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Newry and Mourne District Council is among the first in the UK to roll out a major nationwide scheme designed to inform people about the food hygiene ratings of local food outlets.
The new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), which launched today at Belfast’s Café Vaudeville to mark the start of Food Safety Week in Northern Ireland, rates the food hygiene standards of over 11,000 local businesses where people can eat or buy food, from cafes and restaurants to supermarkets and delis.
Consumers can check out these ratings at www.food.gov.uk/ratings or simply look out for the striking green and black stickers and certificates inside food businesses.
The new FHRS is operated by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry and Mourne District Council and 17 other district councils throughout the region. The national Northern Ireland launch coincides with the scheme being rolled out in Wales and England.
Under the scheme, food businesses are rated on a scale of zero to five with zero meaning ‘urgent improvement necessary’ and the top rating of five representing a ‘very good’ standard of food hygiene.
Speaking at the launch of the new FHRS Michael Jackson, Head of Food Safety and Operations, Food Standard Agency in NI, said: “The aim of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is to help people make informed choices around the purchase of food – wherever they eat or shop. Would-be diners can now ‘look before they book’ by checking out the Food Hygiene Rating online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings. People can also look out for the scheme’s new green and black stickers and certificates that food businesses are being encouraged to visibly display in premises, not just in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK”
Also commenting on the scheme Stephen Cooper, Assistant Director of Environmental Health advised: “The interest from food businesses in the Newry and Mourne area has been exceptional with the vast majority of rated premises getting either the top rating or four out of five. With the importance of tourism to Newry and Mourne and the interest of the local community in the scheme our local food businesses understand that getting a good food hygiene rating is going to be good for business. The scheme will drive our already good standards even higher to the benefit of the businesses and the whole community”
The scheme uses information from routine food hygiene inspection programmes carried out by council environmental health staff. It is being rolled out by participating councils and the Food Standards Agency as part of a transparent UK - wide approach to food hygiene meaning would-be diners can be assured the ratings of their local chippy will be consistent with a potential holiday hotel across the water.
Northern Ireland already boasts some of the highest food hygiene ratings available with the vast majority of all rated businesses scoring an impressive four out of five or the top five out of five rating.
Damien Tumelty, Executive Chef at five rated venue Café Vaudeville added: “It was great to host the national launch at Café Vaudeville – the scheme is a real opportunity for businesses like ours to showcase how seriously we take food hygiene - by displaying our rating loud and proud. The consistency and transparency of the scheme makes it easy for consumers to use – and hopefully brings more business to the food outlets who clearly take pride in their work.”
The new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme goes live in participating councils across Northern Ireland from June 6 2011. Anyone wanting to find out more about the scheme or check out food hygiene ratings can log on to www.food.gov.uk/ratings
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The skills of chartered surveyors are more important to the local economy than ever before, according to the new chairman of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland.
Newry-based Michael Hannaway says that chartered surveyors are centrally involved in key issues such as NAMA and the management of public sector property assets, and, as such, will be vital to creating the conditions for economic recovery.
Mr Hannaway – a geomatics surveyor based in Newry – takes over the prestigious post of RICS Northern Ireland chairman from University of Ulster Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Alastair Adair.
Mr Hannaway says that government austerity measures mean that there is a great need to ensure maximum value from public sector assets.
The effective valuation of property in all sectors is also essential to create a viable and sustainable local property market, he says.
“Our economy will continue to face significant headwinds, with the constraints on public spending and the current dysfunctional nature of property markets amongst the key challenges,” Mr Hannaway points out.
“The good valuation and management of property assets is critical to dealing with both of these issues. RICS and its members are therefore well placed to provide the opinion, guidance, and implementation and delivery skills to ensure that key decisions that affect our economy and society are properly taken.
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In this respect, it is important that groups holding large portfolios of property, including governments, publicly controlled bodies and banks manage these assets in a way that doesn’t compromise the recovery and good functioning of property markets. Property also needs to be valued in a realistic way that ensures best value is achieved,” he continues.
“During my time as chairman of RICS Northern Ireland I will endeavour to ensure that the organisation and its members continues to provide sound and timely guidance to decision-makers in the interests of the Northern Ireland economy. I will also seek to help ensure that RICS continues to support the development of skills amongst the profession and helps ensure the very highest professional standards,” he adds.
Michael Hannaway is a partner in Hannaway & Hannaway, a leading firm of chartered surveyors specialising in accident reconstructions and the provision of expert reports on boundary and right of way issues to the legal sector and land and engineering surveys to corporate and government bodies.
Michael is the RICS representative on the Northern Ireland Geographic Information council.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade hosted a meeting with the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA in Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency this week to discuss key items of concern for the Greater Newry Area.
The event was chaired by Dr Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber and was attended by over 20 local business representatives and officials from Newry & Mourne District Council including Mayor Charlie Casey.
High on the agenda was the draft Regional Development Strategy (RDS); the Chamber stressed the importance to the Minister about recognising Newry’s input as a key economic driver for Northern Ireland and as a location of strategic cross border significance.
Other important issues which were discussed included the threat posed by Out of Town developments, the devolving of Corporation Tax, the need for a Southern Relief Road and improved signage for Newry City Centre. The Chamber also called upon the Minister, as a locally elected MLA to support the lobby for a Newry City Development Office with dedicated resources to drive forward regeneration projects for the City. The Minister was also pressed on the matter of speeding up Government spending decisions on funded projects which have been in the pipeline for a considerable amount of time.
Minister Danny Kennedy thanked the Chamber for hosting the meeting and acknowledged that as a local political representative he was well aware of the opportunities and issues that face the Greater Newry Area.
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Newry Chamber members and their guests thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful day out in Warrenpoint Golf Course at the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade’s Annual Golf Classic on Friday 2nd September.
This popular event proved to be a great opportunity for Chamber members to network with clients and entertain business colleagues on a relaxed day out on the golf course. The Golf Classic involved a four ball competition, won by CD Stationary with a score of 98 points, Bellini’s came in second with a score of 97 points, in third place was Malone Lynchenhaun with 94 points and in fourth place was Loraine Roche’s team with a score of 91 points.
The competition for Nearest to the Pin, was won by Martin Cranney from Armatile and Longest Drive, was won by Stephen McEnneney from Daly Park & Co.
Newry Chamber would like to thank all the golfers and sponsors who contributed to the event.
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Local Building Contractors O’Hanlon & Farrell Contracts Ltd has been shortlisted for a number of National Construction Awards. The Carnbane company has been in operation in the area for over 30 years and with over 100 staff locally employed from the Newry and Mourne region this again proves to be testament to the quality and excellence of the local company and their staff.
Company Director Mr Sean Farrell Jnr has stated his delight at being shortlisted. “We are very pleased to have received this recognition both locally from the CEF + Specify and nationally from Premier Guarantee for two flagship schemes. These nominations are again an indication of the sterling efforts of all who work for and with O’Hanlon & Farrell Contracts to provide high quality, sustainable homes. We are particularly proud to discover that we are the only Northern Ireland Company to have been shortlisted in the Social Housing category of the Premier Guarantee Awards, from over 2500 entries received throughout the UK.”
The shortlisted nominations include:
Construction Employers Federation (CEF) &Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2011
Award Category: Housing – Social Award and Quality Performance.
Housing – Health & Safety.
Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards 2011
Award Category: Social Housing Development of the Year and Developer of the Year.
Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey said “with the current economic downturn this news will provide a much needed boost for the local construction industry. If the company go on and win any of the awards it would further benefit the local area particularly due to the superb construction skills our District provide”.
He added “this is a good news story which adds to our own Councils endeavours to assist the Construction Sector. We are currently in consultation with a number of relevant Construction Industry stakeholders with the view to making an application to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment for a programme of activity to support the sector in the Newry and Mourne and Down Districts”
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Are you in business and want to know about the support you can obtain? What business grants you can apply for? Which funded programmes will help you grow your business? Do you need to secure finance? Thinking of entering new markets? Do you need help on how to survive? Are you looking to expand and/or recruit? Want to start your own business? Are you unsure of where to look for guidance, support and advice?
If the answer is ‘YES’ to any of these questions come to the Cross Border Business Support Expo taking place on the 20th October 2011 in the Carrickdale Hotel between 9.30am until 1pm.
All the Business Support Agencies catering for the needs of businesses located within the Newry Dundalk region will be exhibiting at this unique event. This event will provide an ideal opportunity for local businesses to speak to all relevant Business Support Agencies in one morning, on a one-to-one basis, under one roof!
This is event is joint hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and is supported by InterTradeIreland.
Orla Jackson, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce stated, ‘We are delighted to be co-hosting this joint Chamber Cross Border event with InterTradeIreland. There is an array of business support programmes currently offered to small businesses; however, there is some confusion within the business community about where to look for this support and exactly what they can avail of. In this challenging economic climate local businesses need to take advantage of all support opportunities afforded to them. The aim of this event is to provide a forum where businesses can find out all they need to know about the support they can and should avail of’.
Ms Margaret Hearty, InterTradeIreland, stated ‘Cross-border trade presents businesses with an invaluable opportunity to increase their sales, develop new markets and benefit from all-island expertise and innovation. We encourage all SMEs from Newry and Dundalk and the surrounding areas to attend this event to see exactly what opportunities are available and how to access them.’
Confirmed exhibitors at the event include, InterTradeIreland, Invest NI, Newry & Mourne District Council, Louth County Council, Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency, Southern Regional College, Department of Employment & Learning, Louth Regional Development Centre, Enterprise Ireland, EURES, Employability Louth, all of the main lending institution, plus many more.
This event is open to all businesses in the Newry Dundalk region. Entry is free of charge. It will operate on a ‘business drop-in clinic’ format; whereby business representatives can call in to the event at any stage between the hours of 9.30am to 1pm on the 20th October. To register for the event or if you require further information, please email, Newry Chamber: info@newrychamber.com
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Newry Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an important Business Lunch with the Head of the NI Civil Service, Sir Bruce Robinson and three of his Permanent Secretary Colleagues to discuss the issues and opportunities facing the Greater Newry Area.
Joining Sir Bruce Robinson at the event which was held in Bellini’s, was Mr Leo O’Reilly Department of the Environment, Dr Malcolm McKibbin, Department for Regional Development and Mr David Sterling, Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment.
Dr Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber chaired the event; with audience contributions from members of the public, private, voluntary and community sectors making representations to the Senior Civil Servants on key topics such as the importance of Daisy Hill Hospital, tackling deprivation in Newry City, speeding up Government Spending decisions and the call for a funded Regeneration Office for the Greater Newry Area.
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Chartered Accountants John MacMahon & Co today (22nd Sept) launched their new Belfast office with an event in the Innovation Centre, Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast.
Over 100 guests attended the event which was supported by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA, Conor Murphy MP, MLA, and Dominic Bradley, MLA.
Guest speakers on the night were John Boyle, MD of Boyle Sports, Ireland's largest independent bookmakers and Stephen Bullock, MD of Silcotec Europe, a cable harness manufacturer with companies located in Ireland and Slovakia.
The addition of this, the third office in their network, is part of the firm’s growth strategy and supports their ‘All Ireland’ ethos. The new office on Adelaide Street, Belfast will service a growing client base in the city.
Speaking at the launch founding Partner John MacMahon said:
“We are delighted to launch our Belfast office and in doing so expand our employees to 35. We feel the time is right to establish a physical presence in the City, which alongside our offices in Newry and Dundalk will significantly enhance our services to clients across the island as well as build awareness of our niche expertise in cross border business models.
“We are a significant firm with proven expertise in a range of accountancy and taxation services. Our success is based on developing personal relationships with our clients, unfiltered by complex management structures. It’s not just about the numbers. We work on an individual basis for each client, developing our services and guidance to suit their goals and business.
“Our offering is a unique combination of 275 years business experience, a modern no frills, no fuss approach and partnership philosophy to support our clients in realizing their ambitions for business success.”
Speaking at the event John Boyle outlined how his business had grown from a single betting shop in the North of Ireland to a billion pound business in the south of Ireland with the support and advice of John MacMahon & Co since 1982. John Boyle also commended the company as advocates for business in challenging anomalies in ROI company law which penalize Cross Border businesses - particularly citing their success in changing Section 44 of the Irish Companies Act to assist cross border businesses.
Carrickfergus man Stephen Bullock MD of Silcotec Europe talked to the audience about how his business started as a management buyout and through his relationship with John MacMahon and Co progressed to have a European Customer base serviced from a Head Quarters in Galway and Manufacturing Facility in Slovakia.
The launch event in the Northern Ireland Science Park, an incubation centre for creative entrepreneurs was ideal setting for the firm, partner John McGinn said when addressing the audience.
“Belfast has a sense of energy at the moment, despite the financial forecast. There is a buzz about business in the city, especially innovative new start up businesses with a global outlook and our decision to open an office in the City is very much led by this sense of confidence. As a modern firm, with a straight talking approach, I feel we are very well placed to offer our expertise to this growing band of new businesses that are exemplified by our setting here in the award winning Innovation Centre.”
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A Housing Executive scheme to carry out external maintenance work to 371 homes is underway in Newry.
Welcoming the work, District Manager, Jim Bagnall commented: “At a time when the economic downturn has meant that some of our work programmes have had to be scaled back it is good to see this significant investment coming into Newry.
"The Housing Executive's planned maintenance programme aims to ensure tenants have homes which are maintained on a regular basis. As with any scheme, consultation is of key importance and we will continue to liaise with tenants and their representatives throughout the duration of the scheme to ensure that they are kept informed of progress and to address any issues which may arise.”
This scheme which includes dwellings in the Drumgullion, Meadows, Violet Hill, Armagh Road and Quayside Close areas of Newry is designed to maintain the external fabric of our properties, in addition to our normal repair service, and is expected to take around 7 months to complete. Works typically include servicing or replacing external doors and windows, repairing roofs, external walls, guttering, fascia and soffits, paths, fencing and railings, as well as repainting.
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