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The past 18 months have been amongst the toughest many businesses have ever experienced. Here in the greater Newry area however, we have heard story after story of resilience and recovery.
Now is the time to celebrate these success stories and to recognise your team efforts by entering the Greater Newry Area Business Awards.
The Awards are now open for entries and there is a category for every type and size of business. The event will take place at a Gala Ceremony 9 September 2021 in The Canal Court Hotel in Newry, signaling a return to in person events for Newry Chamber.
The Awards could not happen without the generous support of our principal sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors as well as our category sponsors who we will introduce across our social media channels.
These Awards are designed to recognise and reward the very best that this region’s business community has to offer. The Chamber encourages you, whether trading as a local independent, multi-national, a manufacturer, retailer or service provider; to embrace this opportunity to have your business recognised in this prestigious and highly coveted awards competition.
Emma Mullen- Marmion, President Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said, “Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is proud to launch the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021. The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care.
“I would like to thank our principal sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors and all our category award sponsors for their support and commitment to this biennial event.”
Cllr. Cathy Mason, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council added, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted to be a principal sponsor of the 2021 Greater Newry Area Business Awards.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovative, successful and high-performing businesses that are located right across our District. With a range of categories on offer, the 2021 Business Awards will offer recognition to a range of sectors and business approaches, which all contribute to driving forward growth and investment across the District.
“These Awards are only possible as a result of local business support; I would like to thank all the sponsors involved and Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade for once again hosting these prestigious Awards.”
Caroline Willis, Financial Director, Shelbourne Motors said, “It is with delight that once again Shelbourne Motors is partnering with the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade as principal sponsor of the 2021 Greater Newry Area Business Awards.
“Since opening our flagship Newry site back in 2019, we have welcomed over 7,000 sales and aftersales customers through our doors. This is a testament to the support and opportunity for businesses to grow within our local area.
“Two years on in Newry and it is with great pleasure that after a challenging period for many we are joined by an exceptional group of businesses to celebrate the best of what Newry business has to offer and recognise those business that excel in what they do.”
More than twenty Award categories are now open for entries. Details of categories, criteria and how to apply are now available at WWW.NEWRYCHAMBER.COM
Applications must be submitted to Newry Chamber by Monday 19th July and shortlisted companies will be announced on 12th August before the Gala Award Ceremony takes place on Thursday 9th September 2021.
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The Echlinville Distillery (Co. Down, Northern Ireland) is adding the historic Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey brand to its portfolio of award winning whiskeys.
Echlinville and Newry based Matt D’Arcy & Co Limited have forged an alliance that will see Echlinville mature, bottle and market Matt. D’Arcy Old Irish Whiskey and grow the brand in the global Irish whiskey market.
Founded in Newry, Co. Down in 1817, Matt. D’Arcy Whiskey was revived by Newry man Michael McKeown in 2020. It is the latest heritage whiskey brand to join the Echlinville line up.
Matt D’Arcy will sit alongside Echlinville’s award winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey range and the recently restored Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The move sees three of Ireland’s most historic ‘lost’ whiskey brands brought together at the County Down distillery that has established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s whiskey revival.
Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt D’Arcy into the Echlinville family and we look forward to sharing the story and celebrating the legacy of this proud Co. Down whiskey with our customers around the world.
“I have long had a passion for old Irish whiskey brands, particularly those from Co. Down, so I have followed with interest the revival of Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey over the past few years.
“At Echlinville, we know from first-hand experience the hard work, passion and dedication that goes in to restoring a historic name like Matt D’Arcy, and in doing so in a way that respects and celebrates the brand’s proud heritage. I congratulate Michael McKeown and his team at Matt D’Arcy & Co. Ltd in Newry for everything they have done to bring back this historic whiskey and we welcome Michael’s continued input into the future of the brand about which he is hugely passionate. We have also offered Michael our technical support as he pursues the redevelopment of the Old Distillery site in Newry in line with his vision to restore distilling to the city where Matt D’Arcy Whiskey was born.
“Michael has written a wonderful book telling the great story of Matt D’Arcy and old Newry whiskeys. The book will be available from our Distillery shop alongside Matt D’Arcy Whiskey. The spirit and presentation of Matt D’Arcy’s Irish Whiskey are exceptional and it will make a worthy addition to the Echlinville portfolio.”
Echlinville are proud custodians of the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand and recently revived the famous Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Speaking about the role of heritage brands in the Irish whiskey sector, Shane continued: “These old Irish whiskey brands are hugely important. Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries they built an industry that was the envy of the world, and now their revival is playing an important role in the resurgence of that industry. In our view, names like Matt D’Arcy, Dunville’s and Old Comber deserve to be part of the Irish whiskey renaissance.”
Michael McKeown owner of Matt D’Arcy & Co. Ltd. said: “Having grown up in the production and selling of alcoholic drinks, I have the greatest respect for Shane Braniff at Echlinville, whose passion and enthusiasm for Irish whiskey heritage matches my own.
“Echlinville’s brands are now widely sold across Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world. When Shane offered to bring Matt D’Arcy along the path to international recognition, I was only too happy to entrust the brand into his care and I look forward to seeing it grow on the worldwide whiskey stage.
“The high cost of breaking into foreign markets is the biggest barrier to a small producer like Matt D’Arcy’s. Collaborating with an established player such as Echlinville will propel the brand towards future growth.
“With this boost to our fortunes where Echlinville creates markets for the D’Arcy brand, we can turn our resources to developing the ‘Old Distillery’ site in Monaghan Street, Newry. Having acquired, in October 2020, the adjoining property at Corry Square, a revised application has been submitted to Building Control and the result is awaited before drawing up and issuing final tendering documentation.”
Shane Braniff concluded: “Michael McKeown’s passion for Matt D’Arcy, Irish whiskey and the city of Newry is palpable. All of us at Echlinville and Matt D’Arcy share the same sense of pride in our Co. Down roots and the role this part of the world played in Ireland’s proud whiskey heritage. With Matt D’Arcy, Dunville’s and Old Comber now under Echlinville’s guardianship, we look forward to putting Co. Down back on the world whiskey map.”
Matt D’Arcy’s Irish Whiskey is coming soon to The Echlinville Distillery online shop. For trade sales inquiries please contactstephenm@echlinville.com
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Local natural gas company, firmus energy’s commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity has been recognised. The company have received Northern Ireland’s first Diversity and Inclusion Charter Mark. The Legal Island accreditation covers key characteristics of equality legislation in the workplace and is yet another demonstration of firmus energy’s commitment in this area, which previously included a Bronze Charter mark from Diversity NI.
The company has worked tirelessly to advance and promote diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
Michael Scott, Managing Director of firmus energy explained "Diversity is a key pillar within the organisation, we believe the best way to create a culture to be proud of is by operating by values which encourage trust and empowerment for our staff. This goes beyond the internal boundaries of firmus energy, engaging with our customers, partners, and wider stakeholders, we encourage and promote the need for diversity and inclusion in everything we do.
“Inclusion is about making very deliberate efforts to promote a family-feel culture. We want all staff to realise their full potential and our Diversity & Inclusivity policy plays a key role in this.”
firmus energy HR manager, Olga Pollock added “The Legal Island judging panel noted the importance of our diversity training for all staff as well as further inclusive measures such as our Right Track, MD talkback and transparent communication channels that we have adopted which allow every staff member to have a voice and contribute to the culture of the organization.”
As ‘Diversity Ambassadors’ on the digital recruitment platform, SeeMe Hired, firmus energy’s selection panel do not see any of the personal details of candidates. Such anonymity removes all risk of ‘unconscious bias’ during the selection process and applicants are shortlisted based entirely on objective, pre-determined criteria. firmus energy are one of very few employers in Northern Ireland to have transitioned to such ‘blind shortlisting’. All employees within the business have received recent training on diversity and inclusion, including all members of our shortlisting panels.
The Judging Panel of the Legal Island Diversity & Inclusion Chartermark” commented “Our judging panel determined that firmus energy has a thorough Equality and Diversity Policy in place and satisfactorily applies this throughout their organisation. Legal Island also noted that they were highly impressed by the almost 50/50 gender split across the organization; something which isn’t typical within the energy sector.
“firmus energy remain committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion is at the heart of their organisation and aspire to gain the Gold diversity charter mark”.
To find out more about a career with the company visit WWW.FIRMUSENERGY.CO.UK
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In recent years and certainly since the pandemic, work-life balance and employee wellbeing have become increasingly more crucial for employees and employers across the world.
JMK Solicitors were one of the first employers in Northern Ireland to commit to and implement a four-day week for all employees, with no reduction in pay.
Since January 2020 all JMK staff had their work hours reduced by 20%, from 37.5 hours to 30 hours with no impact on their salary. The four-day working week has improved JMK’s employee wellbeing with productivity and client care remaining of a high standard
.Similar pioneering approaches have been seen in other countries where the Government has implemented four-day working weeks on a pilot basis. In March 2021 it was announced that the Spanish Government will be trialing a four-day week pilot project, and in April 2021, Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP, committed to a four-day week pilot in Scotland.
Fórsa, the Irish trade union, have launched ‘The Four Day Week Campaign’ seeking a similar four-day week pilot project across the island of Ireland and hope to avail of a research partnership between University College Dublin and Boston College for the initiative.
Joe O’Connor, Chairperson of Four Day Week Ireland said, “The four day week may have seemed like a radical notion for many not too long ago. But more and more workers and businesses are now seeing that it is not only achievable but is a reasonable, rational response to the challenges our society faces today. It’s time to work smarter, not longer. Numerous academic studies, including from John Pencavel of Stanford University in 2014, have shown that there is no correlation between working long hours and greater productivity.”
Speaking about why JMK Solicitors decided to adjust their working hours to a four-day week, Maurece Hutchinson said, “Making people our priority is one of our core values that we strongly believe in, we have fantastic staff, but we never want to be complacent. We felt that with increased pressures on people in all areas of their life reduced hours should be considered by more employers. And we wanted to take a leading role. The gift of time is the greatest gift we and any employer can give to their team. We are happy to share our experiences with others and are delighted to offer our assistance and insights to our learnings to The Four Day Week Campaign.”
Speaking about the positive impact that a four day week has had on the team, Head of Operations and HR Michelle Murphy said, “The reduced working hours have improved work-life balance for all the team, it was brilliant to have had this in place when the pandemic hit as it really gave our team the time they needed to take care of their health and wellbeing and to be there to support their loved ones. “
“We have at the very least been able to maintain the same level of productivity we saw in 2019 before the reduction in working hours. We must acknowledge that the workplace and work patterns have also been greatly impacted by COVID 19 and we will continue to measure productivity in light of this also in the months and years ahead.”
Established in 2003, JMK Solicitors assist clients from all over Northern Ireland. To contact JMK Solicitors, please call 028 9032 0222 or fill out our contact form.
Go to FOURDAYWEEK.IE for more info about the Four Day Week Ireland campaign.
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Newry company Re-Gen Waste has invested a further £500,000, adding a high-tech process to one of its existing waste fuel lines, improving deliverability and reducing packaging.
A state of art, CK International, computerised baler, aids the company in providing consistent quality to meet the needs of global customers.
Joseph Doherty, Managing Director at Re-Gen Waste, said that this equipment takes to a new level the densification of product, significantly reducing the carbon footprint for Refuse Derived fuel.
“In a continuing programme of improvement, this equipment standardises our product offering across all ranges,” explains Joseph. “Bales of greater density reduce wrapping requirements, shrink loading times for bulk shipments and increase vessel load capacity for bulk shipments which is already the most carbon efficient means of transport.
“The baler was designed and manufactured by CK International on the back of a successful previous installation, with Re-Gen working closely with the Dungannon based company on a solution-specific machine to meet our requirements. We incorporated their data management technology to help monitor production and produce repeatable quality product to meet exacting international targets.”
With the continuing development of waste to energy plants, there remains a huge demand for Refuse Derived fuel. Re-Gen targets customers with combined heat and power facilities which provide best energy recovery for waste fuel consumed.
Joseph adds, “The processing of waste material for fuel is part of the circular economy, whereby energy is recovered from non-recyclable fraction of waste, diverting it away from landfill. Shipping to state-of-the-art recovery facilities in bulk quantities, produces some of the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide or CO2 in terms of the volume of materials being transported, while recovering up to 90% of the energy available in the waste. This new CK baler proves Re-Gen’s commitment to continual improvement of its processes from production through to delivery helping Northern Ireland along the path of reduction of CO2 emissions.”
Raymond O’Hagan, Sales Manager – Recycling Sector from CK International, said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Re-Gen once again. Our fully automatic Twin Ram baler with 160 tonne compaction force, bite size calculator and integrated technology is the ideal solution to help Re-Gen achieve the bale density and consistent bales size they need for shipping. The Baler Performance Monitoring will allow Re-Gen to analyse the plants productivity and to maximise throughput and efficiency while reducing financial and carbon costs.”
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Newry-based company Around Noon is investing over half a million pounds to quadruple the size of its bakery due increased demand from a range of blue-chip customers.
The company is making the investment in its bakery operation which is based beside the food-to-go manufacturer’s headquarters at Greenbank Industrial Estate.
Around Noon Bakery is an award-winning producer of bespoke, innovative, and luxurious products. It supplies a number of well-known high street retailers and independent stores in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and operators within the travel sector in the UK.
The investment will involve the acquisition of, and expansion into, a 10,000 sq ft unit adjoining the bakery’s existing premises and the purchase of new machinery. This will significantly expand the bakery’s capacity to meet demand from customers throughout the UK and Ireland.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “Around Noon Bakery continues to go from strength to strength, experiencing growing demand from new and existing customers. The investment we are making will allow the bakery to significantly increase capacity and enable it to produce a wider range of products.”
Around Noon Bakery produces bakery items including cakes, muffins, pastries, slices, cupcakes, brownies and scones for a range of customers and under its own ‘Sweet Things’ brand.
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If you would like to see your favourite local retailer rewarded for their excellence and their service to the community, now is your chance to showcase them to the world with voting now open to nominate your ‘High Street Hero’ in recognition of local independent retailers.
The search is now on to find Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes, a public online vote for shoppers and customers to choose their favourite independent retailer and overall local high street.
After the toughest year in a generation for our local high streets, the call has now opened for local shoppers to name the local retailers they feel should be rewarded for their tireless service to their community.
At the launch Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Cathy Mason said “Retail NI’s campaign puts the focus deservedly on our independent retailers, who have had to be more resilient than ever over the past 18 months. I am extremely proud of the independent retailers in Newry, Mourne and Down and the contribution they make to our community.”
“Retail NI’s campaign ensures the service and innovation independent retailers bring to the high street is rightfully recognised and provides encouragement to our retailers through an extremely tough year.”
“Independent retailers bring a mix of tradition and diversity to our high streets and that is something that should be celebrated. It is the distinct character and service provided by independent retailers that bring shoppers to the high street daily.”
Whether your High Street Hero is your favourite butcher, baker, or barista, the campaign is a celebration of the brilliant work of independent retailers and the pride they bring to local communities. Votes are already rolling in and the competition is heating up as the deadline for nominations set to close in early August.
High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News supported by Camelot and Translink. With thousands of votes cast last year across Northern Ireland competition is set to be stiff as town and villages vie for the overall titles.
Commenting on the awards Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said “We are delighted to launch High Street Heroes NI to highlight and celebrate the huge contribution independent retailers make to our local high streets and the economy. High Street Heroes NI gives consumers the opportunity to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street.”
Irish News Group Marketing & Communications Manager, Annette Small added “We have heard countless inspirational stories of local independent retailers adapting and innovating to not only survive, but thrive, in response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on shopping habits, socialising and everyday life. We can all play our part by buying local and voting for our favourite independent retailer via Irishnews.com/heroes”
Votes can be cast across 12 different categories with shoppers and customers asked to name their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off-license or Covid-19 champion, among others.
To give your local independent retailers the recognition they deserve place your vote at WWW.RETAILNI.COM
The High Street Heroes categories include:
Retail Director of sponsor, Camelot, Jenny Blogg said “From small corner shops to local newsagents and well-stocked convenience stores – our 44,000 retail partners are the backbone of The National Lottery and, to most players, our public face. For that reason, we are delighted to support High Street Heroes NI, to help highlight some of the fantastic independent retailers who continue to serve communities across Northern Ireland – day in, day out.”
Speaking about the importance of supporting local Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said "It's never been more important to support our local independent retailers and we're ready to bring more people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the fantastic choice, quality and personal touch on offer.”
"Translink is committed to delivering a greener recovery and building back responsibly with robust safety measures in place across our bus and rail services to protect and reassure everyone on their journeys."
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Team members at Newry based CRASH Services recently undertook a grueling cycle challenge, from their depot at Stockman’s Lane, Belfast to their Derry office on the Culmore Road, over 130km, to raise funds and awareness for their charity of the year, Cancer Fund for Children.
Cancer Fund for Children support children and young people diagnosed with cancer or living with a parent with the disease. They offer support in the home, community, on the hospital ward and at their residential centre, Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, with the aim that no family face cancer alone.
The cycle took place on Sunday June 27th with the group of 10 cyclists led by CRASH Services’ Fleet Director Paul Cooney and In-House Engineer Gerry Quinn.
Speaking about the challenge, Paul said, “CRASH Services have a long history of supporting local charities in our communities and we are delighted to be raising funds for Cancer Fund for Children this year. I decided to set this challenge as a goal to work towards, in terms of both fitness and fundraising! Even with weeks of training it was a tough and challenging cycle on the day, in particular with soaring temperatures while cycling over the Glenshane Pass! I am delighted that everyone finished with a smile on their faces and we were able to raise over £9,000 for such a deserving charity. A special word of thanks to all the local businesses who sponsored our cycle shirts and to our colleagues, friends and families for the support on the day and the overwhelming generosity with their donations.”
Alex Murdock, Corporate Fundraiser at Cancer Fund for Children said, “It was an absolute pleasure to join Paul, Gerry and all the team on the day for such an incredible challenge! Our very own CEO Phil Alexander also joined for the start on the cycle, and it was wonderful to have him show his support for such a valued Charity Partner. The team have gone above and beyond with their fundraising, and I cannot say thank you enough for their energy and enthusiasm in raising funds to support local young people impacted by cancer. This donation will go a long way in supporting young people and their families during their cancer journey in their home, on the hospital ward, and at Daisy Lodge, our therapeutic short break centre at the foothill of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, Co. Down. We just simply could not be here for these families without amazing people and local businesses by our side, so on behalf of the charity and all the families we support, thank you CRASH Services for helping us to continue to ensure no child has to face cancer alone!”
In the last 25 years, CRASH Services has helped over 100,000 NI motorists after an accident, taking away the hassle and helping to get them back on the road. A 2020 independent audit described the company as 'Best in Class' noting that they ensure damaged cars are repaired and returned 43% faster than similar businesses. They opened a regional office on the Culmore Road in Derry/L’Derry two years ago.
If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, CRASH Services can help. Call into the CRASH Services Derry/Londonderry office on the Culmore Road or phone 028 7136 0281.
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First Derivatives held their Annual General Meeting yesterday, 8 July, with a proposed change of Group name to FD Technologies plc passed along with other resolutions.
The group founded by Newry man Brian Conlon now employs over 2500 people worldwide.
The Group is in the process of registering its change of name and it is anticipated that this process will complete on 9 July, with trading in the Company’s ordinary shares of 0.5 pence taking place under the new name FD Technologies plc from 12 July.
The Group’s tickers (AIM: FDP.L, Euronext Growth: FDP.I) and the Company’s ISIN (GB0031477770) and SEDOL (3147777) will remain the same, and existing share certificates will remain valid and will not be replaced.
The Board notes that resolution 2 (Directors’ Remuneration Report) was passed with the necessary majority but with less than 80% in favor. The Board will continue to engage with shareholders to understand and discuss their concerns with respect to this resolution and will provide an update in due course and within six months at the latest.
At the AGM Keith MacDonald, having served nine years as a Non-Executive Director, did not stand for re-election and consequently has retired from the Board with immediate effect. Non-Executive Director Thomas Seifert has been appointed to succeed Keith as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Donna Troy, Chairman, commented: “During his nine years on the Board, Keith has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Group and his guidance has been invaluable. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his dedication and service.”
The website address at which the information required pursuant to AIM Rule 26 is available will be changed to www.fdtechnologies.com with effect from 9 July 2021. Until then, investors can continue to access this information on the Group’s existing website, WWW.FDTECHNOLOGIES.COM
A breakdown of the voting is also available at the Group website.
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