Autumn 2025 has been a busy period for the Newry Chamber with many successful events taking place and initiatives being developed.
This year’s Greater Newry Business Awards was again a huge success with over 450 representatives of local businesses in attendance and 200+ entrants across the 25 categories. A real celebration of entrepreneurship in Greater Newry!
Our work with our friends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania entered an exciting phase during Game Week of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL clash in Croke Park, Dublin.
We hosted visitors from the region, held a successful cross-border conference which resulted in SRC signing a MOU with Catalyst Connection of Pittsburgh and a delegation visited a number of our member businesses in Newry during their visit. More work will continue in fostering economic ties with Pennsylvania in 2026.
The 2025 Recruitment & Skills Conference hosted by Newry Chamber and the NMD LMP took place in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle in October and this was another resounding success, following on from our inaugural conference in October 2024.
Our President, Edwina Flynn who is now nearing the end of a hugely successful and energetic two years in office, hosted her President’s Banquet with Guest Speaker, Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA in conversation with MC, Sarah Travers.
Edwina’s speech was a rallying call for a unified and positive approach to seizing the economic opportunities that lie ahead for our city and region. Feargal McCormack received the richly deserved President’s Award in recognition of his ‘Exceptional Vision, Leadership and Commitment to the Economic Development of the Greater Newry Region’, a fitting tribute which rounded off a remarkable event.
November looks like being another busy month for the Chamber as we host the NI SME Business Conference & Expo 2025 in the Canal Court on 13th November and Newry Rugby Club is the host venue for this year’s International Men’s Day Event on 21st November with our AGM taking place on 27th November.
I look forward to seeing you at the remaining events of what has been a highly successful 2025 for Newry Chamber.
In this month’s newsletter, we have included information on:
- Register Now: NI SME Business Conference & Expo 2025
- Local Businesses & Individuals Celebrated at Greater Newry Business Awards
- 2025 Recruitment & Skills Conference is a Huge Success
- Newry Chamber President’s Banquet 2025
- Feargal McCormack Receives 2025 Chamber President’s Award
- Book Tickets: Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner 2025
- NI Enterprise Barometer 2025: Have Your Say, Take The Survey
Michael Savage
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
REGISTER NOW: NI SME BUSINESS CONFERENCE & EXPO 2025
THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER – CANAL COURT HOTEL, NEWRY
DATE: Thursday 13th November 2025
TIME: 8:30am – 2:30pm (Breakfast & Lunch Included)
VENUE: Canal Court Hotel, Newry
COST: FREE TO ATTEND
We are delighted to announce our programme for this year’s NI SME Business Conference & Expo taking place on Thursday 13th November in Canal Court Hotel and what an incredible line-up of expert speakers we have secured so if you are an SME, this conference is not to be missed.
This year marks the 11th year of the conference which attracts 200+ delegates each year, from all across NI, not just the Greater Newry Area.
You can view the full programme HERE which will feature 20+ expert speakers and numerous exhibitors who will be in attendance on the day to make you aware of all the support that is out there for SMEs and chat with your directly about how they can assist your business.
The conference will cover a wide array of key areas for SMEs including:
Sales & Marketing:
Embracing eComm, New Ways to Sell & Going Global
Finance & The Economy:
Succession Planning, Making Tax Digital & Funding
Challenges & Opportunities:
Recruitment, Skills, AI & The Green Economy
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
- FSB Northern Ireland
- Southern Regional College
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Ulster University
- Employee Ownership Ireland
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE
LOCAL BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS CELEBRATED AT
THE 2025 GREATER NEWRY BUSINESS AWARDS
Local businesses and individuals were recognised, celebrated and rewarded at the 10th edition of the Greater Newry Business Awards at a glittering Gala Awards Ceremony.
The biennial event was attended by over 400 guests in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Friday 19th September and honoured the achievements of 25 individuals and organisations.
The awards have become the premier celebration of business excellence across the NMDDC area since their inception in 2004.
The awards were supported by Principal Sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as well as NIE Networks, 24 Category Sponsors and organised by Newry Chamber.
THE HEADLINE AWARDS ON THE NIGHT WENT TO:
Best Businesswoman
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
WINNER – Sarah McAvoy, The Whistledown Hotel
Best Businessman
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
WINNER – Colm Gribben, Viltra Ltd
Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award
Sponsored by MJM Marine
WINNER – The Rooney Family – Pennsylvania, USA
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area
Sponsored by The Exact Group
WINNER – Jacinta Linden, Bolster Community
READ MORE HERE
RECRUITMENT & SKILLS CONFERENCE IS A HUGE SUCCESS
Over 150 delegates from across the NMDDC Area attended our highly successful NMD Recruitment & Skills Conference on Wednesday 8th October hosted by the Broadcaster & Journalist, Mark Simpson in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle.
This was the second of two FREE District-wide major conferences over a 12-month period following on from the first highly successful conference in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry last October.
The continuing theme of the conference was, ‘Meeting the District’s Workforce Challenge’ and delegates heard a mix of presentations, panel discussions and also participated in interactive roundtable discussions.
The huge quantity of valuable feedback received will be collated along with all the feedback from last year’s conference to develop bespoke solutions to the Workforce Challenge of the next decade and beyond as businesses across every sector of our local economy struggle to recruit and retain staff.
Organised by Newry Chamber in partnership with:
- NMD LMP – funded by Department for Communities
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
- Southern Regional College
- South Eastern Regional College
- Ulster University
- Queen’s University Belfast
VIEW PRESENTATIONS HERE
READ MORE HERE
NEWRY CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S BANQUET 2025
200+ local business representatives attended this year’s President’s Banquet on Friday 17th October in the Canal Court Hotel, kindly supported by the hotel, Wood Innovations and Ulster Bank, Principal Sponsors of the event which is one of the highlights of the business year in the city.
Our exceptional, inspirational and charismatic President, Edwina Flynn who is now nearing the end of her two-year term, delivered a superb President’s Address on the day, a wonderful reflection on leadership, progress and community.
Guest Speaker for this year’s President’s Banquet was Jarlath Burns, a man who has worn many hats including, Armagh Captain, School Principal, Respected Sports Commentator, and now, President of the GAA, one of the largest amateur sporting organisations in the world.
We were also delighted to help raise £3,500 with our Charity Raffle due to the incredible generosity of our guests for the Chamber’s 2025 Charity Partner, Women’s Aid Armagh Down.
This takes the total raised from our fundraising efforts this year to over £12,000 for Women’s Aid, an amazing local charity who provide such a vital service for many vulnerable people within our local community.
READ MORE HERE
FEARGAL MCCORMACK RECEIVES
2025 CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S AWARD
This year’s President’s Banquet on Friday 17th October in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa also marked the fourth year of the Chamber President’s Award.
The President’s Award is the most prestigious award presented by the Chamber and bestowed upon visionary leaders from our local business community.
The award celebrates not just business leadership, but a lasting contribution to our local economy and community, those who use their success to make a wider difference and who also inspire entrepreneurs of the future.
This year’s recipient was Feargal McCormack, Founder of FPM Chartered Accountants. Previous recipients of the prestigious award include, posthumously to the late, great Brian Conlon and Lord Ballyedmond in 2022, Founder of Glen Dimplex, Martin Naughton in 2023 and last year, Paddy and John McParland, Owners of the Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
A much-cherished, highly respected and deep-rooted member of our local business community, he founded FPM Chartered Accountants in Newry back in 1991 and grew into one of Ireland’s leading advisory businesses.
Feargal is a very humble man, a proud Warrenpoint man and a proud family man, they are his pride and joy, and it was a privilege to have his wife, Anne and son Ruairi with us to see Feargal receive the prestigious award.
READ MORE HERE
NEWRY BUSINESS CHARITY CHRISTMAS DINNER 2025
THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER – CANAL COURT HOTEL, NEWRY
DATE: Thursday 4th December 2025
TIME: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
VENUE: Canal Court Hotel, Newry
COST: £70.00 (Per Ticket), £650.00 (Table of 10)
Please see details on the Christmas Charity Dinner and building the famous Toy Mountain here in Newry, having raised in excess of £2m over the past 25 years.
The Organising Committee are working hard to ensure that, as in every other year, no child in Newry City and surrounding areas will go without a toy this Christmas.
As we know, this time of year is particularly difficult for so many families, so we will be as always, asking for the local community to come out and support as much as they possibly can.
Last year was an overwhelming success, raising over £144,000 on the night and as always, the community came out and supported the event to help ensure that those children less fortunate in our area received a toy on Christmas morning.
Come join us at the Canal Court Hotel for a night of festive cheer and giving back to children and families in our community. This event is the perfect way to kickstart the festive season with your colleagues and friends from the local business community in Newry.
INDIVIDUAL TICKET BOOKINGS:
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
FULL TABLE BOOKINGS:
PLEASE EMAIL CAROLINE COURTNEY VIA:
newrychristmascharitydinner@gmail.com
NI ENTERPRISE BAROMETER 2025:
HAVE YOUR SAY, TAKE THE SURVEY
The NI Enterprise Barometer is the largest annual survey of NI’s small, micro and self-employed businesses and provides an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to share their insights and experiences.
Your input is crucial in helping to understand the challenges and opportunities that shape the landscape of micro and small businesses.
By sharing your experiences, you’re directly contributing to shaping policy, informing future strategies and support mechanisms that will help pave the way for targeted initiatives that cater to the needs of micro and small businesses, entrepreneurs and business owners like you.
Your voice will help build the conditions to support the businesses of today and nurture the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The survey takes 10-12 minutes to complete.
On completion of the survey, you will also be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £250 Voucher for the Elephant Rock Hotel, Portrush.
If you are self-employed, please complete the survey from your perspective and insert ‘not applicable’, where some questions refer to employees.
Thank you in for your participation and contribution.
COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE