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Specsavers Newry has partnered with Women's Aid Armagh Down to give women affected by domestic and sexual abuse access to eye and hearing care services. The new partnership will provide women using the charity's services with eye tests, hearing checks, treatments and support, including prescription glasses and hearing care whenever they need it.
Women's Aid Armagh Down plays a crucial role in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, with 1,237 women using its services in the 2024/25 year. Of these, 470 identified as having a disability or complex need, including 10 with visual disabilities and 16 with hearing disabilities. As part of the ongoing partnership, the charity has also delivered awareness training sessions for Specsavers colleagues, helping them better understand the experiences and challenges faced by women affected by abuse.
Helen Cranney, Deputy CEO of Armagh & Down Women's Aid, said the partnership would make a real difference to women rebuilding their lives. "The PSNI receive a domestic abuse-related call every 16 minutes. Domestic abuse affects women in so many ways, including their ability to access healthcare. Often these women have experienced injuries that can affect both their eyes and ears. Having this partnership with Specsavers Newry is a vital step in helping women availing of our services who are seeking help to rebuild their lives. Eye and ear health services can make a real difference in ensuring that these women feel supported and heard."
Will Stevenson, optician director at Specsavers Newry, said the store was proud to support the work of Women's Aid. "We are in awe of the work that Women's Aid do throughout the country. Everyone deserves access to healthcare in a safe and welcoming environment. Through this partnership, we hope to remove barriers to eye and hearing care for women affected by domestic abuse, while also raising awareness of the challenges many continue to face."
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring women can access the healthcare and support they need in a safe, compassionate and accessible environment. Further information on the work carried out by Women's Aid to tackle domestic violence in Northern Ireland is available at www.womensaidarmaghdown.org.
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A Newry-based health and safety consultancy is expanding its team and investing in new services and technology as demand for its support continues to grow. Paul Feely & Associates, based at Granite House in Newry, now employs 15 people following the recent addition of five new staff members across its Health and Safety and Operations teams.
The company supports more than 60 organisations in Ireland and the UK, and expects to add at least two further positions before the end of 2026. Alongside the new appointments, PFA has announced the promotion of Emma Turley from Head of Business Operations to Operations Director, one of a number of internal promotions and movements within the business.
Paul Feely, Managing Director of Paul Feely & Associates, said the company was investing in its team to ensure it continued to provide the practical, responsive support its clients value. He said: "We are seeing a real increase in demand particularly in the Dublin market, and across a range of sectors including construction, quarrying, manufacturing, logistics and recycling. Many of the organisations we work with such as large multi nationals already have experienced health and safety teams. They choose PFA as a trusted partner to provide additional capacity and specialist support in the background when required. Equally our team work well with businesses that don't need a full time presence but just need some additional support. Growth is not only about bringing new people into the business. It is also about supporting the talented people already within PFA to develop and take on new responsibilities. Emma's appointment as Operations Director, alongside other internal promotions and movements, reflects that commitment."
The expansion forms part of PFA's wider growth strategy and is supported by Invest NI. Workplace health will be a major focus during the year ahead, with the company researching opportunities to help organisations better understand and manage occupational health risks including noise, dust and vibration. PFA is also investing in technology to simplify health and safety processes, reduce paperwork and make essential information easier for clients and their teams to manage.
Emma Turley, Operations Director at Paul Feely & Associates, said: "I have really enjoyed being part of the growth of PFA over the past two years and working alongside such a brilliant team. I am genuinely delighted to take on the role of Operations Director. There are exciting changes ahead as we welcome new team members, develop our services and invest in the systems needed to take the business forward. I am looking forward to working with Paul and the wider team as we begin this next chapter."
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It was a day of First's for Newry today as the First Minister and Deputy First Minister visited First Derivative in the city, to welcome 100 new jobs at the Newry founded business.
First Derivative is to invest £15.3 million in research and development, and jobs at a new AI and Fintech Centre of Excellence, with 70 of the 100 new positions to be based at the company's headquarters in Newry. The announcement was made by First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald during a visit to the firm's Marcus Square base.
First Derivative, an EPAM company, is a global consulting firm that provides a range of solutions for the financial services industry, with a client base that includes many of the world's top financial institutions. The remaining 30 jobs created as part of the investment will be based at the company's Belfast office. Invest NI has offered the company an R&D grant of £3,204,190, part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, to help secure the investment for Northern Ireland ahead of other potential locations.
Welcoming the investment, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This investment is a huge vote of confidence in Newry, our people and the potential of this city. First Derivative has deep roots here and has shown that a world-class company can be built in Newry and compete globally. This £15.3million R&D investment will put First Derivative at the forefront of AI innovation and create 100 high-quality jobs, including 70 in Newry. Importantly, these jobs were secured against international competition, with support from Invest NI and the Department for the Economy. AI is transforming economies around the world, and we want the North to help shape that future by providing ethical, fair, and responsible AI solutions. This investment is regional balance in action, turning innovation into investment, creating good jobs in our communities and giving more people the opportunity to build their careers and their future at home."
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the news was a real testament to the strength of the tech talent pipeline in Northern Ireland. She said: "This is great news for Newry and a real testament to the strength of our tech talent pipeline here in Northern Ireland. First Derivative is a local success story, and this Centre of Excellence demonstrates the confidence that leading businesses have in our workforce and our potential to lead in AI and fintech innovation. The fact that this local company has grown into a global player, while continuing to invest and create jobs here, speaks to the strength of what we have to offer. By working together with industry partners like First Derivative, we can deliver real opportunity for people in Newry and right across Northern Ireland, while further cementing our position on the global stage as a home for advanced technology and innovation."
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the investment demonstrated the confidence that leading international companies have in the region's skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem. She said: "This is fantastic news for the north and demonstrates the confidence that leading international companies have in our skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem. AI offers significant opportunities to boost productivity, drive innovation and create high-quality jobs. While the pace of technological change presents challenges across the economy, investments such as this demonstrate AI's potential to support growth, enhance competitiveness and create rewarding career opportunities. The creation of 100 high-quality jobs will provide exciting opportunities for people to build careers in AI and FinTech, particularly in the Newry, Mourne and Down area. This investment supports my priority of achieving greater regional balance by creating high-value employment and innovation opportunities outside Belfast and ensuring economic prosperity is shared across the north."
First Derivative will carry out research and development to develop new process and technology solutions for blue chip clients, which the company says will enhance its competitiveness. Andrew Colhoun, Head of First Derivative, said: "This investment reflects our tech-first strategy, where innovation is at the heart of how we operate and deliver for our clients. We see a significant opportunity to harness advanced technologies, particularly AI, to modernise operations and improve efficiency. Establishing our Centre of Excellence is an important step in realising that vision. The centre will bring together our expertise and specialist skills with AI software solutions that our clients can integrate seamlessly into their existing systems." He added: "Ultimately the centre will help us be better positioned to solve complex client challenges and increase productivity. At the same time, this investment strengthens our presence in Northern Ireland and allows us to tap into the strong and growing talent base on offer here."
Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI, said the organisation was delighted that First Derivative had chosen Northern Ireland as the location for the investment following strong international competition. He said: "We are delighted that First Derivative has chosen Northern Ireland as the location for this significant investment, following strong international competition. Securing this project is a clear endorsement of the skilled workforce in Newry and Belfast, our competitive business environment and growing reputation as a centre for advanced technology. It also builds on our long-standing partnership with First Derivative. Our previous support has helped the company to invest in management development, technical skills and functional training. This combination of investment in people and innovation is key to securing long-term growth, and we look forward to continuing to support First Derivative as it expands here."
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A Newry dental practice is marking World Alzheimer's Month by providing information on dementia throughout September, alongside a fundraising coffee morning being held on 30 September, from 10am to 12 noon, with all proceeds going to Alzheimer's Research UK.
Paula Henry, Director at South Down Dental Clinic, said dementia touches so many families in the community and that the clinic wanted to play its part by making reliable information easy to access. She added that the clinic was proud to support Alzheimer's Research UK during World Alzheimer's Month.
The initiative coincides with the launch of Alzheimer's Research UK's "The First One" campaign, which highlights that someone alive today could be the first person cured of Alzheimer's disease. The charity says a record number of new drugs are currently being tested in clinical trials, and that treatments capable of slowing early-stage Alzheimer's disease already exist, developments made possible through research.
Hazel Stirling of Alzheimer's Research UK - NI said the charity was delighted to have the support of South Down Dental Clinic during World Alzheimer's Month and encouraged people to call in to the clinic during September for information about dementia. She said the discoveries that had brought the charity to this point were only made possible by the commitment and generosity of supporters such as South Down Dental Clinic.
Further information is available at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org, or by contacting Hazel Stirling on 077877 93579 or hazel.stirling@alzheimersresearchuk.org
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Enterprise NI is calling on self-employed, micro, and small business owners across Newry, Mourne, and Down to complete the 2026 NI Enterprise Barometer and help shape the future of enterprise support in their local area.
Now in its eighth year, the Barometer is the largest annual survey of micro and small businesses in Northern Ireland. Conducted by Enterprise NI and supported by eConX, it captures vital information on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses across the region.
Crucially, the Barometer does not simply provide a Northern Ireland-wide picture. The data is broken down by local area, helping Enterprise NI and its network of 26 Local Enterprise Agencies to understand the specific issues facing businesses in communities such as Newcastle, Downpatrick, and Newry.
This local-level insight is essential to developing an effective, tailored approach to enterprise support and informs government on local economic development policy. By taking part, businesses in Newry, Mourne, and Down can help ensure that the challenges they face, whether around costs, cashflow, staffing, access to finance, technology, or growth, are properly reflected in the evidence used to shape future support.
The survey takes less than ten minutes to complete and is open until 16 October. Every respondent will be entered into a draw to win a £250 voucher for a stay at a McKeever Hotel of their choice.
The 2026 Barometer findings will be announced at the inaugural NI Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Conference at the ICC Belfast on 20 November.
Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise NI, said: “The findings of the NI Enterprise Barometer provide the strongest, most unified voice for micro and small businesses in Northern Ireland. Every survey completed strengthens Enterprise NI’s ability to drive home the need for adequate funding for micro and small businesses and to directly influence the development of tailored strategies and support services that address their specific needs.
“Self-employed, micro, and small businesses collectively form the biggest part of our economy. That’s why, we are urging every single entrepreneur, self-employed start-up, and micro and small business owner across Northern Ireland to grab themselves a cup of coffee, complete this survey and ensure their views, needs and concerns are heard.
“The local breakdown of the Enterprise Barometer is so important. It gives us the evidence we need to understand what is happening on the ground in communities such as Newcastle, Downpatrick, and Newry, rather than relying solely on a Northern Ireland-wide picture.”
Barometer Economist Maureen O’Reilly added: “Now, more than ever, the concerns of small and micro business owners in Northern Ireland must be heard, particularly in relation to the dangerous mix of challenges that include the significant escalation in costs and managing cashflow, adapting to rapid changes through AI and new technologies and trying to get and keep staff.
“By completing the NI Enterprise Barometer, business owners will be providing us with strong and insightful data that enables Enterprise NI, and our network of 26 Local Enterprise Agencies, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face, and the agility to deliver the on-the-ground supports they need.”
Further details on the survey, along with the findings from last year’s Barometer, can be found online at enterpriseni.com
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Go Succeed and Young Enterprise NI scheme returns for second year to inspire the next generation of ‘Future Founders Entrepreneurship initiative returns following successful first year, reaching more than 2,500 young people across the north.
Delivered in partnership with all 11 councils across Northern Ireland and the region’s six further education colleges, the Future Founders programme launched in September 2025 and reached more than 2,500 young people during its first year.
The programme is designed to encourage young people to take their first steps into entrepreneurship, building the confidence, skills and mindset they need to turn their ideas into opportunities and become part of the next generation of business leaders.
Future Founders is delivered through three key stages: an introduction to entrepreneurship, an Innovation Camp and an Entrepreneurship Hub. Through these sessions, participants are given the opportunity to explore what it means to be an entrepreneur, develop their own ideas, work collaboratively to solve challenges and gain practical insight into starting and running a business.
During its first year, students heard directly from entrepreneurs and business leaders, who shared their own experiences of starting and growing a business, the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way.
Mayor, Alderman Thomas Gordon of Mid and East Antrim, which is leading the programme on behalf of Go Succeed, said: “We are delighted to see Future Founders return for a second year following the fantastic response to the programme in its first year.
“The feedback we received from both students and educators was excellent and demonstrated just how much potential there is among young people across our communities.
“We know there are many young people with brilliant ideas and entrepreneurial ambition, but they may not always have the confidence, knowledge or support to know where to start. Programmes like Future Founders play an important role in giving young people those first opportunities to explore their potential, develop practical skills and see entrepreneurship as a realistic and exciting career path.
“We look forward to welcoming even more young people to the programme this year and seeing the ideas, creativity and ambition they bring with them.”
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise NI, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Go Succeed and the 11 councils to deliver Future Founders for a second year.
“The response to the programme in its first year was incredibly encouraging, with more than 2,500 young people given the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and develop the skills needed to bring their ideas to life.
“Young people have huge potential to shape the future of Northern Ireland’s economy, and we want to ensure they have the confidence, skills and support to realise that potential. Future Founders provides a practical and engaging introduction to entrepreneurship and, importantly, shows young people that they don’t have to wait until they leave education to start thinking like an entrepreneur.
“We are excited to build on the success of the first year and reach even more young people through the programme.”
Joanne McCourt, Principal Lecturer and Entrepreneurship Hub Manager for the Further Education Sector at Northern Regional College, added: “Future Founders gives students the opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom environment and explore their creativity, problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial potential.
“The enthusiasm and creativity we saw from students during the first year was fantastic, and we are looking forward to welcoming a new cohort and supporting them as they explore their own entrepreneurial journeys.”
Future Founders will take place on campuses across all six further education colleges in Northern Ireland: Southern Regional College, Belfast Metropolitan College, North West Regional College, Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, and South West College.
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Newry BID has been reflecting on what a very busy month with the big story being the approval of Planning permission for the £18.6m Newry City Park at Albert Basin, marking what BID has described as a major milestone for the city. The approval is part of a wider programme of public and private investment progressing in Newry.
Construction is under way on the new Theatre and Conference Centre, while a £3 million Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme has been made available to encourage investment in new office accommodation. Funding has also been awarded to two proposals through the Hotel Accommodation Development Scheme, aimed at increasing the quality and supply of visitor accommodation in the city. The recently opened Newry to Carlingford Greenway is also creating new opportunities for tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses.
Newry BID said it welcomed the progress being made, adding that the priority must now be to maintain momentum and ensure the investment delivers increased footfall, new business opportunities and lasting economic benefits for the city centre.
Elsewhere in the city, the barriers and hoarding around the two long awaited parklets at Dolce Vita and Café Crème have been removed this week. Contractors are now completing the final stages, including the installation of furniture. The parklets will create additional outdoor space where people can sit, meet and enjoy food and refreshments from the participating businesses.
Newry BID also highlighted the success of recent events in the city. Iúr Cinn Fleadh, Newry Water Festival and Newry Mela brought music, culture, family activities and entertainment into Newry over the past few weeks, attracting strong crowds and creating what Newry BID described as a great atmosphere in the city. Newry BID said it was pleased to support the programme of activity and congratulated the organisers, volunteers, businesses and everyone involved in making the events a success.
On support for members, Newry BID has been working closely with businesses applying to the Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant scheme, which is designed to bring vacant and underused commercial properties back into productive use. The deadline closed this week, and Newry BID said it was pleased to help a number of members complete their applications. If successful, the projects could make a contribution to improving the appearance of the city centre, reducing vacancy and supporting new and growing businesses. Newry BID is also finalising the number of businesses around Sugar Island that will receive support with flood barriers, which it said would be important in helping businesses in the area become more resilient to future flooding.
Newry BID addressed the impact of the Black Saturday parade, which it said caused significant issues for many of its members. Since the event, Newry BID has been liaising with the PSNI and the organisers and putting forward alternative proposals for consideration. It understands the parade is unlikely to return to Newry for at least another 14 years. Newry BID said its focus was not on the purpose or ethos of any individual parade but on how parades, major events and associated road closures of any type are planned and managed to reduce the economic impact on local businesses, and it will continue to engage with the relevant organisations on behalf of its members.
Work is also progressing with the hospitality sector on a shared door policy for the city, aimed at creating a more consistent approach among participating venues and supporting door staff in managing issues facing businesses within the night-time economy. Further details will be shared with members as the work progresses.
Newry BID said it fully understands the frustrations being expressed by those involved in the newly formed Newry People's Forum who are organising a public meeting in the Canal Court Hotel on 8 October, noting that many of the issues being raised are currently the subject of ongoing work by a range of stakeholders, including Newry BID. It said it remains open to a constructive forum involving all key stakeholders to work collectively for the betterment of Newry.
Looking ahead, planning is under way for the return of Spooks in the City, with Halloween falling over a weekend this year presenting an opportunity to attract families and additional footfall into Newry. Work is also beginning on Newry BID's Christmas campaign and on ideas to improve the cleanliness and appearance of the city centre. The date of the next Newry BID AGM will be confirmed within the next couple of weeks, with details issued directly to members.
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BCF Lending has reaffirmed its continued support for businesses in Newry and surrounds following a meeting between its Chief Executive, Gareth Graham, and Newry Chamber CEO, Michael Savage. The meeting focused on the city's economic growth, opportunities emerging in the wider region and the importance of ensuring local businesses can access the finance they need to invest, expand and create jobs.
BCF Lending already has a significant presence in the city, having earlier this year provided a £7 million facility to support The Quays Shopping Centre. The company provides development, bridging and SME finance to businesses throughout Ireland, with its relationship-led approach particularly valuable for viable and ambitious firms that can face difficulty securing finance from traditional banks.
Gareth Graham, Chief Executive of BCF Lending, said: "Newry has established itself as one of Ireland's most entrepreneurial cities. Its strategic location, strong business culture and impressive recent growth mean that good financial firepower is vital to help the city reach its full potential. Our £7 million support for The Quays demonstrates both our confidence in Newry and our ability to fund significant commercial assets in the city. We now want to build on that work by supporting more local SMEs, developers and entrepreneurs as they invest and grow."
Michael Savage, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, said: "Newry has an ambitious and resilient business community, with companies investing, innovating and creating employment in the city and wider region. Access to finance is essential if we are to sustain that momentum. It was valuable to hear more about BCF Lending's work in Newry and its plans to support SMEs and future investment in the area."
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