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WIN Business Park played host to 12 local social enterprise organisations this week when they gathered together to Pitch in the ‘Dragons Den’ for £800 of investment. The event was sponsored by the Ulster Community Investment Trust and Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency and organised by Social Enterprise NI.
The participating organisations were from across the whole Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area and were presenting their social enterprise and social innovation ideas to a panel of experts.
Phelim Sharvin Associate Director of Ulster Community Investment Trust was impressed by what he heard, he said ‘Newry Mourne and Down District has a vibrant social enterprise sector where Profit for Purpose organisations trade services for social good. These organisations presenting today have a powerful impact on issues of mental and physical health, autism, education, training, enterprise development, the arts and domestic violence.’
The competition was a closely fought affair with the wining pitches coming from of Centred Soul Health and Wellbeing, who work in the area of perinatal mental heal and birth trauma and Davina’s Ark who work with individuals and families recovering from addiction.
Rosemary Deans the founder of Centred Soul was delighted to win the event describing it as, ‘ a great opportunity to tell the story of the positive impact of their work on the wellbeing women and men suffering from mental health issues around child birth’
Closing the event Social Enterprise Programme manager Stephen McClelland said “he was grateful for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Councils support for social enterprise in the district as it enable local people with vision, passion and perseverance to made a tangible difference in the lives of excluded people and at the same time have a positive impact on the local economy.’
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CRASH Services will be supporting Cancer Fund for Children as their chosen charity partner for 2020.
Making the announcement Jonathan McKeown, CEO of CRASH Services, said “Each year, our staff nominate two charities to support for the whole year. This year we wanted to choose one charity to really concentrate our efforts and raise as much money as possible to a cause that’s close to our employees’ hearts. After two rounds of voting, we are delighted to announce that the charity with the most votes and therefore our chosen charity of the year is Cancer Fund for Children.”
"We are committed to raising much needed funds through a series of events planned throughout the year such as the Belfast Marathon, Big Breakfasts and Dress Down days. We look forward to the year ahead and working closely with Cancer Fund for Children to support the children and their families when they need it most."
Alex Murdock, Corporate Fundraiser at Cancer Fund for Children, added “Cancer Fund for Children are thrilled to welcome the team at CRASH Services as our new Charity Partner for 2020. I am really looking forward to building a relationship with the team, that will help us continue ensuring no family has to face cancer alone as well as ensuring their employees have the best possible experience through their fundraising and volunteering activities.
“Cancer Fund for Children exists to provide practical and emotional support to young people (aged 0-24 years old) diagnosed with cancer and young people who have a parent diagnosed with cancer. Through our range of individual, sibling and group support alongside bereavement support and short breaks at our therapeutic short break centre Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down, our aim is to empower, connect and strengthen young people and their families so they feel better equipped to deal with the emotional impact cancer has on their lives. This vital support would not be possible without businesses such as CRASH Services by our side.”
“With lots of exciting events already in the pipeline and lots of enthusiastic staff ready to get into the fundraising spirit, we know it will be a fantastic year for everyone that will make sure Cancer Fund for Children can continue to be there for families when they are most needed.”
If you are feeling inspired and think your organisation would be interested in raising vital funds to support local young people and families impacted by cancer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Alex Murdock at alex@cancerfundforchildren.com or call 028 9080 5599.
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Newry Chamber and Dundalk Chamber are hosting a major conference in March, focusing on Building The Cross-Border Economy Post-Brexit.
The event will be held in the Carrickdale Hotel & Spa on Wednesday 11 March 2020 and will focus on the impact of the future trading relationship for the border region post-Brexit and provide a range of practical advice and support for border businesses.
More than 250 people have already registered to attend this high-profile conference. The programme includes a Keynote Address from Oliver Mangan, Chief Economist at AIB, who will examine the Economic Outlook and What a Future EU/UK Trade Deal will mean for businesses.
Speaking ahead of the conference, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Emma Marmion said “The UK’s Exit from the EU will present new challenges for businesses operating within the cross-border economy. Newry and Dundalk are central to the economic corridor between Dublin and Belfast and our businesses make a significant contribution to the All Island Economy. This cross-border conference will provide a timely update for businesses on the challenges and support available for businesses post-Brexit.”
Highlighting the importance of the conference to border businesses, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Pat McCormick said “Our objective is to demonstrate the strength of cooperation that exists within the border economy. Cooperation has been central to the economic success of the Dundalk and Newry region. Our businesses need to plan for the future trading relationship post-Brexit. The conference programme includes a number of key specialists who will provide practical advice and support for border businesses.”
The conference is supported by IntertradeIreland, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Louth County Council, Local Enterprise Office Louth and Dundalk Chamber Skillnet.
MC for the conference will be the Broadcaster and Journalist, Mark Simpson.
The conference is FREE to attend and spaces can be booked via Eventbrite or alternatively:
Newry Chamber – WWW.NEWRYCHAMBER.COM
Dundalk Chamber – WWW.DUNDALK.IE
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MLA Justin McNulty has complained that in the past three years, only 5 out of 741 Foreign Direct Investment visits by Invest NI have been to the Newry and Armagh areas.
The Assembly member for Newry and Armagh said efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment are too Belfast centred and that greater efforts must be made to bring jobs to areas beyond Belfast City.
Reacting to figures he obtained from Economy Minister Diane Dodds. Mr McNulty said, "Time and time again we see the same areas getting jobs’ announcements backed by Invest NI and it only makes me wonder, what about our towns and cities outside Belfast?
"We all know that Belfast is the region’s capital and that many jobs tend to gravitate around universities and further education colleges, however, surely government policy should be to attract investment on a more balanced and equitable basis across the North. In addition to encouraging job creation and investment outside of Belfast, if jobs are created in towns and cities where people work and then don’t have to travel to Belfast this will have a positive impact on our environment and on people’s quality of life.
"Foreign Direct Investment is a key element to job creation and complements our own indigenous companies. However, when I asked the Minister to detail the number of FDI visits hosted by Invest NI by constituency for each of the last three years I was astonished with the results. Of the 741 visits hosted, 398 or 53% of those visits were to South Belfast. In total Belfast secured 634 or 85% of FDI visits. This is an astonishing indictment and demonstrates a total regional imbalance in efforts to secure investment here.
"The Executive’s current Investment Strategy runs until 2021 and any new strategy must be more balanced and help attract investment beyond the outer ring around Belfast City. Of the 741 visits only 5 of those visits were to Newry and Armagh. This is shocking! Life does exist beyond Belfast and there are thousands of qualified, willing and experienced professionals and skilled tradespeople who would be happy not to be burdened with a daily commute to Belfast.
"As this region prepares for the unknown that Brexit will bring, we must see a greater focus on protecting border communities in the time ahead. And, Invest NI as a publicly funded body should place more emphasis on exploring and seeking more regionally balanced investment.”
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A programme delivered across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council by Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre has won ‘Best Enterprise Initiative’ by a Council at the Northern Ireland Local Government Association awards.
The winning Newry, Mourne and Down Social Enterprise Programme (SENMD) is an innovative programme of support helping individuals and groups explore new social enterprise ideas to help them find sustainable socially innovative solutions to social problems.
Social Enterprise Newry Mourne and Down programme manager Stephen McClelland praised the social enterprise sector in the area for their contribution in winning this Best Enterprise Initiative award saying, "the contribution of the social economy to the wider economy of Newry, Mourne & Down cannot be underestimated. It is as relevant and as important as the private businesses in our high streets. Social economy and community run businesses are the glue that bind our places together; they build the social capital that provides us with our sense of place and who we are and they also contribute to the wealth of our community through the assets they own and the businesses they manage."
The Awards are co-ordinated by NILGA and the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE). This year they attracted 58 entries and showcased brilliance in service provision, new initiatives and the personal commitment from councils, councillors, staff and partners. The categories are designed to foster innovation, exceptional commitment and great work, providing opportunities for local government’s staff and members to step forward and learn from great example.
In welcoming this award Council Chairman Charlie Casey said, "this award is an important recognition of the foresight and innovative approach of Newry Mourne and Down District Council. The Council’s approach has been to develop strong strategic partnerships such as Newry & Mourne Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre which has created an enterprise culture in the district. This unique partnership approach continues to deliver jobs and prosperity for the citizens of Newry Mourne and Down District Council."
Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency Chairman Peter McEvoy hailed the award as "recognition of the transformational impact of social enterprise in the district. They create training opportunities where the market is unable to, they create employment pathways for those furthest from the labour market and support individuals and families in their local communities. They are our local employers, paying wages that flow into our wider economy, training people to move into jobs in the mainstream economy and critically investing in new economic development initiatives, new business start-ups, planting the seeds of tomorrow’s employers today."
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Prime seaview dwellings and sites do not often come to the market in the Warrenpoint area, but in a relatively short space of time, five opportunities have become available which has become something of a talking point locally.
Garry Best from Best Property Services says it’s an unusual coincidence.
“The area where 5 sites/properties are now listed for sale – is known historically as Dobbins Point – the region around the foreshore where the Moygannon River flows into Carlingford Lough,” Garry explains.
“There are currently 5 sites/dwellings for sale at Dobbins Point. Each has its own unique attractions and benefits and is owned by three separate parties. These have been added to market for sale for varying reasons, coincidentally, but it’s certainly been a bit of talking point locally.”
For those seeking to build their own new home, there is a selection of three sites to choose from. Two of these are beside each other and are approved for two storey dwellings. The third, is across the road on the shore side and has outline consent for a 1.5 storey bungalow with an adjacent 1.4 acres of shore front land.
In addition, there are also two existing dwellings for those buyers who prefer to avoid a new build project but find a view of the Lough appealing.
One attractive bungalow, at 18 Rostrevor Road, was built around 20 years ago and includes three bedrooms and two reception with views across Carlingford Lough towards Omeath.
Whilst on the shore side of the road, 'Glebelands' offers a two-storey residence (c.3,000 sq. ft.), with an additional 1.15 acres of land running to the shore line just west of Moygannon Court Apartments.
All five opportunities have views of Carlingford Lough. Glebelands (dwelling and site) has a Closing Date for Offers on 28th February 2020.
For more information contact Best Property Services, tel 028 3026 6811 or visit WWW.BESTPROPERTYSERVICES.COM
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Three Newry and two Warrenpoint hospitality venues were amongst the winners in the Hospitality Ulster, Top 100 business awards.
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Three Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillors have been appointed to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon.
The three Councillors' Karen McKevitt, Cathy Mason and Glyn Hanna were nominated by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and appointed following a selection process. The Board is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Warrenpoint Port and they are appointed for a maximum of four years.
Councillors McKevitt and Mason have been appointed for a first term with effect from 1 March 2020. Councillor Hanna has been appointed to a second term effective from 22 August 2020.
Councillor Hanna is a full time member of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and represents the Mournes Ward. He is a member of the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourist Committee and the Planning Committee. He holds no other Public Appointment positions. Councillor Hanna is a current Non-Executive Member of WHA from 22 August 2016 to 21 August 2020.
Councillor McKevitt is a full time member of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and represents Crotlieve Ward. She is a member of the Active and Healthy Communities Committee and Neighbourhood Services Committee. She is also Co-Chair of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Forum and a member of NILGA.
Councillor Mason is a full time member of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and represents he Slieve Croob Ward. She is a member of the Planning Committee, the Active and Healthy Committee, Neighbourhood Services, the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh Committee and the Climate Change and Sustainability Working Group.
Acknowledging the three, Minister Mallon said “I congratulate Councillors Hanna, McKevitt and Mason on their appointment to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. I am confident that their experience and knowledge of local issues will add significant value to the work of the Authority and its continued role in contributing to the local community and the wider regional economy.”
The Minister also paid tribute to the outgoing Board Member, saying “I would also thank Councillor Sean Doran for his valuable contribution to the WHA Board during his tenure.”
The Harbour Authority Board has a membership of a Chair, two Executive Members, and seven Non-Executive Directors, this figure includes the three councillors from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The Non-Executive Directors currently receive remuneration of £7,497 per annum.
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A drive to bring more women into the construction industry, has resulted in local company MJM Marine doubling its female workforce in less than two years!
Marking International Women’s Day and highlighting their progress the Newry based company announced that they have been awarded a Northern Ireland Bronze Diversity Mark to promote diversity and inclusion within their own workforce and across the wider construction industry.
Diversity Mark NI is Northern Ireland’s only independent, not-for-profit organisation enabling companies to achieve a Charter Mark to support their commitment to diversity & inclusion. The Bronze Mark focuses on Gender Diversity and paves the way for companies to embrace broader diversity and inclusivity through Silver and Gold Marks.
Speaking about the decision to sign up to the Diversity Charter, MJM Marine HR & Legal Director, Elizabeth O’Connor explained “MJM Marine operates in the construction industry which historically has been a male-dominated industry. Our initial priority in signing up to the Diversity Mark is to work towards a positive gender balance in our own company and in the wider industry.
“We have been working hard over the past number of years to attract more women to MJM Marine and I am delighted that our efforts are proving successful.”
Naoimh McConville, Director, MJM Marine added, “The Diversity Mark reflects MJM Marine’s commitment to diversity and our drive to bring more women into the construction industry. We have more than doubled the number of female employees in the past two years. What is particularly pleasing is that we are bringing more women into our traditionally male-dominated departments. For example, two years ago, we had two female Quantity Surveyors (QS) in MJM Marine. Now women represent 30% of our QS Department. Similarly, we now have women in Design, Health & Safety and Logistics and we were absolutely delighted to welcome our first ever female apprentice this year. Cara Duncan has joined our Apprenticeship Programme in ‘Furniture Making and Specialist Joinery’ and is now working in the heart of our production floor.”
Due to sustained growth, MJM Marine has been on an extensive recruitment drive over the past 12 months.
“31% of our new employees in 2019 were women,” continues Elizabeth O’Connor. “We are making strides in addressing an historic gender imbalance and we hope that our actions will help drive change across the industry.”
MJM Marine celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting on Afternoon Tea for almost 70 women who currently work for the company.
“As a world leader in marine outfitting, our work takes us across the world. We currently have a number of exciting roles within MJM Marine which we are looking to fill,” adds Naoimh. “Every position will be filled on merit but we would love to hear from more females who want to work for a world leader in global marine outfitting.”
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