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Individuals who are exploring the idea of creating their own business in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area can now access ‘Rebel on Demand’ which is a new free online business bitesize support service. The online service was developed following an agreement by all 11 local authorities in NI to assist people who are exploring the idea of setting up a new business.
The ‘Rebel on Demand’ service offered by Rebel Business School contains a range of videos and articles, offering free and impartial advice on topics such as starting up without debt, making sales and increasing confidence and motivation. The on-demand platform also allows users to tailor their learning journey and record progress, and it also offers ‘next step’ advice through automation.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “The online business support service will help potential entrepreneurs with the information, inspiration and practical help needed to get their business idea up and running. We want to support all of our residents and local businesses to come out of the pandemic resilient and ensure there are opportunities for everyone.”
‘Rebel on Demand’ is the first step in considering a future in entrepreneurship, it will support individuals to formulate a business idea that they are passionate about. Once they have found and developed their creative spark and have considered it as a viable career path they can develop and explore it further via the Council’s ‘Go for It’ programme.
This online service is the latest product from the Rebel Business School which, earlier this year, won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Promoting Opportunity. Rebel Business School co-founder and CEO Simon Paine said, “Rebel on Demand is designed for people with busy lives who want and expect everything to be a click away. People are very busy and everyone expects services to be on demand 24/7. The difference is we don’t have a subscription fee and we never will.
Mr Paine continued, “We want to see brighter days. We know that Northern Ireland has had a hard 18 months due to the pandemic and there are a lot of big economic issues to work on. So, we want to play a part, encouraging people to start up and contribute to the economic recovery.”
For further information on the ‘Rebel on Demand’ business startup support programme please visit REBEL-ON-DEMAND
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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the appointment of two Non-Executive Members to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA).
Richard Johnston has been reappointed to the board while Fiona Hanna is being appointed for the first time.
Fiona Hanna is a Chartered Accountant with a range of experience across finance and business including a number of positions as an independent advisor and a non-executive director. Currently Fiona’s primary role is jointly running an arable farming enterprise in South County Down, managing this alongside her advisory portfolio. Fiona is a Board Member of Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute.
Richard Johnston is an Economist who has held a wide range of roles in the public, private, academic and third sectors. Richard’s work focuses on growing the economy, boosting competitiveness and the inclusion of all groups throughout NI. He is currently a member of the Department for Economy’s Ministerial Economic Advisory Group, a Trustee of the Inspire Business Centre and he was a member of the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure. Richard was first appointed to the WHA in November 2016.
Minister Mallon said: “I am pleased to announce a first term appointment for Fiona Hanna and a second term appointment for Richard Johnston.
“The Port has ambitious development plans which will provide support as it recovers from the pandemic and takes advantage new of opportunities, as well as supporting the local economy and providing opportunities for growth. The Port will also have a focus on working with stakeholders and partners in bringing forward important strategic projects such as the Narrow Water Bridge and the Southern Relief Road. I am confident that the experience Fiona and Richard bring, will be of considerable value to the Board in the years ahead.”
The appointments will take effect from 1 August 2021 and will be for a maximum of four years.
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DELI LITES has secured a contract to supply over 20 products to Asda stores across Northern Ireland for the first time.
The new lines include Salt ‘N’ Chilli Wraps, Chicken, Stuffing & Coleslaw Sandwiches, and Free-Range Egg & Sweet Cure Bacon Sandwiches, as well as Salted Caramel Brownies, and Honeycomb Haste Treat Bars.
Established over 25 years ago, independently-owned DELI LITES is an award-winning, food-to-go manufacturer that exports its innovative products globally, and currently employs over 200 people at their Warrenpoint HQ.
Barbara Hawkins, Key Account Manager at DELI LITES, said “We are delighted to be able to extend the reach of our food to-go-products throughout Northern Ireland as a result of these new listings with Asda. There really is something for everyone across the range, including vegan and non-vegan options. Whilst our company continues to innovate and evolve, one thing we will never do is mediocrity.”
“Not only will Asda shoppers have a variety of new and nostalgic flavours to choose from, but they can rest assured that when they pick one of our premium artisan lunches, they are picking a product that supports other local suppliers created with a social conscience.”
Emma Swan, Asda’s Buying Manager for NI Local, added “We are delighted to offer our customers such a wide range of new food-to-go products from DELI LITES. At Asda we pride ourselves on supporting local and it is brilliant to welcome DELI LITES as a new supplier.
“DELI LITES is committed to reducing the company’s carbon footprint as well as providing tasty treats and lunches, we are sure shoppers will enjoy these sandwiches, wraps, snacks and sweet treats.”
The new products are available across all 16 NI Asda stores now.
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September has been stated as the planned date for the launch of the long awaited scheme to encourage people back on to their high streets by giving those over 18 a £100 voucher for spending locally.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the contract for the delivery of the High Street Scheme (HSS) has been awarded to Prepaid Financial Services (PFS).
The £145million scheme will give everyone aged 18 and over in Northern Ireland a pre-paid card worth £100 to spend on their local high street. It is planned that the registration process will open to the public in September.
Minister Lyons also today revealed the ‘Spend Local’ logo which will feature on each of the cards.
Speaking during a visit to businesses in Carrickfergus, the Minister said: “After a robust procurement process, I am pleased to announce that the contract for the High Street Scheme has been awarded to PFS.
“This scheme is a key element of my Department’s Economic Recovery Action Plan and will give a very welcome boost to our high streets which were hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. This uplift is what our local businesses need and deserve.
“It will mean up to 1.4 million people will have an extra £100 each to spend on our high streets rather than online. This will help bring many more customers back through the doors of local retail, hospitality and other sectors.
“I look forward to seeing the benefits this scheme will bring to the wide range of businesses situated in the heart of towns, villages and cities across Northern Ireland.”
PFS is a payments technology company which helps governments worldwide get money quickly into the hands of people who need it the most. Most recently, citizens in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Italy and Finland have been assisted with innovative payment solutions across 562 separate initiatives.
Lee Britton, CEO Europe at PFS, said: ''We are delighted to have been awarded this contract. Our award-winning economic stimulus product trusted by governments worldwide will help to give a huge financial boost to the Northern Ireland economy.”
Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, said: “Hospitality businesses are an integral part of our city, town and village high streets and have suffered considerably due to the impact of Covid. The High Street Scheme is a really welcome and important way we can all support our struggling high street businesses.
“Supporting the high street not only helps the businesses, it also supports the jobs of our friends and family who work in our hospitality industry.”
Aodhán Connolly, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said: “The past year has been one of the hardest on record for our retail industry and our high streets because of the pandemic. This scheme will give a welcome boost to high street retailers and other consumer-facing sectors in towns and cities in Northern Ireland. It will create a virtuous circle of spending that supports our economy, boosts local commerce and gives our shoppers some retail and hospitality therapy. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to register for the scheme and make every penny count.”
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “This scheme is a win-win for our members and our high streets. It will be a significant spending boost for struggling independent retailers as we progress the long road toward recovery.
“70p in every pound spent with an independent retailer is recycled around the economy, supporting local producers, farmers and manufacturers. So it is vital that consumers make a special effort to spend this pre-paid card with local traders to ensure the widest possible boost to our economy.”
Roger Pollen, Head of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) NI, said: “This scheme is a key element in reinvigorating our retail and hospitality sectors after more than a year of crippling restrictions and downturn. What is particularly important is the simplicity of its operation and the widespread distribution.
“By empowering every adult consumer in Northern Ireland, the value of the spend will reach every community and sector. We would urge users of the scheme to consider those businesses that have been most impacted by the pandemic and use their pre-paid card where it can spread most benefit.”
Minister Lyons added: “My Department is planning for the scheme to go live in September and I want to ensure everyone who is eligible can receive their pre-paid card as soon as possible after registration. As a first step in that process I would urge members of the public to sign up for the electoral register if they have not already done so as we plan to use the register to check registrations for the High Street Scheme.”
The Minister also today published research carried out by Retail Economics to inform the roll-out of the High Street Scheme.
Retail Economics carried out research on how, when and where the HSS scheme could impact on consumer spending. The researchers made use of outturn data from a similar scheme which operated in Jersey and information from the Office for National Statistics. A consumer panel survey was also conducted, reflecting a nationally representative sample of 1,000 households in Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons said: “Currently, we intend to roll out the High Street Scheme in the autumn. This aligns well to Retail Economics’ recommendations on optimal timing.
“The results of the consumer panel show that there is evidence that the scheme will encourage shoppers back on the high street, to support local independent businesses and to spend their card in those sectors that have faced difficulties trading in the past year. Many respondents considered that it would encourage them to visit physical locations.
“The Covid health restrictions will need to be monitored closely and taken into account as we move forward.”
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A Rostrevor retailer is celebrating 40 years as a ViVO this month and is marking the occasion by celebrating with their local community and shoppers.
Originally trading as Clarkes VG since 1952, the Clarke family’s store has been a pillar in the local community for almost 70 years with their ViVO serving the area with not only the freshest produce and every day essentials, but by supporting local groups and organisations.
Kieran Clarke, his team and family currently support St. Bronagh’s GAA and Rossowen Soccer Club, as well as regularly fundraising for Life and Time, the end-of-life care service in nearby Warrenpoint.
Kieran commented; “It’s hard to believe the family has been trading with our business for nearly 70 years, and for 40 as a ViVO. Being part of the community is the most important part of our business as it gives us the opportunity to support those vital sports teams for young and old throughout the area, as well as supporting the charities that do so much for ours and the surrounding communities.”
Clarke’s ViVO originally resided at Kilbrony Road before moving to its current location at Newtown Road in 2000 after a £300,000 investment. The larger premises meant a wider range of products for shoppers to choose from including produce from top local suppliers, weekly deals and takeaway coffees from Barista Bar.
To celebrate their milestone, the store is doing a FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY for four lucky shoppers to win a £40 voucher each.
The Clarke’s also recently welcomed the team from Henderson Group, which owns the ViVO brand in Northern Ireland. Business Development Manager, Jamie Graham attended the store’s celebrations as a recognition of the team’s achievements and for reaching the milestone. Jamie presented Kieran with a special 40th anniversary plaque, celebration cake and a bouquet of flowers.
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CTS (Connect–Transform–Sustain) a Warrenpoint based company continues to grow and enter new markets by becoming a ROLEC Approved Installer.
ROLEC EV has formally approved CTS to install charging points as part of the OLEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
ROLEC is one of the world’s leading specialists in outdoor electrical equipment. Like CTS, ROLEC prides itself on the innovations it regularly introduces into the industries in which it operates. ROLEC products are designed to high standards, ensuring that both clients and end users are at the centre of the services we create and deliver.
We are now witnessing an increasing demand for electric vehicles as drivers transition to cleaner and greener modes of transport to fulfil their journeys. This is one of the many ways Team CTS are trying to tackle climate change. Solar Panels have also been installed at the HQ in Warrenpoint. These solar panels use sunlight as a source of energy and help generate electricity. Renewable clean power playing a role in the daily usage at CTS.
We are tapping into an industry that is set to increase rapidly in the coming years. Here at CTS, we are always looking for new opportunities to grow and widen our business offering. We will ensure that each day is another step towards excellence and a more responsible planet and how humans interact with it.
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Founded in Newry in 1972, the family-run Jack Murphy Jewellers is a shining example of how businesses have shown entrepreneurial resilience to adapt to the ‘new normal’ following the pandemic.
Like many other businesses affected by Covid-19, the multi-award-winning business had to close its showroom temporarily on a number of occasions over the past year.
However, it also used this time sensibly to considerably expand and improve the e-commerce side of the business to support its in-store offering. Furthermore, it took full advantage of the digital presence it had built on its social media platforms to engage and communicate virtually with customers.
Daughter of Jack Murphy and business partner Gemma Murphy explained how the business has also worked hard over the last year to improve and invest in its showroom to improve the customer experience and to make it as safe as possible in light of Covid-19 guidelines.
“We are pleased to have recently completed the refurbishment of our showroom, which has provided us with more space between our jewellery features, meaning that we can practice safe social distancing at all times,” she explained.
“As a local family-run jewellers, we are genuinely interested and invested in both the people that work in our store as well as our loyal customers who make up the community within which we live and work.
“Coming through the pandemic has allowed us to adapt quickly to new consumer trends and spending habits and we are pleased to have developed a bespoke e-commerce website which we didn’t have before.
“As our business continues to thrive, we want to see Newry and the entire district go from strength-to-strength also.”
Jack Murphy Jewellers is renowned across Ireland with customers travelling from the likes of Cork, Donegal and Limavady to shop, visit and explore.
Recently, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) launched a new campaign which is designed to help support and promote the council’s Make It Local messaging.
It will help relaunch the unique business offering that the district boasts, as well as stimulate the entrepreneurial resilience of Newry, Mourne & Down.
Aims of Make it Local Campaign
NMDDC’s Chairperson Cllr Cathy Mason said: “Make it Local not only shines a light on the key sectors represented across the district but also communicates how businesses here have worked hard to establish a safe shopping practice in light of Covid regulations.
“Our message is clear; Newry, Mourne and Down is open for business. I would strongly encourage people – both from within the district and further afield – to shop locally.”
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Collaborating to support the recovery of the retail sector, Southern Regional College and the five other Further Education Colleges in NI, supported by the Department for the Economy’s ‘Retail Recovery’ programme, will kick start bespoke training this month with a series of webinars on support available, accessing finance and people management.
Fully-funded through the Department for the Economy’s Flexible Skills Fund and Skills Focus, the webinar series will be followed, from September, with technical masterclasses and retail skills based training delivered by Belfast Met, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, Southern Regional College and South Western Regional College, who are working in partnership with Retail NI to offer a tailored programm
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive, Retail NI said, “The retail sector has been under huge strain since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and has only recently become fully operational again. Normal working practices have not been possible across the sector which is subject to continuous changes in restrictions.”
He added, “The face of retail has changed dramatically, and it is vitally important we support retail skills requirements with a co-ordinated approach from the FE colleges.”
Margaret McNamee, Business Development Executive with SRC said, “This Retail Recovery Programme is a great opportunity for retailers of all sizes to work with their local college and indeed colleges further afield to take advantage of the fully funded help available, as initiatives are running online. Retailers can gain relevant skills for trading online and how to maximise their impact, no matter what size. They can also encourage staff members to upskill in contextualised leadership and management and customer service training."
Visit COLLEGESRETAILRECOVERY for full details. Contact SRC’s Business Support team today on 028 3839 7778 or email betterbusiness@src.ac.uk
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Newry based Murdock Builders Merchants have announced the acquisition of Brooks Group, comprising Brooks Builders Merchants (“Brooks”) and Dublin Plywood and Veneer (‘DPV’), from Welsh based Premier Forest Products Group.
The transaction will lead to the return to Irish ownership, after a forty year interval, of Brooks, Ireland’s oldest name in builders merchanting and leads to the establishment of a strong competitive force in the market with significant reach throughout the island of Ireland. Brooks traces its origins in the construction sector back to the late 1700s. Today, its branches are based in urban areas and strategically located to offer national coverage. The brand has grown by developing a product offering, online and in the branches, in harmony with customer needs. Its longevity continues to be rooted in thought leadership. Through its work with the RIAI and its sustainability credentials of FSC and PEFC, the brand has adapted and thrived.
Murdocks has 10 branches and two timber processing facilities in Northern Ireland as well as four merchanting outlets in the Republic of Ireland. Brooks has seven builders’ merchants branches in the Republic and DPV has its timber distribution based in Dublin.
Announcing the transaction Ciaran Murdock of Murdocks said: “We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition of Brooks Group a business we have always held in high regard. Since establishing Murdock Builders Merchants in 1982, we have gradually built the Murdocks business by opening new branches along with some single site acquisitions. Today’s announcement marks an important strategic move in significantly broadening our footprint in the Republic through the Brooks business. We believe that this provides us with a great platform for further expansion in Ireland.
“It is also notable that Brooks, which was originally established in 1750 and has a long and storied heritage in timber provision and in merchanting in Ireland, returns to Irish ownership for the first time since 1981. We very much look forward to working with our new colleagues and the Brooks management team who have done such a good job in growing the business over the past number of years.”
Welcoming the announcement, Terry Edgell, CEO and co‐founder of Premier Forest Group, said: “We have really enjoyed our period of ownership of both Brooks and DPV. I would like to thank the dedicated Brooks leadership team and all the staff who have worked so hard to get the business to this point. We wish both businesses the best of luck and all the success for their future.”
Mark Lohan, the Managing Director of Brooks Group said: “The combination of Brooks with Murdocks comes at a great time for the business. We have made significant progress in realising the objectives of our strategy, strengthening the fundamentals, enhancing resilience and delivering performance. The team at Brooks is ambitious for the business and that ambition is matched by Ciaran and his colleagues. We’re looking forward to an exciting new chapter for the combined business.”
Murdocks has also announced that, following completion of the acquisition, it plans to appoint Eddie Kelly as Chairman of Brooks Group. Eddie has had a significant career in Irish builders merchanting and as Chief Executive, led Grafton’s Merchanting business in Ireland for seven years prior to his recent retirement. Paul Lynch, former Executive Director at Heiton Group plc and CFO of Applegreen plc will also join the Board as a non-executive director following completion.
The transaction is subject to the approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
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