Business

An extensive £10 million redevelopment project for Craigavon-based shopping destination, Rushmere, has reached a major milestone with the unveiling of a new-look transport hub and east mall entrance. New paving, outdoor lighting and enhanced road infrastructure have all been undertaken to improve the transport hub’s customer experience, while the east mall entrance has been significantly revamped to create two new retail units.

Craigavon shopping centre reveals £10million redevelopment plan

Downpatrick Post Office has opened at a new location to restore vital Christmas services after Storm Babet. Pictured is Gareth Latus inside the temporary shop at Unit 5a Grove Shopping Centre, Downpatrick

Downpatrick Post Office hit by major flood reopens

The normally bustling Europa Bus Station in Belfast during the first 24-strike this month, on 1 December. A futher three strike dates have been announced before Christmas.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Three days of transport strikes ‘targeting smaller businesses’

Jarlath Watson of Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Co. Down, now the home of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, ‘the historic spirit of Belfast’, was the big local winner in the recent Irish Whiskey Awards in Dublin

NI whiskey producers in great spirits after winning host of awards

Helen Troughton of Troughton’s Premium Mixers and Armagh Cider in Co Armagh is showing a range of soft drinks at Gifted in Dublin

Dublin show is a gift for NI producers

Hattersley, Manchester 2023

Experts name Northern Ireland Christmas tree among Britain's top 10 worst ever

Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) has welcomed five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team of lawyers and business support professionals in Northern Ireland. Pictured are Lauren Hudson, Eoin Culliton, Liam Fox, Louise Bailey, Holly Johnston and Niamh Flanagan

NI law firm welcomes five newly qualified solicitors to its 130-strong team

Belfast-based private equity firm Cordovan Capital Management has announced a significant equity investment into BLK BOX Fitness Limited. Pictured are Ben Stocks, managing director, BLK BOX, Daniel Anderson, partner, Cordovan Capital Management and Greg Bradley, founder and sales director of BLK BOX

Belfast private equity firm announces significant BLK BOX investment

Henderson Group and bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle charging business, have signed an agreement to work together to install up to 200 electric vehicle (EV) charge points at around 100 Henderson Retail sites across Northern Ireland within the next two years, including at 30 bp branded Henderson Retail locations. Pictured are Stephen Hamilton and Ron Whitten from Henderson Group with Easton Boyd and Ailsa Wilkins from bp at one of the first of the new bp pulse Electric Vehicle charging points to be installed as part of the new network of ultra-fast and rapid chargers at around 100 bp and Henderson Retail sites in Northern Ireland

Henderson Group and bp to install up to 200 EV charging points in NI

Belfast has been announced by Cruise Critic as the ‘Best UK & British Isles Port of Call’. This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the teams, who welcomed 159 cruise calls and 32 different cruise lines to Belfast Harbour in 2023. Cruise Critic, part of the Tripadvisor family, is the world’s leading cruise reviews site

Belfast named ‘Best Port of Call’ by world’s top cruise reviews site

Trade NI, the alliance of Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI is hosting Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade on his first official visit to the Northern Ireland. Pictured are Trade NI chief executives, Glyn Roberts, Colin Neill and Stephen Kelly

Trade NI hosts NI visit for Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Magherafelt construction company, Henry Brothers, has been awarded platinum status, the highest accolade possible, in the 2023 Northern Ireland’s Environmental Benchmarking Survey. Staff are pictured with the accolade

Northern Ireland construction firm recognised for green leadership

Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. Pictured are Martina McGrattan-Hynds (Choice senior development officer), Stephen Davey (director of Clonrose Developments) and Siobhan McCrystal (Choice head of growth)

Work begins on £18.3million Choice Housing development in Newry

Northern Ireland's Kerrs Tyres Group acquires GM Tyres, expanding a bigger footprint in the tyre industry. Pictured are Glenn McAllister (formerly GM Tyres) and Richard Livingston, Kerrs Tyres Group

Kerrs Tyres acquires Tandragee firm expanding its footprint in NI tyre Industry

Planners have approved major modifications to Royal Portrush that ‘will improve the visitor and golfer experience for the Open 2025’

Planners approve major modifications to Royal Portrush golf course

23 Main Road,

Portavogie, Newtownards, BT22 1EH

2 Bed Semi-detached House

Offers around £49,950

Here are some of the cheapest properties for sale in Northern Ireland
Here are some of the cheapest homes on the market in Northern Ireland in December, 2023.

Crowds pour into Belfast City centre for Christmas shopping

Consumer Council offers advice on saving money on Christmas food

Public transport unions will inform Translink tomorrow (Wednesday) of further dates on which they will strike before Christmas.
Photo: PA/Liam McBurney

More public transport strikes before Christmas

The Law Society of Northern Ireland unveils new portrait of Dorothea Heron, a young woman who made legal history by becoming the first woman Solicitor on the Roll on the island of Ireland. Educated in Belfast, her last remaining years were spent living in Portstewart. Pictured with the portrait are president Darren Toombs and Margaret Elliott past president

Belfast portrait unveiled of first woman solicitor on the island of Ireland

Northern Ireland property investment firm, Alterity Investments has acquired three prominent sites in Belfast city centre which are home to some of the UK and Ireland’s best known retail brands. The company is currently developing The Keep on Castle Lane and owns a number of other buildings in central Belfast

Alterity Investment acquires three prime retail sites in Belfast

£2.35m investment transforms Maxol Braid River with expansion and re-development. Pictured are Brian Donaldson, chief executive officer, Maxol with Nicola Farrell, Braid River site manager

Ballymena's Maxol Braid River is transformed with £2.35m investment

Lambert Smith Hampton senior management team pictured at their new office in The Kelvin, Belfast. Pictured are Darren Fitzsimons, Gary Nesbitt, Phillip Smyth, Niki Alderdice, Jonathan Martin, Neil Workman, Douglas Wheeler, with Criona Collins, Neil McShane, Keith Shiells

Lambert Smith Hampton announces new £1m home at The Kelvin

Northern Ireland insulation manufacturer and installer energystore has made a significant commitment to reduce its environmental impact, announcing that the company will produce zero emissions by 2028. Pictured is Connor McCandless, group sales and innovation director of energystore

energystore unveils plan to invest £2million to reach net zero by 2028

The opening of the BPerfect Cosmetics Megastore in Eyre Square Shopping Centre,Galway.
Picture Brian McEvoy Photography
No Repro fee for one use

BPerfect opens new megastore in the heart of Galway City

The News Letter masthead, on a background of historical copies dating back to the 18th century

News Letter reporter Adam Kula wins data journalism award

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson councillor Valerie Harte pictured with Jillian Gilmore, head of city and growth deals, Department of Finance, Mel Chittock, interim chief executive, Invest Northern Ireland, Donal Durkan, executive director strategy and partnerships, Invest Northern Ireland, Deirdre McCloskey, DAERA rural affairs division representative, alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Jason Barr, deputy mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr John Laverty BEM, chair of the regeneration and growth committee, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Cllr Jennifer Gilmour, mayor of Ards and North Down, Cllr Meta Graham, deputy chair of Mid Ulster and Cllr Áine Groogan, deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast

Launch of Digital Transformation Flexible Fund will stimulate innovation

Una Burns, manager and third generation of family owned Charlie’s Bar Enniskillen is joined by Sarah Thompson, founder of embroidery company, Ted and Stitch, at the announcement that the two local businesses have teamed up to launch of a limited edition apparel range after the bar’s Christmas advert went viral around the world and captured the hearts of millions of people

Viral ad inspires Charlie’s Bar and Ted and Stitch to launch loneliness appeal
Charlie's Bar Enniskillen teams up with Ted and Stitch to create a limited edition jumper, t-shirt, hat and bandana with all December profits going to Age NI and the South West Age Partnership (SWAP)

Becky Figueira talking to tour group at Hinch Distillery. Picture: Discover NI

Tour guide Becky in high spirits at Hinch Distillery

Dr Ulrch Dyer, the scientist behind the innovative Symphonia gins and rum from Moy in Co Tyrone

Tyrone’s Symphonia in tune with spirits of Christmas at City Hall

ubloquity, a leading technology firm based in Banbridge, has joined forces with McColgan's Quality Foods to pilot a new blockchain enable platform that will ‘revolutionise’ the BRCGS audit process for food manufacturers. Pictured are William McColgan of McColgan’s Quality Foods with Ellen Moorehead from ubloquity celebrating their company’s partnership

ubloquity and McColgan's partnership a recipe for food innovation success

More women are being encouraged to pursue careers in manufacturing thanks to a partnership between Ballymena zero-emission bus maker Wrightbus and a Northern Ireland college

Wrightbus joins forces with college to help women build manufacturing careers

Tate Liverpool has appointed a Belfast construction and fit out company, Gilbert-Ash as the main contractor for a major reimagining of the landmark gallery

Tate Liverpool appoints Belfast's Gilbert-Ash for £29.75m plans

Ireland’s largest rug retailer has opened a new store in the Quay’s Shopping Centre, Newry, creating two new retail jobs. Loom to room specialists Kukoon Rugs, which is already headquartered in Newry at the Carnbane Industrial Estate, will offer over 400 of exclusive designs at the new 1,600sq ft concept shop

Ireland’s largest rug retailer returns 'home' with new Newry store expansion

Antrim retail and leisure destination, The Junction, in partnership with new store Dobbies, is on the lookout for Northern Ireland’s most playful pup as it looks to appoint an official doggie toy tester in the run up to Christmas. The successful canine-didate will be paid in treats, toys to the value of £100 and of course, belly rubs

Do you have Northern Ireland’s most playful pup?

Allstate NI and Queen’s University Belfast have launched the Allstate Software Studio, a new purpose-built training facility for software engineering students. Pictured cutting the ribbon are Karen Rafferty, head of school of electronics, electrical engineering and computer science, QUB, Zulfi Jeevanjee, executive vice-president and CIO Allstate, Austen Rainer, professor (education) EEECS, QUB, Stephen McKeown, vice president and managing director Allstate NI, Helen Carrick, assistant director (philanthropy) QUB and Ryan Feeney, vice-president strategic engagement and external affairs, QUB. Credit PressEye

Allstate Software Studio opens at Queen’s University Belfast

New Subway store opens in Rushmere Shopping Centre

The new President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland Darren Toombs pictured with the presidential and chief executive team including Brian Archer, senior vice president and Colin Mitchell, junior vice president

New president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland appointed

Along with a record year of sales, Jollyes is set to open its 99th store at Connswater Shopping Centre in Belfast. Pictured are Jollyes CEO Joe Wykes with spaniel puppy Teddy

New Belfast store opening revealed as Jollyes accelerates growth

Jeremy Eakin, a Non-Executive Director at Eakin Healthcare Group, is set to share the company’s incredible growth story with members of NI Chamber at a ‘Grow with Danske Bank’ event on Wednesday, December 6. Pictured are Gillian McAuley, Eakin Healthcare Group, Jeremy Eakin, Eakin Healthcare Group, Suzanne Wylie, NI Chamber and Julie Skelly, Danske Bank

Eakin Healthcare Group chef to share the company’s incredible growth story

Translink staff on the picket line at the Europa Bus Station in Belfast on 1 December 2023. Unite, GMB and SIPTU union members voted in favour of the strike over what they have described as a "pay freeze".
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Bus and train strikes: Businesses report drop in takings and staffing problems

Globally recognised lifestyle retailer Miniso has officially opened its third store in Northern Ireland in Rushmere Shopping Centre, creating 15 new jobs as part of a major expansion plan supported by Ulster Bank. Owners of the Miniso franchise in Northern Ireland, Stuart Dixon and Trevor Finlay, pictured with senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank, Leona McNicholl

Miniso opens third store in Northern Ireland thanks to six-figure investment

The Foxes Den has been acquired by one of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality companies, Nightcap Event Group, marking an exciting new chapter for the Jubilee Road based establishment. Pictured are Declan Holmes and Dean McFarland, founders of Nightcap Event Group

Nightcap continues expansion with takeover of Newtownards restaurant

A major renovation and restoration of the 250-year-old Dundonald Old Mill is taking place with a deli shop, café and restaurant set to open in autumn/ winter 2024. Chef/ patron will be Carlos Capparelli (pictured) supported by Yotam Ottolenghi

250-year-old Northern Ireland water mill set for restaurant development

Northern Ireland's first banking hub is set to open next week with four more to help protect access to cash services following the closure of traditional bank branches. The first hub will be located in Kilkeel and is due to open at 47 Greencastle Street at 11am on Wednesday, December 6 by the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, councillor Valerie Hart

Northern Ireland’s first banking hub opening date confirmed with more to follow

Nine companies from across Northern Ireland have made it on to this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector on the island of Ireland. Pictured at The Ewart in Belfast are Syndeo co-founders Oliver Lennon and Catherine Ewings with Deloitte partner Aisléan Nicholson

Nine Northern Ireland companies make the 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 50

DASH, a Guernsey-based property company has just completed the sale of Laganside Retail Park for over the asking price of £4.85M

Laganbank Retail Park in Lisburn sold for sum in the excess of £4.85m

The Carrickfergus branch of Lidl. Pic: Google Maps

Green light for new supermarket and drive-through cafe

Morning View

Editorial: The Telegraph newspapers must not fall to the Abu Dhabi bid

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous family-run hospitality venues The Plough Inn Hillsborough is changing ownership to another of the sector’s best-known families, the McGlones of Magherafelt. Celebrating the completion of the deal are Richard Patterson with new owners Ryan McGlone and Henry McGlone. The McGlone family brings a wealth of industry experience to The Plough Inn having successfully founded and developed a number of venues in the mid Ulster area, including Dormans, Mary’s Bar and Secrets

Hillsborough’s iconic Plough Inn acquired by McGlone family

Translink staff on the picket line in Crumlin as 24-hour strike that got under way at midnight is expected to cause extensive disruption across the public transport network on Friday. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Ulster at a standstill: Bus and train drivers striking for 24 hours

Green light to full planning approval for a proposed industrial unit at lands within Invest NI Strabane Business Park at Melmount Road in Strabane. Pictured is a CGI of the factory

Planning approval granted for new factory at NI business park

After almost 45 years building The Plough Group into one of the most successful hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, brothers William and Richard Patterson have sold The Plough Inn. Credit ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd

End of an era at The Plough in Hillsborough after almost 45 years

The Financial Services Union has intensified their campaign against the proposal by Ulster Bank to close ten bank branches in Northern Ireland. Pictured is John O’Connell, general secretary of the FSU

FSU step up campaign to reverse Ulster Bank decision to close 10 NI banks

Almac Discovery and Queen’s University Belfast have announced a five-year project to develop a new chemoproteomics centre of excellence for drug discovery. The multi-million-pound facility, which is jointly funded by Almac Discovery and a BBSRC Prosperity Partnership award, is a first of its kind in Northern Ireland and will be located at Queen’s

Almac and Queen’s launch multi-million-pound chemoproteomics facility in Belfast

MRP celebrates 'topping out' of new student residence in England