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A series of unique Employee Appreciation Cruises will be taking place on Carlingford Lough this summer thanks to Newry and Dundalk Chambers of Commerce who came together this week for the launch of the trips.
The two-hour evening cruises, offered by Carlingford Lough Ferry, will showcase the beauty of the Lough and the historic Haulbowline Lighthouse, which will be externally illuminated nightly during August. The illumination of Haulbowline is an initiative of the Newry Maritime Association.
James McArevey, PRO, commented, “We are extremely proud that Haulbowline is the only wave washed lighthouse in Ireland or Britain to be externally illuminated. The illumination is now in its fifth consecutive year. This August, the lighthouse will be bathed in blue light as a special tribute to all frontline workers across the island who have risked their own lives to serve others during the Covid 19 pandemic. We wish Carlingford Lough Ferry well with their Lough and Lighthouse Cruises”.
The cruises will be a spectacular sight and an uplifting experience for anyone who gets the chance to take part. Emma Mullen-Marmion, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade commented “These are very challenging times for many businesses. This includes those who kept their doors open throughout lockdown and those that had to furlough staff. We had to postpone our own Greater Newry Employee awards ceremony in June, so we are very happy to support the launch of the Employee Appreciation Cruises with Carlingford Lough Ferry. We would encourage businesses to get involved to bring staff together and reconnect in a unique setting”.
Paddy Malone from Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said “The Chamber has championed greater North South co-operation to boost tourism in this region, which we feel has so much potential. We are delighted to see Carlingford Lough Ferry add the lighthouse cruises to their existing services. We are happy to support the project in any way we can.
The available dates for corporate bookings are 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th August. Departure times will be 7.45pm from Greencastle and 8.05pm from Greenore. Businesses can book the exclusive use of the cruise or purchase group tickets. Dates are also available to the public on August 1 and 2 and these cruises can be booked online at LIGHTHOUSE-CRUISES.EVENTBRITE.IE.
There will also be live music on board. Refreshments and catering options can also be booked on request. To comply with social distancing protocols, the normal passenger capacity of 250 has been reduced by approximately 50% and intensive cleaning will be carried out.
If you would like more information about corporate bookings, please email info@carlingfordferry.com
Check out a Newry.ie video from last year on a trip aboard the ferry below
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It was a day of celebration today at St Mary Street in Newry with two new premises opening to the public.
Childrens' clothing store Bella's Boutique, operated by Amy Rafferty and Michelle Smith opened downstairs at 1 St Mary Street, while upstairs Hair and Beauty Salon, Emzo & Co run by sisters Emma Kearney and Maria Kelly opened their door.
Michelle and Amy both from Ballyholland Park have been best friends for years and as Amy explains the idea to open the shop came about after Michelle had been abroad for a while "I had three kids and she wanted to put a bit of 'abroad' into kids clothing and I wanted to dress the kids and that's how it came about"
Bella's has 10% off this Monday as an introductory offer. They have also special offers on all 'frozen' dresses.
The girls are also working on an online shop which will be going live in the next few weeks.
Emzo & Co is a family run hair and beauty salon which hopes to bring a bit of glamour to Newry. It certainly is bringing a bit of celebrity, as Emma is very well known in the TikTok world, with nearly a quarter of a million followers. If you haven't already done so you can check her out at 'BabyEmzo'
Emma and Maria are originally from Church Street and now live on the Dublin Road. As Emma says "We wanted to do something new in the industry and wanted to bring a glamorous salon to Newry and give the people what they want, because it's all about the people at the end of the day"
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Deli Lites, has launched a new ecommerce site as part of a series of business strategy changes as it reacts to the challenges of the current health pandemic. The online move has seen the business adjust to changing consumer needs, with the introduction of Ireland-wide deliveries resulting in strong demand for its bakery products, plant-based healthy eating boxes and heat-to-eat dishes. The Warrenpoint-HQ’d firm has also seen a strong uplift in its corporate orders as employers seek to stay engaged with their teams who have been working from home by sending care packages
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Newry company Connex Offsite, manufacturer of modular bathroom pods, has recently secured a £3 million contract to supply property developer Mount Anvil with pods for its Royal Eden Docks scheme, which is seeing that part of east London re-emerge as a globally significant commercial, cultural and residential centre.
Connex based at Loughbrook Industrial Estate on the Camlough Road is aggressively targeting new business throughout the UK, viewing the residential market as having major scope for future expansion.
And in the next two months it will recruit staff for a variety of roles including joiners, operations managers, designers, general labourers and tilers, to meet its rapidly growing order book.
Its managing director Brendan Doherty said: “Mount Anvil, which has 30 years of construction history under its belt, recognised the high quality of our pods and standard of service from recent major projects we have delivered in Central London and decided our product was a perfect fit for its supply chain requirements.
“We have seen huge growth in recent months and the Covid-19 crisis has been the catalyst for a shift to modular construction.
“Off-site manufacturing is being embraced by the industry because of the restrictions on the level of labour on site. And because our pods are completely finished in a controlled environment, shrink wrapped on the factory floor and shipped to the construction site, we are reducing the numbers of trades required on site.”
Connex launched in February last year with a £1.2 million cash injection, and by August had announced plans to create 140 jobs over the next five years following a £2.5 million expansion of its operations.
Connex is part of a family group of successful businesses including Doherty Developments, Re-Gen Waste, Re-Gen Robotics and Re-Eng.
Due to a significant increase in production, it plans to move into a new £2.5 million 60,000 sq ft facility ahead of schedule in August.
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Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel is to shed over 230 jobs, around a quarter of all the jobs on site. The North Carolina based business employs over 76,000 people worldwide and the recent unprecedented downturn in the airline industry due to Covid-19 has been given as the reason for the job cuts.
MP Chris Hazzard has said the news will come as a bitter blow to workers and their families.
The South Down MP said "News that more than 230 jobs could be lost at Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel will come as a bitter blow to the workers, their families and the local area.
"First and foremost this is devastating for the workers involved but it will also have a major impact on the local economy.
"Staff were told today by management that the pressures of COVID-19 has led to a significant downturn right across the aerospace industry. Airbus and Boeing have reduced production rates from between 40% – 50% and this has a huge knock-on effect for Collins Aerospace locally.
Mr Hazzard added “The company has exhausted a series of mitigation steps including eliminating overtime, freezing recruitment and accessing the furlough job retention scheme. It has now commenced a 90-day consultation period in which they have committed to work in partnership with trade union representatives.
“Speaking with management this afternoon, I have asked them to continue to proactively engage with workers and their representatives at every stage of the process and offer retraining and upskilling opportunities wherever possible for those workers affected.”
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A host of businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District area have weathered the storm and experienced continued growth throughout the challenging pandemic period, thanks to the support of Council business programmes.
The 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.
Green Ladies NI, an eco-friendly cosmetics business based in Downpatrick, recently completed the NMD Business Growth Programme and is now preparing to expand its team and launch a new product. Tracy Megoran, outlined the benefits of taking part in the programme.
“Working closely with my designated mentor, we carried out a full review of every element of my business - everything from cash flow, sales, marketing, production and distribution. I was then able to shift our sales strategy and follow a carefully designed business plan which kept us on track.
“It couldn’t have come at a better time. Despite the downturn due to the pandemic, we are now recruiting a new member of staff and launching a new product through our enhanced web channels. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the NMD Business Growth programme.”
Hugh McCulloch, Managing Director at Condensation Solutions, also took part in the NMD Business Growth programme to develop his skills during lockdown. He added “I wanted to utilise the downtime effectively to grow the business, become a better mentor to my staff and to establish the best strategy to keep the business moving forward.
“Thanks to the programme, we have developed a sustainable strategic plan and new operating systems to cope with demand, as well as methods to manage pressures and encourage self-care at work. I now feel better equipped as a leader and can communicate more effectively with my team.”
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Laura Devlin congratulated businesses on completion of the programmes and a successful period which saw them overcome the challenges brought about by the pandemic. She said:
“It’s great to hear so many local success stories at what has been an incredibly difficult time for a lot of businesses. Participants in these programmes have shown determination and resilience in continuing to grow their businesses and ultimately provide more jobs for people in this area. This will have a positive impact on economic growth here, as well as small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs and families.
“As a Council, we have worked to develop relevant and responsive programmes to support our local businesses. The Council is committed to supporting our local economy and these programmes are proving to be invaluable. If you haven’t signed up already, you should.”
The NMD Business Growth and Tender for Growth programmes involve tailored one-to-one mentoring, networking and targeted workshops, as well as access to ‘meet the buyer’ events. Support is open to any small business located in the Newry, Down and Down District Council area and it is free to register and take part.
Businesses can register for business support via the programme by the website NMDBUSINESS.ORG
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With this week marking the first anniversary of the death of First Derivatives (FD) founder Brian Conlon, the Newry company has renamed its two offices at Canal Quay and Hill Street in the city, in his memory.
Canal Quay is now Brian Conlon House while the Marcus Square office will be known as The Conlon Building.
With July 28th marking the first anniversary of Brian’s death, the firm has also announced the inaugural winner of the ‘Spirit Of Brian Conlon’ award, an initiative open to all employees at FD. The award recognises and rewards an employee that embodies Brian’s core values of being a positive corporate citizen, having a passion for lifelong learning and being focused on excellent customer service.
A Newry man himself, Brian was renowned for entrepreneurship, drive and ambition. He grew FD into an international leader in consulting and enterprise software. Brian’s commitment to Newry and Northern Ireland continues to create significant employment opportunities in the region. In addition, the company’s policy of embedding graduates from across the world in Newry to start their careers with extensive training and work experience has placed both Newry and Northern Ireland on the global technology map.
Commenting on the initiatives, the Conlon family said: “They are a wonderful and fitting tribute to Brian’s memory. First Derivatives is part of the fabric of Newry having welcomed graduates, colleagues, customers and many other visitors from all over the world for more than 25 years. We are all immensely proud of what Brian achieved and the naming of the buildings, including our Group headquarters, and launch of the award will be a lasting legacy to the successful business he created.”
Brian started the company in his mother’s spare bedroom in 1996. It now employs more than 2400 people globally and counts many of the world’s top leading investment banks as customers along with firms like Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. Despite facing a difficult year since Brian’s passing, FD’s continued growth is testament to the strength and resilience that Brian instilled in the firm and continues to be fundamental to FD’s ongoing success story.
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Crossmaglen based newspaper The Examiner has stopped publication for good following the suspension of publication of the paper in March, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Local businesses especially Newspapers have been hard hit by Covid-19 with a steep reduction in advertising revenue especially challenging.
The Cross Examiner was extremely popular throughout South Armagh with it's extensive sports coverage especially eagerly awaited by local GAA fans. The business which ran from 1992 starting off as the Slieve Gullion View had Gerry Murray filing the seat of Editor for most of those years. Tragically their Photographer Mickey O'Rourke passed away in 2019 after many years as the public face of the paper.
In a note on their Facebook page today announcing the decision, a statement read "Having suspended printing of The Examiner in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we wish to announce that we have reached the difficult decision not to resume publication.
"We take this opportunity to thank our loyal readership, advertisers and contributors for their steadfast support over the last 28 years, which enabled ‘the wee paper’ to form an integral part of community life across south Armagh.
"We offer our appreciation to the many individuals and groups from the business, statutory and voluntary sectors with whom we have been fortunate to work alongside.
"Above all, we thank our loyal staff for their dedicated and committed service to The Examiner and offer them our heartfelt best wishes for the future.
"With best regards Gerry, Elizabeth, Joanne and Josephine"
Newry City Councillor Michael Savage who was a former editor of the paper spoke of his sadness at the closure "As the first Editor of The Examiner back in ‘92 I’m so sorry to hear the news that the paper won’t be publishing again. The paper meant so much to the people of South Armagh over the last 28 years and will be sorely missed. I wish Gerry, Elizabeth and all the family the very best wishes for the future"
Also commenting on the announcement Slieve Gullion Councillor Aoife Finnegan said “As a local south Armagh Councillor and community activist I want to say thank you to all involved with the Examiner newspaper over this past 28 years.
"This is a serious and precarious time for all sectors of the economy. Business closure announcements have a real human cost, job losses impact on employees and their families. I hope that all those effected will receive support and hopefully find employment”
Cllr Pete Byrne added "The paper meant a lot to many people across our community over the last 3 decades. I wish you and your family well for the future. Enjoy your well earned retirement."
Newry.ie would like to thank Gerry and Elizabeth and all at the Examiner for all their kind assistance over the years and wish them all well for the future.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is set to tee off with this year’s Annual Golf Classic Friday 28 August in Warrenpoint Golf Club.
Kindly sponsored by award winning Irish Whiskey Company, Matt D’Arcy, the event is always popular with local businesses.
Speaking at the launch event, Chamber President, Emma Mullen- Marmion said “This has been a really challenging year for local businesses. As a Chamber we are delighted to host this networking and social event once more for our members and the wider Greater Newry Business Community.
“Post lockdown, golf has proved to be very popular and our tournament will provide a great opportunity for local businesses to network on the fairways of the beautiful Warrenpoint Golf Club.
“Our event has always been supported by our business community and the Chamber would like to thank this year’s main sponsor Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey, for their generous support. “
Michael McKeown, owner of Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey added “As a local business we are delighted to be this year’s main sponsor of the Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic. Newry’s success as a business destination is down to a strong network of local businesses. Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey is about making connections and we welcome the opportunity to support Newry Chamber in this popular networking event at Warrenpoint Golf Club.
“I look forward to toasting the winning team at the 19th hole.”
A range of attractive individual and team prizes, as well as prizes for the 'Nearest to the Pin' and 'Longest Drive' competitions are on offer.
Entry costs £190 plus VAT for a team, which includes a two-course meal and a goody bag for each player.
Opportunities for hole sponsorship at this successful corporate business event are available by contacting Newry Chamber.
This is a great opportunity to reward your staff with a round of golf or entertain clients. The Chamber’s Golf Classic is always a sold-out event and interest will be high this year so please book early.
In line with social distancing there will be no shotgun start and, instead, the tee is reserved from 11.30am-3.30pm. Four balls will eat at the end of their individual rounds. It is sure to be an enjoyable day and to get your preferred tee slot, contact the Chamber at admin@newrychamber.com
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