We have another packed update this week. We are delighted to provide information on the opening date for registrations and details on NI High Street Voucher Scheme which is a welcome boost to the local economy.
We have included details of a recent meeting in Newry City with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission’s Vice President that Newry Chamber attended, hosted by Newry and Mourne Cooperative & Enterprise Agency.
In the update, you will also find information on how employers can claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid to employees due to COVID-19, a range of upcoming events and a short employer survey that we would appreciate if you could complete.
The Chamber team are busy getting ready for Greater Newry Area Business Awards which take place on Thursday 7th October 2021. Due to current guidelines, we are operating to a reduced capacity in Canal Court Hotel & Spa than previous awards.
We will provide a response to all ticket requests over the next few days.
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.
Tony McKeown
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
NI HIGH STREET VOUCHER SCHEME TO OPEN
FOR REGISTRATION ON 27TH SEPTEMBER 2021
The NI High Street Voucher Scheme will OPEN for registration on 27th September 2021 with the first batch of £100 pre-paid cards issued on 4th October 2021.
The last day to apply is 25th October 2021, while the card has to be used before 30th November 2021.
For those unable to apply online, a telephone service will be available from 11th October 2021.
It is expected that people will receive their card between 7 and 10 days of applying.
It will have to be spent by 30th November 2021 as the Department for the Economy does not want to affect normal spending in the run-up to Christmas.
NI Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA is encouraging people to spend the money in local independent retailers rather than with multinationals.
All over-18’s in NI must register online on NI Direct from 27th September 2021, then provide their name, address, date of birth, gender, any disability, telephone number, email address, driving licence number (if held) and National Insurance number.
The £145m programme will offer pre-paid cards worth £100 to all over-18s in NI and aims to help businesses in retail and hospitality which were hit by the pandemic.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
NEWRY CHAMBER ATTEND MEETING WITH MAROS SEFCOVIC
HOSTED BY NEWRY & MOURNE ENTERPRISE AGENCY
Newry Chamber Board Member, Deborah Loughran represented the Chamber at a meeting in Newry City with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission VP hosted by Newry & Mourne Cooperative and Enterprise Agency.
Deborah attended the meeting last week in Newry City along with other representatives from other trade bodies in Northern Ireland last week and after the meeting said:
“It was a useful and constructive exchange. It was very clear that the EU delegation was there seeking solutions. They asked business representatives to identify the key issues with the current arrangements and to put forward possible solutions.”
“From a Chamber perspective, I raised our border location and the absolute imperative for us to be able to trade freely with our nearest neighbours.”
“I asked that those on both sides try to depoliticise things, show flexibility and make the Protocol about businesses and citizenship because at the present moment we, in the business community feel like a political football.”
“Our local economy needs political stability and long-term solutions which benefit us in being part of both the UK & EU.”
CHECK IF YOU CAN CLAIM BACK STATUTORY SICK PAY
PAID TO EMPLOYEES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
If you are an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
The online service you will use to claim back (SSP) is now available.
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees.
You can only claim for employees who were off work on or before 30th September 2021 and covers all types of employment contracts.
This scheme is for employers and you can claim back up to 2 weeks of (SSP) if you meet the criteria.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
UPCOMING WEBINARS: DIGITAL GROWTH PROGRAMME
The Digital Growth Programme project is part-funded by Invest Ni and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs NI Programme.
Below you can register for 3 upcoming events that will be delivered online over the coming months.
WEBINAR: Video Marketing Masterclass
Discover how to create professional videos quickly and easily for FREE using your mobile phone for use on your social media and for your website.
DATE: 29th September 2021
TIME: 10:30am – 12:30pm
WEBINAR: Blogging For Business Masterclass
In this masterclass, you will explore the key elements for writing blogs in your business.
DATE: 20th October 2021
TIME: 10am – 12pm
WEBINAR: Google Ads Masterclass
Learn more about the Google Ads platform and the wide range of ad formats available to use.
DATE: 10th November 2021
TIME: 10am – 12pm
WALK, TALK & CONNECT NETWORKING EVENT
We are delighted to host the second instalment of our outdoor networking series, ‘Walk, Talk & Connect’.
DATE: Friday 24th September 2021
TIME: 8am – 9am
MEETING POINT: The Kitchen Café beside MJM Group
Join Chamber President, Emma Mullen-Marmion for the opportunity to Walk, Talk & Connect with other members of Newry Chamber.
Meet with other business representatives for a morning stroll along Newry Towpath.
We will meet at the Kitchen Café beside MJM Group in Carnbane Industrial Estate at 7:50am for a coffee.
We will make our way as a group towards Lurganare, returning to the car park at MJM Group by 9am.
Numbers are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis so book your place now.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW.
EURES CROSS-BORDER PARTNERSHIP EMPLOYER SURVEY
EURES Cross-Border Partnership along with NI and local Chambers of Commerce are jointly conducting a short employer survey.
The purpose of the short survey is to measure the number and nature of Cross-Border Employees working in Border County Areas and your participation would be greatly appreciated.
The survey takes about 3 minutes to complete and is completely confidential. The questions are optional and the answers will be used for research purposes and will not be shared with a third party.
An e-mail address is available if you have any questions.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE SURVEY.