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A County Down carer who has been shielding her severely disabled son throughout the pandemic has been inundated with orders after launching a sensory box business, thanks to support from the Go For It Programme in association with Newry, Mourne and Down Council.
The Go For It Programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) programme.
Louise Gartland (37), from Drumaness, has been shielding with her two boys aged 2 and 4 since March 2020, because Riley, her eldest, is severely disabled and requires 24/7 care.
While carers come in to help with wheelchair user Riley, Louise says she found life difficult after shielding started as she became so isolated.
“I would already have been isolated with Riley being so vulnerable to illness and as soon as lockdown happened that was an additional isolation for me,” she says.
“Because I wasn’t able to go out at all, it had a detrimental effect on my mental health and that affected the whole family too. So I started to think about what I could do and this is where the business came from.”
After 20 years of working with adults with learning disabilities, Louise came up with the idea of creating sensory boxes filled with all sorts of stimulating items and tailored to each child’s individual sensory needs - and that’s how Louise’s Sensory Boxes came about.
“Riley is registered blind and is deaf, so he needs a lot of sensory input. I came up with the idea of providing affordable sensory toys and products for children who need them,” Louise says.
“As a special needs mum, I find that if you go online to find sensory toys, they are hugely expensive.
“I’ve spent four years buying stuff for Riley and I have a good idea of the things that you wouldn't necessarily buy as a sensory product, but that will provide a similar sensory experience.
“I tailor my boxes to the child and find out about their sensory needs to determine what type of things would help them, such tactile items or fidget stuff to help with concentration and children who are hyperactive, or visually stimulating items such as light-up toys, calming products or growing products for a darkened room. There are so many sensory needs out there.”
Louise sells mostly through her Facebook page and word of mouth recommendations.
“I put up a post on Shop Ireland and I wasn’t really expecting the numbers of responses that I got. In the run-up to Christmas I had 285 orders. I had to turn people away,” she says.
The support of the Go For It programme was a key part of the impetus to get the business up and running.
The programme is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced business mentors through Northern Ireland’s wide network of enterprise agencies and provides expert advice and help with developing a robust business plan to help turn ideas into a commercial enterprise.
Louise joined the Go For It scheme through Down Business Centre and was able to access training.
“It gave me the expertise in what to concentrate on first - I went and saw the accountant and got registered,” she says.
“I was a bit apprehensive because I had absolutely no business experience, just a good idea. But the project gave me the reassurance that it was a good idea and we have put together a business plan.
“Joan O’Hara has helped me massively throughout the last few months and continues to be available for guidance should I need it, or would recommend the best people to talk to in the subject I need"
More recently, Louise has got her mum involved, branching out into making tactile and fidget cushions which are suitable for dementia patients and people with ADHD, autism and anxiety.
“I really do wonder, from I made my first box until now, how did I come this far?” she says.
Councillor Laura Devlin, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council said: “The Go For It Programme, , delivered by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, provides new entrepreneurs with accessible, free and tailored support in the start-up stage of her business in areas such as financial and business planning, and sales and marketing to help get their business up and running.
“I wish Louise every continued success in developing and growing her enterprise and encourage anyone thinking about starting their own business to get in touch with the Go For It Programme!”
Joan O’Hara, Business Advisor, Down Business Centre said “We were delighted to be able to support Louise in the start-up stage of her business. Louise had an idea for a business was very personal to her and something she was extremely passionate about sharing with other parents.
“We helped Louise develop a business plan that gave her the confidence and know-how to bring that idea to the market. We worked with Louise to develop a business plan that focused her on defining her products, financial forecasting, as well as helping her tap into social media marketing opportunities for generating sales.
“It’s great to see Louise doing so well with a product that will undoubtedly support a child’s development through 'sensory play'.”
Check out her business at /WWW.FACEBOOK.COM
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business contact the Go For It Programme on 0800 027 0639 or visit: www.goforitni.com
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“Where did you put the letter I got the other day?”
“I didn’t touch it, but you leave everything lying about, so it’s your own fault if it’s in the bin, which, by the way, was emptied this morning!”
It’s a conversation that’s played out in households every day. And it has led to, ahem, heated debates between couples about how we store important documents.
Thankfully though, a new app promises to offer couples and motorists some relief.
Excitement is building for the launch of the new app - PocketBox - which promises to help motorists safely and securely manage all their essential vehicle documentation. PocketBox helps motorists store motoring paperwork, vehicle documents, key dates and policies. And that means you’ll never forget about your insurance renewals, MOT bookings or tax renewals ever again.
The innovative new app will ensure all drivers are legally covered, with handy reminder alerts for any soon-to-expire documents as well as service history prompts.
The smart tech company is the brainchild of Northern Ireland tech entrepreneur, Jim Finnegan. PocketBox CEO and serial entrepreneur Jim has an impressive track record in tech. His first venture - JMC Mobile - went from zero to £2million in turnover. 02 Telefonica then acquired the company for a seven-figure sum. Building on that success, Jim then launched FieldMotion, a leading smart CRM system that now has clients in the UK and USA.
Speaking ahead of the official launch of the PocketBox app, Jim explains, “PocketBox is an online digital platform that helps vehicle owners manage all their motoring paperwork and policies. “Pocket Box’s smart technology makes vehicle ownership easier and safer,” he adds.
The new app will be appreciated by motorists guilty of stashing important documents at the back of cupboards and boxes scattered throughout their homes.
“We’ve all done it,” Jim smiles.
“Owning a vehicle comes with a lot of documentation; logbooks, driving licences, MOT certificates, insurance policies and lots more.
“Most of us are a little disorganised, so it’s easy to misplace one of these.
“Without realising, you could end up breaking the law and face prosecution or heavy fines,” he says.
Jim adds “If, for example, your MOT expires or your driving licence expires, you could face severe fines and penalty points. Of course, the ideal scenario is that every motorist remembers all the key renewal dates and stores everything safely but in reality, we’re all leading busy lives, so it’s easy to open an envelope, sit it down, go to work and forget all about it.
“Ultimately, PocketBox is designed with the everyday motorists in mind; never again will any important legal documents expire and leave you vulnerable under the law.”
Jim says the app has the potential to change the way we care for and manage our vehicles.
“It gives drivers complete peace of mind,” he insists.
“Knowing your vehicle is safe and legal is important, and our easy-to-use app is a great way to store and manage everything you need securely.”
After downloading the app, users simply enter their vehicle’s registration, and Pocket Box instantly shows MOT and Tax expiry dates, along with a host of other intelligent features.
Already, PocketBox has received widespread support from Innovate UK, Ulster Bank and Invest NI.
Jim says those who download PocketBox will enjoy a wide range of features.
“You can use your smartphone’s camera to scan your driving licence, passport and other documents, and then our intuitive app will set up a list of tasks to ensure you stay roadworthy and legal.”
Up to five vehicles can be added to the app, which means whole families can enjoy peace of mind.
Jim continues, “A totally digital vehicle management makes sense; we use our phones every day, and it’s reassuring to have all your documents safe and secure.”
Another benefit of the app is the ability to quickly pull up key information when you’re about to sell your car and buy a new one.
“When you’re buying, selling or servicing your car, you have all that data at hand,” Jim explains.
“Whether you are trading your car in, buying tyres or booking an MOT, our app makes it easier and safer - for the car owner and the auto sector,” he adds.
PocketBox will be a long-overdue disruptor to the current stale and inefficient process.
“Currently, available car management apps mainly focus on vehicle maintenance and fuel tracking. Our concept is totally unique globally,” Jim explains.
“Central to our innovation is the time and money saved by car owners in the administration of their vehicles.
“Time looking for and sharing motoring documents is reduced dramatically,” he adds.
Find out more about PocketBox here POCKETBOX.CO.UK
PocketBox is FREE to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store now.
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An extension has been made to the rates holiday for a further 12 months for 29,000 businesses at a cost of £230 million.
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy made the announcement today. The Minister said: “This £230 million package will provide continued support for businesses dealing with the impacts of the pandemic. Recognising that the months ahead will continue to be hugely challenging, extending the 12 months rates holiday in the hardest hit sectors will protect jobs.
“This package goes well beyond what has been announced in England and demonstrates the Executive’s commitment to providing certainty and support for businesses. It also protects councils’ rate income as the Executive will cover the full cost of the rates holiday.
“Today’s announcement means the additional rates support provided to businesses over two years amounts to more than half a billion pounds. To further support businesses, the Executive has also chosen to freeze the regional rate for businesses for the second year in a row.”
Businesses in the following sectors will pay no rates in 2021-22 for the second year running:
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Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have been awarded £1.5M from the Department for Infrastructure to take forward a programme of infrastructure works necessary due to Covid-19 challenges.
Commenting on the funding David Holmes, CEO, Warrenpoint Port said, “We have been working closely with DfI, and our local representatives in relation to our Brexit and Covid response. We are pleased to confirm this award. We see it as a measure of the Department’s confidence in and commitment to the Port.
“The last 12 months have been challenging for all sectors. We would like to thank our team in particular, for their unstinting support in their role as key workers throughout the pandemic. We look forward to progressing the opportunities that we are working on in 2021. Please all do stay safe during these continuing difficult times.”
Infrastructure Minister, Minister Mallon said: “The Harbour Authority has identified a range of infrastructure works required at the port as a result of the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
This funding will therefore provide vital support following a difficult year for the port, and will enable it to work towards economic recovery as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
I am pleased to be able to support Warrenpoint Harbour Authority with this bid and to provide support as the port adapts to the requirements of future business needs.”
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Newry, Belfast, Derry and Causeway Chambers have called on the Executive to provide indicative dates for the reopening of the retail and hospitality sectors, when they review their Covid Recovery Plan tomorrow, 16 March. It follows the release of a 'roadmap' from the Executive which indicated the order that restrictions may be lifted in but gave no indication of when, apart from saying that there would be regular reviews up to 10 June.
In a joint statement Colm Shannon, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber, Simon Hamilton, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, Karen Yates, Chief Executive of Causeway Chamber and Paul Clancy, Chief Executive of Derry Chamber said “Businesses recognise that the Executive’s staged plan provides hope that our economy might reopen but without indicative dates our businesses can’t plan. The vaccine roll out has been a real game changer and the Executive must be congratulated on the rapid role out of this impressive programme.”
“Our members are at the heart of our communities employing thousands of people in the retail and hospitality sectors. Most of our businesses have seen little trade in the past year and there is a real need for the Executive to give them hope and confidence for the future.”
“Businesses want this to be the last lockdown and do not want to reopen before it is safe to do so. Our members understand the need for the Executive to be cautious, but we believe they can be clearer on their plans for reopening. Indicative dates would give businesses the opportunity to plan for a time when they might reopen. This would help with decisions around when to restock, bring staff back into the business and accept bookings in the hospitality sector.”
“Throughout the crisis created by COVID-19, businesses have stepped forward and played their part. We appreciate the support the Executive has provided but businesses have also invested heavily in measures to protect their staff and customers. They have stretched themselves by using their own reserves to stay in business. One year on, it is getting increasingly difficult, and they call on the Executive to give them the clarity they need so they can plan for the future.”
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A Newry based testing company, the only commercial testing laboratory for aircraft interiors and their components on the Island of Ireland, is investing £650K in its business.
Resonate Testing Ltd is celebrating its fifth birthday and the company will create four jobs in the local area and expand its offering of high-quality testing and qualification services to its global audience.
The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and will see the completion of a number of upgrades to the company’s County Armagh facility at Chancellors Road in Newry, which has been declared a Centre of Excellence for Space.
Resonate Testing’s future growth strategy includes further investment in state-of-the-art machinery, working towards industry standards and accreditations, as well as continued staff development and an expansion of the company’s current portfolio of services.
Since taking receipt of their latest delivery earlier this month, a 10KN Shaker System, Resonate Testing is ideally positioned to not only advise customers, but to match their requirements with a wide range of test capabilities tailored to their needs. The company’s specialist testing services also include high shock testing,environmental, altitude, temperature, humidity and environmental chambers, pressure and load testing, as well as propulsion level fire testing.
Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon spoke about the investment saying, “We are excited to announce the additional capability as part of the future investment strategy, which will further enhance Resonate Testing’s offering to our local and global customer base. Since starting the expansion of the Nacelle Group of companies with the creation of Resonate Testing in 2016, offering a niche service to customers, we have stayed true to the principle of service and quality, which has driven significant growth and demand for our services. Our services range geographically to customers in Europe, USA, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Japan, as well as across the Island of Ireland and Great Britain.
“This increase in demand has allowed us to create four more jobs and take on more special projects, especially in the Space sector where we have assisted in testing processes with UK and Ireland Space Engineering companies on products that are being sent to outer space. It’s a very exciting time for the company.”
Invest NI has offered Resonate Testing £94,500 of support towards the purchasing of new equipment. Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering said: “Resonate Testing is an innovative, forward thinking company which has put innovation at the heart of its business to foster long-term growth. We have built an excellent partnership with Resonate over the years, previously supporting the company to establish a dedicated testing and certification facility in Newry, which has helped it to win new business, increase exports and create jobs in the local area. Our new offer of support to purchase new equipment will assist the company to keep up with demand for its services and help to drive further international success.”
Resonate Testing previously invested in high-quality live-stream testing technology, which futureproofed the company against any negative impact due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to their inability to travel, customers were provided the opportunity to remotely participate in live stream testing, which proved hugely popular and saw Resonate Testing achieve Platinum status for Innovation through an Invest Northern Ireland programme.
Tom continued, “We’re continually looking at ways to be innovative and add value to our customers and luckily for us, we had honed our live streaming testing processes prior to the pandemic. Our customers could be assured that the testing was being completed by our experienced team and to the high standards we are known for. This was evidenced when customers in the USA chose Resonate as their testing partner, as opposed to a testing company local to them.
“Offering customers the chance to participate in the testing process, where they could see the setup, demonstration, calibration and actual testing, as well as engage in real time dialogue with engineers and technicians, has been imperative to the success of the live stream testing, significantly improving the customer experience.”
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A £250,000 investment in a new, in-house printing operation is set to save over 60 tonnes of plastic use each year for Newry company Around Noon.
The company has made a significant investment and opened a new printing business, Around Noon Print, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and in a move to improve flexibility for customers.
Around Noon has been in business for over 30 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit pots and cold pressed juices to customers including forecourt and convenience retailers and cafes. It also sells healthy ready meals via its Simply Fit Food business and bakery items under its Sweet Things brand.
Around Noon Print will meet all of Around Noon’s label printing needs, giving it the flexibility to add and delist products quickly and efficiently. The new flexographic printing press it has acquired will also enable all of its labels to be cut and printed on recyclable paper and will reduce plastic label waste to nil.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “This is a strategic investment by Around Noon to bring all label printing in-house, providing us with greater flexibility, security of supply, a range of efficiencies and most importantly, the ability to meet our sustainability goals by dramatically reducing our plastic usage. Environmental sustainability is extremely important to Around Noon and this investment helps us to deliver on the latest stage of our ‘Keeping it Green’ manifesto.”
Multi-award-winning business Around Noon also has a manufacturing operation in London. It has grown significantly in recent years supported by a number of acquisitions – of Dublin-based Sweet Things Bakery in 2016, Slough-based Chef in a Box in 2017, and Drogheda-based Simply Fit Food in 2020.
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Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has this week announced £178 million in new business support grants which should support around 20,000 businesses.
Making the announcement, Conor Murphy said: “These grant schemes, together with the 12 months rates holiday, will provide a lifeline for many businesses who continue to confront the challenges of Covid-19. This package of support will help businesses and safeguard jobs through the period ahead as we emerge from the current restrictions.”
The schemes, which will support almost 20,000 businesses include:
The Department of Finance will now bring forward the Regulations needed to make these payments and will release further information once the Regulations are made at WWW.NIBUSINESSINFO.CO.UK
The business grants draw on Covid funding that has to be utilised by the end of the financial year, the Minister continued: “In the absence of further bids from Departments, I am now activating my contingency plans to support the economy. Land & Property Service within my Department has again stepped up to deliver much needed support to businesses. These grants will benefit a mixture of businesses including those not provided with grant funding earlier this year, and businesses which have been allowed to remain open but which have experienced a significant reduction in trade due to the restrictions.”
Notes to editors:
1. In order to deliver these schemes the Department has again requested Exceptional Circumstances powers.
£50,000 Grant:
£25,000 Grant:
£10,000 Grant:
£5,000 Grant:
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Belfast Region City Deal partners, which include Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, are putting apprenticeships in the spotlight as part of their focus on how employability and skills will underpin their plan for jobs through the ambitious city deal investment.
Funded by the Department for the Economy’s Apprenticeship Challenge Fund, the city deal partners are delivering a series of insight webinars for employers to discover more about apprenticeships in their sector and share their views on how the current apprenticeship system could be enhanced.
The planned £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal investment will create a host of new business employment opportunities – and up to 20,000 new jobs. The focus is about making sure that the right support is in place to ensure that people can access those new opportunities and that businesses across the Belfast City Region Deal area can access the talent they need to grow.
Speaking on the upcoming webinars Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said, “In 2020 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council launched its Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy, of which Skills and Employability is a key pillar. Apprenticeships will play a key role in this. The webinars, delivered by the Belfast City Region Deal, Apprenticeship Challenge Fund aim to provide valuable and timely information for local employers on how others in their sector have taken on apprentices to attract new talent to their industry and to shape and develop their skills. Many employers won’t be aware of the full range of provision available – the webinars will highlight apprenticeship information, guidance and funding support so that as many of our local employers and job seekers can benefit. There’s never been a better time to discover the value of apprenticeships to your business.”
The Webinar series also presents a great opportunity for local employers to have their say on how the current apprenticeship system could be enhanced to better meet their needs as the Belfast City Deal Region team are currently researching how the project can shape the future of apprenticeships to achieve the best results possible for the local economy. As part of the research, the project is also engaging with the public sector to help shape apprenticeships to meet the needs of that sector.
The webinars
Commenting on the webinars Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds said, “We want the Apprenticeship Challenge Fund projects to help identify innovative approaches to apprenticeships and identify and address any potential barriers to uptake. This series of webinars is a great opportunity to highlight apprenticeships as a career opportunity and also to showcase the benefits an apprenticeship can bring to the employer and the individual. I am pleased that my Department is funding this activity under the Apprenticeship Challenge Fund and I wish the Belfast Regional City Deal partners every success.”
The Webinar events are coordinated by the Belfast Region City Deal team at Belfast City Council, on behalf of all the participating Councils of which Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has a key role.
To register or to find out more about the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment go to WWW.BELFASTCITY.GOV.UK
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