The NI Executive’s review of their COVID-19 recovery plan on Tuesday brought further disappointment for businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors.
At a time when Scotland published indicative dates for their businesses, the Executive remained steadfast in their refusal to do so. After a year, businesses understand the difficult choices the Executive has to make, but indicative dates that may have to be pushed back are more acceptable than none. The Chamber will continue to lobby for indicative dates that will allow businesses to plan for reopening.
The extension of click and collect to all retailers was welcome but it is disappointing that they will have to wait until 12th April 2020.
Post-COVID, we will have to think of different ways of attracting people back into our city centre. The Council’s ambitious plans for the city centre will be an important part of that thinking. The public consultation on these plans has just started and information on how to take part is below.
Also, 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
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: NEWRY CITY CENTRE REGENERATION
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched an online public consultation on its regeneration proposals for Newry City Centre. Their plans represent an important investment in our city centre.
The consultation provides an opportunity to comment on the plans for the new Theatre/Arts Centre and the Council’s new Offices. As a business, it is important that you share your views by taking part in the consultation.
There are three ways to participate including:
► Online Survey
► Online Workshops
► Direct Correspondence
ONLINE SURVEY:
You can provide feedback via the online survey HERE.
The survey opened Monday 8th March 2021 at 12 noon and will close on Monday 31st May 2021 at 12 noon.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS:
The online workshop option is delivered via Zoom.
To provide your feedback via an online workshop, please click on the link to book in to one of the five online workshops outlined below, register HERE.
► Wednesday 14th April 2021 at 2pm
► Thursday 22th April 2021 at 10am
► Tuesday 27th April 2021 at 7pm
► Wednesday 5th May 2021 at 7pm
► Thursday 13th May 2021 at 10am
EMAIL:
You can email or write to Otium Leisure Consultancy with your views, who have been commissioned by NMDDC to complete the public consultation.
Email: otiumlc@gmail.com
Address: 70 Main Street, Broughshane, BT42 4JW
SME BREXIT SUPPORT FUND
The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover.
Applications are now open.
WHAT CAN YOU USE THE GRANT FOR?
You can use the grant for training on:
- How to complete customs declarations.
- How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems.
- Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin.
It can be used to help you get professional advice so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Your business must:
- Be established in the UK.
- Have been established in the UK for at least 12 months before submitting the application or hold Authorised Economic Operator status.
- Not have previously failed to meet its tax or customs obligations.
- Have no more than 500 employees.
- Have no more than £100 million turnover.
- Import or export goods between GB and the EU, or moves goods between GB and NI.
Your business must also either:
- Complete (or intend to complete) import or export declarations internally for its own goods.
- use someone else to complete import or export declarations but requires additional capability internally to effectively import or export (such as advice on rules of origin or advice on dealing with a supply chain).
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is administering the grants for HMRC.
Applications will close on30th June 2021 or earlier if all funding is allocated before this date.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
COFFEE & CATCH-UP: VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT
Bring your own coffee and join us for the second lunchtime virtual networking event for our members hosted by Newry Chamber President, Emma Mullen-Marmion.
DATE: Friday 26th March 2021
TIME: 1pm – 2pm
Chamber membership centres around growing your network of contacts, which can be challenging in a time of social restrictions.
This event is an opportunity for members who are interested in connecting with other Chamber members in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
We will discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses during and after COVID-19.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
FREE DIGITAL BITESIZE WORKSHOP: LINKEDIN
Join us for the second of three member’s sessions designed by our member Niall Parfitt, Owner of Atlanticus Digital he will highlight practical tools to develop your knowledge of LinkedIn and provide you with learning resources.
The first workshop held last week was very popular,
so register early to guarantee your space.
DATE: Friday 16th April 2021
TIME: 1pm – 2pm
OUTLINE:
► Background and Introductions
► Inbound Marketing
► Background to LinkedIn
► LinkedIn for Lead Generation
► Expectations and Goal Setting
► Profile Surgery
► Company Page Surgery
► Producing Effective Content
► LinkedIn Groups
► Measuring Success – Using LinkedIn Analytics
► LinkedIn Video
► LinkedIn Events
► New LinkedIn Tools
► How We Can Help Your Inbound Marketing Strategy
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
WEBINAR: SOUTHERN AREA MEN’S HEALTH GROUP
The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group invite you to take part in our first ever Annual Webinar taking place via Zoom on:
DATE: Wednesday 31st March 2021
TIME: 10:30am
You will be treated to a great morning of stories from local Men’s Sheds and guest speakers including:
► Professor Luke O’Neill, Trinity College Dublin
► Andrew Ryan, Comedian
To register for the Zoom link:
E: frances.haughey@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
T: 07500 772 905