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Five young people from the greater Newry area have started a three-year apprenticeship in ‘Specialised Joinery and Furniture Production’ at MJM Group in Carnbane.
The join the MJM Apprenticeship Programme which will see them train alongside MJM Group’s expanding team of joiners and craftsmen in Newry.
Welcoming the five apprentices, Elizabeth O’Connor, MJM Group, HR & Legal Director, commented: “This is a very exciting opportunity for our new apprentices and we are delighted to welcome them to MJM Group. Our Apprenticeship Scheme, which is in its third year, is proving very successful as it offers an excellent opportunity for young people to earn as they learn, develop life-long skills and embark on a career path with endless opportunities. Our new apprentices will immediately be part of the MJM Group team and play an important part in our future success.”
MJM Group’s Apprenticeship Programme is offered in conjunction with Southern Regional College (SRC) whereby the apprentices work four days a week in the MJM Group Production facility and attend SRC for one day each week.
Colm Cunningham, Contracts Director, MJM Group, oversees the programme and acts as a mentor to the apprentices. “For me, personally, I cannot over-emphasise the opportunities that lie within the MJM Group Apprenticeship Programme. I joined MJM Group as an apprentice 30 years ago, before we had a formalised programme, and I am now on the company’s Board of Directors. Our new apprentices have just turned 16, are already earning a weekly wage and are being trained by our joiners and craftsmen who are among the best in the business. The potential for them to progress throughout the company is there and I will be encouraging them to grasp every opportunity and go for it! Our Apprenticeship Programme is part of our investment in the future of MJM Group and the apprentices are key to our success.”
The five new apprentices are former pupils of St Paul’s Bessbrook, St Joseph’s Newry, Rathfriland High School and Newbridge Integrated School, Loughbrickland.
MJM Group is a world leader in fitout services with 35 years’ experience in the industry. The company combines design services, specialist joinery and installation with project management capabilities to deliver innovative interiors to the world’s leading cruise and ferry companies. It also provides interior fitout services to a select number of high-end land-based clients.
In July the company announced plans to take on 30 new employees by end of December 2018. This recruitment drive is continuing with opportunities in Contracts Management, Design and Production.
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Newry contractors O’Hare & McGovern have commenced work at Shelbourne Motors new £5m 50,000 sq ft multi-franchise facility on the Armagh Road in Newry.
The development will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled to open in summer 2019.
Shelbourne Motors have signed up Renault as a dedicated dealer of new and used Renault vehicles in the area, their second dealership to date after Kia was confirmed in June.
The new state-of-the-art facility, designed by Clarman Architects, is a significant investment by the family-owned vehicle retailer in the Newry area as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary.
It will include new car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop.
Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant milestone for Shelbourne Motors. We are delighted to partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading Contractors to carry out the building works on our largest ever single investment.”
“We implemented a rigorous procurement process to appoint the best contractor to deliver our vision. O’Hare & McGovern have demonstrated the skills, experience and resources to match our ambitions to build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the strength and growth of our brand.
"It will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area, as well as offer an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features that will provide local customers with an unrivalled sales and after-care experience.
“Our long-term relationship with Renault made the manufacturer an obvious fit for this new development and it demonstrates their confidence in our business to incorporate a brand-new dealership into our Newry expansion.”
Martin Lennon, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the contract to build this new state-of-the-art showpiece facility. It strengthens our relationships with Shelbourne Motors which stretches back more than 40 years, and it is also a huge economic boost for the city, and the wider Newry area.
“The Ward family are to be commended for committing to such an investment. The benefits will be enormous, especially with the provision of so many new jobs.”
Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973. It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.
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JMK Solicitors are celebrating their 15th Birthday in October and have expanded this year to employing around 60 staff.
The Belfast and Newry-based legal firm, have experienced phenomenal growth over recent years and have held the position of Northern Ireland’s number one personal injury practice for the last four years.
Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director at JMK Solicitors said “We are proud to have reached this significant milestone and it is a testimony to our dedicated team that the business has continues to expand each year. Staffing levels have grown by over 20% since January to nearly 60.
“We are committed to ensuring that our clients fully recover their losses with the least possible stress from the legal process. I am very proud that due to the dedicated and personal service we provide over 99% of our clients would recommend JMK Solicitors to a friend”.
JMK are a progressive law firm which took a strategic decision in 2011 to focus solely on personal injury and road traffic law. This has allowed their team to build up significant experience and expertise in handling these types of cases.
This focus has been supported by an ongoing investment programme in the latest IT systems, staff development and recruitment as well as a high profile advertising campaign.
In 2017, JMK achieved Lexcel accreditation, which is a Quality Mark for the legal profession administered by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and recognises firms which achieve excellence in legal practice management and client care.
JMK Solicitors operates from offices in Belfast and Newry, servicing clients from across Northern Ireland.
You can contact them at 028 9032 0222 or visit www.jmksolicitors.com
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An early stage company which helps delivery firms plan routes more efficiently claimed a prize worth £50,000 at Ascend the inaugural start-up competition at Innovation Nation in Newry.
Cork-based SmartRoutes took the top spot in a tightly-fought competition made up of some of the best start-ups in Ireland. The competition was run by start-up platform Startacus.
SmartRoutes walked away with a cash prize of £3,000, as well as professional advisory services from, amongst others, KPMG, Kx Technology, Lanyon Communications and Startacus which together total £50,000.
Calvin O’Callaghan, founder of SmartRoutes which took the top prize, said: “We’ve taken no formal investment onboard so winning the Ascend start-up competition will be absolutely massive in helping drive things forward for SmartRoutes.”
Second place was taken by Clare-based company Get the Shifts tech-centric staffing solution which is disrupting the Irish hospitality sector by supporting bars, restaurants, cafes, festivals, and other hospitality and events businesses to source experienced, temporary staff in their area on demand.
The judges also awarded Northern Irish startup Cropsafe with a ‘One to Watch’ title.
Cropsafe, with a team of three co-founders aged 17, impressed beyond their years, and their pitch for their AgriTech platform that utilizes satellite imagery to accurately detect and predict impending diseases within farmers’ crops, left a mark on the audience and the Ascend judges.
Mark Murnin, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The Ascend start-up competition attracted some brilliant entries and a very worthy winner in SmartRoutes. These are the kind of businesses which this district is brilliantly placed to support and we can’t wait to help them grow in the coming months and years.”
Liam Hannaway, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The focus of Innovation Nation is to celebrate great ideas like the ones we saw in the Ascend pitches. As a council, we know that start-ups like these are the lifeblood of our economy and that’s why we’re determined to make this district a place they want to come and do business.”
Alastair Cameron, co-founder of Startacus who hosted the Ascend startup pitch competion said: “It is no exaggeration to say that we were totally delighted with the standard of the early-stage Irish startups on show. Whilst all credit must go to SmartRoutes, Get the Shifts and Cropsafe for being awarded with the 1st, 2nd and ‘One to Watch’ titles, it is fair to say that a good number of startups also scored heavily by the Judges and scoring was very close on the day.”
“I would not be surprised if quite a few of these startups go on to raise angel and VC investment over the coming 12 months.”
RISCalert, Unitek.AI, Motoklik, Afterbook, Journey Protector, Jadeblok, Elastic Energy, Compensave, MiBudi, Machine Eye, made up the list of early-stage start-ups on show.
The judges included Kevin McGivern of Kx, Ashleen Feeney of KPMG in Northern Ireland, Garrett O’Hare of Flexi Work Space and Drew O’Sullivan of InterTradeIreland.
Innovation Nation 2018, was run by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and a number of supporting partners from the public and private sectors. It showcased how organisations can use the latest innovations and technology to drive their businesses and shone a light on the burgeoning tech scene in Newry and the surrounding area.
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An innovative new collaboration, led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, entitled Digital NMD, will be the subject of a free event on Thursday 18 October in the Carriage Rooms at Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, from 10am-1pm.
The collaboration, which brings together Southern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, has partnered with the BCS (British Computer Society) NI, The Chartered Institute for IT to talk about exploring the use of Augmented Reality in the tourism and hospitality sector in the area and how its use can enhance visitor experiences.
Speaking about the relevance of the technology to businesses in the area, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr. Mark Murnin said: “I am delighted to host this event along with our partner organisations.
“Tourism is a key priority for our Council and I would encourage businesses in this sector to attend in order to explore the benefits Augmented Reality (AR) can bring. Our stunning landscapes, unique attractions and cultural heritage are a huge draw for visitors to the district and AR can help to develop rich visitor “storytelling” experiences and bring wider exposure to this important international market.”
Augmented Reality (AR) can be broadly defined as any video or 3D augmentation overlaid on a screen that is used to view the real world (most commonly via a smartphone camera) and is increasingly being used to improve tourism experiences.
Paul Kelly, Committee Member and Treasurer of BCS Northern Ireland added: “The Northern Ireland branch of the British Computer Society is thrilled to have partnered with DigitalNMD to present this event.
“In order for businesses to stay contemporary and relevant, it’s imperative that they get on board with the rapidly developing technologies and this event will give those in the tourism and hospitality sector an insight into how cutting-edge technology can improve their business.”
The event will be led by Dr Nick Whitelegg, Senior Computing & Web Development lecturer at Southampton Solent University and a member of the BCS Animated & Games Development Specialist Group. The discussion will focus on what AR technology is and how it can be used by businesses to deliver a richer experience for visitors by adding an extra dimension to locations, tours and visitor attractions.
Dr. Whitelegg will also be conducting a live demonstration of his own app, Hikar, in the grounds surrounding Montalto. The Hikar mobile application uses AR to clearly map and highlight path and trail options to hikers and walkers and the demonstration will provide a practical exhibition of some of the capabilities and uses of AR technology.
Attendees will also enjoy complimentary access to the Estate and its beautiful gardens, trails and walks.
To register for this FREE event, visit http://www.digitalnmd.org/event/ar/
Please note that places are limited, and tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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Warrenpoint Port has launched a new initiative to provide a financial boost to community projects in the area.
The Warrenpoint Port Community Fund is open to all groups, ranging from schools and sports teams to choirs and community centres.
Developed to support initiative that enrich the community, social or environmental initiatives, the fund aims to improve the impact of local projects.
Clare Guinness, CEO of Warrenpoint Port, commented: “We take our responsibility of being a good neighbour very seriously and are very proud to play our part in the life of Warrenpoint and the wider region.
“Our community and the wellbeing of those in it is important to us, so it is a great pleasure to launch the Warrenpoint Port Community Fund.
“The Fund builds on the work we have already been doing over many years to partner with local people and community projects.
“Already, the Fund has provided £500 to Macmillan Cancer Support, as the Port match funded money raised through a recent coffee morning.
“Whether it is a local school group developing an eco garden, a sports club purchasing new equipment or an arts festival seeking financial assistance, we look forward to supporting a wide variety of projects."
Welcoming the launch of the fund, Cllr Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, commented: “As a major employer in the Newry, Mourne and Down district, Warrenpoint Port already plays hugely positive role locally.
“We are pleased to welcome this new initiative and look forward to hearing more over the coming months and years as the Community Fund makes a real difference to the lives of people in the region.”
The Warrenpoint Port Community Fund is open to applications now. Funding can be applied for on a project or ad-hoc basis, allowing a wide variety of activities to receive support.
For more information about the Warrenpoint Port Community Fund, and to apply, please visit www.warrenpointport.com or call +44 (0)28 4177 3381.
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A fundraising mini cruise organised by Newry firm MJM in partnership with Azamara Club Cruises, the ship’s owners and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year has resulted in a massive £160,000 being donated to local and national charities.
The cruise ship fit-out specialist turned the historic refit of the Azamara Pursuit earlier this year into a fundraising extravaganza running a mini-cruise and an auction on board the newly-refurbished cruise liner.
MJM Group Chairman, Brian McConville, who is an Alumnus of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme invited other EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni, stakeholders, family and friends. The end result was £160,000 raised for causes nominated by the three partners.
The three key recipients are Cuan Mhuire, an all Island addiction treatment centre with facilities close to MJM Group’s headquarters in Newry; Pieta House, an all island treatment centre for people who are suicidal or self-harming, EY’s charity of choice for the year; and Mercy Ships, an international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world. Mercy Ships is the charity partner of Azamara Club Cruises and their parent company, Royal Caribbean Club Cruises.
The McConville family also wanted to support several local organisations with smaller donations including the chosen charities of the three core businesses in the family group – PIPS Hope and Support in Newry, MJM Group’s Charity of the Year; Clic Sargent, Mivan’s Charity of the Year; and the RLNI, Topglass Charity of the Year. The family also supported Tinylife and local Gateways - Carcullion Gateway in Hilltown and Newry Gateway.
Brian McConville said, “We have been blown away by the response to this event and the generosity of all our guests. I would like to thank our partners, EY for giving us access to their alumni and particularly the Azamara team, Captain and Crew for allowing us to run this phenomenal event. I would also like to thank all those who generously donated and took part in the auction providing or purchasing prizes. We wanted to do something exceptional in our 35th year, and we did. It was an extremely memorable event and it is fantastic that the legacy of this event will be felt in our community for a long time to come through this sum of money.”
Richard Twynam, CEO Azamara Club Cruises, UK and Ireland said, “We were honoured to work alongside MJM Group in making this event happen. It was a huge success, and our chosen charity Mercy Ships is such a worthy cause. Mercy Ships has a commitment from a benefactor to match funds raised this year, so the total is going to be doubled and this will make a big difference to the amazing work that Mercy Ships does around the world.”
Kevin McLoughlin, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year said, “When Brian approached us about this idea we were on board immediately. Many of our Alumni are heavily involved in charity work and giving back to their communities, so we knew it was something that they would get behind. It was a fantastic way to raise money for Pieta House and the other charities. The huge amount of money that was raised will make a real difference to a lot of lives, we are extremely proud to be part of that. On behalf of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni community, I’d like to thank Brian, MJM Group and Azamara for allowing us to be part of something so special.”
All of the charities were invited to a presentation event at MJM Group’s Headquarters in Newry yesterday, Thursday 11 October 2018.
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Taoiseach from 1997 to 2008, Bertie Ahern, is to deliver the keynote speech at this year’s Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade’s, annual President’s Dinner.
The dinner will be held this Thursday 18 October in the Canal Court Hotel and 300 guests from local businesses are expected.
Confirming the former Taoiseach as the keynote speaker, Chamber President Paul Convery said: “The night has been given added significance with the attendance of Bertie Ahern as keynote speaker. Mr Ahern’s visit will help mark the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. At a time when North-South relations are vital to maintaining the favourable trading conditions which have greatly benefitted businesses on both sides of the border, his reflections will be timely as we look to the post Brexit era.
“As one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement, we look forward to gaining a real insight to the negotiations and discussions that went on at the time of the agreement and to the former Taoiseach’s recollections of the key moments and conversations that secured such a pivotal deal for this island.”
This year’s dinner is sponsored by the Canal Court Hotel & Spa and the Ulster Bank.
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Last week, saw two local retailers recognised amongst the crème de la crème of UK retail at the The Retail Industry Awards 2018, held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
Mulkerns’ EUROSPAR, Newry were awarded Independent Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year for the second year in a row, while O’Hare’s EUROSPAR, Mayobridge picked up the award for Independent Chilled Retailer of the Year.
Mulkerns’ was also shortlisted in the Drinks Retailer of the Year category and O’Hare’s in the Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year category at the awards which are widely regarded as The Oscars of the grocery retail sector, rewarding excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories.
Mairead Mulkerns added; “In Northern Ireland, we’re leading the pack in retail and the EUROSPAR stores are really making their mark across the UK. We are particularly proud of the wide variety of fresh and local products available in our store, from farmers across the country to our in-store butchers and bakers in store. It’s very special to bring the Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year title home for the second year.”
Ronan O’Hare commented; “The Retail Industry Awards are so highly regarded within the retail and grocery sector and we’re just delighted to see all our hard work validated in this award. We have beaten off some strong competition from across the UK and are delighted to bring the award home to Mayobridge.”
Henderson Retail, the Henderson Group company which owns the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands in Northern Ireland also scooped the Multiple categories of Forecourt Retailer of the Year, Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year, Chilled Retailer of the Year and Community Retailer of the Year.
Patrick Doody, Sales & Marketing Director at Henderson Group commented; “The Retail Industry Awards ceremony was a fantastic night for Henderson Retail and many of our SPAR & EUROSPAR retailers.
“The variety of awards brought home against a competitive UK-wide market is outstanding and we’re delighted and proud of our teams’ achievements.”
A full list of Henderson’s wins can be found in notes to editors. For more information on the Retail Industry Awards visit the awards website.
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