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Warrenpoint Golf Course hosted the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade’s Annual Golf Classic on Friday and it proved a great opportunity for Chamber members to network with clients and entertain business colleagues on a relaxed day out on the golf course.
The Golf Classic involving a four ball competition was won by Fitzpatrick & Kearney Chartered Accountants with a score of 99 points.
Warrenpoint Harbour Authority came in second with a score of 95 points, in third place was Martin Cranny Tiling with 92 The competition for Nearest to the Pin, was won by Bert McCammon from Aspray and Longest Drive, was won by Declan Maher from The Quays Shopping & Leisure complex.
Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade thanked the event main sponsor Aspray, the Captain of Warrenpoint Golf Club, Mr Michael Gilsenan and management and staff for enabling Newry Chamber to host the event in the Club as well as all the golfers and all other sponsors who contributed to the event.
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A unique opportunity to design a new corporate logo for Newry-based construction company, O’Hare & McGovern has been won by 20 year old Belfast Metropolitan College student Jessica Lester.
The competition, organised by O’Hare & McGovern and Belfast Met, was incorporated into a module of the HND Diploma in Graphic Design at the College. Fourteen students pitched for their chance to design a new logo for the company behind major construction projects including the Obel Tower, Antrim Civic Centre and Queen’s University Library.
Along with the winning prize of £200, Jessica will see her design integrated into O’Hare & McGovern’s range of corporate materials including stationary, merchandise, site hoarding, vans, staff uniforms, and the company website.
The Belfast Met student created the winning design in a strong, bold style, updating the existing blue identity and incorporating circle symbols, reflecting energy, unity and success. The eye-catching design is instantly recognisable and is sure to stand out from the organisation’s competitor logos.
Winning student, Jessica Lester, said “I am delighted that my logo design was chosen as the winning design by O’Hare & McGovern. It was fantastic to take part in a competition where I was allowed a free rein on my creativity and the opportunity to put my graphic design knowledge and skills to good use. I am so excited to see my design come to life and be seen by people throughout the island of Ireland, UK and further afield.”
Eamon O’Hare, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern, added “We decided to try something different when it came to designing our new corporate logo and we thought the talent of the Graphic Design students at Belfast Met was the best place to look for fresh inspiration and creativity. We were thrilled with the calibre and professionalism of the design entries, and are delighted to have a winning entry which reflects our core values so closely.
“We would like to thank all the students who took part in this unique competition, as they each demonstrated high quality and ability in the field of design. We have no doubt that these promising future designers will bring this level of creativity forward into all that they do in future.”
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For the second year in a row Newry software and consulting company First Derivatives are sponsoring the Asian Gaelic Games and the Asia Irish Business Forum.
The GAA Asian Gaelic Games Tournament has witnessed rapid growth since the inaugural event was held in Manila in 1995 with six men’s Gaelic football teams competing. Since this time annual events have been held in cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Bangkok.
Now in its eighteenth year, the event is expected to attract some 30 clubs and almost 1000 players, of which around 40% are women. As well as incorporating women’s Gaelic football, the event has further expanded to include hurling and Camogie.
From its regional operational hub in Singapore, First Derivatives has major growth plans for the region. With existing clients in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, UAE and Malaysia supported by young Irish FD consultants working in the region, the decision to sponsor the Asian Gaelic Games and the Asia Irish Business Forum again this year was an obvious one. First Derivatives is a Gold Sponsor for this year’s event, held in Kuala Lumpur from October 10th, making the Company one of the highest profile sponsors at the tournament.
With an average employee age of 26 among its 800 staff globally, First Derivatives links with sport and with the GAA in particular have been well documented. Brian Conlon founder and CEO of First Derivatives was himself a senior county footballer for his native county Down. Past and present there are other county players within the company’s ranks and the social connection afforded by sports bodies such as the GAA allow the Company’s young consultants to feel home from home when seconded overseas. Across the globe the Company boasts male and female players with the likes of the Manhattan Gaels, Hoboken Hurlers and Armagh NY in the US, Thomas McCurtain Mens and Ladies teams in the UK, Stockholm Gaels in Sweden, St Pats Toronto in Canada and the Tokyo Gaels in Japan.
The Asian Games and the pre-cursor Asian Irish Business Forum affords First Derivatives a unique networking and recruitment opportunity to tap into the Irish diaspora in Asia, many of whom work within the capital markets industry.
Chief Operating Officer Adrian Toner said: “A proxy measure for the levels of emigration in Ireland is the strength of the GAA abroad. Our sponsorship of the games highlights our love for sport and this sponsorship we hope will raise our business profile among the Irish diaspora living and working in Asia. The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum is a key business conference for us. Markets in the Far East are still experiencing strong growth. Our aim is to expand our operations in Asia in response to the growing demand for our software and services”.
The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum is a unique construction focussed on building connections between & with the GAA Clubs & business groups based in the Asia-Pacific and Gulf Regions. Introduced formally in 2007, the APIBF events bring together Irish business people, people doing business with Ireland & Friends of Ireland in the dynamic Asia-Pacific & Gulf Regions. The 7th annual Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum will be hosted by the Malaysia Ireland Business Network in Kuala Lumpur on 10th and 11th of October.
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Gerry Kelly hosted this years Greater Newry Area Business Awards held at the Canal Court Hotel.
With over 550 in attendance at the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade event it was an extremely high profile and useful occasion for all the business people present.
It celebrated the very best that the Greater Newry Area business community has to offer and profiled the exceptionally high standard of business leadership, ambition, entrepreneurship and innovativeness which has become synonymous with this region.
Winners and finalists of this hotly contested business awards competition were announced on night, and with 20 awards presented to the crème of local business talent, there was plenty to celebrate at Greater Newry’s very own business Oscars.
300 applications from local businesses were entered into this awards competition. Stakeholder Communications, the independent adjudicators of the awards, were impressed by the high standard and volume of applications.
Mr Cathal Austin, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, stated, ‘we are delighted with the success of this event amidst the challenges of the current economic climate. Our local businesses are continuing to innovate, investing in products and improved customer service, outperforming their peers across Ireland. This event celebrates and showcases their success. On behalf of the Newry Chamber, I would like to thank our principal sponsors, Newry & Mourne District Council, The Quays Shopping & Leisure Complex and Shelbourne Motors, together with the sponsors of our individual awards for their support and commitment, without which this event would not have been possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all who entered the awards, for taking time out of their busy schedules to draft applications and to enter into the spirit of this independently adjudicated awards competition’.
Mayor Michael Ruane said ‘On behalf of Newry and Mourne District Council, I am delighted to support and endorse this prestigious event. This competition provides a great opportunity for us all to celebrate the success of our local businesses. I would also like to congratulate Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade on their immense efforts in hosting this event’.
Mr Richard Ward, Shelbourne Motors stated, ‘We, in Shelbourne Motors were delighted to be a Joint Principal Sponsor of the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2013. ‘we are delighted to have supported this prestigious business awards competition which showcased regional business excellence, entrepreneurship and determination to succeed, all factors synonymous with the Greater Newry Area business community’.
{igallery id=3685|cid=199|pid=6|type=category|children=0|addlinks=0|tags=|limit=0}Award Winners
Best New Business Award– Cathal Grant Design Management
Sponsored by Ulster Bank
Best Green Business Award – Parkergreen International
Sponsored by Power NI
Best Customer Service Award – Independent Retailer – Armatile
Sponsored by Newry Junior Chamber
Best Customer Service Award- Multiple Retailer- Specsavers
Sponsored by The Quays Shopping & Leisure Complex
Best Customer Service Award – Service Sector- The Fun House
Sponsored by Firmus Energy
Best Small Business Award – CTS Projects Ltd
Sponsored by First Trust Bank
Best Pub Award – Bellinis
Sponsored by ITS New Media
Best Retail Premises Award- Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Sponsored by BT
Best Business Growth Award – RPB Chartered Accountants
Sponsored By Bank of Ireland
Best Commercial Premises Award- MJM Marine
Sponsored by Lagan Construction
Best Excellence in People Award – St Joseph’s Boys High School
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne District Council
Best Innovative Business Award – SIPFIT
Sponsored by Danske Bank
Best Social Media / Digital Marketing Initiative - Buttercrane Shopping Centre
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Best Export Business Award – Joint Winners – Norbrook Laboratories & Horse First
Sponsored by Invest NI
Best Place to Eat Award – Bennett’s Seafood Grill & Bar
Sponsored by Autoline
Best Young Entrepreneur Award- Cathal Grant - CGDM
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
Best Social Enterprise Award- Confederation of Community Groups
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
Best Social Corporate Responsibility Award – FPM Accountants LLP
Sponsored by Parkergreen International
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area Award
Paul Braham
Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
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Warrenpoint man Donagh McKeown has organised a Business Lunch next Thursday, the 26th of September, in the Canal Court Hotel at 1pm as part of his "Lets Talk About It" Wellbeing Project.
Guest at the Lunch is Jim Eastwood of The Apprentice fame and all proceeds will go to the Southern Area Hospice.
The Project's inspiration was Donagh experiencing mental health difficulties at first hand many years ago and having recovered from three years of clinical depression he would now like to give something back.
The Project aims to break stigma around mental health issues, encourage debate on mental health in society and to encourage recovery methods to those with difficulties.
Tickets are £25 and available from Southern Area Hospice at Fern House, Courtney Hill, Newry or you can book online through Eventbrite at business-lunch-southern-area-hospice.eventbrite.com
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A group of Japanese researchers have visited Autoline Insurance Group to see for themselves Autoline’s innovative use of telematics technology to reduce the price of car insurance for young people.
The researchers from Nomura Research Institute in Tokyo arrived at their Newry headquarters after reading an article about Autoline’s use of telematics technology.
The team from the leading research consulting firm travelled from Tokyo and New York to find out more about how telematics works in practice with the view to seeing if a similar system could be rolled out in Japan.
Caroline Currie, Autoline Insurance Group said: “It is exciting to see the technology that we have devised with our partner MyDrive Solutions getting worldwide recognition. We have already spoken about how the system is working for our clients at conferences in Europe and we are delighted to share our success today with the team from Nomura Research Institute.
“Telematics technology which allows you to monitor driving using a downloadable smartphone app called the ‘Road Safe Reward App’ is revolutionising the insurance industry. We are able to offer young drivers in particular competitive insurance quotes, with up to 50% discount if they use the system. It has long term benefits as well, helping people to recognise and address bad driving habits which should improve road safety. Safer driving also can reduce fuel consumption making it a greener alternative also.
“It would be fantastic to see the Nomura team take what they have learned here today back to Japan and show Northern Ireland as a place continuing to lead the way in innovation.”
Mr Ikko Soga, Nomura Research Institute America, Inc. said, “We are extremely interested in the innovative way Autoline Insurance Group has been using telematics technology since reading about it in a journal. My colleagues from Tokyo wanted to find out more. Autoline have been very helpful and very welcoming. We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Autoline and to finding our more about how Northern Ireland is embracing and utilising this technology.”
For further information about telematics and the ‘Road Safe Reward App’ log onto www.autoline.co.uk
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A MoneySense at Home initiative has been launched by Ulster Bank in Newry. Pupils from Abbey Christian Brothers’ School helped launch the resource which supports parents in teaching their children all about money.
Year 10 pupils Josh Keenan (left) and Micheal Linden joined Jill Smyth, Head of MoneySense at Ulster Bank, MoneySense ambassador Claire McCollum, and Ciara McDonnell, customer service officer, at Ulster Bank’s branch in Hill Street for the launch.
MoneySense at Home, which offers free and impartial financial education for families, has been devised by the bank following research which found one third of local families don’t currently talk with their children about money.
It is an extension of the Ulster Bank’s highly successful MoneySense for Schools initiative, which is used by around 70% of post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, and is the largest financial education programme in the UK or Ireland.
The online resource at www.moneysense.ulsterbank.co.uk covering topics including budgeting, savvy shopping, and managing debt. It is supported by MoneySense Ambassador, parent and well-known broadcaster Claire McCollum.
Speaking in Newry she said: “Research by MoneySense shows that about one third of families don’t talk with their children about money, and MoneySense at Home aims to support all parents to do so in a practical way. As a mother with two children who I really want to grow up with a good understanding of money and the skills they will need to make good financial decisions, I think this is a fantastic initiative that can provide invaluable help to parents.”
“Learning about money and how to manage it is an essential life skill, and supporting this in both schools and at home will place our young people in a great position to make good financial decisions throughout their lives,” she adds.
Head of MoneySense at Ulster Bank, Jill Smyth, says: “Many schools use ‘MoneySense for Schools’, which gives children a good start, but as all parents know, learning happens at home too, and it's at home that children put money management principles into practice. MoneySense at Home is designed to provide parents and families with a resource that they can refer to for support with areas such as budgeting, managing debt, talking to children about money, and getting the best value for money when shopping.
“We are delighted to have the support of Claire McCollum, who is both a mother and a well-known and respected broadcaster, to help encourage parents to use the resource so that they can help their children build the financial capabilities that they will need,” she adds.
The ‘MoneySense at Home’ website includes: up-to-date guides; case-histories; a blog; a live newsfeed of stories on budgeting, family financial issues, money management and smart shopping; as well as a series of features on areas such as ‘back to school’ and making learning about money fun.
Other tips and insights offered by the ‘MoneySense for Home’ site include:
· Giving your child responsibility for their own phone credit and clothing allowance is the perfect way to teach them about shopping around and making choices in a relatively safe environment
· You might not be the type of family that sits down together every night to dinner, but do try to have a regular time, perhaps the first Monday of every month, where you do make a point of catching up and discussing family finances.
· Talk to teenagers about how credit works, so that the shiny promise of plastic doesn't run them into debt down the line
· It's good to get children thinking about how they can help to reduce monthly bills. You'll soon discover that children of different ages will have different ideas, such as saving on water by having showers not baths, walking to school rather than using the car. You may learn something too!
Further information is available at: http://www.moneysense.ulsterbank.co.uk/
END
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If you always thought it would be good to live in Warrenpoint Best Property Services have announced the second release of the Doherty Developments prestigious Warrenpoint shore development ‘Seafields Court’ is to come online at the beginning of October.
This high spec development includes 2 and 3 Bed apartments and luxury penthouses, complete with balconies that enjoy stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne and Cooley mountains.
Edwina Flynn of Best Property Services says: “With a rising interest in mid-market properties in the last six months, it is an ideal time to release the second phase of this impressive development.
“The Lough views, the high spec finish, combined with the privacy and security afforded by a gated development make this very appealing to buyers and also because it’s located close to amenities in Warrenpoint, Rostrevor and Newry. We’re expecting a high interest.”
With prices starting from £159,000, all properties are finished to ‘walk in’ standards including tiling, carpeting and internal painting, fitted kitchen with granite worktops and appliances and white bathroom suite with whirlpool Jacuzzi bath. Penthouses have over 260 m² (2790 ft²) floor area while apartments range in size from 107 m² (1147 ft²) – 133 m² (1432 ft²).
Open Days to view the Three Show Apartments are on Sunday 06th October and Sunday 13th October from 2pm – 4pm.
Individual Viewings are also invited (By Appointment) Contact Siobhan Phillips at Best Property Services for more information, tel 028 3026 6811 or visit www.bestpropertyservices.com
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Ballybot House is the venue on the 25th of October for a Social Media Business Information Seminar.
Newry Chamber of Commerce is hosting the seminar in conjunction with the Labour Relations Agency and it's geared at employers to help them understand the many issues around the use of social media and the impact this has on the employment relationship.
This seminar will explore how social media is used by employers to enhance their business, how it is managed, and in particular, focuses on dealing with issues arising out of improper use by employees.
Emerging case law in this area will also be discussed.
This event will take place in Ballybot House on the 25 October from 10am -12.30pm. Entry to this event is free of charge for Newry Chamber members and £15pp for non members. To reserve your place at this event, please contact Newry Chamber via email: info@newrychamber.com or telephone: 028 3025 0303.
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