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Newry based food-to-go company Around Noon picked up a highly commended award in the Excellence in Regional Delivery category at the Henderson Wholesale Fresh Innovation Awards held during last weeks Balmoral Show.
The awards celebrate Henderson’s fresh food suppliers, farmers and growers and reward their product innovation, accessibility of goods and sustainable practices.
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Newry businesswoman Naoimh McAteer was among those honoured at the annual Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Director of the Year Awards.
Naoimh, Director of MJM Group was named Young Director of the Year at a ceremony in the Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Judges commended Naoimh as a director who “has made, and is making, a very significant and positive impact on a large and complex business, playing a key role in driving growth across MJM Group firms MJM Marine, Mivan and Topglass”.
Appointed a company director at the age of 29, Naoimh also took a lead role in the negotiations for MJM Marine’s Azamara Pursuit project, which delivered the largest cruise ship refit programme to come to Belfast in recent history.
Other award winners included Nick Whelan of Dale Farm who was named the Large Business Director of the Year award while Jackie Henry of Deloitte was awarded Director of the Year in the Inclusivity category
Winners
Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice, sponsored by First Trust Bank – William Barnett, W&R Barnett
Director of the Year – Non-Executive, sponsored by Deloitte - Mark Ennis, Chairman, SSE Airtricity
Director of the Year – Innovation, sponsored by KPMG - Alan Lowry, Environmental Street Furniture
Director of the Year – Young, sponsored by Carson McDowell - Naoimh McAteer, MJM Group
Director of the Year – Public Sector, sponsored by Capita Managed IT Solutions - Jill Minne, Northern Ireland Civil Service
Director of the Year – Third Sector, sponsored by Capita Managed IT Solutions - Carol Fitzsimons, Young Enterprise NI
Director of the Year – Family Business, sponsored by BDO Northern Ireland - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – International, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland - Lisa McLaughlin, Herbert Smith Freehills
Director of the Year – Small to Medium Business, sponsored by Ulster University Business School - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – Inclusivity, sponsored by Abacus - Jackie Henry, Deloitte
Director of the Year – Start-Up, sponsored by Amplifi Solutions - Robert McConnell, Pinnacle Professional
Director of the Year – Large Business, sponsored by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - Nick Whelan, Dale Farm
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman, said “Congratulations go to all this year’s winners that prove once again that the Northern Ireland economy benefits from leaders across the private and public sector, performing to the very highest standards.”
Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank, added:
“It is vital that we continue to nurture, reward and grow the leadership traits that strengthen our business community and on behalf of First Trust Bank, I would like to congratulate all the winners on their well-deserved accolades
“The IoD Director of the Year Awards programme is a fantastic way for us to highlight the importance of leadership within the business community and given the uncertain times we live in, we must ensure that our business leaders voices are heard loud and clear. Each of the finalists demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation and visionary thinking - truly inspiring qualities which help drive Northern Ireland’s growing business community.”
The Category winners will now progress to be considered for the national IoD Director of the Year Awards taking place in London later this year.
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Newry Food-to-go manufacturer, Around Noon, has been presented with its prestigious award for securing a place in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table for the second year in a row.
Around Noon is one of a small number of companies to make the esteemed ranking two years in succession.
The Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table ranks UK private companies with the fastest-growing sales. The list was announced at the end of 2018, and the awards event took place last week.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, Howard Farquhar, Chairman, and original company founder Sheila Chambers collected the accolade at the awards event in Mill End, Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
Around Noon has experienced significant growth in recent years as it has increased business with existing clients and acquired a bakery and a Slough-based business to expand its sales in greater London.
It supplies a wide range of sandwiches, wraps, salads, bakery products and cold-pressed juices to leading coffee-shop chains and convenience retailers as well as contract caterers.
Commenting, CEO Gareth Chambers said: “It was fantastic to be at the event, which was attended by many of the UK’s most exciting businesses and included a question and answer session with the Virgin founder Richard Branson. Achieving the position in the Fast Track recognises the hard work that our teams in Newry and Slough have put in to grow our business, as well as the fantastic partnerships we have with our clients and suppliers.”
The Fast Track 100 is sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, Barclays, BDO, BGF and N+1 Singer, and is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Group, which has supported Fast Track 100 for all 22 years, commented: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of UK business and have always been the beating heart of positive change. In a climate of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to recognise those entrepreneurs, like those of this year’s Fast Track 100, who are making the world a better place for everybody.”
www.fasttrack.co.uk.
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Shelbourne Motors has launched a recruitment drive for 60 new jobs at its £5m multi-franchise complex on the Armagh Road in Newry which is due to open later this year.
The family-owned vehicle retailer will bid to attract new talent to fill a number of key roles in customer service, sales and technical support at the multi-franchise complex.
The recruitment drive coincides with the appointment of automotive industry expert and Newry native Michael McCartan as the General Manager of the new state-of-the-art facility.
Michael has gained over 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry across a variety of sales, leasing and marketing roles for a number of local franchises.
He will be responsible for overseeing all departments across the Newry site and ensuring the delivery of first-class sales and after-care experience to its customers.
Speaking about the launch of the recruitment drive, Paul Ward, Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is an exciting period of growth for Shelbourne Motors as we look to the opening of our new £5m state-of-the-art complex in Newry.
“The appointment of Michael brings a wealth of experience and an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. This made him the ideal candidate to spearhead our Newry operation.”
“We now want to appoint a dynamic and experienced team of 60 new staff that have the skills and enthusiasm, across a range of roles, to deliver excellent customer service to our strong and loyal customer base.
“In return, recruits will enjoy highly competitive benefit packages, as well as working in an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features.
The £5m facility will include new Renault and Kia car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop.
Speaking about his appointment, Michael McCartan, General Manager of Shelbourne Motors (Newry) said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed General Manager of Shelbourne Motors’ new state-of-the-art showpiece facility in Newry.
“This is an exciting time to be joining Shelbourne Motors. I look forward to establishing a significant presence in the Newry and Mourne area for the family-owned vehicle retailer and further strengthening its position as one of Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned vehicle retailers.”
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.
For information and updates on Shelbourne Motors’ new multi-franchise complex in Newry or to apply for a position visit www.shelbournemotors.com/newry
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ABP which has a meat processing site at Greenbank, Newry has won the ‘One to Watch’ Award at Business in the Community’s 2019 Responsible Business Awards.
The One to Watch Award was presented to ABP for putting sustainability at the heart of its business strategy, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat to business. The judges said that the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was a superb example of how an organisation can give unique opportunities to post-primary school pupils, providing an immersive experience of working in the agri-food sector.
ABP was also Highly Commended in the ‘Responsible Product/Service’ category for its sustainable manufacturing processes and a highly efficient business model which enables the company to minimise its waste and reduce its carbon footprint. The company has achieved quadruple accreditation from the Carbon Trust in recognition of the progress it is making in reducing its environmental impact.
More than 600 business people from across Northern Ireland attended the Business in the Community Awards Ceremony and Dinner at the International Convention Centre in Belfast on Thursday 30 May event to see Northern Ireland’s leading responsible companies recognised for outstanding contributions to their people, the planet and the places where they operate.
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Best Property Services Newry has been awarded exclusive Membership of The Guild of Property Professionals.
The Guild is a nationwide network of some 800 leading estate agents, all dedicated to maintaining the very highest standards of professionalism and customer service. Guild Membership is granted to one agent in a given area and Best Property Services are proud to have been selected for this prestigious membership for the Newry region.
Operations Director Edwina Flynn explains: "This appointment means that Best Property Services has been judged to have met or exceeded the Guild’s exacting Membership criteria, and in recognition of this achievement has been selected as its sole representative in Newry, Co Down.
"As part of The Guild Membership, Best Property has access to innovative marketing to promote their sellers’ properties to the highest standard," Edwina added.
Best Property also has access to the widest possible pool of buyers – not just in Newry but across the whole of the UK including the lucrative London market, where its properties are marketed through The Guild’s head office in Park Lane.
“Being chosen to represent The Guild in Newry is a great honour,” Edwina Flynn, said.
“Being selected as the only Newry member is a tribute to the hard work the team have invested into building our reputation for exceptional service and it underlines our position as the leading estate agent in the region.”
Speaking on behalf of The Guild, CEO Iain McKenzie says: “We are delighted to welcome Best Property Services into The Guild as our new representative in Newry. Their expertise and outstanding service means that they will be a valued asset to our national network.”
With all these advantages, Best Property Services is keen to develop the services it offers its clients. “Estate agency is all about people,” says Ms Flynn. “This is why we remain committed to the principles of honest, personal service and this has always been our trademark.”
Expert market knowledge and the unrivalled customer service you would expect from a leading local estate agent, combined with the nationwide marketing power pf Property Guild, means that Best Property Services and The Guild make a powerful combination for customers.
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Newry based furniture brand Orior has recently opened a new showroom in New York.
The fiercly proud Newry company run by Ciaran McGuigan makes it's furniture at Greenbank in the city. It's quite a way to have come both in distance and achievement since the founding of the firm by Ciaran's parents Brian and Rosie McGuigan in 1979.
Orior creates furniture pieces which celebrate the long-standing Irish tradition of skilled craft. Orior, which is named after the street where Brian grew up, remains a family and friends run business and continues to be committed to working with only the best purveyors and highest quality materials.
Orior does not keep a stock of pieces with every piece made to order.
The showroom in TriBeCa, Lower Manhattan was opened in May in conjunction with the citywide design festival NYCxDesign and will house Orior icons alongside the brand’s latest pieces of furniture, including new sofas, chairs, credenzas and tables.
Commenting on the New York showroom Ciaran spoke of how thrilled he was to be opening their first standalone showroom in New York.
“After forty years of creating contemporary and considered design, we’re delighted to be able to give New Yorkers the opportunity to experience first hand our work, collaborative process and creative vision. Further to this, we couldn’t think of a better time to open our doors than NYCxDesign as this intersection of creativity and craftsmanship that is at the core of Orior’s ethos will be celebrated throughout the city.”
Twenty-two works will be on offer, a mix of Orior classics, all designed by Brian McGuigan, and new designs by the studio, each with options on size and finish.
Originals include The Pop Chair, comprised of a deep, comfortable seat in leather or velvet and metal swivel leg; The Atlanta Sofa, upholstered in eye-catching Pierre Frey velvet; The Florence Sofa, the brand’s take on the Chesterfield, with Orior leather; The Andre Chair, featuring solid brass legs with soft, Sixties and Seventies-inspired curves; The Canyon Sofa, a clean, modular piece that was one of Brian McGuigan’s first designs; The Lia Chair, inspired by the Danish classics that Rosie and Brian encountered in their youth and more.
Orior’s latest pieces include The Hex Paravent, a wooden room divider offered in an individual pattern for each buyer; The Hemlock Console, rustic yet refined with the balance of marble and open grain wood; The Michael Sofa, which carries on the brand’s affinity for velvet upholstery; The Mara Credenza, which marries marble, wood, leather and brass beautifully; The Bianca Chair, with a seat that cradles the whole body and legs uniquely engineered to underline the design; The Futurist Sofa, a statement piece with Orior leather in primary colors; The Nero Table, comprised of glossy wood rooted in an Irish green marble base and brass foot; The Bembo Credenza, wrapped in Orior leather and executed with the utmost attention to detail and more.
For more information see www.oriorfurniture.com
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She founded one of Newry’s leading businesses, creating much-needed employment and leading the way for other female entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland, and now Sheila Chambers has been recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Awarded each year during the month of June as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday celebrations, the Birthday Honours recognise good works and outstanding contribution by citizens.
Sheila is to receive the honour for her contribution to the local economy, her role in generating vital employment, and for being a pioneer as one of Northern Ireland’s most notable female entrepreneurs.
Sheila founded Around Noon in 1989 and was recognised for providing much-needed part-time work for mothers seeking employment. Today she continues with the company as a non-executive board member.
Around Noon which is now owned and run by Sheila’s son Gareth Chambers and Chairman Howard Farquhar, is one of Northern Ireland’s major business success stories of recent years. It now employs 330 people, operating sites in Newry and London, and servicing clients across the UK and Ireland.
Around Noon CEO Gareth Chambers officially congratulated Sheila Chambers MBE on behalf of the company and recognised her contribution not just to Around Noon but to NI Plc. He added: “We are absolutely delighted as it is such fitting recognition, and everyone at Around Noon is extremely proud.”
Around Noon Chairman Howard Farquhar said: “Sheila is a true pioneer and entrepreneur, setting up a business at her kitchen table in 1980s Northern Ireland, which has grown into what Around Noon is today. Sheila led the way for other female entrepreneurs and was a forerunner when it came to innovative working practices like flexible working, homeworking and work life balance for employees. Sheila is totally deserving of the honour and the board and team at Around Noon offer her their wholehearted congratulations and gratitude.”
Around Noon is one of the fastest growing companies in the UK and has featured in the Sunday Times Virgin Fasttrack 100 for the past two years.
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Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director of Newry based personal injury law practice, JMK Solicitors, has been recognised with a prestigious industry accolade.
Maurece is one of only three Northern Ireland based legal professionals to be awarded a Fellowship from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
A fellowship from APIL acknowledges experienced solicitors who demonstrate a high level of expertise. They are acknowledged by their peers as being in a position of professional and intellectual leadership in the field of personal injury law.
Maurece has been with JMK Solicitors for 15 years in which time she has led the firm to a place where it now handles more personal injury claims than any other legal practice in NI, a position it has held for the last five years.
JMK Solicitors employ over 60 people to include 26 Solicitors. Maurece has also implemented a series of innovative new ideas in the business. These include introducing a paperless office as well as overseeing a significant investment programme in staff development, IT and Marketing.
Maurece has contributed to many key legal industry consultations. One such example was her contribution to Lord Justice Gillen’s Review of Civil and Family Justice, specifically on the issue of protecting children’s compensation claims. As a result of this, a recommendation has been made to bring forward legislation to ensure children are protected in the future.
Commenting on her achievement, Maurece said “I am delighted that APIL have honoured me with a Fellowship. I always wanted to practice law and have specialised in helping people after suffering injuries for over 20 years. It is humbling to be recognised by your peers and to be amongst the leading personal injury lawyers across the UK.
I believe that we at JMK are helping clients in a way no other area of law could. Rehabilitation, cost of care and compensation can turn lives around. I get great satisfaction from knowing we are assisting clients to move on from traumatic events in their lives”.
To find out more about JMK, please visit www.jmksolicitors.com or call 028 9032 0222.
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