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The Northern Ireland Bodyshop Alliance, (NIBA) an organisation comprised mainly of local vehicle repairers has this month stepped up their efforts to promote the independent sector of the industry with what is believed to be the first of its kind television adverts.
Two 30-second advertisements have been created which set out a simple message for the public faced with the emergency of accident damage to their car – call someone who knows how to fix your car – a specialist car repairer – rather than an insurance company.
Richard Hastings, a long-established business owner in the trade and Chairman of NIBA, explains the reasons for the TV campaign.
“When you have an accident in your car, you are in an immediate crisis and not sure what you need to do to get yourself sorted. As most people will be insured for the costs of the repairs, their first thought is often to ring the insurance company to get them to handle things for them.
The NIBA message to the public is to make them think twice about that instinctive thought – whilst insurance companies ultimately provide the method of payment for repairs they do not actually do the repairs – so it is our recommendation that you put yourself in the hands of a reputable independent vehicle repairer – we are the right people for the job.”
The first advert which began airing on ITV last week highlights a number of important professional experts and prompts the viewer to appreciate that whilst the person may be an expert in their own field, that doesn’t mean you would expect them to be able to do the job of another specialist from a different industry.
Jonathan McKeown, CEO of accident management company CRASH Services who are supporting the NIBA campaign, spells out the intention of the advert as; “We all know that doctors, firefighters, electricians, and plumbers are people you call on when you are sick, have a fire, a wiring problem or a burst water-pipe respectively – you call the right person with the right skills for the issue that needs to be dealt with. And so it should be for vehicle repairs – you call a car repairer, not an insurance company.”
The second TV spot features a more dramatic start with two vehicles meeting in an unfortunate way at a road junction. Faced with one mishap, calling an insurer might not initially seem like another but Mr. Hastings advises that it's always worth taking a step back and getting independent help before the insurance company is involved.
“We have all watched the TV commercials featuring the nodding dog, the Pavarotti sized opera singer, and the Russian Meercats, and as a result, it's easy to believe that the insurance industry is a kindly and benevolent force for good – and that is how it should be – but we are not there yet. Some of the biggest names have still got a way to go to always put the customer first, rather than their shareholders.
"That is the reason our organisation has pushed the message over the last number of years that when you have an accident it's your car, your choice as to where you get the car fixed and in what way."
A full list of members near you can be found on the website www.NIBodyshop.com
Mr McKeown adds "We have previously highlighted the potential dangers of the compulsory use by insurers of non-original vehicle parts which may not perform as expected in a subsequent accident.
“Many people do not realise that such replica parts are not crash tested. Their use is also likely to affect the resale value of your car as the warranty you expect is no longer the same and the buyer of your car may not wish to pay what you would otherwise expect if the vehicle was repaired to the highest standards."
The TV adverts will run initially in December and January before moving to online media outlets and return to our screens later in the year alongside a new and updated 30-second advert for CRASH Services who are celebrating their quarter-century in business.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce has spoke of the resillience of Newry's business community during a year when Covid-19 and Brexit combined to bring much uncertainty.
In a New Year Statement from Emma Marmion- Mullen, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce &Trade Ms Marmion-Mullen said “As a business community we look to 2021 with a mixture of uncertainty and optimism. Uncertainty about what the first few months might bring and hope that post Easter our economy will begin to pick up as the COVID-19 vaccine programme is rolled out across the community.
The Chamber President spoke of 2020 as a challenging year, particularly for the local hospitality and retail sectors. "The renowned resilience of the Newry business community was tested to the limit, but it is this resilience and unique spirit that in the long term will help rebuild our economy. " said Ms Marmion-Mullen.
While welcoming financial support from the Stormont Executive the President added "We need this to continue so that businesses have the stability to reopen their doors with confidence. We need the Executive to work with the UK Government to ensure the right financial support is in place post Easter to avoid a cliff edge for the many small businesses that will struggle to survive through the winter. When the time is right and it is safe to do so, the Executive through marketing and communications needs to encourage people back into our towns and cities.
“Our young people suffered significantly from the economic impact of COVI-19. The Executive’s support for the Apprenticeship Scheme was welcome but in 2021 we need to continue this investment and support in our young people. As a Chamber we will work with our schools and the education sector in 2021 to ensure our young people have the opportunities and skills to fulfil their career ambitions."
Following the end of the EU transition period and with the UK now left the union Ms Marmion-Mullen hopes the agreed Free Trade Deal together with the Protocol, should lessen the impact on our local economy.
Emphasising the need for further support from government tje President said “Continuing government support is essential to help manage the change. Newry’s location and connectivity has contributed to the region’s growth and competitive advantage pre Covid-19. It is these advantages and our strong business base operating across, pharmaceuticals, finance/IT, construction and engineering that will help take advantage of the recovery when it begins.
“Investment in capital infrastructure also plays a strong role in rebuilding economies and creating jobs. The exciting plans outlined in the Belfast Region City Deal and the local Council’s regeneration plans have the potential to transform our region, attracting additional investment and creating jobs. It is important that 2021 is the year that the aspiration and ambition behind these plans is converted into real progress.
“As we look to 2021 Newry Chamber, as the voice for local business in the Greater Newry Area, will work hard to ensure Newry is and remains a place to do business and a place to invest in.”
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Local businesses Peter Martin Engineering Ltd and AWP Environmental (Ireland) Ltd (T/A Viltra) have been awarded grant assistance to develop their businesses through the purchase of a range of machinery to include a Press Brake, Flat Bed Grinding and Polishing machine and Rotational Moulding equipment.
The total grant awarded by Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) amounted to £127K along with a significant investment by each of the businesses. During this time the businesses have collectively created nine full time jobs to ensure they continue to meet demand.
DAERA Minister Poots said “Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership have funded 45 rural businesses, creating over 140 jobs across its area of operations, and that funding, which amounts to £1.5m, has helped provide an important economic stimulus for rural economic growth. Peter Martin Engineering received grant funding of £52,000 from the NI Rural Development Programme’s Business Investment Scheme to purchase new machinery that allowed it to secure larger contracts, and Viltra received £75,000 from the same scheme to allow it to fit out their factory in Newry thereby allowing them to facilitate the manufacture of tanks and associated products on site. I was very pleased to learn how both businesses were successful in obtaining the funding, and I congratulate the owners for their efforts and for contributing their own time and money into these businesses in order to ensure they continue to grow and remain productive and profitable, especially in these challenging times”.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said “I am delighted to see businesses in the district continuing to show their entrepreneurial spirit through ongoing development and progression of their businesses. Throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic it is important that we have strong resilient businesses who can continue to add to the economy and act as leaders in their field. I commend Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership in their diligence in the administration of funding gratefully provided by DAERA and the European Union. I must also add that it is extremely timely to put the spotlight on such businesses following the launch of the Council’s Economic Development Strategy which has a strong focus on rural businesses and entrepreneurship.’
Chairperson of Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “I am delighted to see the progress made by Peter Martin Engineering Ltd and Viltra. As a Board we worked extremely hard to ensure the rural businesses across Newry, Mourne and Down availed of the finance that was made available through the Rural Development Programme. This financial support has been vital in continuing to sustain and develop rural businesses to continue to be competitive and provide employment in the local area. Both Peter Martin and Colm Gribben are fine examples of this as they continue to operate their businesses through the difficult times we find ourselves in.’
For more information on current and upcoming funding schemes visit: www.newrymournedown.org
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade has this week launched an initiative to source laptops to help pupils with their home schooling.
Setting out details of the initiative, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Colm Shannon said “The business community in Newry has an excellent relationship with local schools. With the new lockdown restrictions, our schools are faced with the very difficult challenge of organising home schooling. Not all children have access to personal computers, which makes the challenge of home schooling more difficult.
“The Chamber has reached out to the business community to see what support is available. From time-to-time businesses need to upgrade their laptops and many of the older laptops may be suitable for a pupil to use from home.
“We have also been approached with the offer of support to buy laptops. If it is easier to make a financial donation, the Chamber can purchase laptops on the company’s behalf, or they can be purchased directly by the company. We are pleased to have secured preferential prices with two of our members, Newry Computer Centre, and AMI LTD, through their retail site refreshedbyus.com.
“If businesses want to donate laptops they no longer need, it is important they are in good working order and have been cleaned of all personal and commercial data. AMI can also arrange for the laptops to be professional cleansed.
“This initiative may not help every school and every child, but we hope it will be a small step to support our children’s education at this difficult time.
Any business that would like to help, either by making a financial donation or providing laptops, should get in contact with the Chamber admin@newrychamber.com
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There needs to be a greater sense of urgency from the Department of Finance when dealing with the various support schemes on offer for businesses who have been forced to close according to local MLA Justin McNulty.
Mr McNulty explained "Businesses are crying out for the much promised support. Some have received some monies whilst others have received nothing. What is adding to the difficulty is the lack of communication between the department and applicants and too many people, businesses and families are on their hand and knees and are literally crying out for support.
"I have been assisting many businesses though my offices in Newry and Armagh. So many businesses and families are really struggling. Many have gone ten weeks now without payment and face further delays before they get any payments."
The Newry and Armagh representative has welcomed confirmation that those who have applied and received payments do not need to reapply to the various schemes but points out that even those who have received payments are now crying out for information as to when they will receive their next payments as they have bills to pay.
McNulty added "I believe there will need to be more support available for businesses when the restrictions do lift. We have seen that our streets won’t automatically get business back to normal again as there will be a latent anxiety.
"The Department of Finance need to inject a sense of urgency into this process. They need to deal with the backlog of cases in the system but they also need to deal with the payments linked to the current closures with a greater sense of urgency. Too many people, businesses and families are crying out for payment!"
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Dublin based financial software company Glantus is setting up a Sales and Marketing Hub in Newry and plans to create up to 15 new jobs.
The company provides enterprise software solutions to finance departments and shared services organisations which support one-stop data integration, automation and advanced analytics.
Derek Andrews, Head of International Investment, Invest Northern Ireland said: “Glantus has recognised the potential to grow its business as more and more businesses accelerate digital transformation to enable them to respond to COVID-19. The new team in Newry will provide the resources needed to allow Glantus to capitalise on this opportunity and respond to the increasing needs of businesses to work remotely in a more agile and efficient manner.
“The new sales and marketing team will be focused on developing new customers in the company’s target markets and sectors, as well as growing engagement with existing customers.
“The roles to be created range in experience from graduate level to more senior. There are roles in sales, customer care, marketing, and technology.”
“As well as providing valuable employment opportunities in the Newry, Armagh and South Down areas, this investment will contribute nearly £450,000 in additional salaries to the NI economy once all the roles are in place.”
Invest NI has offered £75,000 of support toward the new roles, three of which are already in place.
Founded by Maurice Healy, a leading entrepreneur in the Irish tech sector for over 25 years, Glantus will initially be based at a co-working space in Newry, with employees also working from home during current COVID-19 restrictions.
Maurice Healy, CEO, Glantus said: “Many businesses are looking for solutions to help them become more data-driven. The Coronavirus pandemic is now forcing even more businesses to digitise and automate processes and we see real potential to grow our business as a result.
“Managing a large number of suppliers and processing high volumes of invoices can be a challenge, particularly for businesses with multiple divisions and finance systems. The solutions we offer help address these challenges. We use our unique platform to connect any data source – including ERP, CRM, mobile apps, and email – to create a consolidated view of the data that drives a company’s finance operation.
“The team in Newry will play an important role in ensuring we identify, win and look after our customers.”
Glantus plans to engage with the Southern Regional College and both NI universities on graduate employment opportunities.
Along with its Dublin headquarters, the company also has offices in the London area, San Jose, California and Katowice, Poland.
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A group representing employees who reside here but work south of the border are calling on the Irish Government to update legislation involving restrictive personal tax rules that currently makes it difficult for cross border workers with the potential of them being taxed in both jurisdictions.
The Cross Border Workers Coalition is backed by Emma Mullen-Marmion, CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce who is on the Coalition's Steering Group.
The group represents employees who reside in the Republic of Ireland but are largely prohibited from remote working (or working from home) due to restrictive personal tax rules which impact cross border workers who work in Northern Ireland on a daily basis.
Set up in early 2020, the Coalition believes the opportunity is now right to make the legislative change for the benefit of thousands of cross border workers right across the ‘necklace’ region of the Republic of Ireland to allow them to work in the country that they reside without being exposed to a personal tax liability.
Reacting to the publication of the National Remote Work Strategy from the Republic of Ireland Government, Aidan O’Kane, Co-Chair, Cross Border Workers Coalition said “The Cross Border Workers Coalition (CBWC) welcomes the Irish Government’s commitment to introducing legislation which will give employees the right to request remote working on a permanent basis after the Covid-19 pandemic. Since our inception, we have campaigned tirelessly on the basis that current tax legislation on cross-border workers is outdated and does not reflect current working practices.
“We agree with the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, that there “can be huge benefits” to remote working provisions, including “more flexibility, less commuting, more time for family and friends”. However, as we stated in our correspondence to the Minister, cross-border tax legislation must be changed to accommodate new remote working practices to ensure that cross-border workers are not left behind.”
Mr O'Kane continued “As a group we are committed to ensuring that cross-border workers domiciled in the Republic of Ireland, but working in Northern Ireland, are not subject to ‘double taxation’. Before the next budget, the Tax Strategy Group – an advisory group to the Finance Minister – will review the treatment of remote working. We now call on Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe TD for clarity as to how cross-border income tax legislation will be considered in this review.”
“This move by the Irish Government shows their commitment to accommodate remote working practices for employees across Ireland. Upon this, we re-affirm our call to the Government to update current legislation and provide a permanent solution for disadvantaged cross-border workers."
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A Newry company along with two other County Down homegrown artisan food producers are set to receive a business boost from Lidl after being selected by the retailer as three of 26 artisan producers from Lidl’s 2020 Kick Start Supplier Development Programme. The producers will have their locally crafted products stocked in 208 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland for a limited-edition promotion, from next Thursday 28 January.
Following an initial in-store sales promotion last summer, which saw their products snapped up by Lidl shoppers, The Little Meat Company, The Feckin’ Drinks Co and Oh So Lean have secured a second promotional listing with Northern Ireland’s fastest growing supermarket retailer.
Established in 2017 and based in Newry, The Little Meat Company specialises in producing a range of artisan hand-pulled meat products with a rich and intense taste. With over 50 years of butchery experience, Adele and David Grant and dad Peter work together to develop and refine recipes crafted using the latest techniques based on traditional values.
“It’s been a busy year for The Little Meat Company. Lidl’s Kick Start programme has given us a real taste of what it’s like to supply a major supermarket and upscale our operations to meet this level of demand. Through their in-store promotions we are able to tap into a combined base of two million weekly customers across Lidl’s 208 stores within the island of Ireland and in turn we’ve experienced a significant upsurge in sales and new business enquiries from retailers across the island of Ireland.
Following the significant boost in sales we enjoyed for our pulled meat products because of the Kick Start programme in 2019, for 2020 we put forward our new meat pie taster box. We’ve definitely noticed the sales of this product performing particularly strongly thanks to Kick Start and with yet another instore promotion to go, we’re on track to exceed our sales forecasts. We’re looking forward to sharing our product with even more customers during the second in-store promotion,” commented David Grant of The Little Meat Company.
Despite being a relatively new business, with the support of the Lidl Kick Start Programme, The Little Meat Company has gone from strength to strength in recent years and now boasts a product range of four types of hand-pulled, slow-cooked meats.
“Thanks to the Lidl Kick Start programme we’re moving forward into 2021 with a renewed focus and real drive to take our business to the next level. Securing a listing with a major retailer and seeing first-hand how our products were enjoyed by customers across the island of Ireland has given me and the team a tangible confidence boost and motivation to continue growing and developing The Little Meat Company,” continued David.
Now in its fourth year, the Lidl Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is designed to help small and medium sized local food and drink producers grow their brand, build their supply network and reach new customer audiences with the potential of becoming a permanently listed Lidl supplier.
Along with The Little Meat Company’s hearty meat pies, the promotion will see award-winning apple cider vinegar, succulent smoked meats, healthy ready meals and premium Irish gin, all crafted in Northern Ireland, hit shelves on Thursday 28January for a one-week limited edition promotion.
For the second year in a row, Kilkeel father-and-son duo Oh So Lean also secured a place on the Kick Start programme, showcasing their Creamy Chicken and Saffron Rice Ready Meal in 2020. Born out of Connor’s desire to overhaul his diet, he works with his father Sean to produce a wide range of premium, low-fat products.
Another County Down product line is produced at the Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, The Feckin’ Drinks Co produces tongue-in-cheek whiskey, vodka and gin. Their Feckin’ Irish Gin, a unique, refreshing lemon-infused spirit with citrus flavours and herbaceous notes, proved a success with Lidl shoppers in July.
Previous Kick Start success stories include Noisy Snacks based in Newtownards, Copeland Spirits distilled in Donaghadee and Refuge Hot Chocolate brewed in Belfast as well as many more.
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Lidl are recruiting 20 new employees in County Down this year as part of a total of 170 new jobs across a variety of operational and office-based roles to support its 40-strong network of stores and regional distribution centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim. Lidl have two stores in Newry. The firm is also offering a new Covid employee bonus recognising staff efforts in the present climate.
The new roles are being created to support Lidl’s growth across the region and will expand the retailer’s workforce to over 1,200 staff. The new roles come with a market-leading benefits package including award-winning learning, development and progression opportunities within in the business.
As an essential business, Lidl Northern Ireland has continued to serve the communities it operates in throughout the pandemic by keeping its doors open, shelves stocked and also by helping to support the livelihood of many local suppliers with dedicated promotions. It has also continued to facilitate the export of local Northern Irish produce to its network of more than 10,500 stores in Europe, including a £24 million deal with Fermanagh’s Crust & Crumb who supply Lidl’s premium pizza range.
The commitment and dedication of Lidl Northern Ireland employees has also not gone unnoticed and the retailer has announced a new COVID Employee Bonus worth £300,000 which will be shared with all employees this year. This bonus is the third COVID bonus offered by the retailer to recognise the efforts of its staff during this period.
The announcement comes after the Top Employers Institute recognised Lidl Northern Ireland as a Top Employer for 2021 this week. The esteemed international, sought-after certification, held by global brands such as PepsiCo, Adidas and Heineken, showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices.
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers 6 HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being and Diversity & Inclusion and more.
Commenting on the announcement, Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said “Since the onset of the pandemic our teams have demonstrated inspirational dedication and bravery in serving our local communities when they needed it most. I am delighted to confirm this significant investment in the form of a third bonus to acknowledge their selflessness and hard work in this challenging time.
“Our most important asset has always been our people, and 2020 has reinforced that they are in fact the bedrock of our business, which is why we have prioritised building not only an exceptional place to work, but also an inclusive, rewarding and fulfilling culture at Lidl for our employees. It is with great pride that we accept this year’s Top Employers certification and I look forward to welcoming many new colleagues to Team Lidl in the coming months.”
An independent review of its operations published by Oxford Economics in 2019 showed that Lidl Northern Ireland already contributes around £180 million annually to the local economy and sustains more than 3,500 jobs.
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