Write a comment
First Derivatives have taken home a prestigious Tech Company of the Year Award in the UK Tech Awards earlier this month and Chairman, Seamus Keating was on hand at the presentations to accept the award on behalf of the Newry company.
First Derivatives won their award in recognition of the company being “a fully accountable, well managed business that has already gained recognition from analysts and investors, but will also have outstanding long-term growth potential, with a sound strategy in place to ensure successful delivery of its commercial advantages and build shareholder value,”
Winners include companies and individuals in virtual reality, robotic automation and payments including James Dyson named tech CEO of the year.
More than 500 nominations were made across the UK tech awards categories this year, with the winners announced at an awards dinner in London. The awards, a joint venture between PwC and Ford Sinclair Ltd in association with Silicon Valley Bank, recognise the efforts of innovative public and private UK tech companies and individuals.
Jass Sarai, UK technology leader at PwC, commented “The appetite for deals activity we’re seeing in the market along with the number and quality of nominations received for the UK tech awards this year highlight the strength and breadth of our technology industry at the moment. This is testament in part to the support network and developing ecosystems now in place for early stage and growing businesses, but also to the ambitions and risks taken by our entrepreneurs.
“We need to ensure that we continue not only to take these risks, but also to share the lessons learnt with the next generation of innovators to maintain our leading position at a global level. In these uncertain times, the technology industry has an important role to play in promoting STEM skills to help bring through the leaders of tomorrow and continuing to work with government to secure continued access to global talent.”
Rosh Wijayarathna, director of corporate banking at Silicon Valley Bank, added “We are delighted to support the UK tech awards which is a real highlight of the season. 2017 has been another strong year for the UK innovation ecosystem and to be nominated in such a vibrant sector is a fantastic achievement. On behalf of Silicon Valley Bank, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners – each of your businesses are remarkable.
“Silicon Valley Bank is solely dedicated to serving the needs of innovation and life science businesses at every life stage. This year's awards are a testament to the leadership, talent and IP of the industry we serve and we look forward to working with all of our clients, future clients and partners in 2018 and beyond.”
Write a comment
Members of the local business community will visit Newry's MJM Group in early December at an event hosted by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Danske Bank.
The event held 7 December 2017 from 9.30-11.30am will see around 50 people hear the company's export success story at the company’s Carnbane Business Park facility.
MJM Group Chief Executive Gary Annett will give a short talk on the company, before taking a tour of their facilities.
Gary will discuss MJM’s Export Success Story including his experiences on how the company has grown business in international markets and will provide advice on aspects of commercial development through export.
MJM Group is a leading international specialist in interior fit out, refurbishment, refit and services, offering comprehensive and turnkey solutions to clients in the marine, commercial and private sectors.
Speaking ahead of the event, Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Group, said:
“MJM Group is the world leader in the refit and refurbishment of ferries and cruise ships and is proud to work with the largest cruise and ferry companies in the world. We have also established a strong and growing land-based portfolio which includes the K Club and Adare Manor. While our Head-quarters is in Newry, MJM Group is a truly global company, with our work spanning 5 continents and countries too numerous to mention. Almost 100% of our business is export and we were delighted to have our success acknowledged this year by winning both the Belfast Telegraph Excellence in Exports and the Aer Lingus Viscount Awards Exporter of the Year. We are delighted to welcome members of NI Chamber to MJM Group to share some of our experiences.”
Commenting on the event, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of NI Chamber, said:
“In terms of global success, Northern Ireland companies such as MJM Group have proven time and time again that they can punch well above their weight on the world stage through innovative thinking, quality products, effective strategies and sheer drive and determination.
“We are delighted that our members will have an opportunity to hear from Gary Annet and his team as we seek to encourage and grow export activity in Northern Ireland through inspirational stories and shared learning of these successful exporters.”
Aaron Ennis, Head of North Business centre at Danske Bank, added:
“This company visit will be a great opportunity to gain an insight into how one of Northern Ireland’s most successful export businesses operates. Brian McConville and his team have built MJM Group into an industry leading business, with products, craftsmanship and expertise that is recognised by a diverse client base around the world. Danske Bank Export First provides an excellent resource to learn from companies with unrivalled experience of selling into external markets and I have no doubt this visit to MJM Group will be hugely valuable.”
Write a comment
Independent oil distributors Martin McGinn & Sons have announced they are expanding their client base in South Down through the acquisition of Murdock Oil’s client base - following Gerard and Elish Murdock’s retirement this month.
Murdock Oil, based in Burren, have operated over 25 years and ceased trading at the start of November.
Handing over to Martin McGinn & Sons Ltd, Mr Murdock said: “We’d like to thank customers for their support and wish Martin and his family every success going forward. Martin McGinn & Sons are a family business that have been distributing home heating products in Newry, Mourne & Down region for 45 years so we’re confident customers will continue to enjoy excellent value and quality of service.
Martin McGinn & Sons have been independent oil distributors since 1993 and prior to that were approved agents of Cawood’s Oil – who were acquired by Murdock Oil some years ago.
Martin McGinn said: “We are delighted that this opportunity has arisen, allowing us to continue to deliver the high level of service previously afforded to Murdock clients. Our family are proud of the reputation we have developed over 45 years and we strive to always deliver value and unrivalled customer service.
“We look forward to this new chapter for our business and would like to take this opportunity to wish Gerard and Elish our very best wishes for their retirement.”
Write a comment
A public consultation to help decide a preferred option for the long campaigned for Southern Relief Road is taking place in Newry, tomorrow Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 November 2017 at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre from 10am to 9pm. All are welcome to attend.
The consultation is designed to help shape the design of the proposed Newry Southern Relief Road based on three shortlisted routes for the proposed scheme.
‘The Southern Relief Road around Newry is vital to the regions’ future economic success, especially in a post Brexit scenario’ according to a consortium of local stakeholders speaking ahead of a public consultation on the important infrastructure project. A group including Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Seatruck, Regen Waste and Cronus Logistics have argued that the project should be given priority in future budgetary considerations by the Westminster government in the absence of a Local Assembly and Executive.
The scheme aims to provide a strategic transport link road between the key strategic corridor of the A1/N1 Belfast to Dublin route with the A2 and Northern Ireland’s second largest port at Warrenpoint Harbour. It is anticipated that the route will significantly improve journey times and journey time reliability for strategic traffic between the A2 Warrenpoint Road and the A1/N1, while also greatly improving road safety and traffic congestion within Newry City Centre. Previous economic business cases have demonstrated that improved accessibility to both Newry City and Warrenpoint Harbour will support and maintain sustainable economic growth and employment within the area.
Speaking at a pre-consultation briefing hosted in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council offices Peter Conway, Chief Executive, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority said, “There is an economic imperative that the Newry Southern Relief Road is taken forward, especially given the unique challenges presented by Brexit to our local economy. The Southern Relief Road will act as a strategically transport link between South Down and the Republic of Ireland and critically will ensure that Warrenpoint Harbour retains its position as the second busiest port in Northern Ireland, which in turn acts as a key economic driver for the whole region.”
“In view of Brexit, this major infrastructure project on the increasingly important north south corridor must be prioritised in any future infrastructure expenditure planning and budgetary processes now being undertaken by Westminster in the absence of a local Assembly and Executive.”
Mary Meehan, Chief Executive, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade added;
“We welcome progress on this scheme to date and the recent securing of £1.2 million in European funding by the Department for Infrastructure through the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ for the design stages of this important project. This funding support underscores the strategic importance of this project and will now allow the Stage 2 Assessment to be completed including consideration of the input from this important public consultation phase. The business case is clear that the Newry Southern Relief Road will support and maintain sustainable economic growth and employment within the area and at the same time ease traffic congestion and safety concerns in Newry itself. We hope that with the additional £400m funding now earmarked for Infrastructure investment here and the fact that the latest scoping exercise has demonstrated it can be delivered much more cost effectively than initially anticipated, the Southern Relief Road will be given the priority it deserves.”
The Options
Option 1 starts on the A2 Warrenpoint Road along the frontage of Greenbank Industrial Estate and crosses the Newry River and Canal just to the south of Drumalane Quarry and then heads in a westerly direction towards the A1.
Option 2 sees the corridor extend further south as far as Rough Island and follow along Fathom Line before heading in a northerly direction up Fathom Mountain to the A1.
Option 3 starts further downstream than Option 2 with a bridge crossing near Narrow Water before joining the Fathom Line route indicated in Option 2
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recently hosted a second Economic Forum in the Canal Court Hotel on Wednesday 8th November 2017, with a focus on strategic economic initiatives being driven by the Council to create opportunities for local people and local communities to thrive.
At the Forum, Chief Executive, Liam Hannaway, presented the potential advantages of a Belfast City Regional Deal for the Council District alongside KPMG, the advisory team on the City Deal, highlighting the potential benefits across investment, infrastructure and skills.
Mr Hannaway said: “Newry Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to be part of this first City Deal in Northern Ireland due to the economic geography of the region. A Belfast Region City Deal can deliver additional and inclusive economic growth for our area including more investment in infrastructure, increased innovation and drive a highly skilled labour market all of which will be positive for the people living and working in this Council area.”
However, he also stressed that a City Deal was not the only vehicle to attract investment, stating: “We will continue as a Council to consider every opportunity to attract investment which can deliver strategic projects for example, a comprehensive roll out of broadband for rural areas. We will ensure that our focus on economic objectives and initiatives deliver positive outcomes for everyone.”
It is expected that the UK Government will make an announcement affirming their commitment to a City Deal for the Belfast Region in the Autumn Budget on 22nd November. Other city regions which have benefited from a City Deal include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Swansea.
The Economic Forum which was attended by over thirty businesses and representatives from across the Council area, focused on other key initiatives the Council has also been working on, for example, a new paper on Brexit and the Border Corridor.
The paper which was led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was developed across eleven local authorities comprising the Ireland/Northern Ireland Border Corridor. It outlines the risks, opportunities and issues to be considered as a result of Brexit, to ensure the region can reach its true economic potential.
Mr Hannaway recently presented the paper to the Irish Ambassador, the Northern Ireland Executive Office and Nina Obermaier from the Michel Barnier taskforce team at a meeting in Brussels accompanied by Chief Executives from other border Councils.
Speaking at the Forum, Chair of Council Roisin Mulgrew said: “I am delighted to see so many businesses attend this Economic Forum. We must consider every opportunity to improve economic performance of this Council area, working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partner organisations including our outstanding business community in Newry, Mourne and Down.”
She added: “This area is a world class location for business and we are committed to developing a vibrant, connected and dynamic region. We are in a unique geographical location which strengthens our opportunities for growth and investment. Our role as the Council is to empower potential by working collaboratively with all key partners. “
The next Economic Forum will take place in quarter one 2018.
Write a comment
Several local businesses have been recognised with Great Taste Gold Star Awards for the quality of their produce. Deli Lites, Newry; Mourne Mountains Brewery, Warrenpoint and Rooney Fish, Kilkeel were all in attendance at the BBC Good Food Show where they were congratulated by Invest NI’s Director of Food and Drink, John Hood.
Mr Hood congratulated the food and drink companies recognised this year for the quality of their produce. Overall 80 producers secured 244 Great Taste Gold stars for 180 products including Hannan Meats who won the Golden Fork for Northern Ireland, 9 businesses secured wins at Irish Quality Food Awards and in the Blas Na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards 35 companies collected 42 awards, including Best Artisan, Best New Product and Best in Ulster.
Write a comment
Firms in Newry are being urged to consider a specialist loan fund for smaller businesses which has provided more than £6m in new loans since it was launched four years ago.
To date the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund (the Fund) is estimated to have helped create over 150 new jobs and additional sales of almost £30m.
The Fund is managed by Ulster Community Finance (UCF) on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland and delivered in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland. UCF is a subsidiary of the social finance organisation Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT).
The Fund was set up to provide access to finance for small businesses, sole traders and partnerships which are keen to develop their business, but find it difficult to access funding through traditional sources.
William McCulla, Invest NI’s Director of Corporate Finance pointed out the fund is now in its fifth year and " the Small Business Loan Fund is continuing to make a significant difference to the business community in Northern Ireland by boosting business confidence and ensuring SMEs have access to the type of finance needed to support their growth and development.
“We are delighted to have offered this support to a range of businesses across Northern Ireland in sectors including IT, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Tourism and Retail, which has helped to create jobs, bring new products to market and help company’s realise their growth ambitions.”
The Fund provides loans of up to £50,000 to start-ups, micro enterprises and small businesses. As a revolving fund it’s expected that a figure in excess of £7m will be made available over the course of the fund’s lifetime.
Write a comment
In one of their most successful years to date Newry-based mac-group has been named Fit Out Contractor of the Year for the second year in a row at the Fit Out Awards in Dublin.
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.
Now in its sixth year, the Fit Out Awards set the benchmark for excellence in the execution of world-class fit outs.
mac-group has overseen many of Belfast’s major office developments including Citi, Diageo, CBRE and BT and is currently overseeing a complex £11m refurbishment project of River House on High Street in the heart of Belfast.
Paul McKenna, Managing Director of mac-group, said: “The business continues to go from strength-to-strength and 2017 has been one of our most successful years to date. This award win is further proof of mac’s reputation as a leading contractor in the construction sector.
“In the past year we delivered two of Ireland's seven LEED Platinum rated projects and created 60 new construction roles. 93 per cent of the contracts completed in the past 12 months were repeat business which is testament to the quality of our work. Some of our biggest projects included the refurbishment of The Glasshouse Yard in London, a 12 month fit out of the new BMS pharmaceutical facilities in Cruiserath and the upgrade of six floors at the Royal College of Surgeons.
“The company has grown with the expansion of one of our UK offices and we’ve undertaken a brand evolution to reflect our success of securing projects of increasing scale and complexity.”
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down Energy and Sustainability Officer, Ciaran Og Mussen has taken the title of ‘Best Energy Manager’ at the Sustainable Ireland Magazine Awards 2017 on Wednesday 22 November in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Belfast.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said “In his role Ciaran Og impressed the judges with the range of projects he has been involved with during the five years he has been in his current role as Energy and Sustainability Officer with the Council.
Ciarán Óg deserves this award as he has displayed enthusiasm and expertise in his area to implement a successful energy management system for the Council, carry out energy efficiency projects which combined have created annual savings of over £86,000 per annum and has promoted energy efficiency awareness both within the Council and to the wider public in the district.
"One of his first projects was to bring in an energy metering and monitoring system for the top energy user buildings across both Councils and from this Building Managers are able to track their usage of electricity, water, oil and biomass.
"From the energy monitoring system Ciaran Óg produces monthly reports on energy usage to Senior management and building managers to create accountability for each manager for their buildings energy usage. This has helped many managers identify areas of wastage and to take action to tackle wastage thereby saving money and helping the environment.
"Further to the monthly reporting Ciaran Óg has introduced an ‘Energy League Table’ with a monthly scoring system recorded and at the end of the year a winner of the Councils ‘most improved’ energy efficiency award is announced.
"Ciaran Og has also led a number of capital energy projects including; increasing insulation of buildings, upgrading single glazed windows to double glazed windows, providing Solar PV systems to a range of Council buildings and replacing lighting systems with more energy efficient LED lights.”
 |
 |
 |