Today’s NI Executive agreed an indicative date of 21st June 2021 for live music to resume and if this is rubber stamped at the NI Executive next Thursday, it will be a positive boost for our hospitality sector. Each step we take is another step forward, but we accept the continuing need for caution and safety measures so that the public can have confidence when they shop or eat locally.
For many business, COVID-19 has been their primary focus but the 30th June 2021 is an important date for the EU settlement scheme. If you employ workers from the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to be aware that the EU Settlement Scheme closes for applications on this date and it could have consequences for your employees. Our member, Granite Immigration Law, has produced a very document summarising everything that you need to know which is published below.
It is now just two weeks to our NI Small Business Conference. This year’s virtual conference is focused on providing practical advice and support for small businesses across a range of subjects, PR & Media, Digital Marketing, Access to Finance and How to Win New Business.
You can find more information about the programme and how to register below.
Finally, don’t forget to join our three Facebook Groups, which have been set up by the Chamber to support local businesses.
1. SHOP, DINE & STAY NEWRY – JOIN GROUP HERE.
2. NETWORK NEWRY – JOIN GROUP HERE.
3. JOBS NEWRY – JOIN GROUP HERE.
Colm Shannon
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
NI SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE 2021
DATE: Thursday 24th June 2021
TIME: 9am – 1pm
We would like to encourage all members to register now for NI Small Business Conference 2021, which will help businesses plan a pathway for growth and recovery.
The programme will include keynote addresses from:
► Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist NI, Ulster Bank
► Brian Reid, CEO, DELI LITES Ireland
► Grainne McCoy, Owner, Give Us Beauty
Supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the FREE virtual conference will provide small businesses with practical advice, tools and solutions to help them in their growth and recovery, post-Brexit and COVID-19.
You can view the full programme HERE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
NOTE TO EMPLOYERS: THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME
Our member, Granite Immigration Law have provided us with a very helpful 2 page document which summarises the key points you need to be aware of as an employer in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) which closesfor applications on 30th June 2021.
If you employ workers from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, to help minimise the impact that the UK leaving the EU may have on your business and staff you should notify them to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
EU, EEA & Swiss citizens and their family members, who were resident in the UK by 31st December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, access free healthcare and benefits in Northern Ireland after 30th June 2021.
This important summary of the EUSS covers:
► Who Needs To Apply?
► EUSS and Employer Obliigations.
► Rights To Work Checks.
We would encourage any members who employ workers from the EU, EEA or Switzerland to take a few minutes and read this important summary via the link below.
CLICK HERE TO READ SUMMARY.
PROPOSED NEW REGIONAL HUB WITHIN
NEWRY THEATRE & CONFERENCE FACILITY
CavanaghKelly have been engaged by NMDDC to prepare an Outline Business Case for the proposed Regional Innovation Hub which will be situated within the Newry Theatre and Town Hall.
In this new virtual age, businesses including the creative sector are becoming ever more dependent on digital technology to promote products, communicate and create experiences.
The proposed Regional Innovation Hub will support this by providing a high-quality, digitally advanced co-making space providing a platform for education and skills training for all sectors. The Hub will provide a physical gathering space for like-minded people, incorporating state-of-the-art resources and technology dedicated towards innovation and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Feedback is now being sought on the proposed facilities and equipment in the Hub to ensure that it meets the needs of potential users in the region.
The survey should not take more than 5-10 minutes to complete and is your opportunity to have input into the facilities offered.
Please complete the survey before 25th June 2021.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE SURVEY.
NEW STEP BY STEP GUIDES ON UKCA & UKNI MARKING
The Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has issued new guides to help explain the changes to how businesses place manufactured goods on the market.
These changes include the introduction of the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking regime for placing certain products on the market in Great Britain, and the new UKNI marking regime for certain products placed on the market in Northern Ireland which have undergone mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a body based in the UK.
The following guides provide clear information on what businesses need to know and what they need to do to make sure that they follow the right processes and have the right certification for their products.
UKNI Marking – Step by Step Guide.
UKCA Marking – Step by Step Guide.
Using UKCA Marking – Explainer.
WEBINAR: APPRENTICESHIPS IN CREATIVE & DIGITAL SECTOR
DATE: Tuesday 15th June 2021
TIME: 10am
Newry Mourne and Down District Council, through the Belfast Region City Deal Team, are running a webinar for local employers which will provide an opportunity to:
- Find out how employers in the Digital & Creative sector can benefit from apprenticeships as a way of attracting new and developing talent within their organisation.
- Discover the range of apprenticeship provision aligned to the needs of Digital & Creative sector.
- Explore the range of support available for employers seeking to take on apprenticeships ranging from information and guidance through to funding support.
Funded by the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) Apprenticeship Challenge Fund, this event will also seek the views of employers as to how the current apprenticeship system could be enhanced to better align with the needs of employers. This vital piece of research will help to inform future apprenticeship provision.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
WORKSHOP: PITCH PEFECT – SELLING WITH CONFIDENCE
DATE: Wednesday 16th June 2021
TIME: 10am
NMD Business are hosting a FREE Pitching Workshop on Selling with Confidence aimed at owner/managers of small local businesses located in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area to help them understand how to perfect their pitching skills.
Anyone for whom pitching is a current activity or for whom pitching is an important part of their future growth strategy, this FREE workshop will help you develop your understanding of pitching and equipping you and your business with the tools for successful execution.
► Having the right mindset.
► Influencing and persuading fundamentals.
► Key stages in pitching: Plan, deliver and follow up.
► The do’s and dont’s of pitching.
► Sources of information.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.