Write a comment
Fiveways Nisa Extra store in Newry has been awarded the overall Neighbourhood Retailer of the Year prize, at Friday evening’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards in Belfast, just one of three awards for the supermarket on the night.
The impressive three awards, included the Deli of the Year, Neighbourhood Store of the Year as well as the coveted overall prize.
Other local winners included Trainor Bros, Poyntzpass, a remarkable achievement in their very first year of trading, EuroSpar Mayobridge, Milestone Nisa Extra, Rathfriland and Centra Crossmaglen.
Commenting on Fiveways successs, organiser and publisher of Neighbourhood Retailer, Bill Penton, said “Congratulations too must go to our overall winners, Fiveways Nisa Extra in Newry. This is an exceptional store, and has consistently impressed our judges over a number of years. This year, however, they pulled out all the stops by winning three trophies in one evening – an incredible achievement."
The event, hosted by king of the catchphrase Roy Walker, saw almost 500 NI retailers descend on the Ramada Plaza in Belfast for the glittering contest.
The 2016 awards was among the biggest in its 18 year history, and saw the launch of a new category – Community Store of the Year. Sponsored by Q Radio, it was the first category to have been decided by public vote and was won by Crawford's of Maghera with over 7000 votes.
The Winners
Retailer of the Year 2016
Fiveway’s Nisa Extra, Newry
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
William Brown, Arcadia Delicatessen, Belfast
Store Manager of the Year
Craig Crossey-Truesdale, the Chalet Costcutter, Craigavon
Neighbourhood Retailer of the Year Category 1
Hoey’s Mace, Belfast
Neighbourhood Retailer of the Year Category 2
Spar Ballyclare
Neighbourhood Retailer of the Year Category 3
Eurospar Mayobridge
Neighbourhood Retailer of the Year Category 4
Fiveways, Nisa Extra, Newry
Forecourt of the Year Category 1
Applegreen Ballymena
Forecourt of the Year Category 2
Trainor Bros Retail ltd, Poyntzpass
Community Store of the Year
Crawford’s of Maghera
CTN of the Year
Leathem’s Centra, Lisburn Road
Off-Licence of the Year
Emerson’s, Armagh
Bakery of the Year
Milestone Nisa Extra, Rathfriland
Butcher of the Year
McAtamney’s, Coleraine
Newcomer of the Year
Applegreen Motorway Service Area, M1, Co Antrim
Pharmacy of the Year
Bannside Pharmacy, Portglenone
Deli of the Year
Fiveways Nisaextra, Newry
Best Customer Service
Centra Crossmaglen
Write a comment
Leading figures from the motorcycling and cycling sectors came together for the first time for a legal seminar on the growth of collisions involving those on two wheels. The event took place in Newry and was organised by the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors’ Association as part of the annual event plan.
The impressive line-up of speakers included Geoff Liffey, CEO of Cycling Ireland, Trevor Kirke, PSNI Bike Safe Co-ordinator, Marcus Donaldson, Barrister and Russell McLaughlin, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Seamus O’Neill, from JMK Solicitors, who helped put the event together said “JMK Solicitors were delighted to support this significant event. We deal solely in the area of personal injury claims and have noticed the increase number of claims involving cyclists and motorcyclists.
“We were delighted that the NI Young Solicitor’s Association agreed to hold this event in Newry and the feedback has been so positive that we may run it again in other areas”.
The phenomenal growth in the numbers cycling across Northern Ireland, has led to an increase in collisions. Indeed cycling Ireland figures show that their membership has grown from 2,000 in 1980 to 29,000 in 2016. Whilst there are now 138 clubs across Ulster. Geoff Liffey explained the work going on to improve cycling safety, what insurance cover cyclists should have and gave examples of some high profile cases defended by Cycling Ireland typical claims that arise from cycling.
Trevor Kirke, PSNI Bike Safe Co-ordinator, discussed the popularity of motor cycling and the role Bike Safe has in improving rider’s attitudes and behaviours. He also highlighted his personal thoughts on what motorcyclists should expect from their solicitor representing them after a collision.
Russell McLaughlin, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital, talked about number of motorcyclists and cyclists attending A&E, the nature of injuries and the outcomes of those injuries.
Finally Marcus Donaldson, Barrister, spoke about what evidence is required to prove a case, what damages can be claimed for and relevant case law and statutory developments.
Write a comment
Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution, Derek Mackay MSP and Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford were in Newry City last week for a Trilateral meeting.
The Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick and Chief Executive, Liam Hannaway welcomed the visitors to O’Hagan House, Monaghan Row on Friday the first time such a meeting has been held in the City.
They also gave a warm reception to Finance Representatives from the Basque Government, including the Vice Minister of Finance and Treasury, Mr Juan Miguel Bilbao Garay, who were also in attendance at the Trilateral Meeting to discuss pertinent financial issues for our regions.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “I am delighted that Newry City has been given the opportunity to host this Trilateral Meeting. The meeting discussed a number of topics significant to our area, including the EU referendum, the Apprenticeship Levy, the Chancellors Autumn Statement and also provided an opportunity to set out a collective agreement on issues ahead of the upcoming quadrilateral meeting with the British Chancellor on 24 October 2016.”
The Chairperson added, “I would like to thank the Finance Ministers once again for the opportunity to host this meeting, as I believe it represents in reality the ethos of joined up government – working together to gain mutual collaboration amongst the regions. I look forward to welcoming further meetings such as this to be held within the district.”
Write a comment
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan was in Newry yesterday speaking to Newry Chamber of Commerce on Brexit.
During his visit, Minister Flanagan also met with Whitecross based group Peaceful Futures South Armagh. as well as visiting St Malachy's Primary School, Ballymoyer.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Flanagan said “My visit to Newry is part of the Irish Government’s ongoing outreach and engagement with business leaders and communities in Northern Ireland to hear first-hand their views on the impact of Brexit. I had a productive visit to Derry last week and I look forward to visiting Newry and discussing the Government’s approach to the very real challenges that lie ahead.”
The Minister added “While there is no doubt that a UK departure from the EU poses serious challenges which will impact on the lives of all of the people of this island, the Irish Government is clear about its steadfast commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to reconciliation. We are responding to the desire for a broad conversation with civic society on these matters and my visits to Northern Ireland along with the upcoming All-Island Civic Dialogue in Dublin on 2nd November are key parts of our approach to this engagement.”
Write a comment
If you have being wondering what is happening on the site at the former Newry Tax Office, today it has been revealed that the development will contain a Dental Clinic as well as retail and office/ restaurant units, helping revitalise a long forgotten stretch of the former thriving Merchants Quay.
Building work has been taking place on the site this past few months and the building is going to be known as The Custom House.
The first significant commercial investment in City Centre Development in almost a decade is being developed by Downshire Quay LLP. The Custom House scheme beside Bellinis, represents a £2million pound investment which will deliver a mixed retail/office scheme over 3 floors on a 0.7acre site.
Daragh Mallon, Chartered Valuation Surveyor with Best Property Services Commercial Department says: “This is a significant investment in the City centre in excess of £2 million and will enhance the City’s retail provision and enliven the upper Merchant’s Quay area.
“The scheme will be anchored by South Down Dental Clinic who will occupy the first floor with complementary medical and facial aesthetics treatments. The ground floor is available to lease and will comprise of 5 retail/office/restaurant units (ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 sq ft) with modern ceiling to floor glazing creating a really contemporary look to the whole building in keeping with the recently completed Public Realm scheme along the quayside,” Daragh adds.
Custom House is expected to complete in early 2017.
For more information/register your interest contact Best Property Services Commercial team on 028 3026 6811 or visit www.bestpropertyservices.com
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is celebrating the First Year of the Social Investment Fund ‘Work It’ Training and Employment Programme.
The Northern Ireland Executive has allocated £80 million towards the Social Investment Fund which aims to make life better for people living in deprived areas by reducing poverty, unemployment and physical deterioration.
The Social Investment Fund is being delivered in partnership with communities across nine social investment zones throughout the province.
The aim of the Southern Zone (covering the three new council areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Mid Ulster District Council.) ‘Work It’ programme is to give those who are most removed from the labour market a bridge to the world of work by improving participant’s skills and general employability by providing 48 weeks training and employment for 160 participants. The programme aims to build confidence, increase self esteem and provide accredited training opportunities for participants of the programme while also adopting a partnership approach to delivering community regeneration projects.
The Social Investment Fund will be targeted at those areas that are within the top 20% most deprived Super Output Areas and this programme will specifically target areas within Lurgan, Newry City, Coalisland and Portadown.
Junior Minister, Megan Fearon said, “Getting people into jobs is no easy task but the ‘Work It’ project has proved to be a real success. The project is delivering for local people and this investment is really making a difference. Already it has worked with over 550 people and delivered 160 full time placements. As a result, 80 people are now employed.
“It’s also more than just headline figures; families and the wider community are benefiting from the personal and professional development this initiative provides people with.”
Junior Minister, Alastair Ross said, “The ‘Work It’ project is a great example of how local people, working in tandem with the Executive, can make a real and tangible difference for the better.
“Projects such as Work It deliver what the Northern Ireland Executive’s £80million Social Investment Fund is designed to do by improving the skills, talents and opportunities that people need to succeed. Together, we are improving people’s lives and making a better society for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
The Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick stated, “On behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I would like to thank the Executive Office for providing us with the opportunity to lead on this innovative programme. Today has been a fantastic opportunity to talk directly with beneficiaries and hear first hand how this programme has provided life changing opportunities for participants and community projects.”
This programme is still active and if you would like any further information, either as a participant, employer or community group, on the Social Investment Fund ‘Work It’ Programme please contact:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Programmes Unit by telephoning 028 3031 3024 or e-mailing: programmesunit@newryandmourne.gov.uk or contacting Network Personnel by telephone on 028 3839 2777 or e-mail: Carla.Campbell@networkpersonnel.org.uk
Write a comment
First Derivatives are continuing their period of strong growth having seen their revenue increase by 34% to £72.4 Million in their 6 Monthly financial results till 31 August. The First Derivatives group employs more than 1700 people.
Their software business was a particular cause for note with revenue increasing by 60% to nearly £30 Million, almost 50% or their entire revenue.
The Brexit induced weakness in sterling has been of benefit to the company with over 60% of their revenue generated outside of the UK!
Commenting on their latest results Seamus Keating, Chairman of First Derivatives said “We are pleased to report another period of strong growth for the first half of the Group’s financial year. In the six months ended 31 August 2016 revenue increased by 34% to £72.4m and adjusted EBITDA was 26% ahead of last year at £13.6m. We delivered on our strategy in a number of important areas; winning larger, multi-year contracts in managed services and consulting, extending the capabilities of our software and, through additional investment in sales, marketing and people, laying the foundations for further growth.
“We are particularly pleased with our software business where revenue increased by 60% to £29.4m. As we operate a predominantly subscription-based license model, this growth reflects the successful implementation of contracts signed last year. We have continued to win contracts with new and existing clients during the first half and the financial benefits of these will be recognised in future periods.”
“We continue to focus strongly on the financial services market which is the source of the majority of our software revenue, while advancing our strategy to penetrate other vertical markets, primarily marketing technology and utilities. We are also actively working with potential clients to explore use cases for our technology in other arenas such as telecoms and the Internet of Things.”
Looking forward to continued growth Chief Executive, Brian Conlon commented “We remain confident that our software has significant competitive advantages in financial markets along with a range of other verticals. During the first half we have advanced our discussions with multiple potential customers in other industries and have also sought to increase our routes to markets through partnership and OEM agreements with third parties.
“We continue to see evidence that FD is becoming an increasingly strategic managed service and consulting partner for large investment banks, evidenced by the pipeline of new managed services assignments being discussed with clients. Our clients’ demonstrable confidence in our capabilities and appetite for our services allows us to continue to invest in the training and retention of our own staff as we prepare for continued growth.”
Write a comment
The Canal Court Hotel was a busy venue on Thursday with Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D as guest speaker at the Newry Junior Chamber lunch event ‘Bordering on Brexit’.
Newry Junior Chamber organised the event for members and the surrounding businesses in light of the current talks on Brexit and to inform the Taoiseach of issues surrounding the members and the impact it will have to businesses on the border.
At the meeting, the Taoiseach said "I am delighted to be in Newry today to have the opportunity to speak with you and hear your views on Brexit. I understand the very particular issues that the UK referendum result raises for all border communities on this island. In Newry, there are real concerns about any future arrangements that might harden the border so I want to assure you today that I and my Government are doing our utmost to ensure that we maintain the free movement of goods, services and people across this island. In 2014 total cross border trade in manufacturing came to over 3 billion euro or just under 2.5 billion pounds. That is a 7.1 per cent increase on the total cross-border goods trade in 2013 and I want to see this trend continuing. I would like to commend the great work the Newry Junior Chamber are carrying out as they contribute to enhancing their local business community".
Commenting on the number of shoppers coming north at present the Taioseach added "More recently we have seen a growth in the number of shoppers crossing the border to take advantage of cheaper sterling. Of course this is a phenomenon that we have seen before and are likely to see more of in the run-up to Christmas. I am conscious that while this is good news for retailers here in Newry, on the other side of the border the sterling effect is a real challenge. This is something that was brought home to me during my visit to Dundalk earlier today.
"But overall, the freeflow across the Border has been good for this island. We remember what a hard border was like. We remember the cost – both in practical and psychological terms. And we are in agreement with the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive that we will work hard to avoid barriers to cross-border traffic and economic activity. Our economies are intricately linked - there is nothing to be gained from one-upmanship on either side of the border. What is good for the Northern Ireland economy is good for the Southern economy and vice versa."
The event was well attended by businesses across the Newry and surrounding areas. Guests were entertained by the Gaudeamus Choir who sang ‘Co. Down’ as the Taoiseach entered the event. Speaking on the day, Nicole Curran, President of Newry Junior Chamber said “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Taoiseach for taking time out of his no doubt jam packed schedule to attend our event. I am grateful that he has recognised the importance of speaking to the Newry business community who work continually to ensure that the correct decisions are being made for the Island as a whole following the UK Referendum Result and consequential times of uncertainty. The Newry Junior Chamber recognises the need to encourage and promote personal and business development and provide a platform for proactive local businesses and entrepreneurs to share knowledge and engage with likeminded individuals who are always seeking ways to develop the area and local business community. We as a Chamber have an All Island outlook economically and we want to ensure that throughout the Brexit process it remains positive and grows”.
On the day, guests also heard from Gillian Fitzpatrick, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who thanked the Taoiseach for attending and presented a gift as a token of appreciation. Gillian also commended the work of the Newry Junior Chamber and the work they are doing for local businesses in the area.
The Taoiseach also had a meeting after the event with members of Newry Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to become a member of Newry Junior Chamber or would like more information about upcoming events, please visit www.newryjuniorchamber.com
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is encouraging small businesses across the district to get involved in Small Business Saturday on Saturday 3 December with Business Owners and Managers encouraged to get involved by providing special offers and discounts for customers.
The initiative is designed to help small traders promote their businesses in the run up to the Christmas season, and to emphasise the importance of ‘shop local’ to consumers.
The Council has already confirmed support for ‘Make it Local’ initiatives and a programme of activities has been organised to ensure the promotion of ‘Local First’ in main towns throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down area. It is recognised that the Council needs to work in partnership with local retailers to ensure the sustainability of vibrant city and town centres across the district.
Participating in Small Business Saturday is a positive way to promote the local retail sector and to encourage the spread of ‘Make it Local’ practices.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick is pleased with the progression of the ‘Make it Local’ initiative and welcomes the positive response from the local traders across the district. However, for the maximum benefits to be achieved for the town it is important for local shoppers to get involved and to support the initiative. Councillor Fitzpatrick said ”I am keen to encourage as many businesses as possible to promote Small Business Saturday and hope that the day will act as a catalyst for a successful Christmas shopping campaign. I would also ask that when shopping in future people adopt the ‘Make it Local’ message and help create vibrant and sustainable town centres across the entire district.”
 |
 |
 |