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Fresh off the back of winning three Convenience Awards earlier this month, the team at Mulkerns EUROSPAR on the Forkhill Road in Newry have added three more prestigious industry awards to their trophy cabinet.
At the Retail Industry Awards, Mulkerns picked up Best Use of Technology, Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year and Store Team of the Year, triumphing over retailers from across the UK.
The Retail Industry Awards are earmarked as the most prestigious in the biz, and SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA retailers across Northern Ireland racked up 10 award wins and eight highly commended nods between them.
Mulkerns have consistently shown how strong their food-to-go offering is, developing the range to adapt to trends and demands from their shoppers. Most recently afternoon tea and fish and chips has been added to the menu alongside their Eat Well, Feel Well range of lighter options. Judges said; “this was an outstanding entry”.
Picking up the Best Use of Technology Award, judges said Mulkerns were “really forward-thinking and show extraordinary knowledge of what’s needed to get the right results” and “it’s an excellent example of a retailer using tech in a number of areas to improve the business. The way they adapted during the pandemic was also very impressive.”
The store introduced electronic shelf-edge labels and made great use of social media to engage with its shoppers during lockdown. The team launched a series of apps for home delivery, click-and-collect and left-over produce, as well as creating its own e-commerce platform for wine sales. In-store, digital media screens were used to engage with shoppers and loyalty card data used to create more targeted promotions. The store is also trialling an app that allows customers to see in advance what’s in stock, scan products as they go, and pay for them without having to go to the till.
The team at Mulkerns produced outstanding customer service, particularly during lockdown, pivoting to expand their home delivery service and innovating to develop their services and products in store. Judges were particularly impressed with staff working together to photograph the 12,000-strong product range for its online shopping app launched during the pandemic to support isolating and vulnerable shoppers.
Terry Mulkerns says its teamwork and resilience that has helped them deliver award winning service; “This year’s Retail Industry Awards recognised the resilience of the entire retail industry for the fortitude and innovation we have shown to lessen the impact of COVID and subsequent lockdowns. I am so proud of my team who not only worked tirelessly throughout lockdowns and all the challenges that brought, but also extended their hand to our local community showing their dedication to our local area.
“These awards motivate the team even more and we’re very proud to have made such an impact on the industry across the UK.”
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The first Spend Local cards have been issued and to date nearly a million people have applied for the card which has been issued to support local businesses.
Newry BID are supporting the initiative locally and have launched a Tap into Newry Campaign. In the coming weeks they will be running their ‘Random Taps of Kindness’ campaign with a selection of prizes. They also have a ten day campaign presently running on Q Radio so be sure to listen out for it. Check out www.newry.com for details of special offers etc.
Announcing that the first 100,000 have been issued Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said “Today marks the next significant step in the rollout of the High Street Scheme as the first 100,000 applicants are set to receive their Spend Local card.
“I am delighted that the process to issue the pre-paid cards is now well under way and that the first applicants will soon be able to use their cards to support their local retail, hospitality and services businesses. This will deliver the timely boost that they need to help them emerge from the economic shock caused by the pandemic.
“Since the opening of the portal last week, demand for the Spend Local card has been unprecedented. So far, over 970,000 people have now submitted their application.
“I would encourage those who have yet to apply for their Spend Local card to do so now on NI Direct.”
When an applicant receives their card, they will need to verify the card through a computer-operated phone system or text message and make the first payment using a personal identification number (PIN), before they can start to use it for contactless payments.
The objective of the High Street Scheme is to support local businesses across Northern Ireland adversely affected by the drop in footfall due to the pandemic.
The Minister concluded: “As the Spend Local cards start to land in homes across Northern Ireland, my message to everyone who receives theirs is ‘spend local’. Please use your card to support your local shops, hospitality and other services which have been most affected by the Covid-19 restrictions.”
Important Dates
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Newry headquartered Around Noon has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies. The awards programme is led by Deloitte Ireland, in association with Bank of Ireland. The company, which demonstrated superior business performance for the fourth year, was recognised with a Gold Standard Award.
The Best Managed Companies Awards programme promotes and recognises excellence in companies and is the only awards scheme on the island of Ireland that considers a business’ performance from every perspective. Entrants to the programme compete for the designation in a rigorous process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices in addition to the strategy, capability, innovation, culture and financial performance of their companies.
Commenting on the award, Gareth Chambers, CEO, of Around Noon said: “It’s great recognition for the whole Around Noon team to achieve a Gold Award. We’re immensely proud of our people and the relationships we have forged with our valued customers.”
“At the heart of our approach to management is developing great people and ensuring that we run our business in a sustainable way. That’s why we have invested over £250,000 this year in green projects reducing our impact on our planet,” he adds.
Anya Cummins, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme at Deloitte Ireland said: “This year, a record number of applications to the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards programme were received. The quality of the applicants demonstrated the extraordinarily high-quality businesses operating across the island of Ireland today. In a relentlessly challenging year, the winning companies displayed true bravery in how they adapted to change, with many innovating and some even accelerating their plans for their businesses.”
17 companies from across the island achieved Gold Standard at this year’s awards, having requalified for their fourth consecutive year.
Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland and judging panel member commented: “This year’s winning companies had robust strategies in place prior to the pandemic, which enabled them to respond comprehensively to the changing situations they found themselves in. With no sector untouched by the impact of Covid-19, many companies remained committed to ensuring that they did not fall into the trap of doing things like they had always been done, just because that had worked in the past; in fact, many companies took the extraordinary challenge as an opportunity to develop and improve processes.
“The judges noted that, despite the risk of falling into crisis mode and focusing solely on the immediate challenges facing their businesses, the winning companies were adept at maintaining a long-term view of where their organisations were going and a strong clarity of purpose on what the business was trying to achieve, and why.”
Nikki Canavan, Senior Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking and judging panel member said: “Over the last number of years the companies in the Best Managed Companies network have shown huge strength in the face of disruption and uncertainty. This year in particular – a year that tested Irish businesses like never before – the judges noted the commitment, bravery, resilience and tenacity of the applicant companies.”
The members of this year’s judging panel were Frank Ryan, Chair of the Judging Panel; Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland; Nikki Canavan, Senior Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking; Kate Malone, Director of Human Resources, IMI; Feargal Mooney, Non-Executive Director, Meetingsbooker and Colm O'Reilly, CEO, The Business Post.
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Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing is taking steps to close the current skills gap facing many companies across Northern Ireland, through participation in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme.
The Higher Level Apprenticeship programme will see two apprentices join Resonate Testing on a part time basis, whilst undertaking a professional-level qualification with Southern Regional College. The programme will allow Resonate Testing to train the apprentices to the level required so they can garner strong technical and employability skills, as well as allowing for increased productivity within the company.
Whilst the apprentices earn as they learn, they will also have improved opportunities for career progression, and have exposure to the technical skills involved in the niche market of testing with a growing and successful company that offers its services to the global market.
Tom Mallon, Managing Director at Resonate Testing spoke about the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme saying, “Whilst Resonate Testing has taken on apprentices and interns before, this is our first time to participate in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme. The programme allows us to play our part in addressing the skills gap that we, and many other companies throughout Northern Ireland, are currently facing.
“It is hugely important that the younger talent is given the opportunity to establish and perfect their skill set, and we feel that it is our responsibility to offer the practical experience required to help create a skilled workforce in the future. Sometimes, the practical experience can be the difference in a good and a great engineer!”
Michelle Billham from Southern Regional College spoke about Resonate Testing’s participation in the HLA programme, saying, “The HLA programme is a fantastic pathway for those starting their career to work and earn a salary whilst studying for a higher-level qualification to degree level. With companies like Resonate Testing participating, apprentices are given the best possible start to their career. We’re delighted that Tom and his team are able to participate in the programme this year and look forward to developing the partnership further in the months ahead.”
Colm Cunningham from Newry is undertaking the Higher Level Apprenticeship Mechatronics programme with Resonate Testing. He spoke about the programme saying, “Getting to complete my apprenticeship with Resonate Testing is a fantastic opportunity and one that I have no doubt will give me a great start to my career. With the apprenticeship, I can implement what I have learned at Southern Regional College into my practical work, as well as learn from the team. I’m looking forward to the years ahead.”
Abbey Brady has also commenced her apprenticeship with the Resonate Testing as she undertakes the three year Mechatronics apprenticeship at Southern Regional College. Abbie said, “The Higher Level Apprenticeship programme is a great way for me to get some practical experience whilst learning at Southern Regional College. It also means that I don’t have the high fees that are usually associated with a university degree. I’m looking forward to joining Resonate Testing and want to thank Tom and the team for the opportunity.”
Resonate Testing has always placed a firm emphasis on nurturing younger talent, putting its future in the hands of young engineers and technicians. The company recently welcomed Joel Bell from Banbridge to the team, who completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Southern Regional College.
Speaking about the opportunity with Resonate Testing, Joel said, “The apprenticeship provided me with much of the knowledge required to progress in an engineering career. Now, with the opportunity to join Resonate Testing, I get to further develop that knowledge in a practical setting, and build on what I have already learned.”
Resonate Testing conducts high quality testing and certification services for a variety of sectors including aerospace, medical, space and automotive. Since the onset of the global pandemic, the company has experienced a surge in customer enquiries regarding its niche offering of live stream testing, which has been delivered to a global audience that has no access to local testing facilities.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to recognise the success of two local retailers in the Retail NI Irish News High Street Hero Awards. The High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and the Irish News supported by Camelot and Translink. It celebrates those exceptional independent business owners or employees who have gone above and beyond for their local high street. The campaign asked the public to vote online and choose their favourite independent retailer.
Claire Braniff from Wraps Fashions, based in Newcastle, was awarded Gold and Yvonne Mc Coy from Couture Grandeur, Crossmaglen secured the Silver Award in the Fashion Retailer Category of the Retail NI Irish News High Street Hero Awards.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “This is fantastic news for both local business owners Claire and Yvonne, on achieving this well-deserved recognition. They have demonstrated patience, determination and resilience throughout what has undoubtedly been a challenging period.”
Cllr Mason continued, “As Christmas approaches and people start to think about shopping for gifts, please try and focus on buying from local suppliers and producers across the district area. Please remember to shop local and support our shops and businesses during these challenging times.”
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JMK Solicitors, Northern Ireland’s number 1 personal injury and road traffic accident law firm for the past 7 years running, are celebrating after being reaccredited for the prestigious Lexcel Quality Mark.
The Lexcel scheme, administered by the Law Society recognises firms which achieve excellence in legal practice management and client care.
With offices based in both Newry and Belfast, the personal injury firm was reissued with the Lexcel Quality Mark for the fourth year in a row following a rigorous assessment process. Highlighting nine areas of good practice, the Lexcel assessors described JMK Solicitors as having “gone above and beyond compliance with the standard”.
The auditors commented, “no non-compliances have been raised in the company’s four-year certification history which demonstrates excellent performance.”
The assessor said the firm’s response to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions was “of particular note” and commended the firm’s investment for “expanding its employee base in spite of other challenges.”
JMK’s continuing efficiency improvements and focus on client satisfaction was highlighted in the Lexcel report with over 1000 clients now using the firm’s bespoke JMK client App. The updated JMK provided Court Guide also featured in the report as “an excellent way of putting clients at ease”.
Speaking about JMK Solicitors’ widely publicised workweek reduction to a four day week, the assessors concluded that the reduction in work hours without compromising output, performance or remuneration is, “now well established” and“nothing short of an amazing achievement”.
Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director at JMK Solicitors, commented, “We are delighted to have been awarded the Lexcel Quality Mark for the fourth year in a row. As a specialist law firm operating solely in the area of personal injury claims and road traffic accidents, we will continue to make a significant investment in our IT system and staff development to ensure we maintain the high standard set by the Lexcel quality mark and accreditation.
“We pride ourselves in putting our clients first and we strive to do our absolute best for them, which is reflected by the fact that 99% of our clients would recommend us. The accreditation is a reflection of this commitment to our clients and gives both current and prospective clients the assurance and confidence that they are dealing with a reputable firm that works above the recognised standards of excellence in legal practice and client care.”
JMK Solicitors established in 2003 are NI’s Number 1 Personal Injury Specialists. With over 35 personal injury experts we assist clients all over Northern Ireland.
If you have suffered a personal injury, been in a car accident, had an accident at work or suffered a medical accident, you can contact their team for a free consultation at 028 9032 0222 or email: law@jmksolicitors.com
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Celebrating the resilience of the business community in the Greater Newry Area, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade hosted a glittering awards ceremony in the City last night, 7 October.
The biennial event took place at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa and honoured the achievements of 27 individuals and organisations.
The awards organised by the Newry Chamber were sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors.
Chamber President, Emma Mullen-Marmion commented: “There is no question the last 18 months have been amongst the toughest times faced by businesses and society in general. However, from the over 200 award applications received by the Chamber, we can clearly see that the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented enterprises.
The strength of this year’s awards clearly illustrates a confident, determined business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. We were delighted to present a Special Recognition Award to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to honour their commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Newry Chamber wanted to thank all Health Care staff for the vital role they played in helping to care for our citizens and keeping us all safe.”.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area went to Ciaran Rafferty. The highly respected Solicitor has for over four decades been involved with charity and community sector organisations. Most notably Newry Credit Union, Clanrye Group and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Best Businesswoman went to Gemma Murphy from Jack Murphy Jewellers while Best Businessman award went to Connaire McGreevy of CTS - Connect Transform Sustain.
Congratulating all the winners, Emma Mullen-Marmion said: “The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s business community has to offer. Well done to all companies that entered and congratulations to the winners.”
The Award Winners
1. Special Recognition Award - Southern Health & Social Care Trust
Sponsored by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
2. Best Social Enterprise - Newry.ie CIC
Sponsored by Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments
3. Best Bar - The Bridge Bar
Sponsored by Q Radio
3. Best Green Business - Around Noon
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
4. Best Tourism & Hospitality Business - Killeavy Castle Estate
Sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
5. Best Use of Social Media - Lily Bain Bathrooms & Tiles
Sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
6.Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer) - Specsavers Newry
Sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
7. Best Marketing Initiative - S&W Wholesale
Sponsored by The Newry Democrat
8. Best Innovative Business - HBE
Sponsored by FD Technologies plc
9.Best Export Business - S&W Wholesale
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
10. Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business - ASEE Ltd
Sponsored by Collins Aerospace
11. Best Young Entrepreneur - Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre
Sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
12. Best New Business - Raw Fusion
Sponsored by Digney Grant
13. Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) - Jack Murphy Jewellers
Sponsored by Newry BID
14. Best Place To Eat (Best Restaurant & Bistro) - Killeavy Castle Estate
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
15.Best Place To Eat (Best Café & Takeaway - Camocha Bistro Café
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
16. Best Kept Business - Granite Exchange
Sponsored by The Newry Reporter
18 Best Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business - The Gym Guru (TGG Fitness Ltd)
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
19. Best Place To Work - Clanrye Group
Sponsored by The Irish News
20. Best Professional Services Business - PKF-FPM
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
21. Best Small Business - RNN Communications
Sponsored by Translink
22. Best Apprenticeship Employer - McGuinness Plumbing
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
23. Best Family Business - Crilco - Crilly's Sweets
Sponsored by AIB
24. Best Business In The Community - Clanrye Group
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
25. Best Businesswoman - Gemma Murphy, Jack Murphy Jewellers
Sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
26. Best Businessman - Connaire McGreevy, CTS
Sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
27. Outstanding Contribution To The Greater Newry Area - Ciaran Rafferty
Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
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Newry.ie were honoured to win the Best Social Enterprise Award at the prestigious 2021 Greater Newry Area Business Awards organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade and held last night 7 October in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. The magnificant affair showcasing the Newry and surrounds business community was hosted by Sarah Travers who announced all 27 winners. Bolster Community were runners up in the Category with Rugby Cubz NI also shortlisted.
Main Sponsors of the event were Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors and Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments Sponsored the Social Enterprise Category.
Columba O'Hare, Editor/ Director of Newry.ie said "We are completely thrilled with our Greater Newry Business Awards Social Enterprise of the Year Award. It is such a privilege to have the Newry.ie platform to promote Newry City and its incredible people to the world.
"Newry.ie would not exist without our many contributors. Their input is what makes our hyperlocal news website what it is. a social enterprise that seeks to make a difference to the lives of people locally, by championing your causes, highlighting your achievements, informing you of what is happening in our wonderful city and campaigning for a vibrant inclusive Newry where everyone is more than welcome.
"We are always open to new ideas, always willing to promote your business and always trying to improve so please don't be afraid to get in touch with your good news stories."
O'Hare continued "I'd like to thank Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade for the Award, Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments who sponsored the Social Enterprise Category and principal sponsors Shelbourne Motors and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Thanks also has to go to my husband and fellow Newry.ie Director, Gary O'Hare for his endless support and encouragement.
"Lastly I'd like to pass on massive congratulations to all the winners and the runners up in the 27 different categories. Newry has an incredible wealth of talent for such a small city and it is fantastic that these Awards recognise that."
If you do want to share your news or stories with Newry.ie you can contact us via email at news@newry.ie
Check out the winners in all the categories at AWARDS
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The Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has issued a final call for entries to this year’s Director of the Year Awards, in partnership with AIB and extended the deadline for submissions to Monday 18th October.
Designed to showcase Northern Ireland’s highest achieving business leaders within the private, public and third sectors, this year’s awards will include a brand-new Agility and Resilience category which will recognise leadership successes and achievements in response to a year of adversity.
IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan commented “Here in Northern Ireland, we are privileged to have many outstanding business leaders operating across multiple industries and sectors and making an impact on both the local and international stage.
“Following what has been an unprecedented year for business, we believe that it is essential that our exceptional leaders receive the recognition they deserve as we begin to focus on post pandemic recovery.
“With this in mind, I am encouraging business leaders to enter or nominate others for this year’s Director of the Year Awards, ahead of the extended 18th October closing date.
“We have already received a high level of entries of the highest calibre across all categories, and we wish the best of luck to all entrants, as they seek to continue the Northern Ireland success story.”
Last year’s awards saw Kainos Group CEO Brendan Mooney presented with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice, with Michael McCormack of Musgrave Group named the Large Business Director of the Year, while David Henry of Henry Brothers received the Family Business Director of the Year Award.
The IoD Director of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and leadership of directors in Northern Ireland across 12 categories:
Following the close of applications, a shortlist will be released prior to the awards ceremony which will take place on 25th November at the Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Director of The Year Awards are open to both members and non-members, for more information on the awards and how to enter please visit or www.iodawards.com
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