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Buttercrane Shopping Centre has made two new appointments to the management team this month.
Mary McDonnell has been appointed as Operations Manager for Buttercrane Shopping Centre by Lambert Smith Hampton, the Centre’s Letting & Management Agents. Mary has significant experience across retail, operations and the customer service industry having previously worked with Argos, Sainsbury’s & Debenhams in the UK & Ireland for over 30 years. Originally from Coleraine but now living in Co Down, Mary has a wealth of knowledge of project management, refurbishment and contractor liaison.
Mary is joined by Karen McCambridge, who has been appointed Site Manager for Buttercrane by Robinsons Services. Karen has been part of the Customer Service team at Buttercrane for over two years, prior to which she worked in Healthcare in a Customer facing role for over a decade.
Karen is also a volunteer first responder with the NI Ambulance Service. Karen will oversee the day to day contact with Security, Cleaning & Maintenance.
Peter Murray Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to welcome Mary to the team. With development and build elements of the new Sports Direct/USC unit – a 32,247 sq ft unit over two floors due to open May 2020 – well underway and LIDL in the Planning stage, her expertise will be well utilised as Buttercrane continues to develop and expand our retail offering for 2020 and beyond.
“I’d also like to congratulate Karen on her appointment to Site Manager. Karen was recently recognised by Robinson Services as Employee of the Year for her dedication and commitment and she will be a huge asset to the team."
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Businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area are being encouraged to sign up to the ‘Get Your Business Online’ programme. This business support programme is aimed at helping local SMEs to set up a website and to get their business online. It is being delivered as part of the NMD Business Support Programme and is open to all business located in the Council area which employ less than 50 people.
The ‘Get Your Business Online’ programme and is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014 -2020) programme.
The Programme will consist of four workshops and a mentoring programme will provide digitally focused mentoring support. Completion of the four workshops are mandatory and presents an opportunity for businesses to apply to receive one-to-one mentoring in the design and delivery of websites. The workshops will cover the following themes:
All participants must be located in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area. The programme is open to entrepreneurs and SMEs in all sectors and there is no cost for participating businesses. There is no cost for participating businesses, however they must commit to all four workshops, in order to progress to the mentoring element of the programme. It will provide an opportunity for businesses to inform people about their products and services, reinforce their brand, and encourage both return and new custom through the online market.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted to see the latest phase of the NMD Business Growth Programme launched in this new ‘Get Your Business Online’ programme. While some SME’s may have a small online presence, they may not be fully aware of the key ingredients for successful online marketing, such as search engine optimisation, user functionality, market intelligence gathering and creative design.”
Recruitment has already commenced for places on the ‘Get Your Business Online’ programme. For further information please contact Adam at Full Circle on 028 9069 1027 or email adam@fullcircle.eu.com to complete an Expression of Interest form by Friday 20 March 2020.
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Newry Councillor Michael Savage has engaged to bring key stakeholders in the city together in an initiative to keep Newry open for business while protecting citizens and visitors from the Covid-19 Virus. It follows the cancellation of the Newry St Patrick’s Day Parade and street stalls.
Councillor Savage has met with Newry BID in an attempt to encourage all businesses including the hospitality sector to develop and sign up to a Trading Charter in the City that follows the protocols and guidelines from the Public Health Authority and keeps businesses and entertainment venues open in a safe and controlled environment.
He said: “Given where we are in relation to the potential threat that Covid-19 poses, it was the correct decision to cancel the St Patrick’s Day parades in Newry and Downpatrick this year. That said, Newry is not closed for business and we need to support our commercial sector as best we possibly can over what will be a difficult trading period, while ensuring that citizens and visitors feel they are in a safe and controlled environment.
“I have held initial discussions today with Newry BID with a view to working towards the development of a Trading Charter for the City which will involve all businesses signing up to and following all the protocols and guidelines of the Public Health Authority and implementing initiatives that protect customers, patrons and visitors when they visit their premises and venues.
“This initiative is in the early stages of development and we hope to have the proposals more advanced by the weekend after consulting with health professionals and experts, local businesses, the Council and the local community.
“It is important that we strike the balance between protecting our people and safeguarding our economy and business sector. The health and wellbeing of our citizens comes first and will not be compromised by any initiative but it is important to explore what can be done to keep our economy moving while protecting the health of the people of our city and district at this difficult and worrying time.”
“Obviously we are in a very fluid situation with a virus that threatens lives and if we do get to a position where extraordinary measures have to be taken then Government must step up and provide a fund to support businesses through what would be a crisis scenario.
“However until such a scenario arises we need to take sensible measures that protect the health and wellbeing of our people as the priority and where possible keeps our economy moving.”
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The H Samuel store in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre is to close later this month after 30 years of business in Newry.
The store opened at Christmas 1990 at the Buttercrane and was a very popular store. The store is now due to close 28 March.
A spokesperson for H Samuel in a statement said that it was a result of them re-assessing their portfolio of stores and they added that their Craigavon store remains open.
"We continually re-assess our portfolio of stores on a store by store basis, particularly when individual store leases come up for renewal.
"This particular closure of the H. Samuel store bears no reflection upon the future plans of the Signet business estate overall within the UK.
"We are sorry to be leaving Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry on the 28th March, however, we do have a H. Samuel store half an hour away in Craigavon, as well as a wide online offering at www.hsamuel.co.uk with next day delivery service."
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Newry based First Derivatives, a global software and consulting company, has appointed Kathy Schneider as Chief Marketing Officer reporting directly to Seamus Keating, First Derivatives’ Chief Executive Officer.
Schneider will have global responsibility for First Derivatives’ marketing strategy, including brand, demand generation and communications. In this role, she will drive the company's global go-to- market approach and brand strategy to support First Derivatives’ growth ambitions.
"We are delighted to welcome Kathy to the First Derivatives leadership team as our global CMO," said Seamus Keating, First Derivatives’ CEO. "Kathy has robust experience developing global marketing strategies that have helped to achieve growth for established as well as emerging technology businesses. Kathy will drive the evolution of our brand and go-to-market strategy as we expand beyond the financial sector into further industries where our unique Kx data analytics software and consulting services can deliver unmatched results."
Schneider brings extensive marketing leadership experience in the global technology sector, including senior marketing roles at privately-held as well as publicly-traded companies. Prior to joining First Derivatives, Kathy was global CMO at Sungard Availability Services. Before Sungard AS, Kathy was Senior Vice President, Product and Marketing for EMEA at Level 3 Communications. At Criteo, she held a global role on the executive leadership team as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications. Schneider moved from consumer products to the technology sector in 1999 when she joined Dell Inc., now DellEMC. While at Dell, she led various marketing functions at a country, regional and global level. She has spent the last 16 years working and living in London with her family and will be based in FD’s New York office.
"For more than 20 years, First Derivatives has built a customer-centric business serving the capital markets sector with unique IP in consulting and managed services, supporting mission-critical systems,” said Kathy Schneider. "With its Kx data analytics software, First Derivatives also addresses the growing challenge of capturing and analysing ever-expanding data volumes to make real-time decisions. It’s an exciting time to join First Derivatives since this presents an enormous opportunity beyond the financial markets as other sectors, like manufacturing and energy, utilise real-time data to make rapid operational decisions.”
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As a result of the worldwide coronavirus crisis Newry based company MJM Marine has seen all but one of its drydock projects postponed indefinitely and as a result they expect to see redundancies in the business.
In a statement released today a spokesperson said “Today MJM Marine has communicated to our valued employees the first stage of a consultation process which will result in redundancies. Despite taking the highest level of precautions, decisions late last week across the world led to all but one of our drydock projects being postponed indefinitely due to Covid- 19.
“This is not something we ever expected to have to do but unfortunately with the situation in the cruise sector we have been left with no alternative. Our thoughts and concerns are with all those who have been impacted by Covid -19 and with those at the front line of dealing with it. Our priority is the continued health and safety of our people; and our clients and suppliers who are all being impacted.”
The company founded in 1983 by Rathfriland man Brian McConville is one of Newry citys most successful businesses.
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With uncertainty being the new certainty in the world it really is reassuring to see the physical return of an iconic local brand after over a hundered years of absence.
Newry based Matt D’Arcy Whiskey has returned with two new releases a 17-year-old single malt and a 10-year-old blend, aimed at the super-premium and premium whiskey markets respectively.
The relaunch of Matt D’Arcy & Co Limited heralds the revival of whiskey production in the South Ulster region: a designated area of outstanding natural beauty that has centuries of heritage in the distillation of whiskey.
17-year-old single malt
Matt D’Arcy’s super-premium whiskey is a 17-year-old single malt limited-edition of only 384 numbered bottles. Prior to hand bottling, the liquid has spent twelve months finishing in a rum cask: a reference to the Barbadian rum barrels that once arrived in the merchant city of Newry via its famous canal. That same canal provided a reverse gateway to Matt D’Arcy Whiskey achieving its world class reputation in the 19th Century.
This exceptional whiskey is bottled in handblown Italian crystal glass: each one unique in shape. The equally unique spirit has a distinctive light spiciness with subtle notes of honey, vanilla, apple sweetness, almonds, cinnamon and plum providing a warm, rewarding after-taste.
Tasting notes (without water)
• Aromas: Experience silky-smooth layers of vanilla sweetness, honey, peppers and spices that tail-off into a warm, rewarding after-taste.
• Palate: light spiciness with subtle notes of honey, vanilla, apple sweetness, almonds, cinnamon and plum.
• 46% alcohol
• The limited-edition gift box (70cl) retails at €375
10-year-old blend
Matt D’Arcy’s other release is a 10-year old grain whiskey blended with 17-year old single malt finished in port casks. It is rich on the palate with plenty of dried fruit sweetness with just a touch of oak.
Tasting notes (without water)
• Aromas: Experience citrus and fruity layers of conserve sweetness and spice
• Palate: Rich, sweet dried fruit spiciness with notes of barley sugar, malt and a touch of oak
• 46% alcohol
• Gift box edition (70cl) is currently available at €109
Matt D’Arcy’s Whiskey is currently available to purchase exclusively from the Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street in Dublin or online at www.celticwhiskeyshop.com
Latest statistics show that consumption of Irish whiskey in the international marketplace is increasing, with 2019 sales in the U.S. alone showing a near 14% increase on the previous year.
The arrival on the market of these premium and super-premium whiskies follows the announcement of a £7.3m (€8m) investment in the original site of the Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company, with plans for an onsite distillery, restaurant, Victorian bar and international visitor centre.
Historian and owner of Matt D’Arcy, Michael McKeown said “It is a great triumph after so much hard work to be able to release these first batches of Matt D’Arcy whiskey. The discovery of the water source used in the original Matt D’Arcy Whiskey more than 200 years ago was a huge moment for us, and to see the whiskey now going to market has made this a really rewarding journey. The historical prominence of this area in the distilling of whiskey was significant and we are look forward to restoring that reputation.”
Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive of the Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company added “We are thrilled to be able to bring to market such a special old single malt along with our innovative blend to revive the whiskey making tradition in the Newry area. It has been a long time in the making, but now we mark the start of production of Matt D’Arcy’s whiskey range and our plan is to bring forward subsequent new batches later in the year.
“The whiskies we are producing are aimed at the premium and super premium markets and will appeal to international whiskey collectors and enthusiasts or those looking for a very special whiskey to enjoy at home.
“Irish Whiskey is in serious demand in the international market. Statistics from the Department of International Trade show whiskey distilled in Northern Ireland worth £26.6m (€29m) is exported annually, with Northern Ireland distilleries contributing to Irish whiskey growth globally”
Check www.mattdarcys.com for more information
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The President and Chief Executive of Newry Chamber and the Managing Director of Newry BID, held discussions on Friday with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on the impact of Covid19 in the area. In an hour long teleconference, they discussed support arrangements for business and local communities, the need for social distancing, as well as getting a briefing on the Council’s Civil Contingencies arrangements.
KPMG have put together a useful online resource documenting what will be available for local businesses. Check it out at ASSETS.KPMG
Speaking after the meeting Chamber President, Emma Marmion Mullen said “It is important that we work in partnership to ensure as a community we get through this Public Health and Financial crisis. The Chamber has been working on behalf of local businesses to lobby for the business grants announced this week to be paid immediately and that the Chancellors package of measures to subsidise pay are implemented quickly.
“We can and we will come out of this and in the coming weeks it is important that we secure our businesses, protect jobs and the health and well-being of our communities. In that regard social distancing will be essential.”
At the meeting the Council’s Chief Executive, Marie Ward , set out the Council’s Civil Contingencies plans. She said “The Council has an important leadership role in the Government’s Civil Contingencies Planning for Northern Ireland and the Council’s Emergency Plan has now been activated. We will work with business, community groups and a range of other statutory services to ensure the delivery of essential services in our area.
“The Council recognises that this is a difficult and worrying time for the business community, both owners and employees. Our Economic Development Team will continue to lobby for appropriate and necessary support to assist businesses through the challenges we are now experiencing as a result of COVID-19.
“We continue to work very closely with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Newry BID, Invest NI and other partners to provide all the support and advice we can to the local business sector and ensure up to date information, advice and support is available to all business. Our team will also look at training support programmes that get businesses back up and running again once this is all over.”
Stressing the need for partnership and support for our many business and retailers struggling at the moment, Eamonn Connolly Newry BID said: “We welcome the proposed government supports on grants, wages, rates and VAT and need to see them implemented immediately to protect jobs, businesses and our community. It is essential that Stormont suspends the excessive on-street parking enforcement in Newry during these difficult times. Working together we can optimise the measures and mitigate the hardship local business and employees are suffering”
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With the current upheaval in local businesses taking over our lives entirely in the past few days an achievement earlier this month by the Corn Dolly Bakery in Newry should not go unnoticed!
The Corn Dolly was named the Best bakery in NI at the National Bakery Awards earlier this month.
The National Bakery Awards is an annual event organised by Bakery Business magazine. Bakeries from every county in the UK are surveyed and the winner of each county is declared from both retail and wholesale. Each entry from a county is weighed, measured and debated at length by a team of leading industry experts.
The successful County Down winner recognised by the National Bakery Awards this year was Corn Dolly Foods.
However, it didn’t end there for the Corn Dolly as they had an opportunity to become a Regional Winner. The county winners from each region of the UK are invited out to the awards ceremony, held at Euston Square in London. These winners then get the opportunity to find out there and then if they are also declared the best bakery in their region.
The event took place11March, with representatives of bakeries and suppliers from all over the UK making the trip out to celebrate the best in baking. One of Britain’s more versatile presenters Mark Durden-Smith, an anchor on Aviva Premiership Rugby, hosted the evening. It was at the awards ceremony that the Corn Dolly was named winner of the Northern Ireland region and recognised for their use of quality ingredients and service to the local community.
On hearing the news about their achievement Anthony O’Keefe, Director and co-founder of the Corn Dolly, had said: “We were astonished at being named best in our County, but to be named best in our region massively exceeded our expectations. Excellence has certainly been something we strive for, but to be officially recognised for our efforts in baking with a lot of excellent competition around us is more than welcome.”
The Corn Dolly has earned this award during their 30th Anniversary of providing a large selection of traditional and artisan breads, hand-made confectionary and celebration cakes to the local people around Newry and Mourne.
These awards are a fabulous addition to their already extensive awards list which also includes: Great Taste Awards, Tiptree World Bread Awards, Bridgestone Guide Awards and Blas na hÉireann awards. You can find more about Corn Dolly Foods on corndollyfoods.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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