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MJM Group, comprising global marine outfitter MJM Marine, land and marine interior outfitting specialist, Mivan and specialist glazing company, Topglass, today announced the launch of ‘The Navigate Programme’. This is a new initiative across the Group to bring together student recruitment and engagement. The Programme consists of Junior Navigators, aimed at Key Stage Four engagement with schools; Work Experience Navigators; Placement Navigators; and two student employment initiatives- Apprentice Navigators and Graduate Navigators.
Each programme will deliver a specific pathway for the students involved and will allow ongoing engagement with MJM Group throughout the young person’s early career.
Naoimh McAteer, Director MJM Group said, “We are delighted to announce our plans for The Navigate Programme today. Over the course of the next six months we will be recruiting placement students and graduates to join us as part of the first intake of The Navigate Programme in 2020 as well as engaging with young people and promoting the initiatives to second level schools and colleges.
“Our three core businesses deliver high end interior fitout and exterior services to the marine, high end residential, and commercial sectors. We also have a property team and other subsidiary businesses. We have opportunities for skilled workers, contract managers, QSs, estimators, designers, accountants and so many more career choices. Each of our businesses is growing and constantly requiring new talent. The Navigate Programme allows us to engage with young people when they are making career decisions, it allows students to see what we do and make an informed decision about a potential career with us.”
Elizabeth O Connor, HR Director MJM Marine said, “We already have well established programmes for apprentices, graduates and work placements in the business. The Navigate Programme allows us to bring these all together under the one umbrella for students, teachers, lecturers and parents and to provide them with a more formalised programme aimed at their career progression. The aim of The Navigate Programme is to help young people see the opportunities that exist for exciting careers in a global, outward looking group of companies, right on their doorstep. We had students on work placements this summer who have been out to cruise ships in The Bahamas. It’s very few other companies that can offer this type of real on the job experience, even in a short placement.”
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Re-Gen Waste, has invested £5m in the development of its existing processing facility, to produce a high specification replacement for traditional fossil fuels, for use in cement kilns and power stations.
Located at Carnbane Industrial Estate in Newry, the plant expansion has generated 20 construction jobs in the build phase and will create a further 30 permanent positions when up to full production, upon completion in early November.
Re-Gen provides mixed dry recycling and municipal solid waste collection and processing services for public authorities and private companies across the island of Ireland and the UK. It also recovers energy from unrecyclable household waste, that is sent by many councils, to landfills.
Prepared waste in the form of solid recovered fuel (SRF), is exported to Waste to Energy (WtE) plants in Europe, where it is incinerated to generate electricity for home heating.
The company already exports 80,000 tonnes of solid recovered fuel annually, but will manufacture higher calorific valuepellets and baled material for the cement and steel industries, which will be shipped to Europe through local ports.
Joseph Doherty, Managing Director of Re-Gen Waste said: “This is an incredibly important area of our work, as our ‘throw-away’ society is generating in excess of 27 million tonnes of mixed household waste per year, in the UK.
“All the materials that come into our lives will be one day discarded and there are ultimately two choices we can make; they can be treated as waste and end up in landfills or be treated as a resource and reprocessed to find a home in our economy.”
Worldwide substitution of coal and oil, in the Cement Industry now averages 13%, in Europe that figure is 26% and 60% in Germany and Austria respectively. There is also significant growth potential in Africa, South America and East Asia.
Mr Doherty said; “We’re helping local councils find a positive outcome to their landfill problem. We all generate waste and we all, especially recyclers, have to work out the right way of handling it, so that it does not end up in landfills or suffocating our rivers and oceans.
“Finding at least a second life for every type of waste material, is what we are striving for.”
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JMK Solicitors has acquired its Newry Office following a £1.7m investment which has seen the firm doubling its current workspace in the city.
The purchase of Canal House, a five story building located on St. Mary’s Street, is one of the largest commercial property deals in the region this year. The transaction was supported by Danske Bank. The overall investment includes the refurbishment of the existing JMK floor and the fit out of an additional floor which provides a new reception area, client consultation rooms and staff catering, training and relaxation facility.
Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director of JMK Solicitors, commented “We are delighted to be announcing this investment which will allow for further expansion of our business. We have been renting a floor of Canal House since 2014 but had outgrown this space due to increased staffing levels. We wanted to remain in Canal House and were given an opportunity to purchase the building.
We have already completely fitted out an extra floor to an exceptionally high specification. We feel it is important to provide the best working environment for our team. This will us helps both retain and attract staff”.
JMK, who also have offices in Belfast and service clients from all over Northern Ireland, have experienced significant growth over recent years due to their strategic decision to focus solely on personal injury and road traffic accident cases. Cases handled and staffing levels have more than doubled over the last 5 years with now over 75 team members.
JMK have held the position as the leading personal injury law firm in NI for five consecutive years, handling more cases locally than any other legal firm. The progressive company has also invested heavily in staff recruitment and training, brand awareness and technology in recent years.
Maurece concluded “Personal injury and road traffic law can be very complex. However due our complete focus in this area our staff have built up significant specialist skills and knowledge in this area of law. Our aim is to proudly improve the lives of our clients following traumatic events, achieving the best possible outcome, with the least stress. We are immensely proud that 99% our clients would recommend JMK to a friend”.
To contact JMK, please call 028 9032 0222 or visit WWW.JMKSOLICITORS.COM
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Newry native Johnny Hanna has been appointed as the new Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, taking over the role from John Hansen who retires from the partnership at the end of October.
The appointment comes as the firm experiences a period of considerable growth across its Audit, Tax and Deal Advisory divisions.
Johnny is a Partner and Head of Tax at KPMG in Northern Ireland and has over 20 years’ experience advising on UK, Irish and international tax issues for leading indigenous and multinational businesses across a range of industry sectors.
He is a law graduate from Queen’s University Belfast, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and former Council member of the Irish Tax Institute.
Johnny Hanna said: “It is an honour to take over the role of Partner in Charge at such an exciting time for KPMG in Northern Ireland. We have an exceptional pool of talent based here in Belfast at all levels, from our graduate trainees through to our management team and across all areas of the practice. I’m looking forward to leading this team of innovative, dedicated and hard working professionals.”
Commenting on the appointment, Seamus Hand, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland said: “Our success in Northern Ireland has in no small way been down to the leadership and commitment of John Hansen and I want to thank him for his commitment to KPMG over the 14 years he has been with the firm. He has worked tirelessly to ensure KPMG remains the go-to firm for professional services advice in Northern Ireland and I look forward to working with Johnny and the team in Belfast in building on our success to date.”
John Hansen joined the firm in 2005 to head up Restructuring before becoming Partner in Charge in 2016. He oversaw the firm’s move to new headquarters at the Soloist Building in 2017 and has been instrumental, with Johnny Hanna and the rest of the leadership team, in overseeing a period of significant growth for the firm in Northern Ireland.
Although stepping down from the Partner in Charge role, John will remain in an advisory capacity at KPMG.
John Hansen said: “It has been a privilege to lead KPMG in Northern Ireland over the last few years during which time the team has worked hard to grow the business and enhance our reputation. I can think of no better person to hand the leadership to than Johnny Hanna.”
The news comes following the announcement of four new partners at KPMG in Northern Ireland, a further reflection of the firm’s commitment to investing in its people.
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Sean O’Connor, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, STATSports, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade’s, Annual President’s Banquet.
This year’s Banquet focuses on the unique legacy being built in the city by companies like STATSports and the combined energy of the many local and global companies building an economic legacy for the region’s young people.
The Banquet, which is on Thursday 14th November, in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa is the highlight of the business year in the city, with more than 300 guests expected from businesses across the Greater Newry Area.
Confirming arrangements for the Banquet, President of Newry Chamber, Paul Convery said “From the top Premiership and European football teams, to our own Irish International Rugby Team and many other teams at this year’s Rugby World Cup, STATSports is the leading provider of GPS player tracking and analysis solutions. This year’s President’s Banquet provides a unique opportunity to hear from their Co-Founder as to how a company located in the heart of Newry can provide world-leading technological innovation to many of the world’s elite sporting organisations.”
“The success that STATSports has achieved fits perfectly with my theme of ‘Newry, a City for Our Future’. STATSports demonstrates how businesses throughout our city and region are building a legacy for our young people, a legacy that will allow them to follow their career ambitions and fulfil their true potential here in the Greater Newry Area.”
“We are delighted to be supported again by the Ulster Bank and the Canal Court Hotel & Spa. It will also be an opportunity to welcome back the Ulster Bank’s former local manager Mark Crimmins, who is now Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland.”
Speaking ahead of the Chamber’s Banquet, Mark Crimmins said “The Ulster Bank has a strong partnership with business in Newry. The Banquet provides a great opportunity to set out how Ulster Bank supports the business community in the Greater Newry Area and across Northern Ireland.”
Commenting on their support, Louise Young, Conference and Banqueting Manager at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa said “As a Hotel, we are delighted to partner with Newry Chamber for what is the highlight of the Business Calendar in the city. The Canal Court, as the city’s largest hotel and conference facility, has a strong working relationship with the Chamber. Our professional staff will ensure a great night for the Chamber’s guests and the local businesses community.”
MC for the evening will be former BBC NI Political Editor and former Director of Communications for the Northern Ireland Government, Stephen Grimason.
Book your table via the Newry Chamber website: WWW.NEWRYCHAMBER.COM
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have launched Enterprise week a week-long programme of business networking, workshops, seminars and mentoring sessions, all designed to help businesses thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.
Events will take place from Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November and is inviting businesses and entrepreneurs to sign up.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted to invite all our local businesses to take part in Enterprise Week. We all understand the challenges that businesses face in creating, growing and innovating and this week long programme will allow them to take advantage of the available advice and support.
“From already established businesses, to the next generation of young entrepreneurs hearing about the latest digital technology updates and women leading the way in the district – this is a week not to be missed!”
In addition to encouraging entrepreneurs, Enterprise Week will highlight career path opportunities available to local residents through career fairs and skills development events, all striving to increase entrepreneurial opportunities throughout the area.
The council is working with key organisations including the Southern Regional College, Federation of Small Businesses NI, Women in Business NI, Newry and Mourne Co-operative Enterprise Agency, Newry BID, Lean In Newry, Newry Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Down Business Centre and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to help businesses develop and grow.
As one of the largest local councils, with an ambitious agenda to further develop and enhance the reputation of the district as a great place to live, work and visit, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area is home to over 8,700 businesses and an important contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy.
The district accounts for 12% of all businesses and, in 2019, had the highest number of new business start-ups. Through initiatives like Enterprise Week, the Council demonstrates its commitment to driving and strengthening business growth to help local businesses flourish.
With strong transport links, a strategic location on the Belfast-Dublin corridor and a large talent pool, businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down are in an excellent position to realise their potential. The Council’s focus is to raise the profile of the district with potential inward investors through its links with Global Entrepreneurship Week, showcase its strong infrastructure and the mix of world-class industrial and service firms.
To reserve your place and for more details on all the events featured in this year’s NMD Enterprise Week 2019 visit www.nmdenterpriseweek2019
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Deli Lites Ireland have triumphed at the Lunch! Show’s Innovation Challenge Awards in London. The company was presented with two awards for its new plant-based products: the delicious Guilt Free Doner Kebab and the tasty Coconut Mocchaccino Breakfast-on-the-Go. The double-win follows in the footsteps of Deli Lites Asian Bespoké Bowl, which took home the same title at last year’s awards.
Deli Lites which has been building a reputation as a quality Irish artisan producer, competed against 110 new products to be recognised with the two coveted Innovation Challenge Awards. The brand was shortlisted as one of fifteen finalists, voted for by visitors and VIP buyers who attended the product showcase in the Innovation Challenge Gallery.
Their plant-based foods impressed the award’s industry judges at the highly competitive show during the live pitching event, which was designed to promote and celebrate new ideas in the marketplace. The judges hailed the guilt-free kebab as an “innovative and great tasting solution to a typically unhealthy indulgence”, while the Breakfast on the Go Mocchaccino was described as the “perfect option for time-poor commuters, as well as the Gen Z population”.
Commenting on the double-award win, Deli Lites CEO, Brian Reid, said “We are thrilled to receive two awards at the Lunch! 2019 Innovation Challenge Awards. These highly competitive awards are significant as they recognise our innovation and creativity within the food-to-go sector. Our plant-based selection is growing fast and with the recent investment in our new food hub, we are able to deliver the best tasting flavours in food-to-go products.
“We are very proud of our talented Food Innovation Manager, Gary McDowell and his team for presenting such a strong pitch, and securing the recognition the products deserve. Together we have built a business exporting world-class products across the UK, Ireland, Europe and further afield. We look forward to bringing more futuristic foods in 2020.”
This latest success comes on the back of multiple award wins for the company's growing export range.
The Innovation Challenge annual awards was hosted by the contemporary food-to-go show, Lunch!. The ceremony was held in the Keynote Theatre in the ExCeL London convention centre.
The Warrenpoint based firm produce more than 20 million products every year, including gourmet sandwiches, nutritious salad bowls, hot sandwiches and award-winning bakery treats. The business, founded by Brian and Jackie Reid in 1998, employs almost 300 and its customers include major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, Boots and Applegreen, as well as local food service companies.
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A Slieve Gullion Councillor has spoke about his attendance at the first meeting of Belfast Regional City Deal. The meeting reviewed progress to date and prepared business cases for the proposed programme of regional investment. The proposed Southern Relief Road in Newry is one of the City Deal projects.
Cllr Pete Byrne said, “Following the presentation of the legal document earlier this year which allowed the Regional City Deal to move to the next phase. We met at Belfast City Hall earlier this month to review progress made in recent months of the business cases for projects outlined in the city deal. This city deal will have a huge impact in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area with projects like the Southern Relief Road, Newry City Regeneration and Mournes Gateway set to benefit.”
The Belfast Region City Deal is a planned UK government investment of £350 million into the Belfast Region over the next 15 years. It’s proposed that this figure will be matched by the Northern Ireland Departments.
Cllr Byrne added “The ambitious programme will also help grow the region’s business strengths in growth sectors, such as life and health sciences, digital and creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. It will also support next generation digital capabilities and tourism-led regeneration across the entire region, underpinned by infrastructure developments and investment in skills to connect people to jobs and services.
As one of the representatives from Newry Mourne and Down Council, I will work tirelessly to ensure our district and people receive it’s fair share of any future investment from the deal.”
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John MacMahon & Co Chartered Accountants are celebrating significant staff achievements this week after two of their trainee accountants were listed top of the class in Ireland and within the top 10 in the world for their most recent exams with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
John MacMahon & Co, Accountancy & Taxations specialist with offices in Newry, Dundalk, Belfast & Dublin – received calls from the ACCA , congratulating staff members Alan Dowdall and Leah McCaul who both achieved the double distinction of being 1st in Ireland and within the top 10 world-wide.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a global organisation with over 503,000 students registered in 178 countries, including Ireland.
John MacMahon, Partner said: “We were delighted to receive a call from the ACCA congratulating Alan Dowdall whose subject was Strategic Business Leader(ship). Alan was 1st place in Ireland and ranked 9th place in the world competing against students from 178 countries including Turkey, South Korea, and Australia among others.
“Alan is a Trinity scholar and holds both a BA and MA degree in Environmental Science, completing a post graduate diploma in accounting from Trinity College Dublin before joining the firm. We are delighted for Alan and his results are testament to his hard work and dedication.”
The company were in still in celebration mode, when a second call was received from the Association, to congratulate Leah McCaul, who had another extraordinary result.
Leah holds an honours Law degree from Queens University Belfast and worked in management prior to commencing her accounting studies.
John said: “Leah is a talented dedicated student and last year she ranked 1st in Ireland. This year, in the tough Audit and Assurance subject, she achieved another 1st in Ireland, and remarkably ranked 5th in the world.”
“We are very proud of all our staff exam achievements, and Alan and Leah’s results are all the more extraordinary considering they are competing against half a million students from 178 countries. They have achieved, and continue to achieve remarkable results and are truly world leading against their peers. We congratulate them and consider then an asset to our firm,” John concluded.
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