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Newry law firm Donnelly Neary & Donnelly this week welcomed Charlotte Neary to the family firm having completed her professional legal studies at Queens University Belfast. Charlotte follows in the footsteps of her Great uncle PJ O’Hare and her Grandfather Kevin, parents Kevin and Jenny as well as her bother Daniel in joining the legal profession.
Donnelly Neary & Donnelly and its sister company SC Connolly are part of The Law Group with offices in Newry, Castlewellan, Crossmaglen, Portadown, Dungannon, Omagh and Banbridge. Charlotte will take up a permanent position within Probate and Property Department at Donnelly Neary & Donnelly.
Welcoming Charlotte to her new role within the firm, Managing Partner Kevin Neary said, ‘It gives me great pleasure to welcome Charlotte to the family firm which has provided professional and practical legal services in Newry going back almost 120 years. She joins her brother Daniel and myself and I know she will excel in her new permanent role.’
‘Charlotte is a former pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry and a First-Class Law graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Over the past two years she has completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies whilst with us at DND Law.’
‘The legal profession is an honourable profession; it is challenging but rewarding. Charlotte has proven to be a diligent apprentice solicitor; she works hard and has a great attention to detail. Her empathy for the client is outstanding, she is tenacious in her approach to her casework, and I know her work ethic will serve the people of Newry well for many years to come.’
‘We are a growing and progressive law firm with over twenty solicitors across our branch network, one of the largest firms outside of Belfast covering general legal practice to a range of specialisms and I know she will enjoy all the challenges a modern firm like ours presents.’
Speaking this week Charlotte explained, “Law is something I have always been passionate about, and I follow in the footsteps of my parents and brother into the profession. I am grateful to them, the entire team at DND Law and The Law Group who have been extremely supportive and encouraging throughout my academic and professional journey.’
‘This week has been significant for me as I become a fully qualified solicitor, but also for many other women in the legal profession as Dame Justice Siobhan Keegan takes up her role as Northern Ireland’s Lady Chief Justice. Dame Keegan, who is also a former pupil of Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry, has demonstrated there is no glass ceiling within our profession for women’
‘Almost 120 years ago my family first set up a law firm in Newry, I am really looking forward to what the future holds, for me personally and for the firm. Our profession and company is ever changing, and I would encourage any other young person considering career choices to consider law, it takes hard work, but it can be a very rewarding profession.’
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Rostrevor’s Bradfor Ltd will join Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings to exhibit as part of ADS’ Digital Cabin – an online immersive 3D aircraft interiors showroom and the first of its kind, which will enable potential customers to see a selection of both companies manufactured products.
They are two of Northern Ireland’s top aerospace manufacturers and are joining the world’s leading aerospace companies at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) Virtual taking place from 14 to 16 September.
Bradfor Ltd is a specialist in the manufacture of products including dress covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery whilst IPC Mouldings is a leading provider of injection moulded parts and engineered assemblies. Both companies supply to many global tier one companies.
Speaking about the expo, which is the leading marketplace for airlines and supply chain to meet, Bradfor Ltd’s Managing Director, Patricia Clements said, “AIX Expo is always an excellent opportunity for Bradfor Ltd to meet with our customers, build on existing relationships and develop new ones within the aircraft interiors sector. Whilst we won’t be in Hamburg for this year’s event like previous years, I have no doubt the virtual exhibition will be just as beneficial.”
Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings, said, “Like many companies within the aerospace industry, we were heavily impacted by the global pandemic and had to evolve our offering to customers. Our customers see us as partners providing solutions and we see ourselves as an extension of our customers. By asking them how we could be their best supplier, we were able to align the business to that of their needs and demands, which allowed us to differentiate our offering and emerge stronger from the crisis through continuous improvement and investment.
“We can now show our current and potential customers at AIX what those changes are and how we can collaborate, and through the ADS Digital Cabin, and alongside companies like Airtek, STG Aerospace and TT Electronics, we will be able to showcase our products to our customers like previous years. We’re looking forward to the event and once again networking with others in the industry.”
The Digital Cabin is a virtual aircraft cabin space, created by ADS as a solution for businesses that were impacted by the global pandemic. It will allow aircraft interiors companies to showcase their products and services to a global audience with OEMS and airline buyers getting the opportunity to engage with the products in a new and immersive way.
Speaking about the launch of the Cabin, Omar Kadhim, ADS Head of Aerospace Business Development said, “We’re excited to finally launch this new tool for cabin and MRO buyers to explore the market. 3D web technology brings the cabin to life and allows SMEs to market themselves in a way that’s cost effective, fresh and engaging.”
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CRASH Services, Northern Ireland’s largest accident management company, has launched a new suite of products aimed at offering protection for local motorists for a wide range of potential financial costs when owning and maintaining their motor vehicles.
The new services are being marketed under the ‘Granite Motor Assistance’ brand – expanding on the successful Granite Breakdown offering which has been extremely well received during the last 18 months when the incidences of vehicle breakdown have increased due to vehicles not being able to be maintained as well as before the pandemic. The host of additional security for motorists on offer range from GAP Insurance, tyre, and alloy- wheel insurance to warranties for new and second-hand cars. Although the company expect that there will be the most interest initially for its Motor Policy Excess insurance.
Jonathan McKeown, CEO of CRASH Services, said “We’ve been in business for over 25 years and are committed to serving the local motorist and the wider motoring sector in Northern Ireland. In a way ‘lockdown’ gave us the opportunity to look at ways we could expand our offering. The idea for Granite Motor Assistance was to enhance our range of ancillary motor products beyond those we were offering already such as Lost Key Cover and Vehicle Breakdown.
With drivers often being forced to take on liability for larger policy excesses when buying through a price comparison site or choosing to take voluntary higher excesses to reduce their annual premium, we think that our new Policy Excess Insurance will be something that many will want to buy. And indeed, the early feedback from our network of insurance brokers is that this product might well be the most important to many customers.”
Stephen Savage, Business Development Manager for Granite Motor Assistance commented further; “Our aim is to offer a wide range of additional protections for local motorists and so we aim to source the best available products in the market. These are available at competitive prices online through our network of car dealers, insurance brokers and direct from our new website. For a small annual premium motorists can be saved hundreds of pounds in the event that they face an unfortunate surprise bill for damage to their car.”
For further information on Granite Motor Assistance, visit WWW.GRANITEMOTOR.COM or Contact Stephen Savage at Stephen.Savage@granitemotor.com.
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The team at Mulkerns are skipping all the way home from London this week, after scooping an incredible three award wins at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Convenience Awards puts some healthy competition between stores and supermarkets throughout 24 categories, and the Mulkerns EUROSPAR and SPAR teams came out on top, winning national titles including Sustainability Retailer of the Year and Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year, while Enya McAteer won the Convenience Rising Star of the Year award.
It comes off the back of Enya winning the Newcomer of the Year title at the Retail Industry Awards earlier this year.
Mulkerns stores are no strangers to winning national awards and have gained recognition of their independent retailing expertise for years, commended particularly for their commitment to their community and delivering sustainable retail practices.
Terry Mulkerns, the man at the helm of the empire said the whole team is delighted to pick up the awards as they ramp up for a month of more ceremonies; “We are so proud to have our initiatives recognised from national industry peers, and it is such a boost for our team who give their everything to the running of our business, no more so than in the past 18 months.
“To be recognised for our sustainability practices in our quest to be a more environmentally friendly retailer, and of course for all our advances in food-to-go, responding to how shopping changed during the lockdowns, is so rewarding after a challenging time.”
Some of the initiatives the store has in place include Zero Waste Wednesdays, compostable packaging and removal of up to 80% of plastic packaging from fruit and veg, refill stations and reusable cups. The store has also kept the momentum going on their food-to-go sales through meal deals, ‘fakeaways’ and continuing to keep on top of food trends for their shoppers.
Speaking of Enya’s win, Terry was full of pride; “Enya is one of the most impressive retail managers in Northern Ireland, steering our Jonesborough SPAR with confidence and empowering the whole team to make a positive impact on the community. She leads by example and that clearly shone through for her to pick up her second national award this year!”
Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group extended his congratulations to the Mulkerns team, adding; “Once again, independent retailers in Northern Ireland are setting the standard for retailing across the UK. Congratulations to all at Mulkerns for these fantastic wins, and best of luck for the remainder of the national awards season this month!”
Mulkerns will now anticipate the results of the upcoming Retail Industry Awards taking place in London on 21st September, and the Forecourt Trader Awards on the 30th where they are finalists for another six awards.
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Copywriter Paul Malone from Tall Paul Marketing has been announced as a finalist in two award categories at the prestigious Belfast Chamber 2021 Business Awards, in partnership with the Bank of Ireland.
The Newry born copywriter was announced as a finalist in the 'Best Creative Business' and 'Best New Business' categories alongside some of the country's most successful companies.
Earlier this year, the freelance copywriter in Belfast was also a finalist in the Marketing Project of the Year category at the prestigious 2021 Digital DNA Awards.
The Belfast Business Awards are organised and hosted by Belfast Chamber with Principal Sponsor, Bank of Ireland UK.
The ceremony, now in its sixth year, has become synonymous with recognising, promoting and rewarding the excellence of Belfast-based companies.
One hundred and ten of Belfast's top businesses have made the shortlist.
The shortlist spans 22 categories, from Young Business Personality to Social Enterprise of the Year to Best Digital Business to the Bank of Ireland UK Lifetime Achievement award.
The awards seek to reward all areas of business in all sectors in Belfast.
The awards will take place on Friday 22 October 2021, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaw's Bridge, with tickets on sale now.
A delighted Paul Malone comments, "I quit a secure, full-time job in July 2020 during the first lockdown to concentrate on Tall Paul Marketing full-time.
"Since then, I've enjoyed writing for such a diverse range of interesting people and companies in every industry imaginable, including tech, property, charity, law, communications and public bodies."
Paul continues, "I'd like to say a massive thank-you to every single one of my clients for placing their trust in me with web content, blog content, copywriting and marketing material over the past year.
"Tall Paul Marketing wouldn't have been so successful if it weren't for all of you trusting me.
"I feel great pride in being shortlisted for these awards, and I'm excited now for the big night at the awards.
"With Covid causing so much disruption over the last year or two, it'll be great to get dressed up and attend an in-person event.
"I'll be in great company in both categories; the others who have been shortlisted are a great example of local businesses adapting to a challenging period.
"Personally speaking, being able to work at something I love every day is a privilege, and I've met so many incredible people with such unique stories," he adds.
Commenting on this year's shortlist, Simon Hamilton, CEO of Belfast Chamber, says, "This has been an unprecedented year for business, with enormous challenges faced by all.
"And despite that, Belfast businesses have once again shown their strength, tenacity and resilience.
"The broad selection of entries from many industries have far succeeded all expectations with many categories receiving record numbers of submissions.
"A huge range of businesses have successfully met the brief for showcasing their achievements.
"It's making the selection process an interesting one which will positively challenge the judges."
Simon adds, "We look forward to the next stage of judging, which will involve an interview process, allowing the overall winners to be selected."
Paul McClurg, Head of Business Banking Belfast at Bank of Ireland UK, comments, "We are delighted to be able to announce the exciting news and congratulate everyone who has been shortlisted.
"The applicants this year are a testament to the quality, achievements and ambition of Belfast businesses, especially during what has been such challenging times over the last 18 months.
"This has meant some tough decisions by the judges but will make the next stage exciting, with so many exceptional entries.
"The shortlist demonstrates the high standards and rich diversity of businesses in Belfast.
"And we are proud, as principal sponsor, to be supporting them as they re-emerge, rebuild and grow as industry leaders."
Paul adds, "We look forward to the Awards night on 22 October, where the best of Belfast businesses will showcase their achievements with their teams and their peers, and when this year's Bank of Ireland UK Lifetime achievement recipient will be announced."
The Belfast Business Awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, on Friday, 22 October 2021.
Tickets are now on sale at WWW.BELFASTCHAMBER.COM
To learn more about Tall Paul Marketing's blog writing, content marketing and copywriting services, visit the Tall Paul Marketing website.
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Local processing and recycling offers the most sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s household waste and leaves the door open for the adoption of future recycling technology, Re-Gen Waste has said.
Re-Gen’s Managing Director Joseph Doherty said sticking with the current method of collection and sorting of waste by companies such as Re-Gen will allow Northern Ireland’s waste management system to flex and take advantage of future innovations in the sector while also helping the region reach the goal of net zero carbon in a shorter space of time.
He said: “Our research indicates that the alternative, a £240 million investment in a waste incinerator for the next 25 years, will tie the province into technologies that are already antiquated. These stifle the chances of making meaningful reductions to carbon emissions and leave the province, and ratepayers in the six Council areas in the arc21 region, burdened with an expensive solution.”
The Newry waste management company was reacting to the recent Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change report and the proposed Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill which calls for more efficient carbon reduction practices worldwide.
Re-Gen collects household waste from throughout the province before sorting and recycling as much as possible at its Newry plant. Only a small fraction of waste which cannot be recycled is sent for incineration to energy plants in Northern Europe, producing not just electricity, but also heat, which is supplied to homes and businesses via district heating systems.
Existing Waste To Energy technology, of the type proposed by arc21, requires a high-volume, guaranteed waste stream for at least 25 years to make them economically viable, potentially creating a mandate to prioiritise the demands of the facility over the need to recycle.
Joseph Doherty said: “Such large scale facilities curb adaptability for future innovations designed to increase recycling. It is imperative we increase recycling, reduce residual waste for incineration and allow Northern Ireland to develop a path towards net zero carbon quickly.
“Waste To Energy plants may be necessary for the very last of unrecyclable waste, but Northern Ireland has access to an abundance of such facilities in the UK and Europe at competitive cost. Our approach to treating household waste is constantly evolving to take advantage of new best practices and is by far the most environmentally friendly for Northern Ireland, both now and in the future.
“It leaves the door open for us to adopt the very latest technology, creates and supports jobs and will play a key role in helping this region reach net zero carbon by 2050. The wrong policy and technology choices in Northern Ireland, could impact for decades and risks impeding the imperative to reach net zero carbon in the future.”
Re-Gen Waste is continuing to grow its business with plans to invest £20 million in developing products made from recycled wastepaper and glass, in a project which will create 120 jobs. It is also on track to develop a Circular Economy Resource Park near its Carnbane Business Park base in Newry, a move which will include manufacturing facilities for producing solid recovered fuel from waste and which will create 130 jobs and reduce the need for the incineration of waste materials.
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has today encouraged retailers, hospitality and services sectors across Northern Ireland to show their support for the High Street Support Scheme which opens for applications from next Monday 27 September to October 25.
The Department has published a digital suite of promotional materials for all those eligible retail, hospitality and service businesses, which are now available from nibusinessinfo. These tools can be used for retailers to show their support for the scheme and to encourage shoppers to give local businesses and their community a lift.
In addition, an advertising campaign has been launched to encourage shoppers to use their card to support their local businesses.
The Minister said: “The High Street Scheme is designed to boost businesses across the retail, hospitality and services sectors following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is unprecedented in Northern Ireland, and I would urge all businesses to show their support to help maximise the benefits of the Spend Local cards. The first step should be to share the digital promotional materials on your social media platforms.
“I would also urge shoppers to use their Spend Local cards wisely to support the local economy and local communities. A little spend can have a big effect.”
Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said the scheme comes on the back of a very challenging period for retailers right across Northern Ireland.
He said: “The High Street Support Scheme is a welcome step in the long road to recovery for Northern Ireland’s retailers and I would encourage everyone in our industry to think hard about how they can encourage people to use their £100 Spend Local card with their business. It should be remembered that 70p in every pound spent in an independent retailer is recycled around the local economy. If consumers make a special effort to spend their £100 with local traders, then they will also be ensuring the money also goes towards invigorating the wider community.”
Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive, Colin Neil said the impact of Covid-19 continues to present major challenges for the hospitality industry across Northern Ireland.
He said: “There is a great deal of uncertainty in the industry at the minute. The pandemic has had a devastating impact right across the sector. We welcome the introduction of the High Street Scheme, which is a great opportunity for people to support jobs of friends and family who work in hospitality while enjoying some of the best food and drink in the world.
“I would urge our members to download the digital materials and use them to promote the Spend Local cards across social media. It is vital we maximise the benefits of the scheme so we can all support our local hospitality businesses and our struggling high streets.”
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation Chief Executive, Janice Gault welcomed the introduction of the scheme and described the local tourism industry as a key driver for Northern Ireland’s economy.
She said: “The High Street Support Scheme is good news for our industry as we continue on our road to recovery. My message to our members is to ensure they do all they can to encourage people to use their Spend Local cards with them which will give a boost to their business and the wider economy.
“The first thing to do is download the digital promotional materials and share them across social media so the public knows where they can redeem their cards. The scheme is a great opportunity to give a boost to our struggling high streets and I would encourage the public to carefully consider how they use their cards, so the maximum benefit is extended as far as possible.”
Meanwhile, both the business community and the public are warned to be on their guard against scammers attempting to take advantage of the scheme. The Department will not be asking for personal bank details at any point during the scheme.
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You can use your £100 in Newry to receive great value, service, and some extra incentives.
Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager said, “Retail, hospitality, and the services sector such as hairdressers, beauticians and nail bars were amongst the hardest hit with Covid -19. While the pandemic continues to impact us, we have been working with our members to deliver a safe recovery.
“For every 10,000 vouchers spent in our city centre, it puts one million pound back into the local economy. This allows our independent retailers, services, cafes, bars, and restaurants to support their families and stay open. It also allows our multiples, larger businesses, and shopping centres to continue to provide vital local employment.
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The portal for applications to the High Street Spend Local Scheme is now open and the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council has urged people to help support and promote local businesses across the district. The £145m programme will offer pre-paid cards worth £100 to all over-18s and aims to help those businesses in retail and hospitality which were hit by the pandemic. The High Street Scheme Spend Local pre-paid card will be able to be accepted by shops and businesses which can accept credit and debit cards for payment. It cannot be used to purchase goods or services online.
NMDDC recently launched a new campaign promoting the Council’s ‘Make It Local’ message to help relaunch the unique business offering that the district boasts, as well as stimulate the entrepreneurial resilience of Newry, Mourne and Down.
NMDDC’s Chairperson Cllr Cathy Mason said: “This campaign not only shines a light on the key sectors represented across the district but also highlights how businesses here have worked hard to establish a safe shopping practice in light of Covid-19 regulations.
“It has been a particularly difficult period for our local traders and the voucher scheme is a great initiative that has come at an ideal time as we approach the winter holiday season. The initiative will help boost our local businesses following the drop in footfall and reduced trade brought about by the pandemic.
“Our message is clear; Newry, Mourne and Down is open for business. Our local businesses are outstanding, diverse and resilient. Now is the time to step up and support them by making it local. I would strongly encourage people from within the district to avail of the voucher and shop locally.”
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “This is a big day in the roll-out of the High Street Scheme. I am delighted to announce that the portal for applications for the Spend Local card has now opened.”
The Minister once again reminded applicants that the portal will remain open until 25 October and that there will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. Applicants can register for their card at NIDIRECT.GOV.UK
He said: “Around 1.4 million people are entitled to apply for their Spend Local card, so we expect the portal to be extremely busy in the first few days. That is why it is important to remember that the portal will be open for four weeks and that everyone will have enough time to apply for their card. So please be patient.”
The Minister reminded applicants to have their key information to hand when they come to apply. For verification purposes, all applicants will be asked to provide their name; address; age; gender; disability status; National Insurance number; email address; and telephone number.
He said: “Please ensure that you have all your required information ready when you apply, including your National Insurance number and driving licence if you have one. There will be enough time for everyone to apply, receive and use their Spend Local card. The applications portal is robust and ready and it will be able to handle over 1.4 million applications over the course of the four-week period. But we expect early demand to be extremely high. Therefore, by being patient and ready with your information, you will be helping yourself and everybody else.”
Minister Lyons also warned people to be wary of scams and emphasised that the Department will never ask anyone for their personal banking details.
He said: “Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals who will look for every opportunity to steal from others. It is important to state that the Department will never ask for anyone’s personal bank details. Anyone who receives any contact which they think may be a scam should contact Action Fraud.”
The High Street Scheme is part of the Department’s Economic Recovery Action Plan. Its objective is to boost local businesses following the drop in footfall brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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