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The newly appointed Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for ODA, Trade Promotion and North / South cooperation Seán Sherlock TD visited the offices of InterTradeIreland in Newry last week.
The meeting was arranged through the North / South Ministerial Council and Minister Sherlock heard from the Senior Management Team at InterTradeIreland on current economic indicators in relation to Cross-Border Trade and also about the range of business supports available to SMEs on the island, North and South.
Minister Sherlock was on his first visit North following his appointment as a Minister of State with special responsibility for North South Cooperation and for Trade Promotion. The Minister, who also visited the offices of the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat in Armagh, said:
“The value of cross-border trade is currently worth over €2.5 billion and InterTradeIreland’s support for small dynamic companies is crucial in growing that figure further. Experience in cross-border trade is a stepping stone for companies seeking to export from this island. I applaud the work of InterTradeIreland in job creation in SMEs and in supporting new opportunities for business to reach out North or South, and to grow their business beyond these shores. I believe there are significant additional opportunities for InterTradeIreland to expand and grow in terms of North South cooperation, job creation and economic recovery”
Aidan Gough, InterTradeIreland Strategy and Policy Director said ““We are delighted to welcome Minister of State, Seán Sherlock to InterTradeIreland at such an early stage in his new role with special responsibility for North / South Co-operation. This important meeting allowed us to highlight the wide range of cross-border opportunities that InterTradeIreland help small and medium sized businesses from across the island grasp, through our suite of initiatives, from Innovation support, to helping businesses increase their sales, access public procurement markets or access new equity and business angel funds. These benefits are substantial, with over 6,000 SME’s having been supported by InterTradeireland, generating almost €1bn euro of added business value with an impact on employment of over 3,000 jobs to date.”
InterTradeIreland helps SMEs across the island by offering practical cross-border business funding, information, advice and support.
For more information go to www.intertradeireland.com
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association (NIIRTA) has described as bitterly disappointing and utterly absurd the decision of DOE Minister Durkan to give full planning permission to a major out of town development including a food supermarket at Carnbaneon the outskirts of Newry.
Despite opposition to the proposed development from Newry and Mourne District Council, Newry Chamber of Commerce, Newry City Centre Management and NIIRTA and 1,200 local citizens in a Newry First petition, the Minister gave the notification today that he is to grant full planning permission.
Deborah Loughran, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said “We are deeply disappointed that the Minister has chosen to press ahead with this development despite opposition on the grounds that it would have a devastating impact on Newry City Centre.
“On a recent visit to Newry by Minister Durkan, we pointed out alternative City Centre sites with existing planning which could facilitate this development. We also highlighted the potential loss of investment and thousands of jobs at sites that won’t go ahead if Carnbane proceeds. We also discussed the job displacement and the fact that this planning application acknowledges that there will be no linked trips between this site and the City Centre. We put forward a sensible compromise of this application being referred to the Planning Appeals Commission for a second opinion. Minister Durkan has rejected the City Centre sites, the impact on Newry City Centre and the option of a second opinion by taking this decision”.
“As the Minister has totally rejected any compromise, we have no choice but to consider seeking a Judicial Review”
‘It was not long ago both the Minister and his party were championing a Town Centre First approach to large retail applications. Why in a matter of months has he done two policy U-turns, one in Strabane and now Newry? Where next? The SDLP Minister’s commitment to small businesses and town centres seems hollow and is clearly at odds with his own Party’s predecessor in the same Ministerial office.
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Transaction values from commercial sales in the greater Newry region have increased by over 230% in the first half of the year, compared to figures from 2013, say Best Property Services.
The marked increase is a further indicator of an improving commercial sector which is upheld by this latest commercial report, also rising interest in city centre rental and the growing number of commercial properties coming onto the market this year.
Ciara Aiken says: “These figures are very welcome news as they herald confidence in the city of Newry as a good location for businesses which is a shift in the market compared with 2012/13 which were marked with the impact of the recession. We’ve had a significant number of city centre transactions in the first half of the year as more businesses find the traditional shopping centres desirable.”
As further proof that the city centre is very much ‘open for business’, Bests have announced two substantial lettings in recent weeks.
The Reed Partnership has agreed two office premises on Canal Street, Newry, making Newry the location of the company’s first Irish base.
Gerald Kelly has let the former JJB unit in the Creamery Quarter to one of the UK’s leading Bed specialists, Dreams.
Regional Manager Jon O Hara says it has been a very positive move for the company. “Already we’ve had a great response from customers and we’re delighted to be in the city centre in a spacious premise which is ideal to showcase our range of beds and sofas.”
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Be aware of the full implications of ‘free’ solar panel urge local Sinn Féin representatives.
Commenting in light of a number of recent cases which have been brought to the attention of elected representatives locally, Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has urged people to consider “the full implications” of packages which are currently being offered by some companies in relation to what they term ‘free solar panels’.
Several companies have been making contact with local home owners offering promises of significant savings on their home electricity bills. The companies which offer to install solar panels free of charge, grant free usage of electricity generated by the panels. In return, the companies retain any surplus energy not used by the homeowner and sell this back to the national grid. “Whilst the business model does provide some potential to make saving on energy bills, people need to be entering into any such agreements with their eyes wide open” said Boylan.
Commenting on the issue his colleague Armagh City & District Councillor Garath Keating suggested that the contracts being offered are extremely long, over 20 years in most instances, with very expensive termination clauses should homeowners for whatever reason wish to remove the panels in the future. Further, according to Keating, “people need to be mindful that they are creating a third party interest in their property which will last for over two decades irrespective of what they wish to do with the property. This is something which could for instance affect the value of the property should they ever wish to sell, or limit any future development which might impinge upon the solar panels. Whilst some savings maybe made, the level of those must be balanced against the size of the trade-off”.
The Sinn Féin elected representatives have advised anyone with concerns in relation to the matter to contact them at the Armagh City constituency office on 028 37 511797.
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Rory to help Newry Entrepreneurs Receive ‘Best’ Advice
On 23rd September, Ulster Rugby Captain, Rory Best will speak to the young entrepreneurs of Newry about what it takes to be the best. This event is part of the Bright Idea Programme, run in the SEED Council Areas, which supports young business people aged 18-29.
The Ulster Hooker will share details on his career highlights, recall the challenging times and discuss how young entrepreneurs can turn their Bright Ideas into a major success.
The Bright Idea Programme is a free support programme for business people aged 18-29 in the SEED Council areas. Participating businesses can benefit from a support package worth over £3,000 which includes expert mentoring, a free website, a sales and marketing strategy and more. The Bright Idea Programme aims to stimulate significant economic development within the participating council areas and promote an entrepreneurial culture within Northern Ireland’s young people. Natalie Ronaldson, The Bright Idea Programme Coordinator said of the event, ‘We are so excited to have Rory speak to our young entrepreneurs. His career achievements are outstanding and we know our business owners aim to replicate his levels of success in their careers.’
Rory Best will also be answering questions on the night. If you are a budding entrepreneur, get involved using #BestBrightIdea to pose a question to the Ulster Captain. For further information on the event, which will be held in the Old Town Hall in Banbridge at 6pm on 23rd September, visit www.brightideani.com and @brightideani on Twitter.
The Bright Idea Programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland and the local authorities of Newry & Mourne, Down, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Ards.
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An exciting and innovative new business conference is coming to Newry on Wednesday the 15th of October!
The NI Small Business Conference is a half day event that will provide delegates with all they need to know about winning more business.
The conference aims to provide tips, techniques and case studies from industry experts and successful business leaders on how to increase sales, communicate effectively, compete online, innovate, export, secure finance, become more profitable, win tenders, manage staff and most importantly how to grow their business.
Keynote speakers at the event include, Padraig Canavan, founder of technology firm Singularity which sold to an American company for £30m, Mark Gowdy, Whites Oats, a Northern Ireland agri-food success story and Adrian Toner, First Derivatives, one of Northern Ireland’s few Plc’s. Informative and inspirational workshops will be delivered and facilitated by Invest Northern Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Stakeholder Communications, PKF-FPM, Labour Relations Agency and Ionology.
This event will take place in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry commencing with a working breakfast and closing with a networking lunch. It is hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce; sponsored by Invest NI and Newry & Mourne District Council.
President Deborah Loughran, Newry Chamber of Commerce, stated, “we are delighted to be hosting the inaugural ‘NI Small Business Conference’ in Newry. The vast majority of companies in Northern Ireland are SME’s and many have owner/managers. A key issue businesses have is managing and balancing all of the day to day work involved while trying to grow and win more business. We hope to provide solutions, inspiration and practical advice on how to make this happen at this fantastic event which is accessible to all businesses even if they have time and budget restraints”.
Mayor Daire Hughes, Newry & Mourne District Council stated, “Newry & Mourne District Council is glad to support the NI Small Business Conference. Newry & Mourne is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit with 7% of all of the North of Ireland businesses located here, yet only 5% of the population. Hosting this conference in Newry helps showcase our successful indigenous business sector and provides inspiration for others to aspire to”.
Mark Bleakney, Invest NI’s Southern Regional Manager, said: “One of our core priorities is to help small businesses grow and develop through export success and innovation. This conference is an important opportunity to highlight the contribution these businesses make towards growing the Northern Ireland economy.”
All business owner/managers keen to win more business are encouraged to come along to this half day conference which will be packed with a wealth of information, guidance, inspirational advice and networking opportunities. The event starts at 7.30am and runs until 1pm with a cost per delegate of £40pp +VAT (includes breakfast & lunch).
For further information or to book your place at the NI Small Business Conference please log on to www.nismallbusinessconference.com or call 028 3025 0303.
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The Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Daire Hughes along with Acting Chief Executive, Eddie Curtis hosted John Sim, the World Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PKF International and Feargal McCormack, Managing Director of PKF-FPM Accountants Limited when they visited Newry this week.
FPM has been a Member of PKF International (PKFI) since the 1st of June 2014.
PKF International Limited is one of the leading global accountancy networks with over 22,000 staff in 300 member firms, in around 125 countries providing accountancy and business advisory services.
John Sim was paying a short visit to Ireland to visit PKF-FPM four offices on the island of Ireland and to meet staff and discuss strategic growth plans for PKF-FPM and the PKF International network.
Speaking at the host reception, Mayor Daire Hughes said “I am delighted to host and welcome John Sim to Newry and Mourne District Council. His contribution to accountancy worldwide is acknowledged. I thoroughly enjoyed the stimulating conversation about Newry’s growing financial sector and our attractiveness to potential investors.
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The countdown is on to win more business with only one week to go until the inaugural NI Small Business Conference hosted by Newry Chamber on Wednesday 15th October from 7.30am-1pm in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry.
The event starts with a working breakfast, closes with a networking lunch and includes keynote speakers, workshops, a panel discussion about growing your business and your chance to win flights to London with Flybe all for only £40+VAT.
If you are a small or medium sized business juggling HR, finance, marketing, sales, business growth and all the many elements of running your own or working in an SME then this is an event not to be missed.
To book log onto www.nismallbusinessconference.com or call Newry Chamber on 028 3025 0303.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade is hosting a Family Business Breakfast Seminar in association with BDO on Thursday 6th November in the Canal Court Hotel.
This Family Business Breakfast will explore the complex and emotion laden challenges facing business families as they seek to understand and consider the best way to transition their business from one generation to the next, protecting the sometimes conflicting needs of the business and the family along the way. President Deborah Loughran, stated, ‘Newry Chamber of Commerce is delighted to host this informative breakfast seminar in association with BDO who have a long history of supporting businesses particularly those in the family business sector. The greater Newry area has any number of small, medium and large family run businesses including some of our most successful companies. It will be interesting to hear about the type of issues that come up time and again in this field and to identify ways to resolve them to ensure Newry continues to be a place where family businesses are nurtured and developed.'
Cathy Booth, People Solutions Director, stated, ‘BDO is delighted to be jointly hosting this event with the Newry Chamber of Commerce. Family businesses are the bedrock of our economy and it is therefore in all our interests to ensure these businesses continue to thrive from one generation to the next. Planning for succession is one of the most challenging, yet critical, times for a family business and with only 3.2% surviving past 3rd generation there is a clear need to ensure they can source and avail of the right support and guidance as they navigate this minefield'
The Family Business Breakfast Seminar will take place on the 6th November. It is free of charge for members of Newry Chamber and £12pp for non members. This includes a full breakfast. To book your place at this event, please contact Newry Chamber on Tel: 028 3025 0303, Email: info@newrychamber.com or www.newrychamber.com
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