June has been another busy month for Newry Chamber organising and running the most successful Greater Newry Business Awards, with over 220 entries submitted and over 520 guests in Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry for the Gala Awards Night which took place on the evening of Thursday 15th June.
This is a record number in terms of both entries attendees at the event. The strength of this year’s awards illustrates a determined, resilient and confident local business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. I want to congratulate all the winners, highly commended and finalists and thank everyone who took the time out to enter this year’s awards.
This month, as well as hosting the awards, we also held our latest Business Tour at Two Stacks Irish Whiskey, partnered with our colleagues in InterTradeIreland to host a Funding for Growth Workshop and held a roundtable meeting with Joe Kennedy lll, US Special Envoy for NI in the Newry HQ of our Corporate Patron, STATSports on his first official visit to the city.
I would also like to draw your attention to our members survey which I would please urge all members to take a few minutes to complete before it closes the closing date on Tuesday 18th July at 5pm. We last conducted this survey in November 2022 and it is so important for us to hear from you, our valued members’ as it enables us to continue to focus on your priorities.
UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS
EVENT: NI SME Business Conference & Expo
Thursday 28th September, 8am – 2pm, Canal Court Hotel & Spa
BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE
SAVE THE DATE: Newry Chamber Annual President’s Banquet
Friday 27th October, 12 noon – 3pm, Canal Court Hotel & Spa
UPCOMING MEMBERS’ EVENTS IN JULY
EVENT: Sound Meditation Event by Sisters by the Sea
Sunday 16th July, 6:30pm – 8pm, Enniskeen Estate, Newcastle
£25 per person – BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE
EVENT: Newry City XI vs Man Utd Legends XI
Saturday 22nd July, Opens at 1:45pm, The Showgrounds
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
Tony McKeown
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
LOCAL BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS RECOGNISED AT
THE GREATER NEWRY BUSINESS AWARDS
Local businesses and individuals were recognised, celebrated and rewarded at the 9th edition of the Greater Newry Business Awards at a glittering Gala Awards Ceremony in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
The biennial event was attended by over 500 guests on Thursday 15th June and honoured the achievements of 26 individuals and organisations.
On the night, a charity raffle also raised over £5,000 for PIPS Hope and Support and Samaritans who this year, mark their 20th and 50th anniversaries respectively, providing their vital services to our local community.
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area
Brian Doran, Southern Regional College
Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award
Mick Boyle, Killeavy Castle Estate
Best Businesswoman
Rosemary Connolly, Rosemary Connolly Solicitors
Best Businessman
Joseph Doherty, Re-Gen Waste
Congratulations to all the winners, highly commended and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time out to enter this year’s awards.
VIEW FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE
SURVEY: MEMBERS’ SURVEY – JUNE 2023
As we reach the half year point, it’s important to reflect on our progress and look to the future. We would appreciate it if you can please take a few minutes to complete our short members’ survey.
We last conducted this survey back in November 2022 and we want to ensure the Chamber continues to focus on members’ priorities, understand the issues facing your business so we can best represent your interests in our engagements with key decision makers.
When you complete the survey, you will also be entered into a draw to be in with a chance of winning a £200 voucher from a Chamber Member of your choice.
CLOSING DATE FOR COMPLETION:
Tuesday 18th July at 5pm
COMPLETE SURVEY HERE
NI SME BUSINESS CONFERENCE & EXPO LAUNCHED
DATE: Thursday 28th September 2023
TIME: 8am – 2pm (Breakfast & Lunch Included)
VENUE: Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry
COST: FREE for Chamber Members
We are delighted to announce the details of our annual NI SME Business Conference & Expo. This year, the half day will take place on Thursday 28th September at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry.
Principal Sponsor:
• Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Supporting Sponsors:
• Federation of Small Businesses NI
• British Business Bank
• Southern Regional College
The workshops will cover the following areas:
• Finance & the Economy
• Smart Business Practices
• Sales & Marketing
• Recruiting & Retaining Talent
• Future of High Streets
• Tourism as an Economic Driver
If you are a small business, this is not to be missed!
BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE
CHAMBER MEETS JOE KENNEDY III, US SPECIAL ENVOY
We were delighted to be invited to early 4th of July celebrations at the residency of US Consul General, Paul Narain in Belfast.
Our President, Julie Gibbons and CEO, Tony McKeown attended a reception to celebrate the 247th anniversary of the independence of the US with Joe Kennedy III, the US Special Envoy for NI.
We also held a roundtable meeting with Joe Kennedy lll in the Newry HQ of our Corporate Patron, STATSports on his first visit to the city. Great contributions from the local businesses in attendance on why the our region is the best place live, work, study, shop, visit and invest.
We have great schools, globally focused, ambitious and hard working people, a beautiful setting, competitive cost base, dual market access and central location in the heart of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.
Exciting times ahead and the potential is there to build strong trade links with our partners in the USA.
SRC OPEN CAMPUS EVENTS & JOB FAIR – AUGUST 2023
DATE: Saturday 26 August 2023
TIME: 10am – 12 noon
VENUE: Newry, Armagh and Portadown Campuses
COST: FREE for Chamber Members
The SRC Open Campus Event & Job Fair is happening in August 2023! This is a great opportunity to explore the campuses and speak with a range of employers!
The event aims to allow individuals the opportunity to come to campus and speak with staff about upcoming courses and qualifications that they can apply for.
This event takes places just after A-Level and GCSE results and will therefore be an opportunity for students to come along if they are unsure of their next steps.
Individuals will be able to enjoy a guided tour of the campuses, learn more about the support services and apply for courses on the day if they wish, as the campus services team will be in attendance to issue offers.
RESERVE A SPOT HERE