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Mulkern’s EUROSPAR in Newry has been crowned N Ireland’s best convenience store.
It's the result of a ‘People’s Vote’ run by local trade body, Retail NI and the Irish News in the lead- up to this year’s Independents’ Day on 4 July. The initiative encourages shoppers to support independent retailers.
The campaign asked the public to vote for their favourite independently owned butchers, deli, clothing store, pharmacy, coffee shop and convenience store. Thousands of voters went online to cast their vote.
Mulkern’s EUROSPAR, situated in the Forkhill area of Newry, is no stranger to award wins having picked up a host of accolades in 2018 for their exceptional facilities and customer service. Store owner Terry Mulkern said every accolade is special but to win a public vote really means a lot to his team.
“It’s a huge honour to have topped the poll and be named NI’s favourite convenience store, especially as this was a result of our customers taking the time to vote for us.
“We’ve worked hard over the past number of years to improve the store and thanks to the hard work and exceptional customer service of our colleagues, this seems to have paid off. It’s really important to me that the store is part of our local community in Newry and we’re proud to support various charities and causes that we know really matter to our shoppers.
“Recently, we got behind a charity cycling event in Jonesboro for Daisy Hill’s stroke services campaign. We have also held fundraising activities for mental health charity, Aware, after hearing from our customers about the important work that they do.”
Listening to feedback from shoppers and staying on top of growing trends has always been a driving force for Terry and his team and ultimately, what sets Mulkern’s apart from other stores.
“When customers tell us what they would like to see in store, we listen and are always striving to better our offering. Our extended vegan options across our delicatessen is a prime example of this; we could see the trend was growing and therefore wanted to cater for vegan shoppers.”
Terry was joined by CEO of Retail NI, Glyn Roberts, who presented the store’s team with a certificate to celebrate their win.
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Celebrating 30 years of Business, Newry based firm Around Noon has today announced it is investing over £7 million in a major expansion to develop sales in the Great Britain and ROI markets. The expansion will see the Greenbank based company create 94 jobs.
Invest Northern Ireland is providing financial assistance for 54 of the new jobs, several of which are at director and manager level. It is also supporting market development activity and the implementation of a new production management system to drive efficiency improvements in the company and help the company to scale.
Around Noon, which this year celebrates 30 years in business, produces and distributes a range of ‘Food-to-Go’ and bakery products, targeting the upper-premium end of the market. Employing 328 people, it has facilities in Newry, Dublin and Slough.
Commenting on the investment, Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Our goal is to become the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of premium ‘food on the move’. We are targeting markets in Great Britain and Republic of Ireland and aim to increase sales outside Northern Ireland by over £13 million per annum over the next couple of years.
“We are investing in management, key staff and business development activities. The support from Invest NI will enable us to realise our growth plans and ensure that the Northern Ireland economy benefits.”
Around Noon sells its products under the Scribbles, Sweet Things and So Natural brands and also provides a bespoke design and packaging service for clients which want to sell under their own brand name.
Invest NI has offered £592,000 of assistance to the company.
Welcoming the investment, Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Scaling, said: “Invest NI is keen to support companies with potential to scale, based on a focused export strategy.
“Around Noon took part in our Leadership 4 Growth international transformation programme which has helped its management team develop the skills and strategies that will take the company to the next level.
“As well as supporting some of the jobs created by this investment, we are supporting the implementation of an integrated production management system to enable Around Noon to increase control over production yields, manufacturing processes and inventory.
“Around Noon has grown from a small family business to a company with a multi-million pound turnover and with this investment will be well placed to take advantage of further opportunities in the ‘food-to-go’ market within Great Britain and Ireland.”
Around Noon is one of the fastest-growing food companies in the UK and Ireland. It has appeared in the Sunday Times Virgin FastTrack 100 for the past two years. It was also listed as one of the top 10 fastest growing food and drink businesses in the UK and Ireland 2019 in the prestigious annual listing by Alantra and The Grocer.
EDIT 6/8/19
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has welcomed the jobs boost in Around Noon.
Mr Brady said "News that Newry sandwich company Around Noon is creating 94 is a welcome boost to the local economy.
"This is a firm which already employs hundreds of people in Newry and its other sites in Dublin and England.
"This jobs boost will also have a knock-on impact in the local economy.
"I wish this firm well and hope that it will continue to grow in the future."
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Newry Business Improvement District (BID) is launching an ambitious new programme next weekend to reward city centre shoppers and support BID members.
The FREE VIP Loyalty Fob is a smart fob carried by customers which enables participating stores to send personalised offers, discounts and promotions in REAL Time to their customers mobile - with £100s to be saved in over 70+ stores including Buttercrane Shopping Centre.
It’s simple to use – just present your VIP Loyalty fob in 70+ stores to get discounts of 10-20% from participating retailers PLUS Perks like free coffee, parking (Buttercrane), special offers and VIP treatment.
The scheme is being launched in the City Centre on 8/9/10 August with a VIP hub on Hill Street, Monaghan Street and Buttercrane where customers can pick up their fob and enjoy free goodie Bags, music, balloons, face painting and competitions.
BID Manager, Eamonn Connolly said: “We’re very excited to bring this unique scheme to Newry City Centre – offering customers significant savings and VIP perks whilst also giving BID members an innovative and flexible way to interact with customers, push offers and special promotions in Real Time to consumers.
“The scheme is powered by local tech firm Pearlai and we’re one of the first city centre regions to employ this technology. We’re grateful to Newry Mourne & Down District Council and the Department for Communities for their support,” Eamonn added.
Apply online in minutes at www.newry.com/vip, select your favourite stores, and collect your FOB from the VIP Booth during their launch event in the City Centre 8 August (Hill Street) 9 August (Monaghan Street & Buttercrane) 10 August (Hill Street & Buttercrane).
Your fob is FREE but donations are invited for Newry BIDs project charity partner, SPACE.
Apply online at newry.com/VIP before their launch event 8-10 August to get your FREE Fob and start saving today!
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This year’s NI Small Business Conference will take place in Newry on Thursday 19 September. This year it will focus on the theme of ‘Delivering Growth’ for small businesses
The event is organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the Federation of Small Businesses NI and Newry BID.
This years topics include Funding for Small Businesses; Delivering Digital Strategies for Revenue Growth; Doing Business Outside Northern Ireland and managing HR and Legal challenges.
For the 2019 event the Chamber has secured International Business Strategist and Leadership Coach, Simon Haigh. As well as being an internationally recognised author and media commentator his clients include the WJ Clinton Leadership Institute at Queens University, Trinity-Dublin Aviation Skillnet and Smurfit Kappa. Simon’s keynote address will focus on ‘Closing the Deal – A Way to Win Business’, which is a vital skill for any business large or small.
Speaking at the launch of the Conference, the Chamber’s Vice President Emma Marmion said “The small business sector is the life blood of our economy. This year’s NI Small Business Conference will focus on providing the tools to grow your business locally, nationally and globally. Whether you are in retail, manufacturing or the service sector, experts will provide practical information and advice on how to grow your business. We want businesses to go away with real solutions which will not only help them in the day to day running of their business but also on how to deliver real growth.”
This year’s conference is being supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and speaking at the launch Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said “The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area has more than 8,000 VAT registered businesses, which is third highest number in the north. Last year there were 225 new businesses created which was the largest numerical increase of any District Council Area. As a Council, we recognise that small businesses are the heart of our local economy and it is important that we provide support for the small business sector to grow and prosper. The Council is delighted to support this year’s NI Small Business Conference, which sets out an exciting and informative agenda relevant to the growth interests of businesses operating across all our main sectors.”
This year’s conference has also secured the support of the Federation of Small Businesses NI. Welcoming their involvement in this important Small Business Conference, the Federation’s Regional Chair, Brendan Kearney said “We in FSB are delighted to work with partners in Newry on this important conference event for small businesses across the region. At this time of great uncertainty for small business, it’s more important than ever that business strategy is focused on securing sales, driving growth and sustainability and minimising risk and the workshops and networking opportunities on offer through this event will deliver just that. There will be practical advice for businesses in every sector of the economy, so I would urge you to book your place today to ensure you don’t miss out.”
Newry BID is working in partnership with the Chamber to support the event being held in Newry. Speaking at the launch of the Conference, BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said “The location of the NI Small Business Conference in the centre of Newry recognises the importance of the city and region as a location to do business. Newry has grown based on a spirit of innovation and partnership and we look forward to an informative event to enable further business growth.”
Tickets for the NI Small Business Conference 2019 in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre are priced at £15.00 + VAT which includes breakfast and lunch. Tickets are available to purchase from Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade or via Eventbrite
Please note, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
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Minister Michael Gove who is tasked with preparing for a no deal Brexit visited Warrenpoint Port on Friday where he met CEO, Clare Guinness who spoke of the dangers of no deal for the port.
It was part of a trip that included meeting prominent NI business figures.
Ms Guinness said “During a robust exchange of views, we pressed home to the minister the concerns not just of the port, but of the wider business community of the dangers posed by a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
“Situated close to the border between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Warrenpoint Port handled 3.6 billion tonnes of cargo in 2018 valued at more than £6.5 billion, around 40 per cent of which either originated from or was destined for the Republic of Ireland.
“As a key driver for economic growth locally, we consider it vital for the prosperity of the entire Northern Ireland economy that that trade is able to continue to flow and grow.
“That requires a border that is frictionless and for us that means no barrier either on the island of Ireland or in the Irish Sea so that our economy can continue to enjoy the open trade we have done for many years.
“We are yet to receive assurances that any of this is possible under a ‘no deal’.”
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MJM Marine has launched an Employee Discount Scheme to encourage its workforce to support local businesses by “shopping local”.
The company’s Social Charter Committee has secured the support of over 20 local businesses who have agreed to offer discounts to MJM Marine employees.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme, MJM Marine CEO Gary Annett, commented: “MJM Marine is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and to contributing to the wider economy. We have an extensive NI-based supply chain, and in 2018 we contributed more than £20m back into the Northern Ireland economy with almost £4m of this spent in the greater Newry area.
Our Employee Discount Scheme is another way for MJM Marine to contribute to the local economy by encouraging our employees to shop local and support local businesses. We have over 360 employees working in Newry currently so we hope that the businesses who have supported our scheme will see the benefits.”
Businesses from the Greater Newry area who have supported the scheme include, Bogart, Name It, Donaghy’s in Banbridge, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Bennett’s Jewellers, Louis Boyd’s, The Canal Court Hotel, The Bank Bar, Cobbles, Four Star Pizza, Belleek Country House, Granite Breakdown, Kukoon, Johnstone’s Trade, Lee Opticians, Gym Tech, The Fun House, Sheepbridge Entertainment Centre, Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, Yoga with Paddy, Blushing Violet, JP Corry and HSS Hire.
“On behalf of MJM Marine, I would like to thank all the businesses who have contributed to our Employee Discount Scheme,” adds Mr Annett. “They have given MJM Marine employees an added benefit to working at MJM Marine which should in turn bring benefits back to them. We look forward to supporting these businesses and expanding our scheme in the future.”
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Newry based Pet Connection is one of the finalists in the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Awards.
The store is nominated in the Independent Pet Supplies Store of the Year category.
The awards will take place next week in Belfast.
Frank Clarke, Managing Director of Pet Connection, said: “We are so excited to have been nominated for a Northern Ireland Independent Retail Award by our customers, both locally and internationally. Pet Connection has been a part of Newry for over 15 years and the support that we have been shown by local people has meant so much to us and we are very grateful for it. We are hoping that we will bring the award back to Newry and look forward to taking care of our customers and their pets for many years to come as the areas only independent pet shop.”
A representative for The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Awards, said: ““We are delighted to be hosting The 2nd Northern Ireland Independent Retail Awards 2019.
“Independent retailers are an integral part of the country’s high streets, offering a diverse range of niche products and services to the residents.
“According to Indie Retail, for every £1 spent with a local, independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into that local economy. These awards will celebrate the retailers that own small chains whose work often goes un-noticed.
“It is time to thank everyone that serves the local high streets in the best possible way and reward those for not only focusing on meeting customers’ expectations, but delivering services at a high standard as well.
“We would like to congratulate everyone for being shortlisted and we can’t wait to welcome all guests and deliver a memorable event.”
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Newry businesswoman Naoimh McAteer has been named in the shortlist of the UK-wide Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards.
Naoimh, Director of MJM Group, was named Young Director of the Year at the Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards earlier this year and is now up for a national accolade at a ceremony at The Brewery in the City of London this October.
MJM Group is a leading international specialist in cruise ship refurbishment, refit and interior fit out services. In her role as director, Naoimh led negotiations for the company’s Azamara Pursuit Project, the largest cruise ship refit programme to come to Belfast in recent history.
She is one of a number of Northern Ireland business leaders to have made the shortlist which also features William Barnett of W&R Barnett, shortlisted for the prestigious Chair’s Award, Nick Whelan of Dale Farm, candidate for large business director of the year, and Jackie Henry MBE of Deloitte who is among the finalists in the inclusivity category.
The full list of Northern Ireland-based directors in the shortlist is:
Director of the Year – Chair’s Award - William Barnett, W&R Barnett
Director of the Year – Family Business - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – Inclusivity - Jackie Henry MBE, Deloitte
Director of the Year – Innovation - Alan Lowry, Environmental Street Furniture
Director of the Year – International - Lisa McLaughlin, Herbert Smith Freehills
Director of the Year – Large - Nick Whelan, Dale Farm
Director of the Year – Non-Executive - Mark Ennis, SSE Airtricity
Director of the Year – Public Sector - Jill Minne, Northern Ireland Civil Service
Director of the Year – SME - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – Start-Up - Robert McConnell, Pinnacle Professional
Director of the Year – Third Sector - Carol Fitzsimons, Young Enterprise NI
Director of the Year – Young - Naoimh McAteer, MJM Group
Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman, said “Leaders from Northern Ireland have enjoyed tremendous success at the national IoD Director of the Year Awards over recent years, as our region continues to punch above its weight on the grand stage.
“With an exceptionally high calibre of shortlisted directors representing organisations across the private, public, and third sectors, I have no doubt they will shine as brightly this year as ever before.
“Congratulations go to all the nominees that prove the level of management and leadership among the business community in Northern Ireland is of the very highest standard.”
Entries across the 13 categories will be evaluated by a panel of acclaimed judges including Duncan Wardle, former vice-president of innovation and creativity at Disney, Kathryn Baddeley, head of CSR at Cisco UK and Ireland, and Jacqui McKinlay, chief executive of the Centre for Public Scrutiny.
The event at The Brewery, which occupies the site of Samuel Whitbread’s historic brewhouse in the City of London will be hosted by renowned newscaster Sir Trevor McDonald.
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Consumer demand for Around Noon’s healthy, convenience fruit pots has seen sales of the product more than double in the past two years.
The Newry-based ‘food to go’ manufacturer supplies a wide range of customers across the island of Ireland with the fresh product, including leading convenience and forecourt retailers and coffee shop chains.
Around Noon sources premium, fresh fruit from its supplier, The Fruit People, and creates a range of fresh and vibrant fruit pots, before distributing them to customers.
The company began sourcing from The Fruit People - founded and run by brothers Brian and Barry Dennis - in August 2017. Since then, the number of fruit pot units sold by Around Noon has increased by more than 110 percent.
Around Noon provides a full ‘food to go’ offering, including sandwiches, salads and wraps. It also supplies bakery items and cold pressed juices.
Fruit is one of the company’s fastest growing product categories, and very much supports its ‘health focussed’ strategy.
Gareth Chambers, CEO at Around Noon, says: “We have a very successful partnership with The Fruit People, which has helped us enhance our range and provide our clients with a fresh and healthy offering. We see the potential for further significant growth in this area as consumers increasingly opt for healthier choices. Part of our growth strategy is to help our clients offer better, healthier food.”
Brian Dennis of The Fruit People said: “Around Noon has become one of our largest customers as their fruit sales have grown so significantly. We put a big focus on the quality and reliability of what we supply, and we have been able to work very well with the Around Noon team to help them create products of real quality.”
Around Noon is one of the fastest-growing food businesses in the UK and Ireland. It was listed as one of the top 10 fastest growing food and drink businesses in the UK during 2018 by Alantra and The Grocer. It has also been listed two years in succession in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100. Check them out at www.aroundnoon.com
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