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Global brand ABSOLUT vodka is continuing its innovative position within the fashion industry with the release of the latest limited edition bottle – ABSOLUT MODE. New for Autumn 2011, the redesign of the iconic ABSOLUT bottle reflects the world of fashion through twelve facets wrapped with a band in midnight blue silk cloth with text embroidery. Inspired by the timeless fashion photographies that became popular after World War II, and the experimental films of the sixties for beauty giants L’Oreal and Elizabeth Arden, the bottle reflects the faces of fashion surrounding it.
Globally acclaimed stylist Katie Grand was inspired by the bottle to create beautiful imagery for the international advertising campaign, and locally stylistas including designer Una Rodden and FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin have been raving about the bottles. Said Una: “Elegant, sophisticated and different, the ABSOLUT Mode bottle is surely going to be popular with the fashionistas of Northern Ireland. I love the fact that you can now match your drink to your favourite party outfit and it will look as fabulous as you! A definite must-have purchase for any ABSOLUT and fashion lover alike.” and then Cathy Martin added: “As part of the campaign, fashionistas are invited to visit www.absolut.com/mode for a digital styling service and the chance to be an online stylist to create a unique ABSOLUT mode look.”
The new bottle is the latest in a long line of ABSOLUT fashion collaborations and earlier limited edition bottles such as ABSOLUT DISCO, ABSOLUT ROCK, and last year’s ABSOLUT GLIMMER, have all been immense successes. Since being first bottled 30 years ago, ABSOLUT has been driven by creativity. The Swedish vodka brand’s commitment to the arts has always been based on mutual inspiration, and the creative nature of the brand has attracted some of the leading artists of our time to develop their own personal interpretations of ABSOLUT.
ABSOLUT MODE is available as a 700ml (RRP £13.99) bottle. For further information on ABSOLUT MODE visit www.facebook.com/absolutvodkani
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Stories of local, cross-border and international business success will be shared with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs from the Newry region this month as part of a major free event being organised by Ulster Bank in association with Small Business Can.
Business Live is coming to the Carrickdale next week. It will offer free advice and support to help kick-start the local economy
All local business people are invited to attend Business Live at the Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk, on November 29th which will feature a panel of successful local business people, chaired by a co-founder of the influential business website www.smallbusinesscan.com.
Business people who will be discussing and sharing their experiences and successes at the event include Barbara Hughes, the co-founder and sales director of Boozeberries, which sells its products across the island and internationally; Michael Jenkins, the founder and owner of the Up and Running footwear chain, which sells cross-border; and Cian McMahon of highly innovative Carrickmacross-based Macfab, which sells its products around the world. Margaret Hearty, a director of InterTradeIreland will also sit on the panel.
Business Live will feature 14 dates across the island – five in Northern Ireland - between November and March at which all types of business people will hear that trading outside of your home market is probably easier than many think. The advent of the internet and subsequent advances in technology have changed the world of commerce enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to quickly and efficiently market and sell their products to a global audience. Now, exporting, once the preserve of bigger business, is accessible for business of all sizes.
The events, which are free of charge to attend, will centre around an informal panel discussion chaired by entrepreneur and co-founder of Smallbusinesscan.com Fionan Murray, and will feature the opportunity for questions, networking and the chance to engage one-to-one with experts from Ulster Bank and other organisations, including InterTradeIreland.
Sharing the panellists’ stories and experiences at the events is intended to provide motivation to other SMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, says Damian Milligan, head of Ulster Bank’s Newry Business Centre.
He continues: “I would encourage all SME owners in the Newry area to come to the event, including aspiring entrepreneurs, as there will be something for everyone to learn from the discussion, and the potential to meet and network with a wide range of like-minded business people and experts, including business people from across the border”.
“Doing business cross-border and internationally will feature as part of the discussion. When you can communicate with potential customers and suppliers across the island and around the world 24/7 at little cost through the internet, it opens significant opportunities. This is one of the reasons why more and more SMEs are able to widen their customer-base and enhance their business by trading outside of their home market”.
“As an all-island bank, and as part of an international group with people on the ground in 37 countries, we feel that Ulster Bank is very well placed to help SMEs to explore and capitalise on their potential to do business successfully at home and outside of their home market,” Mr Milligan adds.
More information about Business Live is available from Ulster Bank branches or at www.smallbusinesscan.com/business-live-events
The events are supporting the launch of Ulster Bank’s new cross border and international business proposition¹, which offers a range of supports for companies who are doing or could potentially do business outside of Northern Ireland.
The proposition includes free* subscription to Ulster Bank’s online Bankline service for international payments**, as well as the waiving of non-domestic payment processing fees until the end of 2012 for new customers with a turnover under £25million.
Customers can also benefit from the wide range of products Ulster Bank has available through its parent company RBS, including overseas current accounts, merchant services***, global trade finance and foreign exchange services. The Bank is also highlighting that the reach of its parent company, which has a presence on the ground in 37 countries, can assist Northern Ireland firms trading abroad with market insight and contacts.
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Garry Best, Director of Best Property Sales and land specialist, takes a look at influencing factors on land values, trends and predictions for 2012.
Land Trends 2011
While the property market has over the past 12 months demonstrated a now familiar downward trend, agricultural land continues to remain the exception and is highly sought after.
Land continues to be in short supply as historically land owners are reluctant to part with acreage, however so called ‘forced sales’ and changing economic circumstances have resulted in a relatively small number of land holdings changing hands throughout 2011. As a result buyers have had to be savvy to compete with other interested parties and successfully add to their land portfolio.
Garry Best, Director with Best Property Services explains: “The growing demand for land in recent years can be attributed to a number of changing factors including confidence in farm business future growth and stability; agricultural relief from Inheritance Tax as well as alternative sources of energy competing for acreage. Globally a rise in world grain prices and the focus on a growing world population and the need to increase food production from land has had an impact on demand for land and subsequently value
“This year we’ve seen a small number of forced land sales, often originating from lending institutions taking security of land in ‘the boom years’ and having to realise this security when insolvency arises. In these cases the variance below market value has tended to be from 20%-50% as a result of the lender and the individual looking for a satisfactory resolution in difficult financial circumstances. These kind of sales can provide opportunities for buyers and in most cases family members or related parties have been able to provide solutions to keeping the land within the family.”
While most property agencies have experienced a decline in selling prices and volumes of property sold since the market peaked in 2007, one service in greater demand is property acquisitions.
Serious buyers who want a specific property or to build a portfolio of properties are more regularly engaging Land Agents to tap into their knowledge, negotiating skills and network of contacts within the industry to achieve better value in the purchase, than the individual could otherwise do on their own.
“With so much uncertainty of values and lack of sales evidence in some categories, buyers can benefit from retaining an agent to acquire on their behalf in order to take full advantage of the current ‘buyers market. This service also provides a level of confidentiality for the purchaser, in that if they are unsuccessful, the vendor is not informed as to the name of the person the agent was acting on behalf.”
Looking to future trends for 2012, Garry says it’s back to basics for the market, with the old adage of ‘Quality not Quantity’ being the corner stone.
“Location was often forgotten by property developers and purchasers between 2002-2007 which became an expensive mistake for many.
“What has become apparent throughout 2011, is that the few buyers who have money to invest are highly selective in favour of ‘prime location’ land and aren’t looking to simply accumulate assets because they are offered at bargain rates. Looking forward, the market will shift to focus on quality of location over quantity of assets,” Garry concludes.
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Mr Cathal Austin, Centre Manager at The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry was elected as President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 29th November in the Bellini’s, Newry.
The election of the Office Bearers and Executive Committee was presided over by Mr Art Magennis MBE. Ms Deborah King, Mr Declan McChesney, Mr Peter Conway and Mr Aidan Malone, were elected for the following positions respectively, First Vice President; Second Vice President; Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, President Cathal Austin stated, ‘it is an honour and privilege to be elected as President of such a dynamic, pro-active and highly respected strategic lobbying and networking organisation’.
‘The next 12 months will have a significant long term bearing on the Greater Newry Area. Newry Chamber will do all that it can to help local businesses to get through these challenging times.
‘Newry Chamber seeks to represent the interests of its members and the wider community at a local, regional and national Government level. In this difficult trading environment, it has become increasingly important for local businesses to have a strong pro-active Chamber fighting for their interests and those of the Newry area. Newry Chamber has been the voice of the local business community since 1893. I, along with the newly elected team of Office Bearers and Chamber Executive Committee will strive to continue this good work over the next 12 months and beyond’.
President Cathal Austin added, ‘Newry Chamber will continue to support its members and provide value added services to all. Chamber Officials led by Chief Executive, Orla Jackson, will continue to work in partnership with other organisations to provide members with services and resources which will help their businesses to grow and flourish’.
President Cathal Austin thanked the outgoing President, Dr Conor Patterson, outgoing Treasurer, Mr Stephen Kearney and outgoing Honorary Secretary, Michael Downey for all the hard work, dedication and commitment they have given to the Chamber during their time in office.
President Cathal Austin, thanked the current Executive members and office staff for their continued support and stated that he looked forward to a busy year ahead at the helm of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade.
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The twelfth Newry Business Christmas Charity Lunch hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade yesterday was a resounding success with nearly £68,000 raised.
The event held at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry will be a very memorable occasion for all who took part.
Guests, brought along toys to be distributed locally by the Saint Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army and they were welcomed by Cathal Austin, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade.
Lunch patrons were treated to beautiful festive entertainment by the presence of international violinist Patricia Treacy.
Over 650 people attended the gala lunch, together with 200 children from local schools. The Charity Lunch raised £67,852 approximately for local children’s charities incorporating cash and toys. As a result, total funding raised over the twelve years of the event is £808,750.
Prior to the commencement of the Charity Lunch, the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade organised a Santa’s Charity Fun Run in Hill Street, with almost 100 Santas’ sponsored by local businesses, running for fun and cheered on by local Personality Big O.
There was a warm welcome at the event for Julia Sokele, wearing her exquisite Princess Dress, who will represent Northern Ireland and Latvia at the Face of Europe Finals in Euro Disney from 8 –10 December 2011, The Disney Princess then assisted by Dr. Gerard O’Hare, Gemma Murphy, Orla Jackson and Declan McChesney presented three special primary school children with travel vouchers for their families to travel to Euro Disney and Nashville, USA. The three special primary school children were:
Lauren Maguire – Ballyholland Primary School
Ciaran Finn Lynch – St. Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook
Ronan Duffy, St. Malachy’s Primary School & Nursery Unit, Camlough
Ryan Cinnamond, a child of courage, who defied the odds, received a tremendous reception at the Charity Lunch and was presented with a voucher towards a family holiday.
A spokesperson for the organising committee said he was thrilled with the overwhelming success of the event which has now become the premier business social event in the region. He added “adversity and challenging economic times, has the habit of bringing out the best in people and the Newry Charity Lunch is all about people and the Christmas Spirit of giving to others”.
After Dinner Speaker, Gene Fitzpatrick and a variety of local schools provided entertainment at the event. The 12 nominated beneficiary charities of the Christmas Charity Lunch were the Newry Gateway Club, Rathore Special School and its associated Summer Scheme, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, The Children’s Ward Daisy Hill Hospital, Southern Area Hospice, the Polish Supplementary School in Newry, Friends of Children, Home-Start Newry & Mourne, The Drake Music Project, Riding for the Disabled Newry Group and the Pointer Programme.
The McParland brothers John and Pat, along with manager, Deborah Ferguson and her staff at the Canal Court Hotel received much praise for their exceptional professionalism and generous support in hosting the beautiful lunch in a very efficient manner.
The organising committee of Orla Jackson, Declan McChesney, Jerome Mullen, Gemma Murphy, Jack Murphy, Dr Gerard O’Hare and Lunch Co-ordinator, Feargal McCormack were congratulated on the magnificent success of the Charity Lunch.
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From Today you will be able to park for free from 4.30pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday in any on-street parking area in Newry City Centre.
The facility has been provided in the run up to Christmas but note the machines will still accept your money and you won't get any refunds so make sure you remember not to "feed" them after 4.30pm!
Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy announced the free on-street parking last week.
From Monday, 5 December 2011 to Christmas Eve, inclusive, payment for on-street parking will be suspended from 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, in Newry.
The Minister said: “I have decided to suspend my Department’s enforcement of on-street car parking charges in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry city centres in the run up to Christmas.
“This is the first time on-street paid parking enforcement has been suspended beyond Belfast city centre. I have also extended the scheme to include all day Saturday as well as after 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday.
“I hope this is a decision that will be welcomed by the three cities where drivers pay for on-street parking all year round. No other towns in Northern Ireland have on-street paid parking and I hope this will provide these city centres with a boost for the Christmas period.”
The Minister added: “Parking enforcement and charged parking is an effective method of controlling traffic in city centres and parking enforcement staff will closely monitor the scheme to ensure it is not counter-productive to traffic flow.”
Today’s announcement follows the Minister’s decision, earlier this year, that he would not proceed with the plan to roll out on-street parking charges to 30 towns and cities across Northern Ireland.
1. Belfast, Lisburn and Newry are the only cities or towns in Northern Ireland to have on--street charged parking.
2. Off--street car parks in Newry will be enforced as normal and drivers will be expected to pay the appropriate tariff.
3. The scheme will cover all on--street pay and display bays in Newry
4. The pay and display machines located in the streets that are included in the scheme will have notices indicating that enforcement will stop in these streets Monday--Friday at 4.30pm and all day Saturday.
5. Drivers should be aware that the machines will still accept payment during non--enforcement times and no refunds will be given.
6. All yellow line restrictions will be enforced as normal.
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A significant upward trend in new development properties has been noticed by Best Property Services . A number of new residential developments sold out within the year bucking the trend of the general property market.
The residential team at Bests have noted significant new enquiries for new developments in recent months which are stilted by a lack of supply of this type of property. Case in point is Tobar Blinne, on Chapel Road in the picturesque village of Meigh. Built by Dunmore Construction Ltd, the company has had previous success with developments in Lisnisky Mews (Portadown) which scooped a coveted Construction Register Limited award for Excellence for Best Large Development in 09.
The first phase of Tobar Blinne was a highly successful mixed development which sold out within 18months of being launched and that’s quite significant given the economic landscape during that time. The second phase which has just been launched is already gaining attention among savvy buyers who want to snap up a 3-4 bed property in a good location and Best have reported a significant interest in booking off plan with one deposit paid within weeks of the Phase II sign being erected.
Phase II, which has 7 remaining semi detached and townhouses on Chapel Road, is enhanced by the back drop of Slieve Gullion. The properties are 3-4 bed turnkey homes starting from £107,500-£120,000 – the upper bracket in the first phase was £120, 000 when launched 18 months ago. In total the development comprises 29 homes.
Best Property Residential Sales Negotiator Siobhan Phillips says the interest in new developments is growing significantly. “There is a perception out there that there is no movement in the property market but we’ve had significant success with new developments recently for example Ravensglen in Newry which completely sold out this year and the first phase of Tobar Blinne which sold out very quickly. The sign for the second phase of Tobar Blinne had just gone up and within days I had enquiries for a number of the properties.
Woodvale, Derrymore Road, Bessbrook has also been very successful. It’s a development by Colm Meehan Homes of 20 properties - 12 are already sold and the final phase of eight properties is available from £120 fully turnkey which is ideal for first time buyers.
“New developments and townhouses are a market sector which commands major interest and yet supply is still quite limited in Newry at the minute.”
“One notable mini trend is that a number of buyers work across the border and the location of Newry and in particular the new development in Meigh seems to be very appealing to reduce that commute to work.”
For more information contact Siobhan Phillips in Best Property Services, tel 028 3026 6811 or view online at www.bestpropertyservices.com. Two showhouses available to view for Woodvale, Bessbrook.
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade President, Cathal Austin has spoke of his hopes for 2012
"As the recently elected President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade I approach the incoming year with a mixture of feelings. On one hand I am excited about the role the Chamber will need to take representing the interests of Newry’s business community and on the other one I can’t help but be concerned at the many challenges we will face in the year ahead. Uncertainty in the Eurozone, government spending cuts and a gloomy economic forecast continues to erode consumer confidence, increasing the pressure on local retailers and service providers. At times like this however it is important to focus on the positives. "
"Newry Chamber welcomes the Department of Finance’s announcement of the extension to Small Business Rates Relief Scheme and we expressed our support for the scheme at a recent Finance Committee meeting in Stormont. As the Greater Newry Area’s business community is primarily made up of small businesses, many in the district will benefit from this modest rebate. Throughout the year ahead, Newry Chamber will continue to lobby local, regional and national Government to implement initiatives that will assist the business community and provide investment opportunities in the Greater Newry Area."
"The Environmental Improvement Scheme scheduled for Hill Street and Monaghan Street will be completed in April. Newry Chamber welcomes this £1.7m investment into our traditional shopping precincts; it will incorporate new street furniture, lighting and paving with the objective of encouraging more footfall into the City Centre. "
"This year will undoubtedly be a busy one for the Chamber. We have numerous business support initiatives for members and the wider business community to avail of. We start with the “Communications in the Digital Age” workshop on January 18th. This will be delivered by Deborah King (Stakeholder), CIPR’s “Outstanding Young Communicator” 2011 and Niall Mc Keown from iON. "
"On the 30th January, Newry Chamber will host a business dinner with a Senior Government Official from the Department of Finance and in March we will host another event with a Senior Representative from DETI. Plans are also in place for a meeting with the Head of N. Ireland Civil Service and the Permanent Secretaries of all the Government Departments at Stormont. These engagements will enable the Chamber to lobby on key strategic issues such as Daisy Hill Hospital, business development, investment opportunities and government spending in this region. Other events in the coming year include the second annual “Newry Style City”, the Chambers Annual Dinner (now moved to springtime) and the biennial Greater Newry Business Awards. In addition 2012 sees the 10th Anniversary of Newry achieving City Status, the hosting of the Olympic Torch and the 120th anniversary of the Chamber which we hope to mark with a gala event. "
"The business community in Newry has experienced difficult times before and whilst the economic woes of recent years have been the worst for at least a generation, I remain optimistic, we in business in Newry have proven to be resilient, resourceful and entrepreneurial in the face of past difficulties and that spirit, combined with the help of a strong proactive Chamber and supportive self reliant business community will see us through our current difficulties to a brighter future. "
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade are hosting a ‘Let’s Talk’ Business Dinner with a VIP guest speaker from the Department of Finance and Personnel in the Canal Court Hotel on Monday the 30th of January.
Newry Chamber is inviting members of the local business community to attend this important event to hear from a senior Member of the Executive about its plans to rebuild the Northern Ireland economy.
The ‘Let’s Talk’ discussion will feature Q&A session between delegates and the guest speaker chaired by Tom Kelly, media commentator and columnist for the Irish News.
President Cathal Austin, Newry Chamber of Commerce stated, ‘we are delighted to host this important business dinner and networking event for our members and the wider business community. The economic environment continues to be challenging for local businesses; it is therefore vital that local business leaders gain an insight as to how the Assembly intends to deal with the situation and to have an opportunity to debate the issue’.
This event is generously sponsored by CRASH Services. Mr Michael McKeown of Managing Director of CRASH Services stated, ‘CRASH is delighted to support Newry Chamber of Commerce in hosting this important event. There are many challenges ahead for Government and commerce alike, we are sure this will prove to be a very interesting event.’
To reserve a place at this event please contact Newry Chamber office on; Tel: 028 3025 0303; or email: info@newrychamber.com. Tickets are £25 for Newry Chamber members, £35 non Chamber members. (Price includes a four course meal).
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