It’s great news that our hospitality sector is back in business following the Executive’s decision this afternoon to go ahead with the reopening of the sector from Monday 24th May 2021.
It has been a challenging period for businesses and they can now look forward to rebuilding their trade and providing service and hospitality to their loyal customers.
Hospitality businesses have spent the period of closure preparing for reopening. They have invested in training their staff and in the safety of their premises. The reopening of hospitality also means our High Streets can begin the long road to recovery. Shoppers can now enjoy the cup of coffee or bite of lunch when they are shopping in the city centre.
Hopefully this is the end of the lockdowns. Some restrictions are still in place for the hospitality sector, but if we all abide by the rules, it will not be too long before we are fully reopened.
Our retailers and our hospitality sector have suffered a lot over the past year and we would encourage everyone to think local and shop and dine locally.
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
£2,000 FUNDING TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES OF COVID-19
InterTradeIreland is offering 100% funded financial support up to £2,000/€2,250 for cross-border companies towards professional advice to address key business challenges as a result of COVID-19.
Support is provided for the following:
► Staff Training
► Finances
► HR and Health & Safety
► Product
To be eligible, your business must:
► Be an indigenous business registered in NI or ROI
► Trade across the border (NI/ROI)
► Employ less than 250 employees
► Annual turnover less than €50m (sterling equivalent)
► Have a satisfactory trading history
CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW.
WEBINAR: EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME & IMMIGRATION ADVICE
DATE: Wednesday 26th May 2021
TIME: 10am – 11:30am
On the 30th June 2021, the EU Settlement Scheme will close for applications from EEA workers living in the UK.
At this webinar, A&L Goodbody will provide guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme, the implications of this deadline for businesses employing EEA workers and what you must do to ensure you can to continue legally employing workers with the right to work in the UK.
In addition, as travel opens up again, businesses need to be aware of the visa requirements in the EU country they plan to send their employees to if they have a UK passport. This webinar will also include case studies addressing key considerations when sending your Northern Ireland employees to work in the EU.
Following the webinar, you will also have the opportunity to meet with specialist advisors.
The 20 min appointment slots must be pre-booked and will operate on a first come, first served basis. You should only book one appointment in each specialist area of your choice. You can make up to a maximum of 3 appointments, with one meeting per chosen topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
VENTILATION IN THE WORKPLACE RECOMMENDATIONS
Good ventilation is widely recognised as a way to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of coronavirus, particularly in enclosed areas.
As businesses and workplaces reopen it is important to use your COVID-19 risk assessment to reduce risk to staff and customers by ensuring adequate ventilation.
You should look at ways to improve how your ventilation system operates and ways to increase the supply of fresh air where you work.
The Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has
detailed guidance on ventilation and COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFO.
WEBINAR: POWERING THE WAY TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
DATE: Friday 21st May 2021
TIME: 1pm – 2pm
If you are interested in starting the green journey in your business or organisation, join Newry Chamber this Friday lunchtime at 1pm for our webinar with Power NI on ‘Powering The Way to a Sustainable Future’.
Discover some simple ideas on how your business or organisation can be greener and more sustainable.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
WALK, TALK & CONNECT NETWORKING EVENT
DATE: Friday 28th May 2021
TIME: 8am – 9am
PLACE: Newry Greenway
Newry Chamber are delighted to host the first outdoor networking session in line with public health guidance.
Join us for a morning stroll and take the opportunity to Walk, Talk & Connect with other Chamber members along the beautiful Newry Greenway starting at the Victoria Lough Car Park, walking towards Newry and returning by 9am.
Numbers are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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:
► NI Economy Minister, Diane Dodds MLA
► Richard Ramsey, Chief Economist NI, Ulster Bank
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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.