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Buttercrane Shopping Centre had a busy 2019 final quarter, specifically the Christmas period with some traders in the centre having their best ever results for the month of December.
Commenting on the busy period Peter Murray, Buttercrane Centre Manager said “Some stores performed particularly strongly and some recorded their best ever December trading figures in Buttercrane Centre, which is great news for those retailers concerned, the Centre and indeed Newry itself.”
The strong Euro and resulting cross border trade certainly added to the buzz.
“Even with the result of the UK general election and subsequent softening of the Euro there did appear to be an almost last minute rush of southern shoppers coming to Newry to purchase in bulk and availing of significant saving in lines like alcohol, baby products , chocolates, and medicines,” Peter adds.
Whilst ROI trade is always seen as a bonus, the vast majority of trading is garnered from South Down, South Armagh and across NI.
Buttercrane continues to improve its offer to appeal to all ranges of shoppers by investing in retailers and facilities. Online shopping continues to be a factor for all retailers, regardless of their location. Mr Murray added “It’s a challenge Buttercrane and our retailers continue to address - with many offering click and collect in store and Buttercrane Shopping Centre also now offer an ‘in centre’ click and collect locker service for Amazon and other online deliveries which has proved extremely popular with customers now able to collect their on line orders conveniently whilst they are in Centre"
Looking ahead into the New Year, Mr Murray envisages a year of change and improvements for the centre with the addition of USC and Sports Direct mid-year.
The sports clothing retailer is currently fitting out circa 25, 000 sq ft superstore which will open in Q2 2020.
Other major brands are scheduled to open later in 2020 enhancing the already strong tenant mix, currently anchored by Primark and Dunnes Stores.
Buttercrane is continuing to invest in excellent customer services, including its public facilities and initiatives like Dementia and Austism Awareness – having recently received an Austism Impact Award.
Buttercrane are also celebrating the New Year with the recent announcement that its bathrooms, Place to Change toilets and Parent & Child facilities, all have been recognised as the best facilities in Ireland, by the national Loo of the Year Awards.
Buttercrane achieved Diamond Award for their public restrooms - the only Irish shopping /retailer to receive the award, placing Buttercrane amongst the top 3% in all surveyed across GB and Ireland.
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The new year is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is urging local budding entrepreneurs to make starting a business their New Year’s resolution with the support of the Go For It Programme.
This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
If you’ve been dreaming of giving up your nine-to-five job and becoming your own boss, you’ve probably considered a variety of small business ideas. Whether it’s personal training, car-detailing; massage therapy or event planning, make 2020 the year you take the plunge.
The Go For It Programme can help any budding entrepreneurs do more than dream up a good idea - it can help you turn it into reality. It has mentored over 6,000 aspiring entrepreneurs across all 11 Council areas of Northern Ireland in the past two years through its wide network of enterprise agencies.
It provides expert free advice and support to anyone wishing to start their own business, by taking them through the process of creating a business plan. It covers everything from financial forecasting to marketing and long-term business planning.
Cllr Charlie Casey, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “The New Year is a key time of year when people take stock and set goals for the year ahead, and many begin to really think strongly about pursuing their dream of owning their own business.
“We would encourage anyone in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area who has an idea to make starting a business their New Year’s resolution and take that first step with the support of the Go For It Programme.
“The Go For It Programme offers budding entrepreneurs expert mentoring on the real challenges facing local start-up businesses. It will help candidates create a business plan tailored to their business idea, focusing on important elements such as financial forecasting and accounts, sales and marketing, and how they can potentially access funding.
“This tried and tested business plan provides people with a blue-print for building a successful and sustainable business model, and it gives them the final push they need to finally launch their business.
“So, if you’re thinking about starting a business in 2020, we have a team of experienced business mentors through our network of enterprise agencies that are fully equipped to provide you with the expert advice and support you need to take that plunge and start your own business.”
The Go For It programme is delivered in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area by Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre.
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business call 0800 027 0639 or visit: visit WWW.GOFORITNI.COM
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A new book documenting 200 years of business in Newry is due to be published later this year and the researchers wants input from as many local people as possible.
The book 'The Business of Newry' will be compiled by former Chamber President Michael McKeown, with the help of a team of local researchers. If you have a story, maybe a family members recollection of a local business or if you have photographs or interesting memorabilia, the team would love to hear from you. They are especially interested in the period from 1900 on.
This book will cover so many aspects of manufacture, invention, adaptation, engineering, science, building, transport and education that we need to supplement this already great group of researchers. “Your City needs you!” says Michael McKeown.
Mr McKeown adds "Whist we know what businesses existed in the past one hundred years, very little has been written of their origins, who and what were the drivers.
"Much research can be done in Newspapers and Government records. So, if you like to nosey into other peoples’ business please contact:
E: michael@mattdarcys.com "
The research team is headed by Tony Canavan, author of the acclaimed, 'Frontier Town, An Illustrated History' who is contracted to edit the contributions from a group that includes Dr. Mary Goss, Ian Heaney, Francis Gallagher, Chris Cassidy, Peter Makem, Rowan Hand, Maud Hamill, Marjorie Harshaw and Claudine Coyle.
Emma Marmion, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade announced the intention to mark the 200th year of business and professional representation of the City of Newry by the publication of a new ledger styled coffee table book to be entitled 'The Business of Newry'.
Recently uncovered documents show a very active Chamber operating in the 1820’s deeply involved in canvassing the great infrastructural project of the Newry Sea Canal, a scheme stemming more than twenty years. It included the building of the Albert Basin and the Victoria Locks at a cost of £72,000 (Circa £80m today). Speaking at a gathering of local business representatives, historians and authors yesterday in Newry Town Hall, Emma said “It is remarkable that our Chamber has played the same role over the past decade in respect of the Southern Relief Road.”
“This afternoon’s task is somewhat more modest in scale. We are here to lay out our plan for a prestigious commemorative publication that will trace two hundred years of commercial history. We are confident that we have the proper foundation for this but wish to make it as comprehensive as possible.
”The new research confirming the existence of a Chamber of Commerce & Trade in the year 1820 was carried out by a Chamber Past President and publisher of two remarkable Newry histories, Michael McKeown. These well received and admired books are 'The Book of Newry' and 'The History of Newry Post Office'.
Speaking at yesterday’s gathering, Michael said “I was very excited to find a series of letters in the National Archives from various Presidents of the Chamber written in the 1820’s to the Chief Secretary’s Office at Dublin Castle. The documents include great detail on the planning and costing of the Sea Canal and most importantly where the vast sum of money to construct was sourced.
“When I mentioned the find to my fellow Directors, the die was cast and now I have to manufacture the book to match the ambition.”
Michael notes that the foundation of Newry starts with the Cistercians and spoke of our City's influence throughout the world over the years. "You'll discover that a number of businesses in Newry had interests in far flung parts of the world. They had depots in Nova Scotia, down the coast in Maryland and some of them were chartering ships that were making journeys between Shanghai and Melbourne" adding "the early wealth of Newry was coming from the Carribeean, from slaves in the bringing back sugar and rum and stuff."
Just to show how perhaps the more things change the more they stay the same he added "MJM have 400 workers here but they have another 1400 in 16 different ports around the world"
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The President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Emma Marmion, has welcomed the return of the NI Executive and has called for it to deliver for business.
Following the formation of the new Executive, Emma said “On behalf of businesses in the Greater Newry Area, we are delighted that the Executive is back at work. Local ministers best understand the needs of local businesses. As a business community, we look forward to working with the Executive to deliver economic growth in the region.”
“The Southern Relief Road is a key economic priority for the Greater Newry Area. We welcome the commitment in the New Decade, New Approach document to the Belfast Region City Deal. Delivering the City Deal is key to delivering the Southern Relief Road. It will greatly improve access to Warrenpoint Port, ease congestion in Newry City Centre and improve access to the Mournes.”
“The Greater Newry Area is a dynamic growing economy which has contributed significantly to the Northern Ireland and All Island economies. We look to the new Executive to ensure that post-Brexit our businesses can continue to trade, grow and create new employment opportunities.”
“The Executive will face many challenges in the coming months but for businesses we want to see a fairer rates system. A system which protects the High Street and doesn’t act as a barrier to the many businesses that create employment in the Greater Newry Area. We need investment in our infrastructure and transport system so our goods and people can move freely. Our businesses need support to invest in their people so they can remain competitive and we must have an education system which is tailored to the needs of local businesses.”
“Innovation and creativity are at the heart of growth in the Greater Newry Area and must be central to the new Executive’s economic strategy. To remain competitive, investment in broadband and the roll out of 5G are crucial for future growth.”
“A growing economy also needs public services which meet the needs of local communities. Newry Chamber and local businesses have been strong advocates for Daisy Hill Hospital remaining a key Regional Hospital. We will work with the local community, businesses and health professionals to ensure that investment in Daisy Hill remains a priority for the Northern Ireland Executive.”
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MJM Marine has donated an amazing £31,706 to the Friends of Rathore School Starburst Sensory Project.
This money was raised during 2019 through a charity partnership with the school. The total raised by employees was matched by the McConville family to get to this phenomenal total.
Throughout the year the team at MJM Marine organised a series of events including a charity Golf Day with suppliers, a Spinathon in Buttercrane Shopping Centre, coffee mornings and raffles. The apprentice team at MJM Marine also made hundreds of Christmas decorations which were decorated by supporters from across the area and sold to add to the charity total.
Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine said, “We are absolutely delighted to have handed over this sum to Rathore today. We know it will make a real difference in their efforts to improve the sensory facilities for more than 200 young people who attend the school and their families.”
Brian McConville, Chair of MJM Group added, “The McConville family, the management and the team at MJM Marine have been very touched by our interactions with the students and teachers at Rathore this year. It was great to welcome students to MJM Marine and to our events and to have members of our social committee attend events hosted at the school. We wish the team at Rathore every success for the future and in the delivery of their sensory facilities.”
Caroline Currie, Principal at Rathore said, “We are absolutely blown away by this total from MJM Marine. It has been a wonderful partnership and we have really enjoyed working with the MJM Marine team over the past year. The money raised will make such a difference for the pupils at our school and will leave a legacy for many years to come. I would like to personally thank Brian, the McConville family, the social committee, Gary Annett, the management team and all the employees, suppliers and supporters of MJM Marine who got involved in this fundraising. This phenomenal amount of money has pushed us over our original £100,000 target which we had set for the Starburst Sensory Project and will allow us to bring more facilities to our school.”
MJM Marine is a leading global cruise ship outfitter headquartered in Newry.
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Newry company First Derivatives have announced the appointment of Seamus Keating as their new Chief Executive Officer.
Seamus succeeds the Group’s founder, Brian Conlon, who passed away in July last year. Non-Executive Director Donna Troy has also been appointed Chairman of the Group.
Seamus has extensive leadership expertise in the global technology sector, including executive roles in both finance and operations in multi-national technology companies.
A qualified accountant, Seamus held a number of senior roles at Logica plc until its acquisition in 2012 by CGI Group, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President of the Benelux region and chair of its worldwide Financial Services practice.
Since 2012 he has worked with a number of growing technology businesses in the private and public markets as chairman and non-executive director. He was appointed a Non-Executive Director of FD in December 2012 and Chairman in July 2013.
Donna has a depth of experience in both senior executive and non-executive roles within multi-national technology companies. She has held CEO, division general management and sales leadership roles in organisations including IBM, Partnerware, McAfee, SAP, Dell and Epicor, delivering revenue and margin growth and implementing global go-to-market strategies. She currently holds non-executive roles at Pivot3, TIBCO, Aptean and Curvature and was appointed a Non-Executive Director of FD in January 2018.
Following his appointment as CEO, Seamus Keating has stepped down from the Board committees of which he was a member. The Nomination Committee will now be chaired by Virginia Gambale and a search has been initiated for additional Non-Executive Directors with the skills and experience to support the Group’s growth strategy.
Welcoming the appointment Donna Troy, Chairman, said “We are delighted that Seamus has agreed to lead FD on the next stage of its journey. He was appointed Executive Chairman under the most difficult of circumstances and has demonstrated his ability to lead the team effectively while we undertook a search for a new CEO. There was considerable interest in the role from well-qualified candidates. However, as we refined the requirements it was apparent that we already had an outstanding candidate in Seamus. When he signalled his desire to take on the role the Board was thrilled and I look forward to working with him to execute our strategy to realise the enormous potential within the Group.”
The new CEO added “Since my appointment as Executive Chairman my priority has been to ensure the Group maintains its drive to deliver growth. During this time I have met stakeholders across the business, including employees, customers, partners and investors across all the regions in which the Group operates. I have been struck by the high regard in which FD and our corporate culture is held, which provides an excellent platform on which to execute the Group’s strategy. I am grateful to FD’s employees who have shown immense dedication during this difficult period and to the Board for its support as I take on this new role, leading FD to achieve its long-term objectives.”
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The Institute of Directors (IoD) has opened the search for the best performing business leaders in the Newry area.
And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the IoD Director of the Year Awards, it is seeking entries across 10 categories open to leaders from the private, public, and third sectors.
In partnership with AIB, the awards seek to honour the achievements of directors representing a wide spectrum of organisations from family firms to small and medium enterprises, international companies, and beyond.
Winners in 2019 included Dale Farm CEO Nick Whelan, who was named Large Business Director of the Year, Lisa McLaughlin of Herbert Smith Freehills, who won the International category, and William Barnett of W&R Barnett who took home the coveted Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice.
All Northern Ireland category winners are then considered for the UK-wide Director of the Year Finals in London, providing the opportunity for recognition on the national stage.
Gordon Milligan, Chairman, IoD NI commented “As we enter a new decade, it is humbling to look back on 10 years of the IoD Director of the Year Awards and consider the great accomplishments of our local business leaders during what have at times been very challenging conditions.
“We a have a tremendous cohort of directors operating in Northern Ireland, showing exceptional levels of corporate governance and a level or resilience that has seen them prosper over the past decade.
“This is clear to see each year as we celebrate their achievements and I have no doubt that 2020 will once again prove just how much we have to be proud of in Northern Ireland.”
Speaking on behalf of AIB, headline sponsor for the awards, Orla McGerr, Head of Corporate Trading, AIB, said “It is said that great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. We have exceptional business leaders in Northern Ireland, who despite economic and political uncertainty, have paved the way for innovation and entrepreneurialism over the past decade.
“It goes without saying that strong and open leadership is the key to the success of our vibrant business community, and we are delighted to partner with the IoD once again to shine a light on individuals who embrace these leading qualities.”
The Categories
Categories for the awards, which are open to members and non-members alike include:
• Director of the Year - Non-Executive – sponsored by Deloitte
• Director of the Year - Innovation – sponsored by KPMG
• Director of the Year - Young – sponsored by Carson McDowell
• Director of the Year - Public/Third Sector – sponsored by Capita Managed IT Solutions
• Director of the Year - Family Business – sponsored by BDO Northern Ireland
• Director of the Year - International – sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland
• Director of the Year - Small to Medium Business - sponsored by Ulster University Business School
• Director of the Year - Inclusivity – sponsored by Abbey Bond Lovis
• Director of the Year - Large Business – sponsored by Amplifi Solutions
• Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice – Sponsored by AIB
Individuals are free to enter categories themselves or they can nominate a worthy colleague inviting them to complete an award entry.
The category winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 15th May.
The closing date for entries and nominations to this year’s competition is 13th February.
For more information on the Institute of Directors and the Director of the Year Awards visit www.iod.com/ni or www.iodawards.com.
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Warrenpoint based Deli Lites, has launched two new ranges to meet growing consumer demand for tasty meat-free products, as more and more people start to enjoy vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian lifestyles.
Launching this month is Deli Lites’ first fully plant-based range -a chef-led product line-up which is full of innovative flavour combinations and features dishes such as Buffalo Cauliflower with Spiced Cous Cous Tabouleh and Maple Harissa Dressing; Curried Chickpea with Mango Chutney and Cashew Crumble; Spiced Fritters with Beetroot Hummus, Kale & Candied Walnuts and Creamy Roasted Pepper & Tomato Pasta for the on-the-go, busy consumer.
The new vegan-friendly range will be available from retailers across Ireland, with plans to extend availability through its distribution lines into the UK.
In addition to its own plant-based range, the company has collaborated with nutritionist-led start up business, Kitchen Vegilantes, to create a second range featuring a host of ready-meals and food-to-go products that are 100% meat-free and packed full of plant-based proteins, including a number of vegan and vegetarian versions of many popular meat dishes.
The new Kitchen Vegilantes line-up includes three main meals - Cheeky Chickpea Tikka, Rebel 3 Bean Burrito Box and Bad Boy Bolognese. As well as the nutritious meals, the range offers three different flavours of energy bites which are perfect for a snack or pre-workout boost - Zesty Coconut and Pistachio Energy Bites, Cranberry Choco Lit Bites, and Bite Me Banana Brownie Bites. Also included, are three Anytime Oats in Macho Mochaccino, Wild Pecan and Apple Pie, or Berry Blast, which were developed as either a breakfast option, pre-gym boost or evening snack.
Deli Lites and Kitchen Vegilantes joined forces on the venture with the aim of creating genuinely good food that doesn’t rely on meat as a high source of protein, instead the new range utilises naturally occurring plant-based protein.
Kitchen Vegilantes was founded by qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, Kevan Jordan. Brian Reid, the Co-Founder of Deli Lites is the newly appointed Director of Kitchen Vegilantes. Speaking about the new range Brian said “Deli Lites has continuously sought ways to incorporate an array of choice within our product lines. As more and more people opt to reduce or completely phase out meat and dairy, it’s even more important to us that we are able to offer products which meet changing lifestyles and diets but don’t compromise on quality or taste. By working with our chef-led Innovation team and the minds behind Kitchen Vegilantes, the two new plant-based ranges have been created by experts in their field to be nutritious and full of flavour in order to appeal to a wide range of consumers, not just those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
“We will continue to focus on meeting and exceeding consumer needs by creating products packed with quality Irish ingredients. As a company, we also have a strong ethos of sustainability engrained in everything we do, and we are conscious of how our products will impact the environment at every stage. From the sourcing of ingredients, to hand-made production of products, and plastic free packaging using organic recyclable clear-flow wrap film in place of plastic, everything from the product to packaging in these new ranges is proudly plant-based.”
Commenting on the importance of its new collaborative plant-based range, Kevan Jordan, Founder of Kitchen Vegilantes, said “Having worked in the health, nutrition and fitness industry for many years, we are acutely aware of the importance of quality plant-based food to fuel healthy lifestyles. The partnership has provided the ideal opportunity to develop great tasting products which are packed with natural plant-based proteins, are low in calories, and also taste delicious. We’re excited to promote this range and hope to develop even more product lines in the future.”
These new plant-based dishes join a host of pre-existing vegan friendly products including a tasty Coconut Mocchaccino that won over judges at Lunch! show’s Innovation Challenge, as well as a delicious Sweet Potato Fritter and Spiced Hummus Wrap, which was awarded an Irish Good Choice Quality Food Award.
Deli Lites Ireland was founded by Brian and Jackie Reid in 1998 and employs a team of almost 300. Its customers include major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Boots and Applegreen, as well as local food service companies. The food to go specialists continue to visit markets in the Netherlands and the Middle East to meet consumer demands whilst futureproofing its product ranges and the impact on the planet. The business produces more than 20 million products every year, including gourmet sandwiches, nutritious salad bowls, hot sandwiches and award-winning bakery treats with increasing export distribution of their product across the globe.
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With a potential raft of upcoming changes to UK tax legislation in the first post-Brexit budget on 11 March, a new network has been launched to help accountants prepare and local accountants are invited to a seminar in February.
The Tax Technical Network, hosted by business advisory firm Grant Thornton, will bring professionals from practices across Northern Ireland together to learn best practice from colleagues and leading tax experts.
Peter Legge, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton in Belfast, said “Over recent years, the burden and complexity of the corporate, indirect, and personal tax regimes have grown as legislation changes at a rapid rate, with more changes ahead in 2020.
“It means that keeping up is becoming increasingly challenging for many professional advisers with increasing client demands as they try to keep abreast of developments while also understanding how any changes will impact their clients.
“The Tax Technical Network has been designed to provide accounting professionals with specialist tax expertise and training for any issues they wish to outsource, allowing them to concentrate on growing their practice.
“Topics covered will include R&D tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and customs duty, succession planning, to name just a few.
“The Network will create an opportunity for practices from across Northern Ireland to access leading tax experts, hear more about the latest changes in tax, tax efficient operations, and the approach of HM Revenue & Customs.”
Opening with a seminar at Grant Thornton, Belfast on Thursday 13th February, the Network will include a series of workshops, a helpline service and regular publications to provide technical and topical updates to members.
For further information, contact Natasha Agnew on Natasha.agnew@ie.gt.com
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