Wilson Mets With CBI
FINANCE Minister, Sammy Wilson has met with representatives of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) to discuss the Executive’s capital investment plans. Issues discussed included capital investment funding, the Executive’s capital investment priorities and the role of private finance in delivering infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland.
Read more: Wilson Mets With CBI
McGrath backs move to get empty shops back in business
DOWNPATRICK SDLP Councillor Colin McGrath voiced concern over the minister’s latest move on business rate relief, which may have come to late for some, writes Anne O’Hare.
The Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson outlined his proposals during an amendment to the Rates Bill which has been passed through the Assembly. The change will provide a major incentive for getting empty shops occupied and back into business.
Councillor McGrath said: “These are, without doubt, difficult times and businesses in our district, such as those in Downpatrick, are suffering like all others.
Read more: McGrath backs move to get empty shops back in business
UK Fisheries Minister Visits Kilkeel
THE Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation (ANIFPO) was honoured to host the UK’s Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon MP during his visit to the fishing industry in Kilkeel this morning. Mr. Benyon, accompanied by Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, was on his first visit to the County Down coast as Fisheries Minister.
Read more: UK Fisheries Minister Visits Kilkeel
Fishing Industry Performing Strongly
IT was good news for the Northern Ireland fishing industry this week as the value of all fish and shellfish landings into Northern Ireland has continued a significant increase into 2011 compared to 2010. Figures just released by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Sea Fisheries Division show that in 2011 some 23,601 Tonnes of fish and shellfish were landed, with a value of £27.5 million. This compares to landings in 2010 of 23,902 Tonnes, valued at £22.1 million.
Read more: Fishing Industry Performing Strongly
Translink introduce mobile ticketing for rail passengers
As Spring approaches many people from County Down will be planning a day trip to Dublin. Rail passengers in Northern Ireland can now take advantage of “on the go” ticketing with the launch of mLink, Translink’s innovative new mobile ticket. mLink enables passengers to buy, receive and display an electronic ticket on their mobile phone doing away with the need for a paper ticket and Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive, says it has been developed with the customer in mind. “We are committed to constantly innovating and improving our service for our passengers and through mLink we are providing rail customers with a convenient and easy to use ticketing system.
Read more: Translink introduce mobile ticketing for rail passengers
Downe Travel To Host Holiday Fair In Downpatrick
DOWNE Travel, the long-established travel company based in Downpatrick has started 2012 with an exciting new venture. On Wednesday 11 January there will be a travel fair held in the St Patrick Centre starting at 7pm which will attract a full house for the evening.
Read more: Downe Travel To Host Holiday Fair In Downpatrick
Killyleagh Bar Damaged In Arson Attack
ARSONISTS have struck again in Killyleagh. This time a public house in the main street has been badly damaged. The PSNI reported that the fire was first alerted to the emergency services at shortly before 2.50am (22 December) and the NI Fire and Rescue Service dispatched fire tenders to the scene.
Read more: Killyleagh Bar Damaged In Arson Attack
Foster Launches Intellectual Properties Pack
ENTERPRISE Minister Arlene Foster has launched an Intellectual Property Starter Pack aimed at helping local companies understand the intellectual property they own. Developed by Invest Northern Ireland as part of its wider Boosting Business initiative, it includes guides to the main types of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyright and design registration. Non Disclosure Agreements and licensing are also explained.
Read more: Foster Launches Intellectual Properties Pack
Is 'Time Up' for Northern Irish pubs?
COUNTY DOWN pub owners are paying 40 per cent more to breweries for their kegs of beer than their UK counterparts, Down News can exclusively reveal.
As the pub trade experience one of their hardest pre-Christmas trading in decades many are now being forced to lay-off staff or cut trading hours as their situation worsens, writes Anne O'Hare.
Read more: Is 'Time Up' for Northern Irish pubs?
Down News Facebook Achieves Over 500,000 Page Views
YEEEE-Haaaah!
DOWN NEWS has just reached another great milestone in its social media strategy.
Since activating a proactive Facebook campaign after a social media seminar organised through the Beyond programme early in November 2010, the Down News Facebook has continued to grow and grow and has now exceeded 500,000 Page Views. All in 11 months! Well done Beyond and all the Down News supporters. www.downnews.co.uk
Opposition Mounts On EU December Fisheries Proposals
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has said the European Commission’s fishing quota proposals are flawed and illogical.
In the run up to the EC Fisheries Summit in Brussels in December, a battle royale is looming as the local Co Down fishing fleet demand viable quotas for prawns and fish for 2012.
Speaking following the publication of these proposals, Ms Ritchie said, “These proposals are unworkable and unrealistic, much like the proposals we see coming before the industry from the European Commission at this time each year.
Beyond Summer BBQ For Local Businesses At Denvir’s
THE Beyond business programme covering Down District will host an end-of-summer networking BBQ for local Down businesses in Denvir’s Hotel, English Street, Downpatrick on Tuesday 23rd August from 5 – 7pm.
The BBQ will allow companies to come together in an informal setting and engage with other businesses in the district.
Since its launch in September 2010, the Beyond Programme has been successfully providing a high standard of tailored support to existing businesses in the Down District Council area. The Programme offers a range of business support and networking opportunities including workshops, business clinics and one to one mentoring to companies from all sectors of the business community.
STAFF based at Downpatrick's Bon Marche fashion chain have been told their store will close over the next few months, writes Anne O'Hare. The Market Street shop is among 12 stores across the province that will close it's doors over the coming months. For the Downpatrick store, the news means the loss of five permanent jobs in an already difficult trading environment.
SDLP Councillor John Doris voiced his support for the Rates Relief Scheme, which will assist many small businesses across the District and further afield.
ULSTER Bank in Downpatrick opened it's doors on Saturday passed to Ulster Bank Mortgage Morning hold the first in a series of Mortgage Information events for local people. The events have been organised to help anyone thinking of buying, selling, switching or remortgaging.
