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Newry based marine outfitter, MJM Marine, has hosted a Health and Safety Seminar for employees, aimed at the reinforcing the importance of safety in the workplace and highlighting the impact of workplace accidents.
The event, which took place at Carnbane Business Park in Newry was led by a renowned motivational and health and safety presenter, James Gorry, from Kildare.
James suffered a workplace accident in 2005 in Dublin which left him paralysed. He subsequently had his right leg amputated in 2017 due to a lack of blood circulation. Despite this adversity, James draws on his personal experience and the trauma faced by those closest to him, to deliver health and safety seminars to businesses throughout Ireland.
Drawing on his own experiences, James delivered a thought-provoking and impactful presentation during which he reminded MJM Marine employees about the unambiguous need for health and safety in the workplace; the importance of risk awareness and continued vigilance in carrying out daily tasks; and the personal responsibility that each employee must take for their own safety while working under MJM Marine’s Health and Safety policy. James’ key message is that every individual has a choice to make in every situation.
Gavin McKevitt, MJM Marine Contracts Director said, “Health & Safety in the workplace is of the utmost importance to MJM Marine. As the company is expanding, so too is our approach to Health & Safety culture and awareness amongst our people.
“James Gorry’s story is truly shocking but very motivational. We are thankful that he took the time out to give our employees a “real-life” reminder of what can happen when safety guidelines are not implemented; and to highlight the devastating consequences which accidents can leave behind, not just to the victim but to their wider family circle.”
MJM Marine works on some of the world’s largest cruise ships in locations all around the world. In 2018, the company completed 38 project and is currently expanding to meet the ongoing demands of business.
Gavin continued, “MJM Marine has a strong Health & Safety record which is something we work hard to maintain. Engaging with our employees is vitally important to ensure that we take collective responsibility for health and safety. By sharing James Gorry’s story with our employees, we have heightened awareness and increased vigilance of the risks associated with working in the marine industry.”
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Warrenpoint Port has made an investment of £800,000 in new plant that will significantly improve efficiency at NI's second largest harbour.
Authorities at the port have taken delivery of the first wave of the new fleet which will include seven forklift trucks.
Eoin O’Mahony, Head of Engineering and Estates, Warrenpoint Port said “This investment in new plant is just the latest step in our drive to maximise efficiency across all our operations and it is a great pleasure to accept the first tranche of the new consignment that will be fully complete by September.
“The new forklifts will have a broad range of lifting capabilities allowing us to handle the full spectrum of commodities that pass through the port from timber, to steel and beyond.”
The new forklifts, manufactured by Hyster, have lifting capacities ranging from 5 to 16 tonnes, while the harbour has also taken delivery of a new Bobcat loader.
The investment follows the purchase of a new crane in 2018 while two further cranes have also been refurbished in recent months.
Ian Taylor, Operations Manager, Warrenpoint Port, added “The amount of goods passing through Warrenpoint is growing year-on-year and we expect that trend to continue.
“Continually reviewing our operational requirements and investing in new plant and equipment when needed ensures that we maintain the high quality of service that our customers expect, providing for a cost-effective and expeditious transit of goods through the harbour.”
Warrenpoint Port handed a record 3.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2018, valued at £6.5 billion.
Last year, harbour authorities unveiled a 25-year masterplan that forecast a significant increase in trade over the coming decades including a rise by up to 80% of core roll on, roll off freight by 2040.
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One hundred businesses across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have signed up to the innovative NMD Business Growth Programme, which is driving economic growth through a tailored programme of mentoring, networking and targeted workshop events.
The project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
One company already receiving practical assistance through the programme is Greenans Products Ltd, based in Castlewellan. The firm designs, manufactures and installs the award winning ‘SmartBunker,’ a versatile plastic multi-purpose storage bunker for small, regular shaped coal, slack, wood pellets and grit salt.
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Enterprise, Trade and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “Our Council is committed to supporting local businesses and I am pleased that this groundbreaking programme ensures practical support where it is most needed.
“I was delighted to meet with the owner, Niall Greenan from Greenans Products to hear first-hand how NMD Business Growth has benefited his business and opened up a whole new range of opportunities for the future.
“I would encourage all local businesses to register today.”
Mr Greenan made contact with the NMD Business Growth Programme because he wanted expert help on growing his business by developing its social media and marketing strategies as well as its business operations, efficiencies, production and logistics.
The company received over 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring, which was aimed at producing a growth plan – and the outcome has been hugely successful. As a direct result of the programme’s support, Greenans has already begun to win sales in a number of new markets in the farming and equine industries, both locally and in Great Britain. With additional support through the programme, the company now plans to create a new business development position.
Mr Greenan said, “NMD Business Growth has been of huge benefit for me and my business. I have learnt many new skills including how best to market through social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and the use of Facebook ads. The overall day to day running of the business has also been positively impacted from the guidance we have received. I would highly recommend the programme to other businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.”
Mark Bleakney, Regional Manager of Invest NI said, “We are delighted that the NMD Growth Programme has got off to such a successful start. The new skills developed by small businesses as a result, will generate business growth opportunities and job creation within the district.”
The NMD Business Growth Programme is open to any small business with fewer than 50 employees in the Newry, Mourne and Down district area. Businesses can apply by emailing business@nmandd.org or calling 028 3031 3223.
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Newry firm First Derivatives have completed the acquisition of the minority shareholdings in data processing company Kx Systems. Completion of the transaction takes the Group’s ownership of Kx Systems to 100% for consideration of $53.8m in cash.
Kx provides tools for processing real-time and historical data.Kx technology is built on the kdb+ database, independently verified as the world’s fastest time-series database. Kdb+ is optimized for ingesting, analyzing, and storing massive amounts of structured data.One feature that really sets Kx apart is its ability to combine streaming, in-memory and historical data in one simple and unified platform.
Brian Conlon, Chief Executive Officer of FD, said: “Since we acquired a controlling stake in Kx Systems in October 2014 we have invested heavily to deliver the performance advantages of our combined solutions, branded as Kx technology, to a range of end-markets. We are making exciting progress as we demonstrate our ability to transform our customers’ operational performance by unlocking the value in their data. Full ownership of Kx Systems is an important milestone as we continue to commercialise our technology.”
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An Operations Director of Irwin's Bakery has been appointed by Warrenpoint Port as its new Chief Executive Officer a post which he will take up in late summer.
David Holmes joins the harbour, the second largest in Northern Ireland after six years at Irwin's. Previously, David has held senior positions at Kerry Group, Unigate, and Premier Foods.
Stan McIlvenny, Chairman of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, said “We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Holmes as new Chief Executive Officer of Warrenpoint Port.
“With a background dealing with complex operations and supply chains in the food industry, David’s wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to the harbour.
“The board looks forward to working with David as he continues the transformative body of work that has been taking place at the port over recent months and years as we continue to see tonnage and turnover increase annually.
"On behalf of the board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, I also wish to thank our outgoing CEO Clare Guinness for her great contribution to the port and the economic prosperity of the wider region during her tenure."
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A team from Newry-based MJM Marine have travelled to an international trade show in Miami to showcase the company's expertise and affirm its position as a world leader in cruise ship outfitting. The show runs yesterday and today 20 June.
With nineteen projects completed to date in 2019 and another ten in the pipeline for the remainder of the year, MJM Marine is leading the way for the global marine outfitting industry.
Speaking at the CSIE (Cruise Ship Interiors Expo) Show, CEO Gary Annett outlined where the future lies for MJM Marine. “For MJM Marine, 2019 is the year when we are seeing the results of many years of forging strong partnerships with key clients and building our reputation as a world leading marine outfitter.
Included in the nineteen projects we’ve completed so far this year is Norwegian Joy, our largest ever project which saw a 1,400-strong team recreate over 40 spaces for the US market. This project is a true reflection of our partnership approach which led NCL to appoint MJM Marine as the lead outfitter in this multi-million dollar interior refit.”
The Northern Ireland based outfitter has been working hard to secure new partnerships within this competitive marketplace.
“Key to the success of MJM Marine has been our commitment to reliability, service excellence and quality delivery and the reputation which this has built,” adds Gary.
“We are therefore delighted to have secured a number of new clients this year on the back of this reputation. While it is too early to publicly announce the names of these clients, we will have some exciting new partnerships to announce in the latter quarter of 2019.”
As a leading figure in the global marine industry and an advisory board member for CSIE, Gary Annett was also a speaker during the CSIE Conference where he provided his insights into the factors involved in creating the ideal drydock.
“The Cruise Ship Interiors Expo has been an excellent opportunity for the interiors sector of the marine industry to come together to share ideas, look towards the future and engage with our wider stakeholders. I am delighted that MJM Marine is recognised as a leader in the industry and that we are playing a key role in shaping the future.”
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Shelbourne Motors have teamed up with St Patrick’s Primary School and Mullaglass Primary School in Newry for a time capsule initiative.
The time capsule filled with local school children’s ‘car of the future’ artwork was buried in celebration of Shelbourne Motors’ £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry which is opening later this year.
The family-owned vehicle retailer invited children from the school's to draw or paint their car of the future.
The fantastic pieces of artwork joined a collection of Shelbourne Motors memorabilia in a time capsule buried on the site of the new state-of-the-art facility by pupils.
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 the time capsule initiative, Paul Ward, Director of Shelbourne Motors, said: “Shelbourne Motors is delighted to be working with St Patrick’s Primary School and Mullaglass Primary School on this time capsule initiative as we build long-term relationships within the Newry and Mourne area.
“The children have really used their imaginations and creativity to design some amazing cars of the future. They went into great detail on what the cars are made of, how they will be powered and the cool features they will have.
“The cars are that good that I wouldn’t be surprised that when future generations dig up the time capsule that some of the designs will be similar to what people are driving.”
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 more information on Shelbourne Motors please visit: www.shelbournemotors.com
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It's just a week to go to the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2019 and many local businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious awards.
The biennial awards programme is designed to recognise and reward the very best that our business community has to offer
It's one of the largest Regional Business Awards in NI and there will be over 500 business delegates from the Greater Newry Area there on the night. If you wish to join them you can book tickets via their website at newrychamber.com
Tickets
Members - £60.00 + VAT per ticket
Non-Members - £70.00 + VAT per ticket
The Finalists
1. Best Social Enterprise sponsored by Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments
2. Best Bar sponsored by Q Radio
3. Best Green Business sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
4. Best Tourism & Hospitality Business sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
5. Best Use of Social Media sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
6. Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer) sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
7. Best Marketing Initiative sponsored by The Newry Democrat
8. Best Innovative Business sponsored by First Derivatives plc
9. Best Export Business sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
10. Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business sponsored by Collins Aerospace
11. Best Young Entrepreneur sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
12. Best New Business sponsored by Damolly Developments
13. Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) sponsored by Newry BID
14. Best Place To Eat (Best Restaurant & Bistro) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
14. Best Place To Eat (Best Café & Takeaway) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
15. Chef of the Future sponsored by Henderson Foodservice
16. Best Kept Business sponsored by The Newry Reporter
17. Best Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
18. Best Place To Work sponsored by The Irish News
19. Best Professional Services Business sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
20. Best Small Business sponsored by Translink Best Property Services
21. Best Business Growth sponsored by Southern Regional College
22. Best Family Business sponsored by First Trust Bank
23. Best Business in the Community sponsored by Newry Credit Union
24. Best Businesswoman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE NIGHT
25. Best Businessman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE NIGHT
26. Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE NIGHT
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The Greater Newry Business Awards results are in.
With well over 500 people at the landmark competition organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Thursday night, 27 June, the Greater Newry Business Awards exceeded all expectations.
Paul Convery, President, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said "I believe that everyone's presence here is a real indicator of the strength, confidence and vitality that exists in our local business community
"In business it is so often the case that the rewards go to the risk takers, those who speculate to accumulate, those who see the opportunity and calculate the risks and those who have the personal resolve to strive for excellence."
Mr Convery concluded "Self motivation and drive is not taught. It is an inate quality. It is one that I believe is in abundance in the greater Newry area"
The polished ceremony showcased the best of the best in local business and the prestigious event highlighted the incredible business talent locally.
Michael Blaney from Ashtree Financial Services took the ultimate award, the Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area.
Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Peter Murray, Centre Manager said of Michael, the former managing director of Autoline Insurance "He took over his business in 1997 from it's original founder. His vision of growth demonstrated a real talent for entrepreneurial leadership and in the years since aquisition, turnover has increased from two million to to fifty five million per annum, and in the same period the numbers employed in that business have increased from 18 to over 210 people, with the majority of those people based in the company's Newry headquarters."
Mr Murray continued "A firm believer of happy people making happy customers, he invested in staff development. He was committed in developing his own staff giving a low level of turnover and an extremely loyal workforce."
"2019 was a significant personal milestone for our recipient as he negotiated a succesful sale of his company, whilst ensuring he left in place a strong management team to deliver the future success for the business, thereby ensuring his legacy to the business, to the staff and indeed to the greater Newry area and beyond."
Cllr Charlie Casey, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council said "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted to support this event, in particular sponsoring Best Tourism and Hospitality Business. Tourism is a key growth sector for our council area and the success of this sector is as a result of the hospitality offered by our tourism businesses and entrepreneurs."
"Every business here this evening contributes towards the councils economic drive for job creation, business growth and investment and you all should be proud of this achievement."
The Winners
Best Social Enterprise sponsored by Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments
Winner: W.B.R Credit Union Ltd
Highly Commended: An Tobar Community Wellness Centre & Social Farm
Best Bar sponsored by Q Radio
Winner: The Bank Bar and Bistro
Highly Commended: Bellinis Newry
Best Green Business sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Winner: ABP Food Group
Highly Commended: CTS Projects Ltd
Best Tourism & Hospitality Business sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Winner: Montalto Estate
Highly Commended: Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Best Use of Social Media sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
Winner: Zen Orthodontics & Rejuvenation Clinic
Highly Commended: Autoline Insurance Group
Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer) sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
Winners: Specsavers Newry
Highly Commended: Argento Contemporary Jewellery Newry
Best Marketing Initiative sponsored by The Newry Democrat
Winner: Southern Regional College
Highly Commended: Montalto Estate
Best Innovative Business sponsored by First Derivatives plc
Winner: Exact CNC NI Ltd
Highly Commended: COPAS Technologies Ltd
Best Export Business sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
Winner: Deli-Lites Ireland
Highly Commended: FM Environmental Ltd and Lowden Guitars
Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business sponsored by Collins Aerospace
Winner: COPAS Technologies Ltd
Highly Commended: Exact CNC NI Ltd
Best Young Entrepreneur sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
Winner: Conor Cole, Cole Groundwork Contracts
Highly Commended: Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Best New Business sponsored by Damolly Developments
Winner: Granite Exchange
Highly Commended: The GYM Newry
Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) sponsored by Newry BID
Winners: Cherrypic
Highly Commended: Jack Murphy Jewellers
Best Place To Eat (Best Restaurant & Bistro) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
Winners: The Whistledown Hotel
Highly Commended: Courtney's Steakhouse
Best Place To Eat (Best Café & Takeaway) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
Winner: Synge & Byrne Slieve Gullion
Highly Commended: Courtney's Mall View
Chef of the Future sponsored by Henderson Foodservice
Winner: Jason McClory, Courtney's Steakhouse
Finalist: Martin McMahon, Finegan & Son
Best Kept Business sponsored by The Newry Reporter
Winner: The Galley Restaurant & Take Away
Highly Commended: Granite Exchange and Newry & District Gateway Club
Best Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
Winner: Newry Foot Clinic & Seraphic Holistic Therapies
Highly Commended: Younique Group
Best Place To Work sponsored by The Irish News
Winner: MJM Group
Highly Commended: First Derivatives plc and Newry Credit Union Ltd
Best Professional Services Business sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
Winner: Autoline Insurance Group
Highly Commended: PKF-FPM Accountants Ltd
Best Small Business sponsored by Translink
Winner: The Hub Newry
Highly Commended: Rustic Soul Ltd
Best Business Growth sponsored by Southern Regional College
Winner: McAllister Group
Highly Commended: Around Noon and COPAS Technologies Ltd
Best Family Business sponsored by First Trust Bank
Winner: Clanrye Lighting & Electrical Supplies
Highly Commended: GIE Ireland Wholesale Furniture and Lowden Guitars
Best Business in the Community sponsored by Newry Credit Union
Winner: Warrenpoint Port
Highly Commended: Crash Services
Best Businesswoman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
Winner: Jackie Reid, Deli- Lites Ireland
Best Businessman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
Winner: Shaun Copas, Copas Technologies Ltd
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
Winner: Michael Blaney, Ashtree Financial Services
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