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Newry company Playr-Fit has completed a £2 million investment in its Newry headquarters on the Forkhill Road. The teamwear company plans to create 12 new roles over the next 12 months as it targets further growth in Ireland and Great Britain. Playr-Fit currently employs 31 people in its wider business.
Founded in 2018 by Kieran Quinn and Steven Burns, Playr-Fit supplies bespoke sportswear and teamwear to clubs, schools, colleges, universities and businesses. The company bought the Newry building in early 2025 and went on to launch an extensive renovation and redevelopment programme.
Kieran Quinn, co-owner and director of Playr-Fit, said the aim was to create more than just a home for the company’s current operations.
“Our ambition was not simply to create a new home for the company’s current operations, but to develop a headquarters capable of supporting the wider Playr-Fit business as we continue to grow,” he said.
“This £2 million investment is a clear statement of our belief in the potential for Playr-Fit to expand to meet growing market demand. It gives us the capacity to operate at a much larger scale, enter new markets and accelerate our growth across Ireland and Great Britain. Steven and I are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and our entire team is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“We’ve made a significant investment in the building, technology and facilities, but at its heart, this is an investment in our people. It is about giving our team the environment, tools and support they need to do their best work and drive Playr-Fit forward.”
The new headquarters houses the company’s operational, design, customer sample, fulfilment and staff welfare areas under one roof. The ground floor includes a customer sample and consultation area where clubs, schools and organisations can review garments, fabrics and product options by appointment. It also has an expanded operational area for stock handling, order processing, packing and fulfilment.
The 12 new roles will be a mix of Newry-based support functions, remote and field-based sales developer roles, and positions linked to the company’s planned expansion in Great Britain. Playr-Fit will begin recruiting in the coming months, with further details to be announced as positions become available.
Co-owner and director Steven Burns said creating an environment focused on staff wellbeing was every bit as important as increasing the company’s operational capacity.
“At Playr-Fit, we want to create more than jobs; we want to build a workplace where people feel valued and can thrive,” he said.
He added that the investment in staff welfare areas, canteen space and modern working facilities is about supporting and appreciating the people who drive the business every day.
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MJM Marine has opened applications for its 2027/28 Navigate Early Careers Programme. The scheme offers school leavers and students in Northern Ireland the chance to earn while they learn in apprenticeship, higher-level apprenticeship, graduate and placement roles. Applications close on Friday 4 December.
The live roles include Higher Level Apprenticeships in Construction Management and Digital Construction, as well as a Quantity Surveying Placement. Anyone interested in applying can find more information on the MJM Marine website.
MJM Marine, a Rathbane Group company, is a global marine outfitter. Since it launched the Navigate Programme in 2019, the Newry company has launched the careers of more than 109 young people. This year, 10 new Navigate students joined the business, gaining industry-specific skills in Contracts, Design, Quantity Surveying, Logistics, Finance and Marketing.
Elizabeth O’Connor, Director of People and Governance at MJM Marine, said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of the Navigate Programme has been watching young people join the business and develop throughout their time with us.
“Over the years, we have seen students grow from work experience placements and apprenticeships into valued full-time members of our team. We are proud of the impact the programme has had over the years and look forward to welcoming the next intake of students as they begin their careers with us.”
One of this year’s recruits, Quantity Surveyor Student Ronan Crawford, joined MJM in July. He said, “Since starting in July, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a live project, splitting my time between the site and the office. It’s given me a real understanding of how a project comes together. I’m looking forward to building on that as I work towards my qualification and take on more responsibility.”
The company said the programme offers a clear route into a career in the construction industry, whether people are finishing school, looking for a placement year or advising students on their next steps.
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Fiveways in Newry has won an incredible three awards at the 2026 Neighbourhood Retailer Awards. The popular supermarket, diner, off-licence and filling station not only was awarded the top award of the night the Northern Ireland’s Retailer of the Year sponsored by BAT UK but also came out as winners in the Off-Licence of the Year award sponsored by Diageo and lastly won the Neighbourhood store of the year (6751 sq ft+) sponsored by Thompson's Tea.
The north's top retailers came together with sponsors and guests at the gala dinner in the Europa Hotel Belfast last week hosted by Pamela Ballantine.
Speaking after the awards Helen Meehan General Manager at Fiveways said: "Winning Retailer of the Year 2026 is an honour for Fiveways, and we couldn’t be prouder.
"This award belongs to our fantastic team, whose hard work and dedication make a difference every single day and our loyal customers who continue to support us.
"It’s just brilliant to see everyone’s efforts recognised in this way."
A small convenience store at McCann's Corner in Newry was founded by Colm and Brea Meehan around 38 years ago, expanding into the Fiveways we all know today. The premises have been extensively renovated and expanded in the last couple of years giving them not only a modern spacious supermarket but extra space for a 100 seater diner, an enhanced butcher, deli and hot food section, a large off-licence and even a Timoneys Ice Cream counter.
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Nearby Monaghan Street has been named winner of the best customer service award at the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Retailer awards in Belfast on Friday 16 October.
The store was nominated for two awards, the Store of the Year (Convenience Store up to 300sq ft category) as well as for Best Customer Service.
Jennifer McQuillan from Nearby Monaghan Street said: “First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to our amazing staff. This award is not just for one person - it belongs to every member of our team. Their hard work, dedication, patience, and commitment to looking after our customers every day are what made this possible.”
McQuillan also paid tribute to shoppers, saying: “I also want to say a very special thank you to our customers. Without your trust, support, and loyalty, none of this would be possible. Every customer gives us an opportunity to do what we do best - provide great service and make people feel valued and welcome.”
On what the award means McQuillan added: “Customer service is about much more than simply doing a job. It’s about listening, caring, going the extra mile, and making a positive difference. I’m so proud that our staff at nearby Monaghan street has been recognised for that.”
Another winner on the night was Milestone Rathfriland, a five-time winner of Northern Ireland Retailer of the Year title and one of Neighbourhood Retailer’s most successful winners. This year they added to their awards the Bakery of the Year and Fresh Food Store of the Year.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is marking 10 years of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). The latest figures show that 85% of food premises in the district have been awarded the highest possible rating of 5, while 98.4% have achieved a rating of 3 or above. Council environmental health staff joined colleagues and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) at a special event at Stormont, to mark the milestone.
The event recognised the contribution of district councils, environmental health officers and food businesses in delivering the scheme and supporting high standards of food hygiene in the north. Council environmental health professionals attended along with colleagues from other councils in Northern Ireland.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said: “It is encouraging to see the outstanding standards being achieved by food businesses right across our district. The fact that 85% of premises have attained the highest rating of 5 and more than 98% have achieved a rating of 3 or above reflects the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our local food operators.
“This scheme has played an important role in raising standards, supporting businesses and giving consumers confidence in our hospitality and food industry and the places where we shop.”
The FHRS is a partnership programme run by the FSA and local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It gives consumers clear and easy-to-understand information about the hygiene standards found at food businesses during inspections carried out by Environmental Health Officers. Ratings range from 0, which indicates that urgent improvement is necessary, to 5, which signifies very good compliance with food hygiene requirements.
Over the past decade, the scheme has helped businesses in the district improve hygiene standards, increased transparency for consumers and provided confidence when choosing where to eat, shop or order food. Adopting food hygiene and safety measures has benefits beyond compliance, helping to safeguard public health and develop a culture of responsibility and sustainability.
Cllr Hanna added: “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is about more than a sticker in a window. It gives consumers confidence by providing clear information about food hygiene standards and highlights the important work environmental health officers do to help protect public health.
“Over the past 10 years, mandatory display has made food hygiene ratings more visible to customers and has encouraged businesses to achieve and maintain high standards. This milestone provides an opportunity to recognise the efforts of both food businesses and our environmental health officers in delivering safer food for everyone.”
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A €7.3 million cross-border social prescribing project led by Clanrye Group has been formally launched at the Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk. The project, called REACH, is designed to support approximately 7,500 participants, including at least 3,000 families, with mental health, family wellbeing and social inclusion. It is supported by PEACEPLUS and will create around 50 new posts, taking Clanrye Group’s workforce beyond 200 employees.
Clanrye Group is leading REACH in partnership with Teach na nDaoine Family Resource Centre, Monaghan, and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN). The project will operate in the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust areas and the North-East Border Region, including Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth.
The recruitment of around 50 posts across the partnership will strengthen Clanrye Group’s role as a major community sector employer in Newry, Mourne and Down and the wider border region. The project will also strengthen collaboration between health and social care services and the community and voluntary sector, helping to create more joined-up and preventative approaches to health and wellbeing.
Liam Devine, CEO of Clanrye Group, said: “REACH represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of people and communities across this region. Social prescribing starts with the person and what is happening in their life. Someone may go to their GP because they are anxious or struggling with their mental health, but behind that could be isolation, unemployment, financial pressures, caring responsibilities or difficulties within the family. REACH is about connecting that person or family with the right support in their community and addressing those underlying issues before they escalate.
“Through our existing work, we already see the difference that practical, community-based support can make. REACH gives us the opportunity to build on that approach on a much greater scale, working with partners on both sides of the border to support thousands of people and families.”
Each participant will be allocated a Social Prescriber who will work with them to identify their needs, develop a personalised action plan and connect them to appropriate supports. Participants may also receive support from a Community Connector, who will help them access local activities, services, peer support opportunities and community networks to achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing.
The project will support adults, children and wider families experiencing social, physical, mental or emotional wellbeing challenges, connecting them with practical, non-clinical support in their communities. It is set up to help people facing social isolation, addiction, trauma, bereavement, caring responsibilities, poverty, unemployment, depression and anxiety. REACH will take a whole-family approach, recognising that the same circumstances can affect different family members in different ways.
Health Minister Robbie Butler MLA said: “As Health Minister, I am particularly pleased to support initiatives like REACH that focus on improving mental health, strengthening family wellbeing, promoting social inclusion, and reducing health inequalities. These approaches not only improve outcomes for individuals and families but also contribute to healthier and more resilient communities for the future.
“We know that good health and wellbeing are shaped by more than clinical services. Issues such as isolation, poverty, caring responsibilities, trauma, bereavement, addiction, unemployment, and poor mental health can affect individuals and families in complex and interconnected ways and that timely support within local communities can make a profound difference to people’s lives.”
Irish Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health Mary Butler TD said: “Strengthening mental health supports for children and young people, expanding early intervention services, and ensuring families can access help in their own communities are key priorities for Government. I am very pleased to mark the launch of the REACH Project through the PEACEPLUS programme, which reflects our shared commitment to improving wellbeing and supporting children to thrive.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre added: “REACH is an excellent example of the practical benefits that cross-border co-operation can deliver for people and families. Through more than €7.3 million of PEACEPLUS funding, the project will connect 7,500 people with community-based support tailored to their individual circumstances.”
REACH has been awarded more than €7.3 million through the Collaborative Health and Social Care Investment Area of PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project will run until June 2029 and represents a total investment of €7,390,760.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of Ireland, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
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Shelbourne Motors has been appointed as AION’s sole retail partner in the north, with the brand to be launched at the family-owned group’s Newry dealership along with their Belfast and Portadown branches in the first quarter of 2027. The agreement marks the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer’s entry into the retail market in Ireland.
Alan Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at Shelbourne Motors, said: “Being appointed AION’s sole retail partner in Northern Ireland is a statement of intent for Shelbourne Motors. It reflects the strength of our brand, the reputation we have built and our ambition to keep growing.
“We are selective about the manufacturers we represent. We have earned a loyal customer base over more than 50 years, and we take that trust seriously. The vehicles have to be right for our customers, and the manufacturer has to share our values and commitment to service. AION’s approach to its retail partners and long-term ownership support stood out to us.
“Chinese manufacturers are bringing greater choice and new technology to the market. With GAC’s manufacturing expertise behind it and an expanding range, we believe AION has considerable potential in Northern Ireland.
“As its exclusive retail partner, we have the opportunity to build the brand here from the outset. Launching across three locations, including our first new-car franchise in Belfast, demonstrates our commitment to the partnership.”
Duncan Johnston, Network Development Director of AION Auto UK, said: “Choosing our exclusive retail partner in Northern Ireland is an important step in AION’s UK expansion. We wanted a business with the reputation, experience and ambition to establish the brand here for the long term. Shelbourne Motors brings all three.
“The Ward family has spent more than 50 years building customer relationships in Northern Ireland and has a proven record of representing major manufacturers. That experience, together with the team’s plans for AION, made Shelbourne stand out.
“Our aim is to build a lasting presence in this market, giving customers confidence in our vehicles and the support behind them. Launching in Belfast, Newry and Portadown gives us a strong start and a partner who can grow with us as we introduce more models.”
AION is part of GAC Group, one of China’s largest vehicle manufacturers, which reached the milestone of building 30 million cars this summer. Its UK business was launched in 2026 through a joint venture between GAC and international automotive distributor Jameel Motors.
The brand launched with the fully electric AION V family SUV, and the AION UT hatchback joined it last month. Both come with the brand’s Great 8 Promise, which includes a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles, eight years of servicing and roadside assistance, and MOTs until the car is eight years old.
The range will grow in 2027 with the electric UT Cross and the GS7 SUV, the latter introducing hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward family in Portadown in 1973 and remains under the leadership of the second generation of the family. It sells more than 6,000 new and used vehicles annually.
AION will join the group’s existing manufacturer portfolio of Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Kia, Dacia and MAXUS. The group also operates Autoselect used car sales, Fleet4U contract hire and leasing, and SVRgo vehicle rental.
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As Opry le Daniel ar Thuras returns to TG4 this week, Newry based multi-award-winning Big Mountain Productions is announcing ambitious plans to build a new, sustainable entertainment business in Donegal, complementing its established locations in Newry and Dundalk.
The launch of the new series of Opry le Daniel ar Thuras marks another milestone for Big Mountain Productions, which has spent the past 16 years building a strong community of Irish-language creative and production professionals.
The company now plans to build on that foundation by developing a sustainable entertainment business from Donegal, creating more opportunities for talent and bringing ambitious new productions to the region and beyond.
Jane Kelly, Joint CEO of Big Mountain Productions, said: “Opry le Daniel has been a really important part of Big Mountain’s story. Over the past 16 years, we’ve built an incredibly talented community of Irish-language creative and production professionals, with our established bases in Newry and Dundalk.
“We now have plans to build on that foundation by developing a new, sustainable entertainment business from Donegal, creating more opportunities for that talent and bringing ambitious new content for broadcasters and direct to consumers to the region and beyond. We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited about this next chapter.”
Producer Sally Ní Dhuibhir said: “We believe it’s vital to nurture and develop talent within the Donegal Gaeltacht, both on and off camera. This is an area rich in culture, language and storytelling, with so much creative potential."
The new series of Opry le Daniel ar Thuras sees Daniel O’Donnell return to Derry’s Millennium Forum for eight programmes featuring some of the biggest names in Irish, UK and international country and folk music.
Recorded in front of a live audience, the series features Susan McCann, Michael English, Olivia Douglas, David James, Damian Davis, Effie Neill, Ruairidh Grey, Margo, Andy Cooney, Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin, Sean Keane, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Manus Lunny, Donna Taggart, Rachel Goode and Simon Casey, alongside Daniel O’Donnell.
The series is broadcast on TG4 from this Thursday (October 29) at 10.30pm, with all eight programmes available to watch after broadcast on the TG4 Player.
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Newry, Mourne and Down Enterprise Week 2026 will take place from Monday 16 November to Friday 20 November 2026. Organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with local partners, the week offers free workshops, networking events and practical support sessions for entrepreneurs, business owners, students, aspiring founders, creators and innovators. This year’s theme is CONNECT.BUILD.IMAGINE., and the full programme of free events will be released soon.
The programme will cover some of the most relevant topics facing entrepreneurs and businesses today, including the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, creating engaging social media content, preparing for Making Tax Digital and harnessing innovation to drive growth. Dedicated events with local schools and colleges will help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, while sessions focused on wellbeing, resilience and personal development will explore the human side of business.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “NMD Enterprise Week showcases the ambition, creativity and innovation that exists across Newry, Mourne and Down. This year’s theme, CONNECT.BUILD.IMAGINE., highlights the power of bringing people together, sharing knowledge and exploring new opportunities. Whether you are considering a business idea, developing new skills, embracing emerging technologies or looking to grow an established enterprise, the programme offers valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate and be inspired.”
Cllr Hanna added, “I would encourage anyone with an interest in business, entrepreneurship or personal development to explore the programme and make the most of the events taking place throughout the week.”
The theme reflects the importance of collaboration, learning and innovation in helping people and businesses realise their potential. Participants will have the chance to CONNECT with like-minded individuals, support organisations, mentors and industry experts. They can also BUILD their skills, knowledge, confidence and professional networks through a range of practical learning opportunities. The programme will encourage people to IMAGINE new opportunities, explore fresh ideas and consider future possibilities for themselves, their careers and their businesses.
NMD Enterprise Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation and business. It is organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with a range of local stakeholders, business support organisations and education providers, who share their expertise and resources to give aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses opportunities to learn, connect and grow. Through free workshops, networking events and practical support sessions, participants can gain the knowledge, contacts and confidence needed to realise their potential.
For updates, visit www.newrymournedown.org/enterpriseweek2026 and follow Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s social media channels.
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