Menu
21/10/2011
Other NI News In Brief
Ulster Banks On City Centre Spar's Success
Despite austere times, 10 jobs have been created following the opening of a retail outlet on the site of a formerly vacant property in the heart of Belfast city centre. The Spar store on Royal Avenue, has been refurbished with a substantial investment by owner and manager Declan McGonigle with the support of the Ulster Bank. Declan, pictured (left) at the new store with Martin Convery of Ulster Bank said: "As this is my first venture I thought it would be difficult to find support, but Ulster Bank saw the potential in the business and has offered a range of financial and non financial support, which when starting out for the first time has proven to be invaluable." Finance for the business was provided by Ulster Bank through the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, a loan guarantee scheme intended to help businesses with insufficient security obtain bank finance. Since its inception, Ulster Bank has provided over 80% of all funds drawn under the Scheme in Northern Ireland. Martin Convery explained: "The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme is one of a number of funding options we are making available to help viable businesses across Northern Ireland grow and develop," adding that the new business is one of over 5,000 new and emerging companies across the island of Ireland who have signed up to Ulster Bank's start up and early stage business package which was launched last year.
Larne Shots Condemned
The Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned those responsible for the firing of two shots at a house on Carson Street in Larne on Wednesday night. No one was injured in the attack. "I can not comprehend what was going through the mind of the people responsible for this shooting when they carried out this attack. This must have been a very frightening experience for those inside the house at the time of the attack. I hope they will be able to get over what must have been a very traumatic event," he said, adding: "I would urge anybody with any information about this shooting to contact the police. The people who carried out this attack have obviously no regards for their actions and who needs to be urgently apprehended by the police.
Tragic Pensioner Found
The body of a 73-year-old pensioner, Maurice Owens, who had not been seen since going to Mass on Sunday morning has been found. His body was discovered on Thursday evening in Camlough Lake, Co Armagh after extensive searches were carried out. The PSNI are not treating the death as suspicious and are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination of the body.
Dodds Wants RIR Parade
The MP and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has again called upon the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson to maintain discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to secure a homecoming parade within Belfast for troops returning from Afghanistan. The North Belfast MP made the call during Northern Ireland Questions in the House of Commons. "There are many people in Belfast, and across the whole of Northern Ireland who were deeply disappointed by the MoD's refusal to hold a homecoming parade in Belfast for soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and Irish Guards. Whist the military review at Balmoral was very successful it was not a replacement for a parade within the city," he argued. "There are also many people who will see the MoD's decision as being a boost to dissident republicans could feel that they were able to influence or dictate the agenda. The Secretary of State must continue his efforts and press the Ministry of Defence about this parade, particularly when there were other such homecoming parades in different areas of the Province.
Investing In Cost Savings
Three workshops held recently in Kilkeel, Londonderry and Belfast by Invest Northern Ireland have helped 70 local businesses to identify over £18 million in potential cost savings. The events focused on the concept of industrial symbiosis which introduces businesses that have unused or wasted resources, such as materials, heat, transport, production capacity, skills or storage, to other businesses that could use those resources. The companies came together to network and identify potential solutions for resources as diverse as shot blast grit, used business cards, waste water, wet fibre yarn, oak sleepers and shellfish shells. A total of 407 matches were identified through the three workshops and in the coming months, the businesses involved will collaborate across industry sectors to implement many of the ideas generated. Olive Hill, Invest NI's Director of Technology and Process Development, said: "The industrial symbiosis workshops were an effective way of putting businesses in touch with each other and helping them to identify how waste from one business could be used as a resource by another."
Library Chair Sought
A dynamic individual for the position of Chairperson of Libraries NI is being sought by the NI Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This is a challenging time for libraries and I am hoping to appoint a person with the right skills to help overcome these challenges and continue to deliver a high quality service for all. If we are to be successful in meeting the challenges ahead it is essential that the Chairperson, together with colleagues on the Board, will provide strong strategic direction and commitment to not only deliver on the changes ahead but continue to provide the service that is so valued by our local communities," the Sinn Fein Minister said.
Migration Focus
The Stormont Junior Ministers Martina Anderson and Jonathan Bell have launched the 'Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership' which brings together representatives from local government departments, local councils, public services, the voluntary and community sector and the UK Border Agency, aims to provide a regional voice on migration policy. Junior Minister Anderson said: "Although the issue of immigration remains a reserved matter, we must ensure that, as far as possible, immigration policy meets the needs and concerns of people living here; the people we represent." Junior Minister Bell added his support saying: "The social and economic benefits of immigration are clear and we are all acutely aware of the profound impact that immigration has had here."
(BMcC)
Despite austere times, 10 jobs have been created following the opening of a retail outlet on the site of a formerly vacant property in the heart of Belfast city centre. The Spar store on Royal Avenue, has been refurbished with a substantial investment by owner and manager Declan McGonigle with the support of the Ulster Bank. Declan, pictured (left) at the new store with Martin Convery of Ulster Bank said: "As this is my first venture I thought it would be difficult to find support, but Ulster Bank saw the potential in the business and has offered a range of financial and non financial support, which when starting out for the first time has proven to be invaluable." Finance for the business was provided by Ulster Bank through the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, a loan guarantee scheme intended to help businesses with insufficient security obtain bank finance. Since its inception, Ulster Bank has provided over 80% of all funds drawn under the Scheme in Northern Ireland. Martin Convery explained: "The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme is one of a number of funding options we are making available to help viable businesses across Northern Ireland grow and develop," adding that the new business is one of over 5,000 new and emerging companies across the island of Ireland who have signed up to Ulster Bank's start up and early stage business package which was launched last year.
Larne Shots Condemned
The Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned those responsible for the firing of two shots at a house on Carson Street in Larne on Wednesday night. No one was injured in the attack. "I can not comprehend what was going through the mind of the people responsible for this shooting when they carried out this attack. This must have been a very frightening experience for those inside the house at the time of the attack. I hope they will be able to get over what must have been a very traumatic event," he said, adding: "I would urge anybody with any information about this shooting to contact the police. The people who carried out this attack have obviously no regards for their actions and who needs to be urgently apprehended by the police.
Tragic Pensioner Found
The body of a 73-year-old pensioner, Maurice Owens, who had not been seen since going to Mass on Sunday morning has been found. His body was discovered on Thursday evening in Camlough Lake, Co Armagh after extensive searches were carried out. The PSNI are not treating the death as suspicious and are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination of the body.
Dodds Wants RIR Parade
The MP and DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has again called upon the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson to maintain discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to secure a homecoming parade within Belfast for troops returning from Afghanistan. The North Belfast MP made the call during Northern Ireland Questions in the House of Commons. "There are many people in Belfast, and across the whole of Northern Ireland who were deeply disappointed by the MoD's refusal to hold a homecoming parade in Belfast for soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and Irish Guards. Whist the military review at Balmoral was very successful it was not a replacement for a parade within the city," he argued. "There are also many people who will see the MoD's decision as being a boost to dissident republicans could feel that they were able to influence or dictate the agenda. The Secretary of State must continue his efforts and press the Ministry of Defence about this parade, particularly when there were other such homecoming parades in different areas of the Province.
Investing In Cost Savings
Three workshops held recently in Kilkeel, Londonderry and Belfast by Invest Northern Ireland have helped 70 local businesses to identify over £18 million in potential cost savings. The events focused on the concept of industrial symbiosis which introduces businesses that have unused or wasted resources, such as materials, heat, transport, production capacity, skills or storage, to other businesses that could use those resources. The companies came together to network and identify potential solutions for resources as diverse as shot blast grit, used business cards, waste water, wet fibre yarn, oak sleepers and shellfish shells. A total of 407 matches were identified through the three workshops and in the coming months, the businesses involved will collaborate across industry sectors to implement many of the ideas generated. Olive Hill, Invest NI's Director of Technology and Process Development, said: "The industrial symbiosis workshops were an effective way of putting businesses in touch with each other and helping them to identify how waste from one business could be used as a resource by another."
Library Chair Sought
A dynamic individual for the position of Chairperson of Libraries NI is being sought by the NI Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This is a challenging time for libraries and I am hoping to appoint a person with the right skills to help overcome these challenges and continue to deliver a high quality service for all. If we are to be successful in meeting the challenges ahead it is essential that the Chairperson, together with colleagues on the Board, will provide strong strategic direction and commitment to not only deliver on the changes ahead but continue to provide the service that is so valued by our local communities," the Sinn Fein Minister said.
Migration Focus
The Stormont Junior Ministers Martina Anderson and Jonathan Bell have launched the 'Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership' which brings together representatives from local government departments, local councils, public services, the voluntary and community sector and the UK Border Agency, aims to provide a regional voice on migration policy. Junior Minister Anderson said: "Although the issue of immigration remains a reserved matter, we must ensure that, as far as possible, immigration policy meets the needs and concerns of people living here; the people we represent." Junior Minister Bell added his support saying: "The social and economic benefits of immigration are clear and we are all acutely aware of the profound impact that immigration has had here."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2002
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
16 April 2010
Developers Should 'Prepare' For NAMA
Local property developers have been urged to prepare for impending demands for an asset-related business plan.
Developers Should 'Prepare' For NAMA
Local property developers have been urged to prepare for impending demands for an asset-related business plan.
13 June 2006
1,000 jobs to be created in Belfast
Around 1,000 jobs are to be created in Belfast, it has been announced. Indian company, ICICI OneSource, one of the country's largest business processing outsourcing (BPO) firms, is to open a call centre in the city, creating over 1,000 jobs over the next two-years.
1,000 jobs to be created in Belfast
Around 1,000 jobs are to be created in Belfast, it has been announced. Indian company, ICICI OneSource, one of the country's largest business processing outsourcing (BPO) firms, is to open a call centre in the city, creating over 1,000 jobs over the next two-years.
10 January 2003
Minister says 'partnership' is key to business success
The development of strategic relationships is vital to the success of business and industry on both sides of the border, Economy Minister, Ian Pearson has said.
Minister says 'partnership' is key to business success
The development of strategic relationships is vital to the success of business and industry on both sides of the border, Economy Minister, Ian Pearson has said.
06 November 2012
Arlene Foster Praises Mid-Ulster Success
Arlene Foster has praised the successful "entrepreneurial spirit" of Mid Ulster. The Enterprise Minister was addressing the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce at their Business Breakfast. She said: "Building a strong business base in Mid Ulster takes not just ambitious and talented entrepreneurs - it also requires a strong support network.
Arlene Foster Praises Mid-Ulster Success
Arlene Foster has praised the successful "entrepreneurial spirit" of Mid Ulster. The Enterprise Minister was addressing the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce at their Business Breakfast. She said: "Building a strong business base in Mid Ulster takes not just ambitious and talented entrepreneurs - it also requires a strong support network.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
