Pictured at the Newry Chamber of Commerce Annual Diinner in the Canal Court Hotel. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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An £11million rural investment scheme in Newry, Mourne and Down has been launched by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen.
The Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership will deliver direct grant aid to projects in the area across a range of schemes, with the overall aim of stimulating the economy and improving the quality of life for residents.
Speaking as she attended a special launch event in Ballynahinch, Miss McIlveen said: “As Minister with responsibility for rural affairs, I am committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the high proportion of Northern Ireland citizens that live in rural areas.
“My Department, through the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership, is investing more than £11million to help stimulate the economy, create employment, improve basic services and promote rural regeneration. This in turn will deliver real benefits to people in the area – boosting overall wellbeing, life chances and opportunities.
“This £11million scheme is part of an overall investment of around £70million in rural areas across Northern Ireland and is a powerful indicator of the importance the Executive places in stimulating and supporting rural communities.”
The Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership will roll out four key schemes which together will lead to the investment of up to £11.18million of grant aid in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area:
Rural Business Investment to support for the creation and development of micro and small enterprises (including farm diversification and private tourism businesses) in rural areas.
Rural Basic Services, to support capital investments which will provide access to basic services or improvements in social infrastructure (including activities to reduce isolation and/or poverty) to improve the welfare and access to basic services of those living in rural areas.
Village Renewal, which will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through village plans.
Rural Broadband, which will provide financial support to fill the gap for rural dwellers who cannot avail of broadband and will help address the very rural ‘not spots’ that are not within the scope of any other government initiatives.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick added: “It is fantastic news that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have secured financial support to deliver Priority 6 of the Rural Development Programme. This funding will help improve many aspects of rural dwellers within our district, offering the opportunity to develop projects to address a wide range of social and economic issues. I look forward to seeing the engagement from project promoters across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and would encourage anyone with a project to contact the LAG Office.”
Nicholas McCrickard, Chairperson of Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Partnership’s Local Action Group, which will deliver the programme, also added "I am delighted to chair the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership in the delivery of Priority 6 of the Rural Development Programme. The Local Action Group members and stakeholders have been instrumental in developing an interim Local Rural Development Strategy to help us to allocate these funds, and I have full confidence that this will guide us towards the delivery of a wide range of projects focused on addressing social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in the area.
"Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership is responsible for the delivery of the programme across the rural areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with specific focus on Rural Business Investment, Basic Services, Village Renewal, Rural Broadband and Co-operation. With reference to the Rural Business Investment Scheme only, the LAG were keen to include the towns of Ballynahinch, Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Newcastle as eligible areas for grant assistance. We would encourage those interested in engaging with the programme to contact the administration unit for more information."
For more information on the support available or to discuss a potential project contact a member of the Rural Development Team at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233 or visit www.mournegullionlecale.com
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Twenty thousand pounds have been raised for Action Cancer by the Newry and Lurgan sites of ABP, with the help of its local farmer suppliers.
A further £5,000 has also been donated between Home Start Newry and Reach Mentoring Lurgan. The money was raised at the beef processing company's annual fund-raising Barbecue.
Roger Sheahan General Manager of ABP Newry explained, “A wife of one of our supplier’s volunteers for the charity local committee in Banbridge and she approached the company for support. The local ABP management team were delighted to help. Over 600 of our suppliers rallied to the cause by attending our fund-raising BBQ event.”
Thanking ABP’s support for the vital work Action Cancer carries out Dougie King of Action Cancer said, “This was an outstanding individual, team and community performance by ABP and its local farmer suppliers in support of The Banbridge Action Cancer Group. When you imagine all the people who will use our services in the weeks and months to come, it’s a good thing to know that this generous donation is making such a difference to local people’s lives, every day.”
“Action Cancer provides a range of cancer prevention, early detection and support services across Northern Ireland. The support from ABP means that we can offer free breast screenings, health checks, counselling for children as young as 5 years old and adults and complementary therapies. These services are available either on board the Big Bus mobile unit, at Action Cancer House or at over 12 regional locations. One in two people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, so on behalf of people who will benefit I would like to thank ABP.”
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Local worthy causes will benefit to the tune of almost £100,000 after last weeks Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade's 17th Annual Christmas Charity Dinner.
More than 700 patrons attended the dinner in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. After breaking the £1 million fundraising target for local charities two years ago, people were equally generous this year with just under £100,000 raised for local causes. This brings the total raised during the past 17 years to just under £1.230 million.
The annual total is a combination of more than £13,000 raised through the first ever Newry Christmas Charity Colour Run which attracted more than 750 runners; the sum of the value of the toys brought by guests for the huge toy mountain which will be distributed to local families through St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army this Christmas; ticket sales for the dinner, donations, a golden ticket raffle and a raffle on the night.
Amongst the special guests were TV star and comedian Ardal O Hanlon, Apprentice star Grainne McCoy, singer Susan McCann, politicians, clergy and dignitaries from across the island. The guests of honour were four very special local school children and their families who were nominated by their schools to receive dream holidays. Elish Larkin, Niall Travers, Daniel Boyle and Sean McKinley were presented with travel vouchers for a family holiday of their choice by committee members.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said, 'Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is very proud of the generosity of its members. For the past 17 years businesses and individuals from across the greater Newry area have embraced the Christmas Charity Dinner to help families have a better Christmas and to support organisations/charities doing tremendous work in our communities.'
Michael also thanked the management and staff of the Canal Court Hotel as well as the organising committee of Emma Turley, Dr Gerard O’Hare, Mark Crimmins, Gavin O’Shea, Deborah Loughran, Mary Meehan, Declan McChesney, Jack Murphy, Gemma Murphy, Natasha Daryaie and Tony McKeown.
All of the proceeds from the event were presented on the night to the beneficiary charities. There were 23 charities who benefitted from the Christmas Charity Colour Run and a host of others from the dinner they included Rathore School, Daisy Hill Children’s Ward, Head Injury Support, Southern Area Hospice Services, The Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul, The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Newry & District Gateway Club.
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Newry Junior Chamber Member and Marketing Co-ordinator, Denise Cowan of Digital Den Marketing Limited was recently shortlisted for 2 national marketing awards for her work on a cultural tourism and event marketing campaign, which was supported by The Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Department for Social Development and OFMDFM.
The self-employed Digital Marketing Consultant was a Finalist at the recent Women in Business NI Awards in the Best Marketing Campaign Category for her role in setting up the digital infrastructure for Belfast Orangefest, a registered charity which facilitates, develops and celebrates the positive impacts of Orange celebrations on local communities and the economy. Digital Den and the wider Orangefest team were also runners up (2nd place) at the CIM Ireland Awards for Marketing Excellence in the Not for Profit Sector.
Denise project managed the website build, wrote the website copy, set up and delivered the organisations email marketing and developed social media profiles and audiences on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. She was also responsible for developing a content marketing strategy, creating promotional content and running digital advertising campaigns on Facebook to promote the ‘Battle Not Bottle’ Campaign. This bore the tagline, “It’s About the Battle, Not The Bottle!” and marked the 100th Anniversary of The Battle of the Somme.
These accolades follow on from Denise’s success last year, where she was also a finalist in the Best New Business category in the Greater Newry Area Business Awards, and Commended in the Digital Business Person of the Year Category at the Digital Advertising Northern Ireland Awards.
Digital Den was set up by Denise early in 2014 after many years of academic study and industry experience in business development, management and marketing. Denise worked in marketing roles within the utilities, construction, engineering and environmental sectors, and within market research, web design and digital marketing agencies before striking out on her own. With almost 15 years’ experience behind her, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the projects she delivers and to the marketing of Newry Junior Chamber and The Business Network Banbridge, where she is also a committee member.
Her services include digital audits, strategy development, project management, content marketing, social media marketing and copywriting. She is also an experienced mentor and trainer and has worked on many SME business support programmes on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, South East Economic Development, Southern Regional College’s i3 Business Support Centre and Women in Business NI.
Denise would say that in her life, there's no time called spare time! When she isn’t working she’s a keen runner, likes to sweat it out at classes in her local gym and volunteers as a youth leader.
She is thrilled to be recognised for her work and is keen to talk to individuals, businesses, community organisations and charities about their marketing support needs so get in touch!
Denise can be contacted via email on denise@digital-den.co.uk or on 07736067608. Also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
www.facebook.com/DigitalDenMarketing
www.linkedin.com/in/denisecowan
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Newry girl Niamh Downey has won the Chartered Institute of Marketing Award for achieving the Best Student Performance in Global Marketing award at the annual Ulster University Business School’s Student Awards organised by the Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy. Niamh a former pupil of St Paul’s High School, recently graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Marketing at the University.
Niamh Downey is presented with the CIM Award for Excellence by sponsor representative Kathryn Pyper (right) watched by Course Director Dr Mary Boyd (left). Photograph: Darren Kidd / Press Eye
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Dr Danielle McCartan-Quinn, Head of the Department, said, “These Awards recognise the top performers across the range of marketing, entrepreneurship and strategy related programmes. The Ulster University Business School prides itself on delivering courses which enable students to not only reach their academic potential but also allow them to experience the subjects through practical application, developing skills and raising ambition. The fact that so many of our leading private sector companies and professional bodies are engaged with both the Awards and the learning experience at the Ulster University Business School is testament to the importance of the integrated approach towards preparing students for careers across the business sector.”
A total of 15 sponsored awards were presented. Sponsors included Belfast Telegraph, Stakeholder Group, Wrightbus, First Trust Bank, Hastings Hotels, Envision Management Consultants, Moy Park, CIM, CAI, CIMA, Marketing Institute of Ireland, Whale, Shredbank, Pure Running and Marketstall.
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If you are thinking about starting up your own business you might be interested in the ‘Go For It’ programme launched this week by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The ‘Go For It’ programme is a key driver for growing the local business base across the district. Business ideas will be explored, and participants will gain the support to turn their business idea into a well-designed business plan.
Speaking at the launch, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “The Council is delighted to launch the ‘Go For It’ programme, which is a comprehensive package of advice, training and support for anyone thinking of starting out on their entrepreneurial journey”.
Delivered on the Council’s behalf by Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre, the programme of support will offer participants a business planning workshop, with mentoring support and advice to assist with the business planning process. Participants will complete the programme with a new business plan, providing them with a focus and direction for their business idea, objectives and goals to help get them started.
The programme is open to residents of the district aged 16 or over. For more information phone 0800 027 0639 or visit goforitni.com. Information can also be found by contacting Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233 or email business@nmandd.org
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The Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazard met with members of the Business community in Newry on Friday and reaffirmed his determination to take forward key north south projects such as the Narrow Water Bridge. He also stated that he had instructed his offficials to take forward planning and development work on the Southern Relief Road.
Last week the minister announced that he had instructed officials to take forward planning and development work on the Newry Southern Relief Road as well as setting out a commitment to take the Narrow Water Bridge Project forward.
Members of the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and members of The Greater Newry Vision Partnership were some of the local business people who met with the minister.
The Southern Relief Road is a top policy priority for Newry Chamber and members were briefed on the Department’s commitment to take forward planning and development work on this key project which is now in the Programme for Government and starting within six years.
President of the Chamber of Commerce, Michael McKeown commented “Newry Chamber welcomes the progress that has been made and will continue to lobby and work with stakeholders to ensure that this valuable economic project is brought to fruition”.
The Minister's colleague Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy commenting on the meeting said "This meeting in Newry today was informative and positive. The infrastructure issues discussed are key to the development and economic sustainability of this area. Whilst concerns were raised about public confidence in the institutions and the current political situation,there was also an acknowledgment that the work being pursued by the Minister and the direction his Department was focusing on would ultimately be of benifit to this region"
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Buttercrane Shopping Centre has won the top award Best Disabled Bathroom facility in a shopping centre or retail location across all of Ireland and the UK and achieved Platinum status for their Mother & Baby Room and Male/Female bathroom facilities.
The major national award highlighted their recently added ‘Space to Change’ disabled facility and also mentioned the integrated Sensory Zone in the Mother & Baby changing.
The Centre was up against major competition in the national awards ceremony which had hundreds of entries from retail, hospitality and education and local authorities across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The judges cited the centre saying it provided “absolutely superb public toilet facilities” which visitors travelling between Dublin and Belfast should stop off and visit.
Peter Murray, Buttercrane Centre Manager said he was delighted with the win. “It’s wonderful to be voted the Best in Ireland & the UK against schemes such as The Trafford Centre, Manchester, Asda, JD Witherspoon, Lakeside Thurrock and McDonalds amongst others for our customer toilet facilities.
“Customers often remark how much it enhances their visit to our centre and their shopping experience. We’d also like to thank all our cleaning staff for maintaining such excellent levels of cleanliness even on very busy days and supporting this wonderful award. ”
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Newry based family firm The Rug House has rebranded as Kukoon in a move that has seen them expand their team to over 30, while increasing the number of rugs they stock by over 100% from last year, bringing the total to an amazing 250,000 different rugs!
A new website has been launched Kukoon.com with multiple language and currency options to accommodate their ever-growing international customer base and expand on the 5,000 rugs sold globally across 35 countries every week.
The sleek new site already features more than 15,000 rugs.
The firm have undergone a significant expansion with the aim to boost their presence in new markets and maximise their success as the largest retailer in Ireland and the UK for stylish and affordable rugs.
As part of their expansion, Kukoon have recruited a number of new employees, taking their team to over 30 people compared to 23 in 2015. They are also in the process of expanding their retail presence in the province by opening a new store in Boucher Road, Belfast. The new store is expected to be open before Easter this year.
As part of their continued growth, Kukoon have developed an exclusive range of luxury wool rugs. The rugs in The Meraki Range come in an an array of colours and sizes, with prices to suit any budget.
Kukoon’s Head of e-Commerce Richard McKnight says that over the last year their biggest challenge has been: “automating our stock management system and purchasing analysis, and improving overall cost efficiencies of the business while maintaining over 30% year on year growth across all channels.”
There’s been lots to celebrate since the company first launched, but Richard says Kukoon biggest success over the last year has been “the huge growth of our website compared to 2015 with sales up over 135%”.
“As a business we are delighted that given our overall growth in sales and revenue we have maintained our quality in customer services and customer feedback scores which currently ranks us 9.5/10. “
“The improvements made across the operational side of the business has been excellent ensuring that the volume increase of orders has been meet with ease.”
Kukoon, formerly known as The Rug House, was established by brother and sister duo Paul and Clare Vallely in in 2007. The company started out from a shed adjacent to Paul and Clare’s parents’ house in Newry.
Since then the company has flourished and has been recognised for their success picking up various awards including ‘Exporter of the Year’ in the DANI Awards 2014, the UTV Business Eye Award for ‘SME of the Year’ in the same year.
To celebrate their new website relaunch, Kukoon will be launching a competition in February, giving you the chance to win money towards a rug for your home from their exclusive Meraki range.
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