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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade have welcomed the extension of the UK Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Colm Shannon, CEO of Newry Chamber said "The extension of the scheme is something that Newry Chamber asked for and is very welcome."
"The Furlough Scheme has been a lifeline for many businesses and this extension will help them plan for the gradual reopening and support others which will remain closed over the summer."
The Government announced today that the scheme will now continue until end of October with furloughed workers across UK continuing to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500 although new flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost economy.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak explained "As we reopen the economy, we need to support people to get back to work. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said "Our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected millions of jobs and businesses across the UK during the outbreak – and I’ve been clear that I want to avoid a cliff edge and get people back to work in a measured way.
"This extension and the changes we are making to the scheme will give flexibility to businesses while protecting the livelihoods of the British people and our future economic prospects."
New statistics published today revealed the job retention scheme has protected 7.5 million workers and almost 1 million businesses.
The Chancellor added "The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. More specific details and information around its implementation will be made available by the end of this month.
"The government will explore ways through which furloughed workers who wish to do additional training or learn new skills are supported during this period. It will also continue to work closely with the Devolved Administrations to ensure the scheme supports people across the Union."
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Local couple Eamon and Niamh Breen have launched a new Online Supermarket App in response to the lockdown that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic locally.
The app will enable you to order food from local shops including Cunninghams Butchers for delivery across Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor with expansion plans to cover the whole of Ireland.
ROADRUNNER Supermarket is a new start-of-the-art Andriod and IOS App and website with a processing facility based in Newry.
Founders Eamon and wife Niamh were in the process of developing the Roadrunner App as a food delivery service for local restaurants due to launch in summer 2020. Eamon says, “When lockdown happened, like most families we struggled to find stock of essential items as everyone was trying to do their grocery shop online. We quickly made the decision to change the structure of our App to accommodate families like our own and make sure everyone had access to food and supplies without the need to visit the supermarket”. Eamon continued, “We set up a delivery network around the Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor area and plan to expand to deliver in more areas soon”.
You can now order your favourite household brands including local suppliers including Cunninghams Butchers in Kilkeel, Mash Direct and Dale Farm products with minimum orders as little as £10. Eamon concluded, “We are trying to add as many local food producers and partners so that we can continue to support local businesses across Ireland”. A wide range of food bundles from local food suppliers are now available within 48 hours delivery including meat packages from BBQ Packages, Lean Protein packs, Fry Bundles & Steak Night bundles and others from high quality sourced suppliers starting from just £15.
If you live in the Newry, Rostrevor or Warrenpoint area, download the app on IOS and Andriod search Roadrunner.supermarket or visit their website at www.roadrunnershopping.com
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A new destination brand for the Greater Newry area developed by local businessman Tony McKeown is set to launch this summer.
LoveNewry.com will highlight all the good things happening in the region. Local residents, businesses and visitors are now being asked to give their views.
The comprehensive site will feature; visitor attractions, upcoming events, a business directory and gift voucher scheme, a jobs and volunteering section as well as local news.
The brand is being developed by Tony Mckeown, a highly experienced marketing professional who has worked in the city for the last 15 years. Tony commented “I think Newry is a fantastic place to live in, work in or visit. We have come up with the slogan, “City with a big heart”. For me, this really captures the passion, determination and caring nature of the people here.
You only have to look at the support given to charities such as Southern Area Hospice, KBRT, PIPS and many others. During the current Covid- 19 lockdown, there has been brilliant community spirit on display. In particular, the appreciation shown for front line NHS workers and all those involved in essential services.
Many people have been saying we don’t appreciate what we have in and around Newry in terms of fantastic scenery, retail, leisure and entertainment options. To aid recovery, we will need to support local businesses more than ever.
Tony added “There is much speculation about future restrictions being placed on foreign travel. There is likely to be a trend towards local tourism, so we want to highlight what we can offer visitors from Ireland or Great Britain”.
To give your views, please visit lovenewry.com/survey Anyone who completes the short 10 question survey online by Thursday 30th May 2020 at 5pm will be entered into a draw to win £250 worth of vouchers for a local business of your choice.
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Newry Nutritional Therapist Aine Boyle has released an online Kids in the Kitchen Cookery Course
The course focuses on healthy food made simple for kids age 11+ with a basic knowledge of cooking. It includes nutrition tips and advice on what to include in our meals and snacks to ensure kids are getting the nutrients they require.
Aine has been teaching local kids how to cook for the last 8 years with cookery classes and summer camps in Newry, Armagh, Hilltown etc. She explains "During lockdown I have designed online cookery classes for children to learn how to cook or improve their cookery skills.
"I think this is a great time for kids to learn to cook with so much free time. All my classes are based around teaching kids about healthy eating and where their foods comes from. This has never been more important in terms of our health and immunity with Covid19 and I feel really passionate about getting more children interested in food and learning the skills of cooking."
The course is about teaching children where their food comes from and learning to cook from scratch quickly and simply. Aine focuses on taking popular favourite dishes and giving them a healthy twist to ensure that mealtimes are always fun. Cost for the course is £25 and you can enrol at HOMESCHOOLONDEMAND.COM
Course Includes
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MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed confirmation received from Economy Minister Diane Dodds that a tender for Project Stratum should be in place before September and that the British government has now reconfirmed its previous £150m financial commitment to the rural broadband project.
Project Stratum aims to improve broadband connectivity by extending Next Generation Access (NGA) broadband infrastructure to approximately 79,000 premises across Northern Ireland that cannot yet access NGA broadband services.
The Newry Armagh representative said, “At Ministerial question time this week, my colleague Catherine Kelly raised the vital need for her to prioritise the delivery of rural broadband.
“This unprecedented public health emergency has exposed the glaring disadvantage being suffered by our rural communities not least the disadvantage of not being able to work and study from home due to lack of broadband coverage.
“I therefore welcome the Minister’s response confirming that two tenders have been received for Project Stratum with a tender expected to be made before September and further confirmation that the British government has now reconfirmed it’s previous £150m financial commitment to the Project.
“With a 6-9-month period is required for network design and delivery preparation anticipated, the deployment of infrastructure should commence in April 2021, with completion by 31st March 2024.
“While of no immediate assistance to the many currently struggling to work in study from home in our rural areas, Project Stratum offers light at the end of tunnel with almost 10,000 premises in this constituency alone with broadband access speeds of less 30 Mbps are eligible for inclusion in the £165m project.
Concluding: Mr Boylan said that he would continue to champion the rights of rural people in their quest for proper broadband provision.
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Whilst many firms are struggling with the adjustment to remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at JMK Solicitors took it in their stride as flexible and remote working has been the norm for some time.
Prior to the pandemic, all members of the team could avail of flexible hours and were provided with the same technology as would be available to them at their office desk (to include dual screens) for their home ‘office’ for seamless remote working. Our ethos is to have the team benefit from this flexibility, to ensure when they are working, it is both a productive and enjoyable experience.
Indeed in 2017, JMK set themselves a goal of proving that remote working could be as effective as working in the office. For the month of February 2017, the workforce was able to relocate to Lanzarote, with an overwhelmingly positive result. This proved the firm were well equipped to work away from the office while maintaining their productivity and a high level of client service, even in a different country. This project has helped the team enormously in the current pandemic and ensured everyone transitioned to working from home without any additional set up or stress. We were able to simply notify the whole team after the government announcement in mid-March to work from home and the next day we were progressing our clients cases as normal.
We wanted to ensure compliance with the Stay Safe and Stay home message so JMK’s office buildings are currently closed to the public, but we are still taking all steps to remain productive and effective for our clients. We have been utilising secure technology to ensure as little disruption as possible to our normal service. We have moved several meetings online, with our Legal Advisors holding consultations with clients and barristers using video conferencing with great success.
Senior Solicitor Una O’Neill commented, “I have found video conference calls so helpful in assisting with the progression of clients’ cases during this challenging time. I have had video calls with clients and their barristers as well as with foreign speaking clients and translators in order to discuss medical reports, settlement offers and generally obtaining updated instructions. Clients have remarked that they find this ‘face to face’ contact, (albeit virtual!) much better than a telephone call for staying in touch, being kept updated, and easing progression of their case.”
We also have a pioneering approach to file management, allowing us to operate remotely with ease as we have entirely paperless client files, utilising bespoke case management software. It provides automated reminders, document production at the click of a button and secure online portals helping to continually make clients the number one priority.
Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director of JMK Solicitors said, “As our team were experienced in working remotely and even working in a different country, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit we were able to make a quick adjustment to the way we operate, ensuring as little interruption as possible to our services provided to our clients. While our office buildings may be closed to ensure the safety of our clients and team, JMK Solicitors are still open for business and available to help.
"We wish to assure you of our ongoing commitment to client service during this time. Should you need our assistance we are available by phone on 028 9032 0222 between 9am and 5pm weekdays, but prefer that you contact us by email law@jmksolicitors.com "
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Silverwood Smart Marketing will launch tomorrow in Newry city with five new jobs being created.
The new full-service marketing company is the brainchild of Tony McKeown, a respected marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience working for leading national and international brands.
Tony explains, “We have already filled three of our initial five posts and will be recruiting for the other two later in the year when the economy begins its recovery and we will also be using the services of freelance specialists on a project by project basis.”
Tony has been living and working in Newry for fifteen years: he is excited about the City’s potential for growth. Even in the current uncertain economic climate he believes that Newry and the surrounding area has great potential.
“Newry is a vibrant place with many fantastic small and medium sized family firms, mixing with some indigenous companies who have grown to operate on a global stage. In addition, Newry Mourne & Down Council have unveiled ambitious infrastructure plans.”.
“As we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses will need to be more agile and innovative and particularly in their marketing. We look forward to helping owners and managers as normal business resumes.”
Taking inspiration from some of Newry’s high-profile success stories including First Derivatives, Norbrook and STATSports, Tony is focused on building a world class team at Silverwood Smart Marketing.
“Marketing has become very specialised: businesses need experts to create and implement their marketing plans. We very much want to develop long term partnerships with clients and to become an integral part of their operations.”
Silverwood Smart Marketing bespoke services include Strategic Marketing Planning, Digital and Social Media management, Advertising and Print, Event Management, Public Relations and Training and Development Division.
Visit Silverwoodsmartmarketing.com for more information.
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Finance Minister, Conor Murphy today announced a furthur £213m rates support package for businesses which will see all businesses get a rates holiday till the end of July while some sectors such as hospitality, tourism and leisure won't have to pay rates till the end of the tax year in March 2021.
This builds on the £100m scheme announced by Minister Murphy in March which gave all businesses a three month rates holiday.
The new scheme, developed with independent analysis from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, will see the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic pay no rates for the full financial year up until 31 March 2021.
Sectors - No Rates till April 2021
The rates support packages will also see all businesses received a one-month extension of the rates holiday up to 31 July 2020.
Minister Murphy said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy. The initial rates support package helped businesses with immediate cash-flow difficulties during the lockdown.
“As the Executive begins to ease the restrictions which have been necessary to save lives, I am pleased to announce this new scheme which importantly provides all businesses with an extended rates holiday for July.
“Further support is then targeted at the sectors which will be in greatest need in the months ahead. This includes retail, hospitality, tourism, leisure, childcare and airports.
“This rates package, which is aligned with the Executive’s pathway to recovery, brings the total support for businesses from rates relief and grants to almost £700m.”
Newry Business Improvement District welcomed the move in a statement saying "Newry BID is delighted to welcome the announcement by our local representative Conor Murphy, Minister of Finance, this morning to extend the rates holiday for ALL BUSINESSES by a further month until the end of July, provide a targeted rates holiday until the end of the year for the under pressure sectors including Retail (excluding medium to large food retailers and off-licences) Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. This is a major and essential intervention to support local business.
"The BID is very appreciative of the support received from Conor Murphy Minister of Finance and Liz Kimmins MLA in listening to and taking on board local business concerns around the business rates challenge."
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Catherine McGinn of MAC PR based in Rostrevor has put her thoughts together for a blog on how businesses are presently adapting to digital media and how many others might well also need to go this route to survive post Covid-19.
Struggling to Adapt
As the COVID Crisis continues, we continue to work from home, which fortunately is where MAC PR has a purpose built home office. Many of our clients have deferred marketing & PR plans, placed events ‘on hold’ and some businesses have cut marketing budgets altogether as they struggle to adapt to this changed environment.
With doors closed for many businesses, digital marketing has never been more important as footfall turns to online sources for everything from news & advice, to fitness videos, recipes for banana bread and inspiration to keep the kids occupied. Online sales have dramatically escalated with many companies advising up to 3 weeks delivery due to demand.
Now more than ever, digital communication is key to business survival – in the short term, as well long-term visibility in a post-COVID world….whatever that will look like.
COVID has disrupted normal buying patterns – with some shopping locally and taking advantage of delivery services, rather than go to ‘busy city centre’ stores. Others have become new TESCO, ASDA or Sainsbury customers as they secure those elusive home delivery slots. Personally, I now have small independent fruit, veg and meat suppliers delivering direct to my door. My favourite Vegan restaurant began a local delivery service twice weekly having closed its doors end of March. As a result I’ve more than doubled what I would normally have spent with those local suppliers monthly.
‘Digital sales’ can take a variety of forms. Some companies were already offering web sales, and they’ve been able to shift gear quickly, albeit they are struggling to cope with dramatically increased demand and delivery timelines.
Some retailers are comparing online sales at the end March comparable or ‘better than Christmas’.
Other retailers without online sales options are offering ‘shop via Facebook’ or Instagram and are increasingly utilising video content to push sales via PM/with PayPal payment. This week I see a new website launched for an established Newry business with online sales capacity and a 20% OFF offer to get things rolling.
COVID has pushed people online, often out of their comfort zone …and into ZOOM meetings. A colleague remarked they got more achieved in 40 min ZOOM meeting than they would have in two hour face to face. There’s a lot to be said for face to face meetings from a relationship point of view, but there’s nothing like a ticking clock on ZOOM to help you focus when an agenda needs to be covered efficiently.
People who have avoided Instagram stories before are now getting comfortable sharing content and ‘having the chats’ on stories. Let’s not forget to mention the explosion of TIKTOK. To be honest, I think it’s cool for teens & celebs who are fab at the often highly complex dance choreography (and obviously I love the Flemings) but I am more than a little disturbed to see politicians dancing in their sitting room.
Get Your Message Out
From a digital marketing point of view, it’s important to continue to get messages out to your fans and followers even if your doors are closed, but it must be balanced with the concerns of your fans and followers.
If you are still providing a service, you need to get the sales message out on your digital channels. Obviously it will depend on the nature of each business , but recognising positive community relations, sharing local charities initiatives in your area, praising key workers in your area – and within your own business if relevant – as well as ‘at home’ inspiration for crafts/ kids/exercise/baking could all be part of the mix of social content.
Make sure you spend some time analysing your social media stats and insights to see if there is a shift in audience engagement on particular posts as well as looking at the most popular times your audience is online.
While your Fans are at home, their social media consumption will certainly have increased and you may need to look at the time they are online to evaluate the best time to post certain content.
Perhaps you are a business that is realising that some or all of your workforce ‘working from home’ is feasible. Commercially, businesses may shift the focus away from a large office to have a more flexible workforce with ‘at home’ pods in the spare room. Commercial property prices are predicted to fall with Dublin analysts suggesting many commercial property schemes could actually switch to residential.
The Construction Industry Federation has warned this week that applying new standards and COVID guidelines could extend new house builds by up to 10 weeks and add £10,000 – 20,000 onto the cost of a new house or apartment.
The positive impact on ‘stopping the world’ has been seen globally, with air pollution decreased and carbon emissions dramatically dropping. Many Governments & local councils are actively looking at ‘green’ recovery schemes including pedestrainising centres and enhancing cycle paths.
Every industry has been touched by COVID. It’s the world’s biggest disruptor, tragically in human terms, as well as commercially.
Reset Button
Consumer behaviour is completely altered. It’s a massive RESET button. In the coming months, I wonder …will we return to the same shopping habits? Or will we develop new ethics about where we shop, what we actually NEED and who we spend money with? There are opportunities for business in this time of change.
Businesses that have captured new customers will need work to keep them post COVID and digital marketing is a critical element of that.
Coronavirus has forced rapid changes in the way we live, work and connect with people. We’re told Divorce rates in China have spiked – with quarantine cited as the reason. People across the world are re-imagining dreams and focusing on what’s important to them as we emerge from lockdown.
Businesses and brands need to ‘read that’ and respond appropriately to altered behaviour and changing commercial sensibility as we slowly, carefully navigate a ‘new normal’.
Catherine McGinn, Director, MAC PR
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