Best Social Enterprise Award – Southern Area Hospice
Highly Commended – Cycle Recycle
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency
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Seatruck operate a twice daily roll on roll off ferry service connecting Warrenpoint Co Down with the Port of Heysham in Lancashire. The operation commenced in April 1996 and has gone from strength to strength with a €70m investment in 2 purpose built ferries which were introduced in 2007. At the same time Warrenpoint Harbour Authority also provided a new loading ramp and upgraded terminal facilities.
Seatruck are the largest tonnage operator in Warrenpoint and in 2016 the service had a record year with well over 100,000 shipments for the first time in its history. The Seatruck Warrenpoint service saw the fastest percentage freight growth of any Northern Irish ferry service in 2016. As part of the new agreement Warrenpoint harbour have committed to provide additional terminal space in Warrenpoint as is required to cope with future growth predictions.
Seatruck specialise in the shipment of unaccompanied trailers on routes which reduce road mileage for operators compared with the more traditional transit through Scotland or Wales. Continued HGV driver shortages, particularly in the UK, are contributing to an increasing market switch to the Seatruck model.
CEO of Seatruck Ferries Alistair Eagles comments Warrenpoint is where the Seatruck story began and we are absolutely delighted to extend our agreement with the Port and in turn our commitment to the local area. The wider financial benefits of having a successful Port in this area should not be underestimated. Warrenpoint Harbour is the economic heartbeat of Newry and Mourne and more widely on both sides of the border. We now need to ensure that we have the arteries clear to ensure that the blood can flow freely and we welcome the progress being made on the Newry Southern Relief Road.
Chief Executive of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Peter Conway comments "Warrenpoint Port is delighted to continue its long standing business relationship with Seatruck Ferries with the signing of the ten year extension to the contract. Seatruck is a fast growing innovative Ferry operator with a long and successful history at Warrenpoint. Together both companies hope to continue to grow the business and to provide and develop this modern cross channel Roll on Roll off service. Seatruck is the port's largest customer and this new deal demonstrated its commitment to the port and the region for the long term. As Northern Ireland's second general cargo port Warrenpoint Harbour is a major economic driver for its local region and its position half way between Dublin and Belfast on the island of Ireland is a major benefit in attracting business. The port continues to lobby for the construction of the Newry Southern Relief Road to further improve access to the major road network."
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Newry headquartered company Around Noon has announced a significant acquisition in London to expand its presence within the UK.
The business which already has a market-leading position on the island of Ireland, has acquired Chef in a Box, a premium sandwich and snack manufacturer with market-leading customers in the corporate sector.
The purchase from Donegal Investment Group PLC will enable Around Noon to initially gain a strong foothold in Greater London and provide a platform for further UK expansion.
The Newry company has been in business for more than 25 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under its Scribbles brand. It also markets bakery items from its in-house operation, Sweet Things, which it acquired last year, and cold pressed juices.
The deal will enable Around Noon, which has built a strong reputation for innovation, to access Chef in a Box’s manufacturing, sales and distribution infrastructure, as well as its high-end client-base, as it seeks to realise its growth ambitions.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Chef in a Box is an excellent business with an impressive client portfolio, and acquiring the company from Donegal Investment Group PLC gives us the presence and infrastructure required to have a significant impact in the UK market.”
Howard Farquhar, Chairman of Around Noon, said: “Food-to-go is a high-growth category and we see London as a very significant opportunity for us, as well as a platform for further UK expansion, including other potential acquisitions. We are delighted to be expanding our geographical reach, adding to our manufacturing capacity and welcoming new colleagues to our business.”
The food-to-go market in the UK is estimated to be worth over £16billion, driven in part by the rise of little-and-often shopping, and the popularity of coffee culture.
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A rich and diverse range of talent throughout the South East region of Northern Ireland is being featured in a new digital app, allowing creative industries to develop their business by connecting them with the tourist market.
The ‘NI Creative Trails’ app, built through the Creative Momentum project in partnership with app design and interpretation agency Oli, is now available for free download. It showcases County Down and County Armagh’s most talented creative businesses offering ‘see and do’ experiences.
With two separate trails available to follow, anyone downloading the app will be able to navigate their way around a variety of independent creative businesses. The featured businesses share an impressive variety of traditional skills, from potters to leathermakers, blacksmiths to jewellery designers and glass blowers to weavers.
James Adair, specialist leathermaker and owner of Newry-based business The Journey Man Saddler, is amongst the businesses featured in the trail and showcased his expertise at the launch of the App.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is the lead council behind the Creative Momentum Project, representing the South East Economic Development (SEED) region, which also includes Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The EU Northern Periphery and Arctic Regions Programme (NPA) and SEED fund the Northern Ireland partner on the €2m transnational project ‘Creative Momentum’ supporting the development of the creative industries sector across Europe’s Northern Edge.
Councillor Colin McCusker, Vice Chair of the Economic Development & Regeneration Committee of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, said "This new app shines a spotlight on the wealth of creative talent in County Down and County Armagh. Anyone taking a Creative Trail through this app will be able to enjoy a unique experience – and even people familiar with the area will unearth some of our hidden creative gems.
"Celebrating local creative businesses is crucial to support our local economy, harbour and cultivate a healthy culture of innovation, and keep the exceptional skills of people within our communities alive. We have world-class talent on our doorstep and it is fantastic to have this packaged within an easy to use tourist trail,” Councillor Colin McCusker said.
Businesses featuring in the Creative Trails app are also listed on www.mycreativeedge.eu, a platform that showcases the work of businesses in the creative industries in Mid-Sweden, North East Iceland, Northern Finland, South East of Northern Ireland and the West of Ireland as well as further digital marketing to potential creative industries clients in US, UK, French and German cities.
The Creative Momentum Creative Trails app is available for download for IOS and Android devices.
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Newry based Lighting Retailer, Clanrye Lighting and Electrical Supplies has just launched three new websites following a rapidly increasing market share across a number of international markets and all under their international brand ideas4lighting.com
Commercial Director of the family business, Ryan Sheppard, had this to say: “a monumental amount of hard work has gone into the development of our ecommerce division and the building of our international brand and it gives me great pleasure to reveal 3 new websites catering for the US, Australian and Dubai markets. The entry to these markets has by no means been easy but I’m a firm believer in that famous saying ‘if it was easy everyone would be doing it.’”
Clanrye Lighting’s ecommerce brand, ideas4lighting, was founded back in 2014 and has become an integral part of their business employing 3 additional members of staff to run their day to day online operations. Marketing Manager, Tony McParland, had this to say: “from recently joining the team at ideas4lighting and to see the company expanding to further countries within a short period of time is a proud and exciting time for not just myself but for all of us here at ideas4lighting.”
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The volume of farm lands available for sale locally has reduced significantly as compares to the same period in 2016 although demand for well located Rural Building sites is boosting prices, according to Best Property Services mid year review.
Garry Best, MD of Best Property Services says, in terms of land sales - prices remain strong due to short supply and case in point is a recent sale of a 15 acre holding in Hilltown which exceeded £15,000 per acre.
In the Armagh area, a larger sale in the Keady locality changed hands at around £12,000/acre.
Garry said: “This year we’ve seen a huge jump in demand for building sites in well located rural areas and reaching up to £65,000 for 0.9 acre site – looking back to comparable sites 3 years ago a similar site would have struggled to reach £50,000.
“In the first half of 2016, we managed the sale of 3 holdings in the Mayobridge area varying in size from 11 – 14 acres, all with building sites. It was a keenly contested in all cases and as such the current sale of the Development ‘Treetops’ on 7.5 acres on the Ballyvalley Road, is proving interesting to some of the 2016 under bidders.”
Also on the market this summer is Rostrevor House, a period dwelling on 29 acres of land in the Rostrevor area which presents a rare opportunity to purchase a prime land holding and residence in a picturesque village setting.
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Newry-based Around Noon has secured a £750,000 loan from the Growth Loan Fund to help the company become a leading manufacturer for food to go in the UK.
Finance for the £50m Growth Loan Fund – which provides loans to established Northern Ireland SMEs seeking to access growth finance – has been provided by Invest Northern Ireland and private investors, Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC).
In 1989, Sheila Chambers started the business in her kitchen. At the time, food to go was a little-known concept but is today one of the fastest growing sectors in the food industry. Around Noon currently employs over 300 staff and recently announced the takeover of London business, Chef in a Box.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “The business started from humble beginnings with a focus on producing high quality packed sandwiches. We have grown rapidly in the last three years and our product offering now includes sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under the ‘Scribbles’ brand as well as cold pressed juices and bakery courtesy of our new bakery, ‘Sweet Things’.”
Having completed a management buyout of Around Noon in 2016, Gareth has partnered with experienced Food to Go Entrepreneur, and now Around Noon Chairman Howard Farquhar. The funding seeks to further support their ambitious vision.
Mr Chambers added: “This loan will help us invest in developing our IT systems and infrastructure and will help us to further develop our newly acquired London operation. In the next five years we want to grow our turnover significantly and the backing of the Growth Loan Fund will help make this a reality.”
Jenna Mairs, Investment Manager at WhiteRock Capital Partners, commented: “Around Noon has experienced a high level of growth in a very short timeframe. The acquisition of Chef in the Box shows the ambition of the owners to strengthen the brand and gain a major foothold in the food sector.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier on-the-go alternatives and Gareth has identified a very lucrative market to diversify the company’s product offering. There are exciting times ahead for the business as it continues to build towards its five year strategy.”
WhiteRock Capital Partners LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA, was established in 2012 to manage the Fund and is owned by a consortium of three partners – WhiteRock Finance Limited, NEL Fund Managers and Clarendon Fund Managers.
Companies seeking funding from the Growth Loan Fund must be based in Northern Ireland, demonstrating growth and generally be in the manufacturing, engineering or tradable services sectors. Loans will be typically unsecured and personal guarantees will not be sought.
The loans provided are expected to be complementary to existing sources of finance, including banks, trade finance sources and equity investors. Loans are provided on a fully commercial basis, with monthly loan repayments required over typically a five-year term.
For more information about the Growth Loan Fund’s criteria please contact info@whiterockcp.co.uk or go to www.growthloanfund.com.
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Local businessman Michael McKeown has applied for planning permission for a distillery in Newry with the aim of producing 9000 cases of Newry whiskey per year at the site of the former Matt D'Arcy distillery in the city.
Newry could well be a contender for the location of the oldest Distillery in Ireland with 18th Century newspaper advertisements showing Newry Whiskey ranking only behind Dublin Whiskey.
Plans are now afoot by the local businessman who has resurrected the title of Matthew Darcy & Company, the last distiller who occupied the location at Monaghan Street beside the Armagh Down Bar where the new business venture is going to be established.
There is evidence of a legal distillation of spirits in Newry before the year 1600. Eminent historian Jonathan Bardon writing in the book 'The Plantation of Ulster’ states that when Arthur Bagenal inherited the town of Newry in 1603, "The town had to be largely rebuilt as a result of an accidental fire, caused by a whiskey distiller, in 1600" It is further recorded in the Rent Roll of the Town of Newry in the year of 1575 that there existed "The queen’s back-house and Brewhouse." Further research might reveal that the tradition of distilling was begun in the Cistercian Monastery which preceded the town of Newry. Newry may certainly be a contender for the oldest distillery in Ireland.
The distilling businesses operating in Newry before 1800 were Chapman, D͛arcy, Caulfield and Thompson. Chapman put his working distillery up for sale in 1802 and in 1817 all of the other parties were acting in partnership on two sites, one being the location of the new venture.
Commenting on his path to the new enterprise Mr McKeown said "I created a public company Expert Information Systems PLC. In 1995, upon the sale of Expert, I launched what has become a highly successful business, CRASH Services. In 2015 I sold CRASH and embarked on the present venture.
"To those people who only know this of me, I have to advise that I was born into the wines and spirit blending, bottling and distributing business in Lurgan in 1946. Our environment was one of bottles to be washed, barrels to be decanted, the smell of whiskey, rum and wines. Even when we moved to a bungalow in the country in 1952, when the well failed my father brought home water in old wine or whiskey barrels. I am reminded of the saying of St Ignatius of Loyola who said, "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man." So, my apprenticeship in my formative years qualifies me if nothing else does.
"Surprisingly I am quite the teetotaller myself but I remained actively in the wines and spirits industry until the age of 30 and thereafter as a shareholder in the family business of Reihill-McKeown Ltd which was absorbed into the C&C Group in 1995.
"One of my earliest memories of my father is waiting patiently for my pocket money while he completed the proof testing of whiskey he was blending"
Mr McKeown continued "In December 2015 I was privileged to be elected as President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade. My first action was to embrace the economic and tourism plan of the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and indeed I see the carrying out of this project to mirror the objective stated in that plan."
The council objectives are:
1. To regenerate derelict areas in town centres;
2. To create tourist attraction;
3. To increase exports;
4. To provide employment;
5. To support the cultural arts.
"We are extremely well placed to be an important stop on the Irish Whiskey Trail being developed by Tourism Ireland half-way between Belfast and Dublin and no more than 5 minutes from the M1"
With the return of Old Newry Whiskey they intend to produce around 9000 cases per year of single malt and to retain stocks for at least 10 years to obtain premium prices. They plan to recruit a master distiller of ability and reputation to achieve that target.
In the intervening years they will market blends of purchased whiskey from other sources under the very attractive brand names registered, which are all inherited from previous occupants of the site, such as Duncan, Alderdice & Company LTD. The brands are: The Blackthorn, The Native, Hand-in-Hand and Killeavey Cream.
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Mark Simpson of the BBC was on hand to see twenty three local businesses and individuals acknowledged for being top of their game at the Greater Newry Area Business Awards Ceremony held in the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday night.
Over 530 guests attended the ceremony organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade which saw the largest number of entrants ever compete for the prestigious awards.
The awards celebrate the very best that the Greater Newry Area business community has to offer, profiling 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 the night, and with 23 awards (over 21 categories) 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, and the independent judges of the awards, were highly impressed by the high standard and volume of applications.
Mr Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, stated, ‘We are delighted with the success of this high profile event. Our local businesses are continuing to innovate, invest in products and improve levels of customer service. This event celebrates and showcases their success. On behalf of the Newry Chamber, I would like to thank our principal sponsors, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Bank of Ireland UK & Flogas Natural Gas, together with the sponsors of our individual awards for their support and commitment, without which this event would not have been possible’.
Chairperson Roisin Mulgrew said ‘On behalf of Gold Sponsor Newry, Mourne & Down 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’.
Geraldine O’Hagan from Gold Sponsor, Bank of Ireland UK stated, ‘We are delighted to be a Gold Sponsor of the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2017 and to support this prestigious business awards competition which showcases regional business excellence, export, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Paul Crosbie, Flogas Natural Gas and Gold Sponsor said ‘Flogas Natural Gas were delighted to sponsor the Greater Newry Business Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed everyone involved - it is evident that businesses in the Greater Newry area are delivering an exceptional standard of service across a diverse range of sectors. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with local businesses as we promote our commercial Flogas Natural Gas offering throughout the area.
The Winners Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2017
Best Social Enterprise Award – Southern Area Hospice
Highly Commended – Cycle Recycle
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency
Best Pub Award – The Bridge Bar, Newry
Highly Commended – The Bank Bar
Sponsored by Q Radio
Best Green Business Award – Deli Lites Ireland
Highly Commended – Cunningham Butchers & Foodhall
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Best Tourism Award – Leitrim Hill Bed & Breakfast
Highly Commended – The Funhouse
Sponsored by Ryco Marketing
Best Use of Social Media Award – McCooey’s Newry
Highly Commended – Zen Orthodontics
Sponsored by Newry Junior Chamber
Best Customer Service Award (Multiple Retailer) – Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Highly Commended – The Perfume Shop
Highly Commended - Specsavers
Sponsored by The Quays Shopping & Leisure
Best Marketing Initiative Award – Buttercrane Shopping Centre
Highly Commended – The Funhouse
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
Best Innovative Business Award – BlueZone Technologies
Highly Commended – PKF-FPM
Sponsored by First Derivatives
Best Export Business Award – Re-Gen Waste Ltd
Highly Commended – CGDM Construction
Highly Commended – Kukoon Rugs
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
Best Young Entrepreneur Award – (2 Winners)
Cathal Grant
James Cunningham
Highly Commended – Michael Nugent, Nugelato
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
Best New Business Award – BlueZone Technologies
Highly Commended – Finegan & Son
Sponsored by Damolly Developments
Best Customer Service Award (Independent Retailer) – Jack Murphy Jewellers Newry
Highly Commended – Berling
Highly Commended - Cherrypic
Sponsored by Newry BID
Best Place to Eat Award (Restaurant & Bistro) – Old Mill Restaurant
Best Place to Eat Award (Cafe & Tea Room) – The Shelbourne, Newry
Highly Commended (Restaurant & Bistro) – The Whistledown Hotel
Highly Commended (Café & Tearoom) – The Sweet Pea Cafe
Sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
Best Place to Work Award – PKF-FPM Accountants Limited
Highly Commended – JMK Solicitors
Highly Commended - Autoline
Sponsored by The Irish News
Best Small Business Award – Smet Building Products Limited
Highly Commended – Jack Murphy Jewellers
Highly Commended - Younique
Sponsored by Translink
Best Business Growth Award – Around Noon
Highly Commended – CGDM Construction
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
Best Customer Service Award (Service Sector) – The Shelbourne Home Bakery & Restaurant
Highly Commended – Health Matters (Health & Safety) Ltd
Highly Commended – PKF-FPM
Highly Commended – Zen Orthodontics
Sponsored by Boots Ireland
Best Family Business Award – The McAllister Group
Highly Commended – T.Downey & Sons
Highly Commended – Cunningham Butchers & Foodhall
Sponsored by First Trust Bank
Best Use of Technology Award – Specsavers Newry
Highly Commended – Records Doctor
Highly Commended – Bluezone Technologies
Sponsored by BT
The Greater Newry Diaspora Award – Jim Clerkin
Sponsored by UK Export Finance
The Outstanding Contribution to Newry Award – Jerome Mullen
Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
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Newry-based mac-group has secured a £11m contract to refurbish Belfast’s River House into premium grade A office space. The project will support 160 jobs throughout the construction phase.
The specialist firm is a contractor in the construction, refurbishment and fit-out of office space and commercial buildings. Established in 2002, it currently has offices in Newry, Dublin, London and Birmingham.
River House on High Street is owned by Castleforge Partners, a property investor and developer based in London.
The 14-storey office block will be transformed into 90,000 sq ft of retail and top-end office space. Work being carried out includes internal core demolition, structural reinforcements, new seamless glass curtain walling, high speed lifts, double height reception areas and new raised floors and ceilings.
The fit out has already begun by mac-interiors the specialist interiors division of mac-group and is set to be completed in May 2018.
In a first for Northern Ireland, five floors of River House will be dedicated to SME and start-up businesses. Clockwise aims to support start-ups and medium-sized businesses by offering meeting rooms, hot desks and shared working space. As companies grow, they can let additional office space within the building. The concept has proved hugely successful in other parts of the UK, having recently being introduced at Glasgow’s Savoy Tower, which is also owned by Castleforge Partners.
Brendan Moley Group Interiors Director of mac-group, said: “This is a major project in the office sector in Northern Ireland and signals a major vote of confidence in the Belfast market. We anticipate that the project will take 65 weeks to complete and we are well on course for our target completion date of May 2018.
“The Clockwise concept has proven popular across the UK and is an exciting addition to the Belfast property landscape. It provides an environment for small businesses to grow at their own pace, safe in the knowledge that they have the facilities to expand when the time is right.”
Looking ahead, Mr Moley said: “Traditionally, a small percentage of our work has been in Northern Ireland but we are seeing a real buzz and upturn in confidence in Belfast. We have secured some significant contracts for the next 18 months in Belfast and there is no sign of work slowing down.”
For more please visit: www.mac-group.com
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