whether you are shopping, meeting for coffee, having lunch or doing business in the city, you don't have the same pressure to rush back to your car as soon as your paid parking period ends. Over the coming weeks, people will see our 'More time in Newry' campaign right throughout the city. We will be using billboards, press/radio advertising, window graphics and leaflets; while our BID team will work directly with businesses to help get the message out to their customers. We want as many people as possible to know about the grace period and make use of it."
Newry BID has welcomed the Minister's decision to make the measure permanent and believes the added flexibility will help encourage people to spend more time in the city centre in support of local businesses. Motorists must still pay the appropriate parking tariff in the normal way, with the grace period beginning only once their paid parking period has expired.
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Entrepreneurs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have been given extra time to enter this year's Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch competition, with the chance to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea. The deadline for entries has now been extended to Friday 21 August at 12 noon.
The competition is open to pre-trading and newly established businesses that have been operating for less than two years, from all sectors. Local heats will be held in each of Northern Ireland's 11 council areas, with the Newry, Mourne and Down heat taking place in autumn. Hopefuls will present their business idea to a panel of judges drawn from Northern Ireland's business and civic communities.
Last year's Newry, Mourne and Down winner was Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad of Balantra, who secured a place in the final with nutrition sachets designed to blend into drinks, foods and daily routines. Ruchira went on to win the People's Choice Award after receiving the most public votes for her final pitch.
Heat winners this year will each receive £1,000 investment and progress to the final, where an overall winner will be announced at a special event at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy on 18 November 2026, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week. Last year's overall Ultimate Pitch winner was Sander Van Eck of Noord, whose waterproof socks business impressed judges.
The overall winner of this year's Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award will receive a prize package including a photography session from Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session from Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters and a media training session from LK Communications. Subcategory awards will also be presented, including the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award and the Go Succeed People's Choice Award, with each of those winners receiving £1,500 towards their business idea.
Applicants will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on pitching ahead of their regional heats.
The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: "Our local entrepreneurs are the driving force behind economic growth and innovation in our community. Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch offers not just funding, but invaluable support and exposure that can transform an idea into a successful business. I would strongly encourage anyone with a business idea to take that leap and apply before the deadline."
Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland's 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with advice including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning at every stage of their growth journey. Full terms and conditions and details of how to apply are available at www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.
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Age NI has announced a new partnership with Dalzells Beds in Markethill, giving older people here access to expert advice and practical comfort tips designed to support better sleep, greater comfort and independent living.
Benefits of the new partnership include:
Mandy Wilson, Charity Director, Age NI said: "At Age NI, we're committed to helping older people live well and remain independent for longer. We're pleased to partner with Dalzells Beds, a long-established Northern Ireland family business that shares our commitment to supporting people with trusted advice, quality products and excellent customer service."
Established in 1956, Dalzells of Markethill has been serving customers for more than 70 years and is recognised for its specialist knowledge of adjustable beds, recliner chairs and supportive mattresses. Through the partnership, Age NI members will have access to expert guidance, a dedicated showroom experience and practical information to help them choose the right comfort solution for their individual needs.
Visitors to the Dalzells Beds showroom in Markethill can explore one of Northern Ireland's largest displays of adjustable beds and recliner chairs, with the opportunity to compare products, experience different comfort levels and receive advice in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Kathryn and Sharon, Dalzells Beds' dedicated comfort specialists, work closely with customers to help them understand the available options, compare features and find products suited to their individual requirements.
Sharon Dalzell for Dalzells Beds said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Age NI to help support people across Northern Ireland in finding practical comfort solutions that can make a real difference to everyday life. Choosing an adjustable bed or recliner chair is an important decision, and we believe customers should have the opportunity to see, try and compare products while receiving friendly, knowledgeable advice from people they can trust."
The partnership also includes a dedicated online information hub at www.armaghbeds.com helping visitors learn more about adjustable beds, recliner chairs, supportive mattresses and VAT relief guidance, while making it easier to arrange a showroom visit or speak with the Dalzells Beds team.
Age NI is working to improve later life through information, advice, services and campaigns that help people remain independent, connected and supported within their communities. Learn more at www.ageni.org.
For more information, visit www.armaghbeds.com or call 028 3755 1260 (Option 3).
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Newry Chamber held its Annual Golf Classic at Cloverhill Golf Club on 21 August, with two teams from long-term Principal Sponsor Brown & Brown taking the top two places on the day with Best Property Services rounding out the top three.
The two leading Brown & Brown teams finished on 107 and 102 points respectively, while Best Property Services claimed third place with a total of 96 points.
Individual award winners were Vincent Boden and Paul Owens from the Brown & Brown team who took the 'Nearest to the Pin' prizes on the 7th and 16th holes while Paul Greenan and Gary Sands of Mourne Timber Solutions won 'Longest Drive' on the 5th and 15th holes respectively.
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber, thanked those involved in organising and supporting the event. "It was a great day, Cloverhill was in superb condition and the weather was absolutely spectacular. Our event has always been supported by the local business community and we would like to thank Anthony Boden and the team at our long-term Principal Sponsor of this event, Brown & Brown, for their continued support."
He also thanked other contributors to the day. "I would also like to thank the local businesses who took a team and sponsored a hole at the event, S&W Wholesale for sponsoring the goody bags and Downey's Butcher & Deli for providing platters of sandwiches for our golfers to enjoy before their rounds."
Savage extended particular thanks to the host club and sponsors of the main prizes. "My sincere thanks to Cloverhill Golf Club who sponsored Four-balls for our winning, second and third places teams and Jack Murphy Jewellers, Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Louis Boyd Menswear, JV Kelly Menswear, McCabe Fine Furnishings and The Bank Bar Newry for providing vouchers for the team and individual prizes."
A special word of thanks was given to the Cloverhill team. "Special thank you to Colin, Joe and Brigid Pilkington at Cloverhill Golf Club for the superb food, hospitality, warm welcome and kind assistance with every aspect of the competition on the day."
Reflecting on the event the Chamber CEO said he was already looking forward to next year. "Cloverhill is a magnificent course in a breathtaking location and it was a privilege to be part of a great day in the heart of South Armagh. We are all looking forward to returning once again next year and would encourage all local businesses to come along and enjoy a great day's craic."
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Newry based rug retailer Kukoon is set to partner with high street giant Next, in a deal that will strengthen the company's position in the rug industry. Kukoon recently confirmed a strong year of trading with profits of £2.5 million for 2025/26 on a record turnover of £21 million.
Kukoon began selling clearance items online and now is one of Ireland and the UK's major e-commerce success stories. The business run by brother and sister Paul Vallely and Clare Walsh, has enjoyed 19 years of growth to become a major exporter, shipping more than 8,000 rugs every week to 60 countries worldwide.
Under the new deal, Kukoon's range will be available on Next's UK online platform. It builds on the company's existing partnerships with Irish companies Woodies and EZ Living Interiors, which see a selection of rugs, including exclusive collaborations and washables, on sale in all EZ Living Interiors stores.
Co-founder and chief executive of Kukoon, Paul Vallely, said: "This is a deal which delivers huge potential for Kukoon. Negotiations with Next have been going on for the best part of a year, so we're delighted to get it over the line. Next are a huge brand and I would say the second largest rug retailer in the UK, so for Kukoon to have our collections available on their platform is a hugely satisfying."
Vallely said the partnerships with Woodies and EZ Living Interiors had been good for all parties and was a strategy the company was working to build upon. He said: "Kukoon's success has been built on the support and determination of a brilliant team, and we will continue to push the boundaries of performance, innovation and sustainability when it comes to our products. We've also invested in AI-powered automation across several departments to improve efficiencies and ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry."
Kukoon has also focused on sustainability and innovation, recently launching its Flatwoven range, which is machine washable and made from eco-friendly fibres. The company's collection spans hundreds of designs and sizes, from classic styles to the latest trends.
Check them out at www.kukoonrugs.com.
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A new event celebrating the charity shop sector has been launched by Newry woman Colleen McArdle.
Charity Shop Market NI will take place at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Sunday 20 September 2026, bringing together charity shops and registered charities from throughout the north for a dedicated market day. The initiative aims to encourage sustainable and pre-loved shopping while giving charities the chance to raise funds and showcase their stock to the public.
The market will run from 12 - 4pm, with exhibitors able to set up from 9am. Each charity pays a £30 stall fee and keeps 100% of its sales, with a table and linen provided and space available for a clothing rail.
McArdle said: "The idea came from wanting to create something a little different for charity shops and the people who love shopping in them. There are so many fantastic charity shops doing incredible work across Northern Ireland, and I wanted to create a day where they could come together, showcase their best stock and hopefully reach new customers."
Exhibitor registration is open until 28 August, and organisers are encouraging more Northern Ireland charity shops and registered charities to get involved. Charities interested in taking part can contact charityshopmarketni@gmail.com
Find out more at www.facebook.com
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Stephen Begley & Co. Solicitors are celebrating 40 years in practice in Newry this month.
The firm opened for business at 9 Merchants Quay, Newry on Friday 15th August 1986. The practice is a traditional firm covering all the main areas of law including personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents, work, farm and public liability claims, Wills, Probate and administration of estates, house and land transfers, matrimonial disputes and criminal law work.
Solicitors in the firm are Stephen Begley himself, a former pupil at Abbey Grammar School who graduated from Leicester University with an LLB in 1981 before completing the Solicitors Professional Training Course at Queen’s University, Belfast. Stephen Begley is from Dromintee where his family have lived for more than 250 years. Presently his main focus is on making Wills and administering estates along with conveyancing.
Gerard Cunningham, Solicitor from Newry also attended the Abbey Grammar School followed by obtaining an LLB Degree from Queen’s University, Belfast in 1989, before completing the Solicitors Professional Training Course at Queen’s. Having practiced in Newry throughout his career, he joined Stephen Begley & Co. in 2018 and deals primarily with personal injury claims, matrimonial and criminal matters.
Rosetta Hughes, Solicitor originally from Fermanagh obtained her Law Degree at Queen’s University, Belfast in 1993 before completing the Solicitors Professional Training Course at Queen’s. She has practised with a number of firms in the Newry area before joining Stephen Begley & Co. in 2025. Her main areas of interest are Wills, Probate, administration of estates, land and property matters.
In 2020 the practice acquired the files, Wills and Deeds of Stephen’s former partners, LJ Mallon and Julie McBrien in Armagh. Julie joined the practice for 5 years subsequently retiring in 2025. Nuala Sheehan, Secretary and John Sheehan, Legal Executive joined the practice from the Armagh firm. Secretarial staff include Catrina McBride from Newry, Ruth Reilly from Bessbrook, Aisling Murphy from Bessbrook and Pauline Noade from Newry.
The greatest change over the last 40 years is the progress of computers and IT technology to assist legal practices, something that has also presented new challenges and created greater expectations from the public in respect of all professionals.
With an eye on the future, two trainee Solicitors have joined the practice, Naoise Downey from Mullaghbawn and Maeve Reel from Jonesborough.
Patience and perseverance are two of the qualities which Stephen Begley considers every Solicitor should have in their armoury. Stephen Begley said: "On behalf of myself and staff, I'd like to thank all of our Clients who have supported the practice and availed of our services over the last 40 years. I hope they will continue to avail of the firm’s full range of legal services and that they and the firm will prosper in the years ahead."
Stephen Begley concluded: "We believe in a bright future for both the profession and its clients."
You can contact Stephen Begley Solicitors at 028 3026 7538 or email law@sbegleyco.com
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