Innovation Enterprise Programme @ Omagh Enterprise

All businesses welcome! Attendance at all events is FREE, however registration is necessary. To register your attendance at any of the above events, please email sharon.tracey@omaghenterprise.co.uk or contact 028 82 249494

This project has been part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

BIOS

John McNamara – CEO of www.sendmode.com

John McNamara is the CEO of www.sendmode.com an award winning online mobile marketing company. A software architect by trade, John has overseen the growth of SendMode from startup in 2009 to an online application performing 8 million transactions per month. SendMode currently has over 3,000 clients worldwide. Prior to Co-founding sendmode.com, McNamara co-founded Daytatree Ltd, an Alcohol and Drug Testing Software Company which was sold in June 2008 to C-Net Technologies in the US. John McNamara graduated from Dublin City University with a first class honours degree in Computer Applications.

Claire Burge – Get Organised www.getorganised.co

Claire Burge is one of those grown up kids that has a never ending fascination with everything that is life; but especially with productivity, tech companies and helping others.  After successfully heading up and exiting Simplify Learning, she now divides her time between Wedding Dates Ltd/Event Engine Ltd, an online lead generation company in the event industry; Get Organised, a consulting company that she heads up with Tracey Foulkes; and her photography.

Ann Rodgers – BA (Hons),Dip MLBC, PECI, ICF, NLPP – Personal Life & Business Coach – www.infinitepeoplesolutions.com

Ann Rodgers is an award winning certified personal life and business coach. She is best known for her dedication to commercial leadership, business growth, increasing profitability and determination to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed especially in today’s turbulent times.

8 May 2012

Finance Minister urges business community – apply now for Empty Premises Relief

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson is encouraging business owners to take advantage of the Empty Premises Relief which came into effect on 1 April 2012. Business ratepayers who move into premises which were previously unoccupied for 12 months or more can claim a one year concession, during 2012/13, that will allow 50% empty property relief to continue for a year. To receive the 50% relief, ratepayers must submit an application to Land & Property Services (LPS) with evidence that the property, when last used, was used for retail purposes.

Speaking about the Empty Premises Relief, Sammy Wilson said: “I have listened carefully to concerns from the local business community about the high number of empty shops in our town centres. Local traders are not only continuing to face harsh economic times, but also a revolution in retailing, with online shopping and bigger stores taking an increasing share of consumer spending.

“The situation is getting worse and we’ve got to work together to address this downward spiral. It’s not good for business, not good for consumer choice and it’s not good for community life. “This relief is unique in the UK and it’s to encourage long term empty shops and other retail premises back into business. I urge anyone thinking of setting up a business in an empty retail unit to consider applying for this concession, to help them get established in the difficult first year. The new business doesn’t have to be retail, it doesn’t have to be town centre and the premises don’t necessarily have to be a traditional shop. Just ask Land & Property Services and they will be happy to advise you about applying.”

 Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said: “These proposals for first year 50% rate relief for companies taking up empty retail proprieties will help both address the problem of vacant shops and support new start businesses in their first critical year of trading. Both this initiative and extending the Small Business Rate Relief schemes are strongly welcomed from our members given the challenging economic climate.”

 Welcoming the Empty Premises Relief Scheme, Omagh Chamber of Commerce President, Christopher Kelly said: “This is a very welcome initiative which should help reduce overheads and help attract businesses back into our town centre’s which have too many vacant properties”.

 Owners of empty properties were sent details of the Empty Premises Relief and application forms by LPS earlier this week. Application forms are available by calling the LPS helpline on 0300 200 7801 or can be downloaded from the NI Business Info website: http://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/emptypremises

Notes to editors:

1. The scheme will effectively allow for 50% rate relief for up to a year once a long term empty retail premises becomes occupied.

2. However, due to European Union (EU) state aid regulations there will be a threshold on the amount of relief. Therefore the relief awarded will be:

• 50% of the rates chargeable in relation to the net annual value (NAV) of the property; or
• An amount which does not contravene the EU State Aid thresholds.

3. Where the property is rented, and the landlord is liable to pay the rates, the landlord must pass the benefit onto the tenants.

4. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9016 3389 or 028 9016 3390. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

You can also follow Nick on Twitter @nick_oe

A Tale Of Two Economies

Each week Nick O’ Shiel, Chief Executive, Omagh Enterprise Company, blogs on issues related to Enterprise and Innovation. This week Nick discusses conflicting reports on the economy.

In recent months there have been a number of reports confirming high levels of unemployment and the difficulties facing the economy. During the same period there have also been a number of reports announcing increased company profits and the creation of new jobs and investments aimed at improving the economy.

The contrast and timing of the reports is difficult to understand, as they are in direct conflict with each other. It would appear therefore that we are experiencing two different economies as the same time.

Traditionally, we are more used to and comfortable with economic commentary that is either positive or negative, rather than the conflicting reality of what is currently happening.

There is no doubt jobs are being lost in the economy and people are feeling a greater sense of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. Similarly, there is no doubt that some companies and sectors are growing, gaining new markets and creating jobs.

Within Europe we have the contrasting situation between what is happening in Greece and what is happening in Germany. Greece continues to struggle to provide basic services for its people while Germany pushes ahead with an increasingly strong economy.

It seems difficult to believe that both types of economy are happening in parallel. Yet, it reflects the reality of what appears to be the emergence of two very different groups within society and it is likely to continue.

One group possesses the skills, education and abilities needed to participate in the new growth economy. The other relies on skills tied to the old economy and suffers from its lack of growth and opportunity.

SO, we will continue to receive conflicting reports on the economy, as it appears we have entered a new phase of parallel stagnation and growth.

What do you think? Which economy are you experiencing? Get in touch! If you have any comments contact Nick on 028 8224 9494 or via Twitter @nick_oec.

You may be aware that we opened a KIA franchise about 18 months ago. At the time, we put a brand new reception counter into the showroom. KIA now have a new corporate identity that we must install. Unfortunately we have to take our ‘good as new’ reception counter out and put in a KIA specific one. It is quite a substantial desk and was designed by an architect to suit the needs at a reception in terms of A4 storage shelves, area to hide monitor, disability access, wiring access, rounded edges, movable storage cupboards etc. It had to meet building control at the time. It was ordered through Petal Post Forming in Irvinestown, a local and reputable firm.

 Although designed specifically for us I believe it will suit any showroom environment. It should screw apart OK so perhaps another business could use all of it /part of it. See pictures attached.

Anyone interested or knows someone else who might be can contact me on number below. We are removing it today/ tomorrow if someone wanted to view it in situ. Afterwards we will have it in storage on site.

Thanks

Damien Maguire – Dealer Principal

TC Autos  | Cookstown Road  |  Omagh  | Co Tyrone  |  N. Ireland  |  BT79 7LP
 t. 028 8224 3451  |  f. 028 8224 7620  |  e. damien@tcautos.biz  |  w. www.tcautos.bi

The following list is a summary of her recommendations:

1. Put in place a “Town Team”: a visionary, strategic and strong operational management team for high streets

2. Empower successful Business Improvement Districts to take on more responsibilities and powers and become “Super-BIDs”

3. Legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their Business Improvement District

4. Establish a new “National Market Day” where budding shopkeepers can try their hand at operating a low-cost retail business

5. Make it easier for people to become market traders by removing unnecessary regulations so that anyone can trade on the high street unless there is a valid reason why not

6. Government should consider whether business rates can better support small businesses and independent retailers

7. Local authorities should use their new discretionary powers to give business rate concessions to new local businesses

8. Make business rates work for business by reviewing the use of the RPI with a view to changing the calculation to CPI

9. Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres and we should have a new parking league table

10. Town Teams should focus on making high streets accessible, attractive and safe

11. Government should include high street deregulation as part of their ongoing work on freeing up red tape

12. Address the restrictive aspects of the ‘Use Class’ system to make it easier to change the uses of key properties on the high street

13. Put betting shops into a separate ‘Use Class’ of their own

14. Make explicit a presumption in favour of town centre development in the wording of the National Planning Policy Framework

15. Introduce Secretary of State “exceptional sign off ” for all new out-of-town developments and require all large new developments to have an “affordable shops” quota

16. Large retailers should support and mentor local businesses and independent retailers

17. Retailers should report on their support of local high streets in their annual report

18. Encourage a contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants by promoting the leasing code and supporting the use of lease structures other than upward only rent reviews, especially for small businesses

19. Explore further disincentives to prevent landlords from leaving units vacant

20. Banks who own empty property on the high street should either administer these assets well or be required to sell them

21. Local authorities should make more proactive use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers to encourage the redevelopment of key high street retail space

22. Empower local authorities to step in when landlords are negligent with new “Empty Shop Management Orders”

23. Introduce a public register of high street landlords

24. Run a high profile campaign to get people involved in Neighbourhood Plans

25. Promote the inclusion of the High Street in Neighbourhood Plans

26. Developers should make a financial contribution to ensure that the local community has a strong voice in the planning system

27. Support imaginative community use of empty properties through Community Right to Buy, Meanwhile Use and a new “Community Right to Try”

28. Run a number of High Street Pilots to test proof of concept

PRESS RELEASE

22 March 2012 NIABT 07/11/12

Connecting Local Businesses is focus of NIABT Omagh Event

The way businesses in Omagh and West Tyrone, can work to promote local economic development was the focus of a Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) event on Thursday 22 March 2012.

The event highlighted how the NIABT can work with local business and organisations such as the local Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who were instrumental in setting up this event.

Speaking after the event, local MLA Barry McElduff said: “Our regional businesses are central to improving the local economy both from an employment perspective and also by helping to rebalance our economy. The NIABT plays a vital role in bringing together local business leaders with those in political life who are in a position to bring forward policies that will help improve our economic prospects.

“In this challenging economic climate it is particularly important that MLAs take every opportunity to connect with businesses in their own constituencies and to understand the very particular issues and concerns affecting the local economy. MLAs are responsible for developing sound economic policy and legislation which will serve to help local businesses grow and thrive. The opportunity to network and to share experiences at an event such as this is an excellent starting point.”

Local MLA Thomas Buchanan was also present and said: “As a local MLA, I was delighted to be here tonight and to have met with so many local business representatives. It was also heartening to see the resilience of local companies, many of whom are working hard to seek new and innovative ways of making their businesses succeed and prosper in an uncertain financial climate.

“The important role that the NIABT plays in creating opportunities for mutual understanding and learning between MLAs and local businesses cannot be under estimated. The regular NIABT seminars, educational visits and briefings are instrumental in providing a platform for knowledge sharing and increased awareness. With over 60 local businesses represented here tonight, I hope that many will take this opportunity to find out more about how the NIABT works and importantly how it may serve to offer help and support in the future.”

The NIABT Omagh dinner attracted representatives from a large number of companies based in the local Omagh and wider Tyrone area and gave them an opportunity to get to know and forge better working links with their MLAs.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Omagh NIABT Event

This event has been organised by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) in conjunction with the Omagh Chamber of Commerce.

In attendance at this event were local MLAs Thomas Buchanan MLA, Phil Flanagan MLA, Ross Hussey MLA, Barry McElduff MLA, Pat Doherty MLA and Michaela Boyle MLA.

The event was attended by over 60 local business representatives.

About the NIABT

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) works to forge links with, and promote the exchange of knowledge and information between, local businesses and parliamentarians in Northern Ireland and in Europe. Open to businesses from all sectors and of all sizes, the NIABT organises activities including breakfast briefings, educational visits, fellowships and seminars and an annual European visit.

NIABT aims:

to provide Assembly Members (MLAs) with a better insight into how local businesses work, helping them to make informed judgements when reviewing Department policy and legislation relating to the local economy.

to improve the business community’s understanding of how the Assembly and devolution work and how policy and legislation is developed.

Media enquiries to:

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile: 078 998 64368

Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust would like to invite Omagh Chamber of Commerce members  to a Business Dinner on Thursday 22nd March 2012 at 7.00pm in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) works to forge links with, and promote the exchange of knowledge and information between, local businesses and parliamentarians here and in Europe.

Open to businesses from all sectors and sizes, the NIABT organises activities including breakfast briefings, educational visits, fellowships and seminars and an annual European visit.

N.I.A.B.T. aims:

• to provide Assembly Members (MLAs) with a better insight into how the local business sector operates, helping them to make informed judgements on policy and legislation relating to the local economy;
• to improve the business community’s understanding of how the Assembly and devolution work
• and how policy and legislation is initiated and developed.

Membership

The NIABT wishes to engage with businesses from all regions of Northern Ireland to help promote partnership between MLAs and businesses.
For further details on the work of the NIABT, including the membership process, please consult the website at www.niabt.org

Please find below details for the dinner.

7:00pm                 Drinks reception

7:30pm                 Opening remarks by NIABT Chair

7:35pm                 Guest speaker (to be confirmed)

7:45pm                 3 course Dinner served

9:30pm                 Close

This event is complimentary to Chamber members and places are limited. If you would like to reserve places at this event please contact me on the details below.

Elaine Fyffe Harper
Membership Officer
Omagh Chamber of Commerce
Omagh Enterprise Company
Great Northern Road
Omagh
BT78 1LU

Tel: 028 82249494 (Ext 259)
Mob: 07734389484
email – admin@omaghchamber.com
www.omaghchamber.com
www.facebook.com/omaghchamber