Newry Chamber

As President of Newry Chamber, I would like to wish all our Members, Corporate Patrons, Sponsors, Partners, Suppliers, their families and their staff a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 This year has been an incredible success for Newry Chamber. Our membership has grown to nearly 350 and we've delivered a packed calendar of events, seminars and conferences. It's hard to forget that this time last year, Greater Newry was grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, which posed unprecedented challenges for many of our members and city centre traders. One year on, our businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience and are hopefully enjoying a bustling festive trading season. At the start of 2024, we unveiled our development strategy built on three core strategic pillars: (𝟭) 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿  Developing Newry Chamber into one of Northern Ireland's largest and most active business organisations with an engaged membership base. (𝟮) 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲  Leading the call to address infrastructure deficits, unlocking development and investment potential in Greater Newry. (𝟯) 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀  Uniting businesses, education and training providers to create a locally focused strategy addressing recruitment and skills shortages. I am very proud to say we have made significant progress in all these areas. Our lobbying efforts have been particularly impactful, addressing the issues that matter most to the businesses and people of Greater Newry. 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 As we reflect on a productive and successful year, I assure you that Newry Chamber will continue to champion your interests, foster networking opportunities and advocate for the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our city and district. In March, Chamber CEO, Michael Savage and I travelled to Washington to promote the Greater Newry Area. Building on this momentum, we plan further engagement with businesses and policymakers in Washington and Pittsburgh in 2025. While challenges remain, we are fully committed to finding solutions. Better times are within our reach and by working together, we can accelerate progress. There is much to look forward to in 2025. Let us seize the opportunities ahead, support one another, collaborate and continue to make the Greater Newry Area a thriving region for business and community alike. 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 The Chamber Offices will close on Friday 20th December and reopen on Monday 6th January. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Edwina Flynn President Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: https://shorturl.at/FLvMs #NewryChamber #PresidentsMessage #MerryChristmas 🌲

#CONGRATS to our member, JC Campbell on the opening of their new purpose-built premises in Newry, creating new jobs as part of a £2 million investment backed by Ulster Bank. The third generation automotive dealer, was established by Jim Campbell back in 1945 and it is entering its 80th year in business and the new facility will allow the dealership to grow its used vehicle offering. In the 1970s Jim's son, Colin entered the family business and paved the way for new partnerships with Rover, Citroën and Honda. The third generation business is managed by Colin's son, Stephen Campbell today, whose stewardship is guiding the family enterprise through the electric revolution in the motor industry. The dealership employs 24 staff with several more colleagues joining its sales and servicing departments in the new year. Located at 11 Old Warrenpoint Road on the former CARS of Newry site, the new 1200sqm dealership has doubled its capacity for new and used stock. As part of the investment in the new facility, the business has also secured a new contract with MG Motor UK Ltd as one of its premier authorised dealers. Alongside its new vehicles, the family-business also operates JC Certified, its used car division with an inventory of over 60 vehicles across a variety of makes and models. We wish Stephen and the team every continued success in their new home and further growth in the coming years. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘: https://shorturl.at/Hj3Zx #JCCampbell #Relocation #Investment #NowOpen #Newry

#FANTASTIC local community initiative from our member, Guru Indian Cuisine who will be serving free hot takeaway meals to those in need, once again on Christmas Day. Open to anyone who cannot afford a Christmas dinner, the restaurant will offer free meals with no questions asked. Gourav Barot, Owner of Guru Indian Cuisine said: "We are thrilled to continue this tradition of giving back to our community. Last year's response was heart-warming and we want that to ensure everyone in our city feels the joy of the season. We invite anyone who needs a meal to come by and collect a hot Christmas dinner." Gourav and his family and staff will be on hand helping out on Christmas Day. Around 80 people called in for a meal last year and several local Newry businesses supported the restaurant in the initiative. The Newry restaurant will be open for free takeaway meals only from 1pm - 3pm on Christmas Day. The restaurant will not be open for any other orders during this time. Guests are encouraged to come as they are and enjoy the festive spirit and a warm takeaway meal. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘: https://shorturl.at/PSHZk #GuruIndianCuisine #LocalCommunityInitiative #Newry #NI

#CONGRATS to Ireland Craft Beverages - Two Stacks Whiskey located on the Chancellors Road in Newry City who are now part of the NI Spirits Trail, a new distillery-led experience. Our member, Two Stacks sell their products around the world including in many Duty Free facilities and were presented with a special plaque in recognition of their participation in the new NI Spirits Trail by Tourism Northern Ireland. Our member, Hinch Distillery based in the heart of Co. Down and Killowen Distillery located in the Mournes also received a plaque alongside many other incredible distilleries across NI who form the 13 distillery visitor trail. Visitors can pick up a 'Distillery Trail Passport' at any of the participating distilleries and collect stamps as they explore the breadth and quality of premium spirits produced here. When you've visited all stops on the Spirit Trail, simply show a copy of your completed passport to a member of staff at your last distillery experience to receive a special souvenir. It is hoped the plaque will strengthen the collective brand of the trail, while ensuring all the distilleries receive continued visibility as part of a sustainable tourism initiative that will benefit all regions across NI. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘: https://shorturl.at/RhHr0 #TwoStacksWhiskey #NISpiritsTrail #DiscoverNI #Newry

#GREATNEWS from our Corporate Patron, Shelbourne Motors who has announced a significant £800,000 investment in its cutting-edge vehicle rental brand, SVRgo - Self Drive Hire. This significant investment has enabled the upgrade and expansion of the SVRgo fleet to over 300 vehicles, meeting the growing demand from international tourism as well as business-to-business sectors across the island of Ireland. SVRgo has also undergone a comprehensive rebrand which is accompanied by the launch of a brand new dedicated mobile app designed to streamline bookings and enhance the overall customer experience. Operating from the Shelbourne Motors' award-winning sites in Newry and Portadown, as well as a vehicle collection point in Dublin, SVRgo employs 15 full-time and part-time staff and delivers tailored short and long-term rental solutions. With an extensive fleet including cars, vans and minibuses, the vehicle rental company caters to a wide range of needs, from business travel and tourism, personal use and house moves. We wish Caroline, Paul, Richard and the team every continued success and further growth in the coming years. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘: https://shorturl.at/5DUqi #ShelbourneMotors #SVRgo #VehicleRental #Investment

Our member, Buttercrane Shopping Centre are encouraging employers to reward staff with a Gift Card, NOT cash this Christmas which is a win-win for employers and staff. 𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬:  Digital gift cards or e-gift cards can be delivered directly to the recipient's inbox, eliminating the hassle of postage or delivery logistics. 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 & 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘:  There is an opportunity to personalise messages on gift cards and select retailers that align with the recipients preferences. 𝗧𝗔𝗫 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦:  Gift cards are an effective tax free reward as an alternative to cash, but it is advisable to consult with a qualified tax expert. 🌐 buttercraneshopping.co.uk 📧 info@buttercraneshopping.co.uk ☎️ 028 3026 4627 #ButtercraneShoppingCentre #GiftGard #Christmas #Newry

Our CEO, Michael Savage and Board Member, Conor Patterson met the Shared Island Unit in Dublin to discuss the potential cross-border funding options for wastewater treatment to unlock stalled development in the Greater Newry Area. Speaking after the meeting at Dublin Castle, Michael said: "Conor and I travelled to Dublin to meet the Shared Island Unit to discuss how the Shared Island Fund and other cross-border funding options could be explored as part of a potential mix of funding to unlock severe wastewater treatment capacity issues we face in Newry which are holding up significant development plans for the city and region." "NI Water met with us a few weeks ago and informed us they urgently need £100 million of funding to upgrade and expand the Newry wastewater treatment plant at Greenbank in the city and its associated networks." "At present, the funding is not in place and as a result, many housing and commercial developments across our region are stalled due to NI Water placing restrictive planning conditions on the applications due to lack of capacity in the system." "The wastewater treatment plant at Greenbank flows into Carlingford Lough which is a shared waterway on this island." "We met with the Shared Island Unit to explore how potential cross-border funding may provide a solution to getting the upgrades we badly need to the system over the line to allow major development of our city to take place and much-needed private housing to be built." Conor Patterson added: "We had a good meeting with the Shared Island Team and there is recognition of the challenges we face in the North with our infrastructure, particularly around the wastewater capacity." "This was an initial scoping exercise and found the meeting to be positive and we've a lot more work to do to progress the conversation further but we will be engaging with NI Water in the coming weeks to put more flesh on the bone." "We believe it is in the interests of both jurisdictions for the wastewater treatment plant at Greenbank to be upgraded to protect the ecology of Carlingford Lough and maintain a level of water quality to allow the vital mussel trawling industry to continue to flourish in the Lough." "From a wider perspective the removal of there obstacles to housebuilding in the Greater Newry Area will relieve some pressure on the housing need right along Ireland's Eastern Seaboard, so there's a lot to be gained by securing funding to deal with our wastewater treatment capacity issues." #NewryChamber #SharedIslandUnit #Meeting #Dublin

STUDIO TWENTY THREE are offering their fellow Chamber members, 20% OFF throughout December & January for any private booking, Monday to Thursday. If you are looking for a creative way to relax, socialise and unleash your inner artist, join Studio Twenty Three for one of their creative events. In just two hours, their resident artist will guide your team step-by-step through the process, no experience is required. This is a great opportunity for businesses and individuals to have a private group session at a discounted rate and a great idea for a staff Christmas party. Studio Twenty Three is a BYO - Food & Drinks Venue so please feel free to bring along your favourite food and beverages, Frankie Bannon and her fantastic team will take care of the glasses and ice! Group sizes of between 8-28 can be accommodated at their Newry Studio located on Upper Water Street and the guys can even come to you and can host up to 120 staff externally. 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗦: • Paint & Sip • Acrylic Pour • Ceramic Mug Painting • Canvas Tote Bag Painting 🌐 www.artstudio23.co.uk 📧 info@studio23.co.uk ☎️ 028 9002 8960 #ArtStudio23 #TeamEvents #Workshops #Offer #Newry

#JOIN our member, Hinch Distillery who are hosting their first Christmas Market on Sunday 15th December, 11am - 5pm in their picturesque Courtyard and entrance is FREE. Get into the Christmas spirit with an array of fantastic local traders, offering delightful treats and unique gifts. Whether you're a lover of Gin and Whiskey, a connoisseur of speciality coffee or a fan of flavourful biltong, there really is something special waiting for everyone with even more surprises still to come. Don't miss this enchanting day of festive cheer. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the warmth of the season with Hinch Distillery! 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘: • Hinch Distillery • Ninth Wave Irish Gin • Cacao Patisserie • Papas Mineral • The Fancy Fox • Ballylisk • Burren Balsamics • Granny V's Kitchen • Ke Nako Biltong • Ten Watch Chocolates #HinchDistillery #FREE #ChristmasMarket #Ballynahinch

We are absolutely delighted to welcome our #NEWMEMBER, Incorporate Benefits, a forward-thinking employee benefits advisor, offering businesses across NI & UK leading health insurance, protection and workplace wellbeing solutions. Established back in 2017 by Audrey Spence and John Kerr, Incorporate Benefits combines the expertise of two leaders in healthcare and protection to address the evolving needs of businesses and their employees. Audrey and John's shared vision is to provide businesses with comprehensive, tailored employee benefits that make a real difference. To further enhance the services offered, they also recently welcomed a new Head of Wellbeing to the team, expanding their ability to provide a holistic employee benefits service. Incorporate Benefits is excited to be joining Newry Chamber and are looking forward to building new connections and contributing to the local business community. 🌐 www.incorporategroup.co.uk 📧 info@incorporategroup.co.uk ☎️ 028 9068 0630 #Welcome #IncorporateBenefitsLLP #NewMember #NI