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A new initiative is being launched to help equip local businesses (SMEs) with the confidence, skills and tools to benefit from the rapid growth of digital and emerging technologies.
Digital NMD led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with Southern Regional College (SRC) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC) will highlight the importance of innovation and growth and, over the course of the year, will help local businesses explore technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IOT), Immersive Video content, 3D Printing, and Big Data.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Rosie Mulgrew said, “Digital NMD is the next logical step in ensuring our local businesses are as fully equipped as they can be to tackle what has become a highly competitive business environment. I hope business owners and managers take the opportunity to join us and see what is on offer and how it may benefit their business.”
The project will be open to all business sectors but will concentrate on exploring new solutions for creative industries, tourism and hospitality, retail, agriculture, construction and the manufacturing sectors.
Digital NMD will focus on setting up innovative clusters to stimulate and highlight the business opportunities Emerging Technologies can bring and will deliver expert one-to-one mentoring, workshops, seminars and digital diagnostics on the subject.
Southern Regional College CEO, Brian Doran commented, “SRC is delighted to be involved in this collaborative initiative with our colleagues in SERC and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. We are committed to working in partnership to bring a world class service to local industry, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to enable them to compete on the global stage.”
SERC Principal and Chief Executive, Ken Webb said, "As a leading college in digital transformation, we are delighted to be part of this unique collaboration to help develop the digital skills of the region. The programme will enable businesses to fully harness the opportunities from digital emerging technologies and aims to provide participants with the distinct skills required to take up new opportunities in this rapidly growing area."
The programme officially launches on 21 March from 12pm to 2pm in the Burrendale Hotel where businesses can try a range of demonstrations, hear from guest speakers and learn more about the support on offer through the programme.
To register for this event and for more information on Emerging Technologies and support of offer, please visit www.digitalnmd.org
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Family owned vehicle retailer, Shelbourne Motors are celebrating their 45th Anniversary in style with plans unveiled today for their new £5m multi-franchise complex on the Armagh Road in Newry.
The complex will include four new car showrooms and a drive-thru service centre, the first of it's kind in the province.
The showrooms will create 60 new jobs when they officially opens in early 2019 with an additional 100 jobs during construction.
State of the Art
The purpose built 50,000 sq ft development, designed by Clarman Architects, includes four new car showrooms, new car handover bays, a lounge-style waiting area with cafe, used vehicle spaces and customer car parking spaces.
It will also have Northern Ireland’s first drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop that will provide customers with a fast and convenient servicing experience with an emphasis on quality and efficiency.
Speaking about the major expansion into Newry, Paul Ward, Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant investment in the future growth of our business as we celebrate our 45th Anniversary.
“This modern, multi-franchise complex, along with the appointment of a dynamic and experienced team of 60 new staff will further strengthen our position as one of Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned vehicle retailers.
“We already offer customers an excellent franchise network and a quality customer experience and look forward to launching our new custom-built facility with its host of technologically-advanced features that will further impress our customers – old and new – in 2019.”
Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973 and currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters. It operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre, Vehicle Hire Division and Valet Centre. The business sells over 4,000 new and used cars each year.
Paul Ward continues: “Over the past 45 years we have prided ourselves on being a family run business that has continually strived for expansion, built upon an ethos of delivering exceptional choice and excellent customer service to our strong and loyal customer base.
“We have come a long way since we launched our first car dealership in January 1973, which today, is the longest established official Toyota franchise in Northern Ireland.
“Since then we have gone from strength to strength, adding Nissan, Renault and Dacia to our franchise network. We have also invested heavily in recent years in state-of-the-art showrooms for each franchise at our Portadown site, as well as a large-scale used car supermarket and an award-winning Accident Repair and Valet Centre.
“We are always looking to the future and our investment in this new state-of-the-art complex in Newry, with its significant focus on maximising the customer experience, is the next step to ensuring we grow our position within the local automotive retail and aftersales sector.”
For more information on Shelbourne Motors you can visit: www.shelbournemotors.com
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High value projects have contributed to an incredible 67 per cent rise in revenues for the Irish operation of Newry based mac-group, bringing it to £94m for the year to December 31, 2017. The £38m increase from the previous year has been driven by a number of high value projects for multi-national clients such as Oracle, Jacobs and EY. An ongoing £11M refurb of River House in Belfast should be completed by May.
Profits for 2017 were also up significantly, rising to £4.9m from £2.9m a year earlier.
Established in 2002, mac-group is a specialist contractor in the construction, refurbishment and fit-out of commercial office buildings. It has offices in Newry, Dublin, London and Birmingham and employs a direct workforce of over 130 construction professionals.
Martin Daly, Group Finance Director, commented: “In the past year our business has undergone a significant evolution offering an expanded service. This in turn has supported the creation of 40 new construction roles, including a number of key senior appointments. We identified an opportunity to expand our service offering in Ireland to include new build, general construction and reconditioning of commercial buildings.
“Our business ethos continues to be based on a partnering approach, the success of which is seen by the fact that approximately 90 per cent of the contracts completed in the past 12 months were repeat business. This is also testament to the quality of our delivery.”
“The Group’s existing order book is extremely healthy with a secured pipeline of work for 2018/19 which will help us to grow all aspects of the business, particularly in the UK fit out and construction markets. We are well on our way to achieving our forecast turnover of £175m for 2018,” added Daly.
Paul McKenna, CEO highlighted the Group’s growing reputation outside of Ireland: “Our London operations undertook a major reorganisation in late 2017. We recruited a new experienced senior management team with the objective of growing market share in the London design and build fit-out sector. We also opened a Birmingham office early last year that has successfully delivered numerous projects in 2017 and has a strong order book for 2018 and 2019. To date, we have successfully secured numerous high-value projects which will ensure that 2018 will be one of significant revenue growth and increased market share for the business.
“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 12 months in the city and we are well positioned to increase our market share.”
He concluded: “Our senior management, in conjunction with the Leadership Institute from Queen’s University, Belfast, have embarked on an extensive process of evaluation and development over the last several months. This has allowed us to develop and strengthen our Vision 2020 strategy which will be implemented on a phased basis over the coming years. It is aimed at consolidating our position as one of the leading client-focused main contractors in the UK and Ireland.”
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Celebration time yet again for Newry based Around Noon who were last night named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards programme. The company, which demonstrated superior business performance, was recognised at an awards gala dinner in Dublin.
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards programme is celebrating ten years of recognising management excellence. Over 20 new companies join a requalifying network of more than 100 companies, built over a decade of the programme.
The awards, in association with Bank of Ireland, culminated with the Best Managed Companies Awards symposium and gala, which was attended by over 1,000 people from the Irish business community.
In total 137 companies were recognised as Best Managed Companies and have a combined turnover of over €12 billion. 26 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland were represented by winning companies.
Commenting on the award, Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said:
“We are delighted to be recognised in the 2018 Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, a real endorsement of our business and the work of our team, following on from a successful 2017 when we were recognised with numerous industry awards, the most recent of which was being listed in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100.
“This is our first year being recognised in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, a recognition that we will build on and continue to raise the bar for the food-to-go industry, ensuring that Around Noon is leading the way in management, growth, practise and innovation.”
Commenting, Deloitte Partner, Anya Cummins said:
“2018 marks the 10th year of the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards programme, which has grown from 25 companies in year 1 to 137 in year 10. The programme represents companies from different industries with many industry-specific challenges but also common characteristics such as adaptability, innovation and ambition. Their stories are the stories of Irish business this past decade, and they are stories of resilience, recovery and confidence.”
Andrew Graham, Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking said:
“The Best Managed programme puts the spotlight on well managed companies that are generating strong returns, as well as growing their businesses through investment in technology, a customer centric approach and commitment to developing leaders of the future. The process and frameworks used by these businesses continues to serve them well in adapting to and succeeding in the dynamic and ever evolving global markets in which they now compete. We have been really impressed by not only the breadth of businesses but also their ambition, drive and determination. I have no doubt that they will continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the years to come and we wish them continued success.”
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, in association with Bank of Ireland, promotes and recognises excellence in Irish/Northern Irish owned and managed companies. It is the only awards scheme on the island of Ireland that considers a business’ performance from every perspective.
For more information, visit www.aroundnoonsandwiches.com and keep up to date on Facebook (@aroundnoon) and Twitter (@AroundNoonFood).
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Autoline Newry have chosen Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) as their 2018 charity of the year and staff members Roisin Cowan, Aislinn Allen and Ryan McElroy recently visited the Air Ambulance Base at the Maze to hear for themselves about the service.
The charity, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service that responds to severely ill or injured patients, seven days a week, 12 hours a day.
From its base in Lisburn the Air Ambulance can reach any part of Northern Ireland in just twenty-five minutes.
Caroline Currie, Autoline’s Sales Director, said “The Air Ambulance is making an amazing difference to people right across Northern Ireland and staff at Autoline Newry will be hosting fundraising events throughout the year.
“Autoline already runs a road safety programme that has reached 25,000 young people and we have strong links with Northern Ireland’s farming community. AANI’s remarkable work is, therefore, a perfect fit and complements our passion for supporting the local community through Autoline’s ‘We’re With You’ ethos.”
Kerry Anderson, AANI’s Head of Fundraising, said “Serious or life-threatening situations can and do happen regularly and, on average, every single day in Northern Ireland one individual finds themselves in desperate need of the Air Ambulance NI service. We are dedicated to delivering the very best possible patient care, so our service is often the difference between life and death.
“Since our first deployment in July 2017 the medical crew have been tasked to attend 240 incidents. Given the level of need and the fact that each day we need to raise £5,500; partnerships like this one are greatly appreciated. We are really looking forward to working with each of the branches and head office to raise funds and awareness amongst staff and Autoline Insurance customers.”
AANI’s primary role is to deliver advanced critical care, benefitting those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma by bringing urgent medical assistance directly to the patient at the scene.
Most of the responses to incidents are by air, but the team also has a rapid response vehicle, Delta 7, for times when the helicopter isn’t able to fly or the incident is in close proximity
Contact Autoline at www.autoline.co.uk
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If you are a local food or drink company in Newry or surrounds why not enter this Lidl Kick Start initiative with the potential of you having your products available in over 190 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.
The Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is designed specifically to provide small and medium-sized suppliers with the support they need to grow their brand and build their supply network. It was successfully trialled in the Republic of Ireland in 2017 providing a valuable ‘kick-start’ for over 50 suppliers. This year, up to 80 new products, sourced from Northern Ireland and Ireland, will be selected to feature in a limited edition Kick Start in-store food promotion on sale in September 2018. From these, three products will go on to be showcased to some 150 global buyers at Lidl’s International Food Expo opening the door to potential listings in 29 Lidl countries across the world, including the US.
Liam Casey, Commercial Director for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, says Kick Start is an unmissable opportunity for local suppliers wanting to showcase their products on a local, national and international basis and urges them not to miss the deadline of Sunday 15th of April.
“We are extremely proud of our Northern Ireland supplier portfolio, and see Kick Start as an opportunity to support more local companies, particularly those who are keen to enhance and expand their distribution capabilities. Lidl recognises that moving into higher-volume markets, and gaining national, international and indeed global reach, is a challenge for many SMEs and Kick Start is aimed precisely at equipping local companies to meet that challenge head on.”
The Kick Start programme, which represents an investment of almost £180,000 by Lidl, will also see all entrants benefit from a series of free business development seminars delivered by a panel of Lidl and wider industry experts and covering such topics as quality control, packaging, marketing and brand building.
Liam continued “We also want to find exciting new products for shoppers who enjoy Lidl’s unique quality and affordability commitment and share our passion for championing world-class products produced right here in Northern Ireland. The response to last year’s programme was nothing short of phenomenal. Over 450 different products were entered, ranging from artisan chocolate chip and honeycomb sausages to gourmet marshmallows to premium granola. We want to build on that success finding up to 80 new products for this year’s promotion.”
Niall Moloney, Founder and CEO of PowCow was one of the successful suppliers last year with his high protein frozen yoghurt. His product sold so well it has now been listed permanently in all Lidl stores. Niall commented;
“Kick Start was a fantastic opportunity for us. It allowed us to partner with one of Europe’s largest retailers and gave us a chance to showcase our products with Lidl. The workshops were ideally timed and were very informative. The Kick Start team did everything they could to ensure we were ready for the launch date. The programme was a great success and we are delighted to be moving to the next stage with Lidl.”
If you are a Northern Irish supplier of a food or drink product and would like the opportunity to sell your product in all Lidl stores, you can enter online now at www.lidl-ni.co.uk
Entry is very simple with just a picture of your product and a short questionnaire required. Deadline for entries is 15th April 2018.
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Buttercrane Shopping Centre has launched a new VIP Smart Fob with personalised offers and discounts for loyal shoppers.
The limited issue Fobs, follow on from a pilot VIP programme last year.
The new Buttercrane VIP Fob is lightweight and the software has been streamlined to offer personalised, relevant, real time offers sent direct the customers phone when they enter the store.
There is a one-off membership fee of just £5 for the new fob which comes pre loaded with up to £200 of offers and discounts.
VIP customers can enjoy year-round discounts and rewards such as free gifts and free parking.
The VIP Launch
Special VIP events take place today Friday 23 March with extra discounts and goodie bags for new VIP customers. PLUS the chance to win a £50 Buttercrane Gift Card.
Don't miss your chance to secure your limited issue VIP Key Fob, just complete the details at www.buttercranevip.co.uk
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With the aim of increasing the number of women applying for driver jobs on Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus, Translink are organising ‘Have A Go Days’ with the opportunity to drive a bus and find out more about a career as a bus driver.
Over 100 women will have the opportunity to take part in the ‘Have A Go Day’ sessions that will take place on April 10 – 12 at Nutt’s Corner Circuit, Crumlin. Each session will provide women with practical experience of driving a bus, presentations from female Translink employees and useful advice on the recruitment process.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said “We want to encourage more women to become bus drivers and reduce any misconceptions out there that it’s a male-only career. At Translink, we’ve over 150 female bus drivers and nearly 100 of them have been with the company for over 10 years."
Speaking about her career as a Translink bus driver Clare McGowan commented “Bus driving isn’t something I’d say was always in my career plan but now it’s happened I love it! It never gets boring and every day brings new experiences; it can certainly be an entertaining job too with the mix of customers and colleagues you engage with making shifts fly by.
“Translink is a large organisation and there are lots of opportunities for career progression and job stability both of which are important to me. I suppose I’m also breaking stereotypes that bus driving is a male occupation - there’s no aspect of the job that women can’t deliver. All the buses are very modern and easy to drive with power-steering – I actually find it easier to reverse a bus than a car!"
Bus Driver job applicants must be aged 21 and over, have a full car driving license with a minimum of two years driving experience since obtaining it. Both Full-Time and Part-Time positions are available. Booking is essential to secure a Translink Have A Go Day session - call 028 9027 7880 or emailaine.magennis@translink.co.uk.
A free Have A Go Day shuttle bus service will be available from Europa Buscentre to and from the event venue. For further information click www.translink.co.uk/haveago/
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Earlier this month participants from Newry, Mourne and Down celebrated the end of the £2.7 million Social Investment Fund’s ‘Work It’ training and re-employment programme at it's closing event at Craigavon Civic Centre.
The Social Investment Fund (SIF) received £80 million from the Northern Ireland Executive, under the Delivering Social Change framework. The Fund is intended to make life better for people living in deprived areas by reducing poverty, unemployment and physical deterioration.
The programme identified a number of investment zones; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, along with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and Mid Ulster District Council were grouped together in the Southern Zone.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The programme has been a great success. The individual success stories from those who have participated are a testament to the impact of the Social Investment Fund. Everyone who has taken advantage of the opportunities offered by this programme have their own stories of personal and professional success and the closure event captured a snapshot of these accomplishments.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Executive Office’s Social Investment Fund; the Southern Zone Steering Group for guiding our project; Network Personnel as our Delivery Agent and all the employers and community/voluntary groups that supported our participants through their individual journeys.”
The aim of the Southern Zone ‘Work It’ programme was to give those who are most removed from the labour market a bridge to the world of work. It did this by improving participant’s skills and general employability through providing 48 weeks training and employment for 160 participants. The participants gained 352 accredited qualifications, including 99 improving employability courses, while 107 or 80% of those who completed a work programme secured employment.
The programme also aimed to build confidence, increase self-esteem and provide accredited training opportunities for participants of the programme, while delivering 500 community regeneration projects, including reimaging, community events, gardening, health and wellbeing, training, summer schemes and sports activities.
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