I would like to remind members that there are now just over 2 weeks left to get your entries in for the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021.
With 25 categories to choose from, there is one for every type and size of business. Each business can enter up 4 categories and I would encourage you to avail of this but please but ensure they are relevant to your business, showcasing its strengths and giving you the best chance of becoming a finalist.
Enter Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021: ENTER NOW.
Closing Date For All Entries: Monday 19th July 2021 at midnight.
Some more welcome news today with the resumption of live music across NI from 5th July 2021 given the green light by the NI Executive and the confirmation that NI drivers will be no longer required to carry a ‘green card’ when travelling in the EU.
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
ENTER NOW: GREATER NEWRY AREA BUSINESS AWARDS 2021
The past 18 months have been amongst the toughest many local businesses have ever experienced.
Here in the Greater Newry Area however, we have heard story after story of resilience and recovery.
Now is the time to celebrate these success stories and to recognise the efforts of your team by entering the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021.
The event will take place at Gala Awards Ceremony on the 9th September 2021 in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, signalling a return to in person events for the Chamber.
The Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021 are kindly supported by our principal sponsors:
► Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
► Shelbourne Motors
We would also like thank our 24 category sponsors for their generous support of the awards. Keep an eye on our social media channels over the coming weeks as we will profiling our principal and category sponsors.
The awards are now open for entries and there is a category for every type and size of business, a total of 25 categories to choose from and you can enter up to 4.
CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES:
Monday 19th July 2021 at midnight.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW.
CHANGES TO NI ALCOHOL LICENSING LAW
The Northern Ireland Assembly has passed a Bill that will modernise our alcohol licensing laws. The changes will allow for more flexibility for businesses.
The Bill also contains measures to restrict the availability and promotion of alcohol as well as added protections for children and young people. It is expect that most of the changes will come into effect in October 2021.
Some of the key changes include:
- Pubs and hotels can apply to open until 2am up to 104 nights per year.
- Smaller pubs will be able to open to 1am up to 104 nights per year.
- ‘Drinking-up time’ will be increased to 1 hour.
- All additional restrictions on opening hours over Easter weekend will be removed.
- Opening hours on Sunday evenings will be the same as any other night.
- Cinemas will be able to apply for a liquor licence and serve drink to customers watching a movie.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE CHANGES.
LIVE MUSIC TO RETURN ACROSS NI FROM 5TH JULY 2021
Live music can resume across NI from 5th July 2021, Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey has announced.
Both outdoor and indoor music events can return from this Monday 5th July 2021 and the 500-person cap on outdoor gatherings will also be scrapped with conditions in place from this Friday 2nd July 2021 at 5pm.
Restrictions will be placed on the sound level of music performed indoors and screens will be placed in front of musicians.
All events must be subject to a risk assessment.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
NI DRIVERS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO CARRY ‘GREEN CARD’
‘Green Card’ insurance documents which have been required for UK motorists in the European Union since Brexit, will no longer be required, under an agreement between the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) and the EU Commission.
The agreement means those travelling from the UK to the EU, including those travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, will be able to avail of the general exemption afforded to EU-based motorists.
This exemption allows motor vehicles to travel freely between EU countries without requiring supplementary insurance documentation.
The exact date for when the new measures will take effect for UK cars travelling in Europe is expected to be announced in the coming days.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
EU APPROVES ADEQUACY DECISIONS ON UK DATA FREE FLOW
The EU has formally approved adequacy decisions for the UK, ensuring that personal data can continue to flow freely from the EU and wider European Economic Area (EEA) to the UK.
The decisions include a so-called ‘sunset clause’, which limits their duration to four years. After four years, the adequacy findings may be renewed if the UK continues to ensure an adequate level of data protection.
While adequacy decisions are in place, UK businesses and organisations can continue to receive personal data from the EU and EEA without having to put additional arrangements in place with European counterparts.
This free flow of personal data supports trade, innovation and investment, assists with law enforcement agencies tackling crime and supports the delivery of critical public services sharing personal data as well as facilitating health and scientific research.
The UK has recognised the EU and EEA member states as ‘adequate’, as part of its commitment to establish a smooth transition for the UK’s departure from the bloc.
The government plans to promote the free flow of personal data globally and across borders, including through new trade deals and through new data adequacy agreements with some of the fastest growing economies, while ensuring people’s data continues to be protected to a high standard.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
NMD BUSINESS: FREE BRAND BUILDING PROGRAMME
The NMD Business Growth Programme can help you create and image, identity and tone for your business.
The Brand Building Programme is open for applications but will close on Friday 9th July 2021 at 1pm.
As part of the programme, you will receive:
► 1-2-1 mentoring support
► 3x 2-hour workshops
WORKSHOP 1:
User Personas & Importance of Branding
WORKSHOP 2:
Multimedia Content
WORKSHOP 3:
Animation
To be eligible for the programme, you must:
► Be based in NMDDC Area
► Employ less than 50 staff
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
APPLY NOW: RURAL MICRO BUSINESS GRANT SCHEME
Capital grants up to a maximum of £4,999 are now available to local rural businesses to support the sustainability, recovery and development of micro businesses through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, administered and managed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Capital grants can provide up to a maximum of 50% grant rate and are available to existing micro enterprises based in rural areas of Newry, Mourne and Down.
The capital grant scheme can assist with funding new capital equipment/machinery, computer equipment and software, e-commerce websites and COVID-19 business recovery equipment.
Grants are now available to support the recovery, sustainability and development of existing micro businesses based in rural areas who have not previously received funding under the TRPSI Rural Business Development Scheme, which was administered by local Councils during 2019-20 and 2020-21.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Friday 30th July 2021 at 12 noon.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.