Omagh Chamber would like to encourage it’s members and likers to follow the link below to petition for the return of the A5 Route Upgrade. The A5 upgrade represents so much more than a means of travel. It’s an infrastructure investment the likes of which we may never know again. Omagh Chamber views this project as more than vital to the local economy, it is essential for continued development of our county town to city status. Jobs, Inward Investment, Education and Services all require arterial route support to be fit for purpose otherwise those services and jobs will be located elsewhere.

Follow and share these links for the [Action For A5 Petition] and [follow Action For A5 on Facebook.]

STAFF and pupils at Omagh Integrated Primary School were celebrating yesterday (Tuesday) after the Minister for Education, John O’Dowd, officially gave the ‘green light’ to plans for a long-awaited multi-million pound new school build away from its existing site just off the Dublin Road. 

The welcome news means that the 23-year-old school can now proceed to the next stage of its design and build programme that will enable the school to obtain outlying planning permission for the new site on the Crevenagh Road, located directly adjacent to Drumragh Integrated College. Whilst no definitive date has yet been given for when funding for the new build – estimated at around £6 million – will become available, it is understood that it could be within a two year timeframe.

(from http://www.tyronecon.co.uk/articles/news/31804/ministerial-go-ahead-for-new-omagh-school-build/)

The go-ahead for Omagh Integrated PS was one of 22 school building projects granted approval to proceed by the Minister on Tuesday morning as part of a potential £220 million capital build programme. Among the list of other schools given the ministerial seal of approval are Strabane Academy and Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh in Strabane. Speaking about the overall investment, the Minister said: “In June last year, I set out my Department’s capital investment plans, which at that time included an investment of over £133 million in 18 new build projects. I am now announcing a further 22 projects to be advanced in planning representing a substantial potential investment of some £220million. “The projects are aimed at either addressing serious or substandard accommodation inadequacies, or at effecting agreed rationalisation of the schools estate. I am pleased to announce that Omagh Integrated Primary School will be one of the projects that can now proceed in planning.”

Construction
The Minister highlighted that the authorisation to proceed with construction on each project would be based on the level of capital funding availability at that time and all necessary approvals being obtained.
Mr O’Dowd also announced that the School Enhancement Programme, aimed at refurbishing or extending existing schools and worth up to £40million over the next two years, was being opened to applications.
He said: “I have previously made it clear that the capital budget available meant we had to do more with the existing estate. That is why I established the Schools Enhancement Programme and I am pleased that I can now open the programme for applications. The available funding will be prioritised on projects aimed at improving existing facilities and enabling structural changes needed across the estate.” Meanwhile, in the run-up to his announcement, the minister also re-affirmed his commitment to the planned Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus in Omagh which, he said, remained ‘a priority’ for the Department, as he outlined a new build replacement project proposal for Arvalee School and Rersource Centre on the Lisanelly site.

Delighted
Expressing his delight at the news on his school, the principal of Omagh Integrated PS, Mr Nigel Cairns, said the latest development would enable an ‘integrated school estate’ from nursery and primary right up to post-primary and post-16 within Omagh. Stating that the staff and pupils were elated by the minister’s seal of approval, which he described as ‘a long time coming’, Mr Cairns, told the Tyrone Constitution: “The minister’s announcement today (Tuesday) now progresses us to the next stage of the design and build programme, which will hopefully enable us to attain outlying planning permission for the site. It really allows us to move forward with what an actual design for the new build might look like and progresses us to the desired position of when the funding becomes available we will be ready to roll. “The decision to allow us to proceed with the new build at its location on the Crevenagh Road, adjacent to Drumragh Integrated College, will enable a full integrated school estate in Omagh from nursery and primary to post-primary and post-16. We are absolutely delighted with this, the staff are almost in disbelief after waiting for so long for this day. The school is now in its 23rd year and has been operating from temporary mobiles for all of that time, so it always aspired to a permanent plan, but we did so with a cohesive plan that would not only enable the school the grow, but also integrated education as a whole.

Great News
“It is just great news for the entire school community and the children truly deserve it.” Meanwhile, also welcoming the minister’s announcement, West Tyrone UUP MLA, Ross Hussey, said: “I am delighted to hear that Omagh Integrated Primary is on the list for a new school build, as well as Strabane Academy. ”This is fantastic news for West Tyrone and will be a huge boost to the local economy, helping also to bolster employment within the construction trade. I’m glad to see Minister O’Dowd delivering on this and that it I’m certain that it will be of a great benefit, both in terms of education and employment, across the district.” Also expressing delight at the news Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA, Declan McAleer, said: “I have visited the school on a number of occasions along with our MP and the former Education Minister Caitriona Ruane. The learning environment and the effort made by staff in less than satisfactory accommodation is hugely impressive. Omagh Integrated PS are in need of a new build and today’s announcement marks an important milestone towards getting the new school building which they thoroughly deserve.” SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, Joe Byrne, meanwhile, said the announcement would not only be welcomed by the school themselves, but ‘will be welcomed by the construction industry in the area also’. “I congratulate the pupils, staff and governors of Omagh Integrated Primary School as well as Strabane Academy and Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh PS in Strabane. This is a welcome boost for these schools and I wish them well with their new builds,” he said.

http://ulsterherald.com/2013/01/14/1-9-million-investment-secures-omagh-jobs/

AN investmentof £1.9 million has been secured for the creation of a new Rivers Agency regional office in Omagh.

Confirmation of the money secures the jobs of the 59 people who currently work in the Woodside Avenue office in the town.

Enabling works to prepare the new site on St Julian’s Road will commence this month with a completion date of September 2014.
Wonderful news.

Announcing the investment West Tyrone MLA, Declan McAleer, who is a member of the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) committee in Stormont said this is “wonderful news” for both the 59 Rivers Agency staff based in Omagh and the wider construction industry locally.

The Sinn Féin representative added, “We fully welcome confirmation of this significant investment by DARD Minister, Michelle O’Neill.

“We have known for some time that the existing facilities on Woodside Avenue are not fit for purpose. Most of these buildings were constructed in the 1960s, they are cramped and are separated by a work yard through which cars and heavy machinery pass.”

Omagh Chamber of Commerce/Ulster Herald Business Person of the Year Award
 PATSY KELLY, KELLY’S INN

 Best Start Up Business Award – Sponsored by Omagh Enterprise
 WINNER: TYRONE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
Best Start Up Business Award Highly Commended – Loughlion Design and ROCO Magazine

Excellence in Marketing Award – Sponsored by Creative Media
 Joint WINNERS: MAIN STREET, OMAGH & LAVENDER HEALTH SPA
Excellence in Marketing Award Highly Commended – Sarah Fyffe Photograghy

Growth through Export Award – Sponsored by Invest NI
 Winner: TELESTACK LTD
Growth through Export Award Highly Commended – Boyd Bedding and Herbst Machinery Ltd

 Excellence in Customer Service Award – Sponsored by the First Trust Bank
 Winner: SALLY’SBISTRO
Excellence in Customer Service Award Highly Commended – Riverfront Coffee House and Loughtec IT Solutions

Excellence in Business Practice Award – Sponsored by ABAC, Chartered Accountants
 Winner: JMG SYSTEMS LTD
Excellence in Business Practice Award Highly Commended – Classic Marble (Showers) Ltd and Jones McGirr & Co Ltd

Retailer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Omagh District Council
 WINNER: CARINO SHOE BOUTIQUE
Retailer of the Year Award Highly Commended – Phoenix Optical and The Loft Bridal

The Green Award – Sponsored by Bio G Ireland
 Winner: CLANABOGAN CAMPHILL COMMUNITY
The Green Award Highly Commended – ADP Architects and Winters Renewables

An impressive gathering of over 200 members of the Omagh and District business community gathered in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, on Friday evening last to celebrate the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner and the Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Ulster Herald’s Omagh Business Awards 2012.

With local comedian Terry Keyes as Master of Ceremonies for the night, the glittering occasion featured video presentation of the short-listed nominees before the winner in each category was announced. In the Ultimate accolade of a night of business honors, Patsy Kelly of Kellys Inn, Garvaghey was named as Omagh Business Person of the Year.

The formal speeches of the evening were delivered by Omagh Chamber’s President, Kevin Martin, Editor of the Ulster Herald, Nigel McDonagh and Will McKee, entrepreneur , author and motivational speaker before the formal part of the evening concluded with the announcement and presentation of the Omagh Business Awards by the sponsors of the various categories.

Kevin Martin, President of Omagh of Commerce, hailed the evening as an ‘outstanding success’, illustrating business strength and creativity that exists throughout the local area.

 Mr Martin said, “I am delighted that the Omagh Business Awards were an outstanding success. Despite the difficult economic times the event was sold out and we had a full capacity attendance”.

“The Business Awards celebrate the wealth and diversity of the business talent and the entrepreneurial spirit that exists within Omagh and the surrounding district. They are a recognition of the exceptional talent of the business men and women of Omagh. The Business Awards are also a badge of the confidence and pride that we have in our town and district. They send a clear message to the wider community in Northern Ireland and beyond that Omagh is an exciting place to do business”.

“The Awards demonstrate that we in Omagh are more than capable of creating dynamic, innovative and successful world-class businesses. The Awards are all about celebrating that success and each and every one of businesses who took part should be proud of what they have achieved. They are an inspiring testament to the innovation and creativity of the people of Omagh.”

Nigel McDonagh, Editor, Ulster Herald stated, “The Ulster Herald is delighted to be joint organiser of the Business Awards this year along with Omagh Chamber of Commerce. The gala night last Friday was a huge success for everyone concerned with the local business community being acknowledged for its dedication and entrepreneurialism.”

“The Ulster Herald plays a pivotal role in the local community and backing initiatives such as the awards is crucial and we look forward to the event growing in strength over the coming years.”

If you would like to know more, or for information on how to join Omagh Chamber please contact: Elaine Fyffe at Omagh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), Omagh Enterprise Centre, Great Northern Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 5LU. Tel: 028 82 249 494. Fax: 028 82 249 451. Email: admin@omaghchamber.com Web: www.omaghchamber.com.

(Back L-R) John Wallace, Supervalu, Allan Duncan, Silverbirch Hotel. Oonagh McGirr, Sallys of Omagh, Darren Farnan, Marketing Manager, North-West News Group, Des McCrystall – Push Advertising & Design.
(Front L-R) Elaine Fyffe Harper, Membership Officer, Omagh Chamber of Commerce, Colm MacRory, Spires Art, Sarah Daly, The Daisy Chain

Omagh Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on Tuesday 9th October. The meeting was very well attended with a presentation by Patrick Bogues on behalf of the Safer Streets Campaign. Patrick spoke at length about the eminent relaunch of the Safer Streets CCTV facility which will be a fantastic asset for town centre safety 24/7. Patrick also highlighted the ‘Business Watch‘ scheme which see Omagh have direct links with all the outlying towns and villages throughout the Omagh District Council area. This inter-community connectivity will mean that incidents and emergencies can be relaying instantly via text messaging to all subscribers. This is vital to alert towns and villages about bogus callers, fake bank notes and even missing persons. The scheme is remarkably simple and the subscription starts from only £5.00/mth – undoubtedly incredible value to be in the front line of potentially protecting your business against serious crime.

Patrick Bogues talking about the Omagh Safer Street Initiative

A presentation was also given by Michelle Darcy of Personal Performance Coach.net to encourage us all to take the bull by the horns and attempt shake off the recessionary millstone from our necks. Michelle works extensively with women in business and had lots to say about keeping the work life balance in check as well as many useful hints and tips.

The chamber would like to thank all participants and welcome you to any further meetings. We extend an open invitation to all businesses, big and small, because you are the lifeblood of our community. We need your input.

Also, Michelle Darcy, business mentor and coach, will be delivering a short presentation on the topic “How to get more customers”. Michelle is a member of Omagh Chamber of Commerce and specialises in providing success strategies for successful business people. I will be forwarding an agenda for the meeting and minutes of the previous meeting shortly. If you know of any non members you would like to invite to the above presentations please invite them along.  I would appreciate it if you could RSVP by Monday 8th October.

Many thanks – Elaine

Tickets for this event are £40 each and tables of 8 are £320. As demand for this function is high, and space is limited, I would be grateful if you could indicate how many tickets/tables you would like to reserve.
 
Please find below the running order for the event

• 7pm: Drinks Reception
• 7.30pm sharp: dinner will be served
• Guest Speaker: Mr Will McKee followed by
• Presentation of Omagh Business Awards 2012 and then
• Music by: the Mister Men

We can promise a great night of entertainment and fellowship and I hope that you can join us.

The Category Sponsors for the 2012 Omagh Business Awards have been announced confirming a star studded line up along with main sponsors Ulster Herald and Omagh Chamber of Commerce. The Awards aim to celebrate the success, talent and all that’s good about business in Omagh District.

There are eight award categories for the 2012 Omagh Business Awards:

Retailer of the Year Award, kindly sponsored by Omagh District Council.

This Award is up for grabs among retailers of all sizes displaying ambition, energy, skill and vision to scale the heights of business success. Omagh District Council covers an area of almost 440 square miles, making it the second largest district council area in Northern Ireland with a population of some 52,500 of which 25,000 live in Omagh. It continues to grow, recording over 8% gain in population over the period 2001-08, and is projected to experience 10%-20% gain in population over the period 2012-23.

Omagh continues to have a vibrant urban centre, performing a multi functional role as the prime location for retail, service, administration, leisure and cultural activity. It is the centre of a strong network of vibrant towns, supported by the villages providing a healthy, and balance level of interdependence between settlements.

The Award is recognition of the importance of the retail sector to the local economy and its ability to provide service excellence to our local communities, visitors and tourists. Omagh has developed as a leading commercial regional centre and this is being recognised more and more beyond our District boundaries. This Award is yet another opportunity to showcase Omagh’s large mix of shopping and hospitality and again profiles what is best about Omagh’s Retail Sector.

Excellence in Customer Service Award, kindly sponsored by First Trust Bank.

The judges are looking for customer focused businesses who are committed to the highest levels of service to each and every customer. First Trust Bank is delighted to sponsor the Excellence in Customer Service Award at the Omagh Business Awards 2012, supporting local communities.

Through our branches, we understand the challenges of operating a local business in the current economic environment. Every day our committed, experienced staff builds on their wealth of local knowledge by listening to your local business issues and your local financial requirements. When it comes to our customers we know ‘one size never fits all’ – we take a flexible approach, knowing your business and personal financial needs can and will change over time.

Your business is vital to the local economy and we encourage enterprise by helping customers access finance and by providing tools and guidance to help businesses grow successfully. Decisions, recommendations and expertise are therefore based on regional experience which ensures satisfaction for customers

The local team at First Trust Bank, Omagh, is headed by Tommy Traynor, Branch Manager. “For us it’s about becoming partners with our customers, advising and helping them to achieve their business objectives.” says Tommy. First Trust Bank would like to take this opportunity to wish luck to all participants who have entered the Omagh Business Awards 2012.

Excellence in Business Practice Award, kindly sponsored by ABAC Chartered Accountants.

This award will be seeking out businesses, regardless of size, leading in terms of customer focus, innovation and business development.

ABAC Chartered Accountants are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Excellence In Business Practice’ Award as part of the Omagh Business Awards 2012. Abac is a leading local provider of accountancy and professional advisory services based in Omagh, Co Tyrone and was established to help local businesses succeed.

ABAC particularly specialise in providing proactive business advice to support clients to thrive, even in a harsh economy. We advise our clients in all stages of their development, from start-up right through to business sale. Our aim is to assist our clients in realising and reaching their full potential. ABAC would like to wish organisers Omagh Chamber of Commerce and the Ulster Herald, and each participant every success in this year’s initiative.

Best Start Up Business Award, kindly sponsored by Omagh Enterprise Company.

The recipient will, within the last 2 years, displayed a strategic approach to business and will have good prospects for the future.

Omagh Enterprise Company is delighted to be associated with the Omagh Business Awards 2012 and in particular the ‘Business Start of the Year Award’, given our role in the local community of providing support to new and existing businesses.

The company was established in 1984 as the Local Enterprise Agency for the Omagh District Council area. The aim of the company is to support the creation of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses in the Omagh area. The organisation was formed as a company limited by guarantee with a voluntary board of directors of local business people and is one of 32 local enterprise agencies located across Northern Ireland.

The company currently manages 64,000 square feet of workspace and delivers a wide range of community, enterprise and economic development programmes. The workspace consists of office, manufacturing and hi-tech business units and construction of a 14,000 square feet Innovation Growth Centre commenced in May 2012, providing state of the art accommodation for high-value, knowledge based businesses.

The company wishes all the participants success and congratulates Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the awards which will benefit the small businesses of the area.

 Excellence in Marketing Award, kindly sponsored by Creative Media.

Judges are looking for flair, inventiveness and improvisation through the usual marketing techniques and online tools.

 Creative Media is a boutique design agency that has been successful for over 10 years in the delivery of leading-edge design. Their success is largely down to the passionate, ambitious and talented people involved, but in terms of outcome it is the marriage of people and process that makes them tick.

As a result of their expertise, they are able to offer a design service involving all elements of the industry. They can also provide added-value benefits, such as Web-design, Advertising, Signage, Digital Marketing, Copywriting and Art Direction, as well as their staple offering of design production for print.

 Allied with their strong industry connections and long term partnerships formed with suppliers, PR agencies, publishers and the print, audio and television media, their experience and past record of success all combine to create a unique company.

Creative Media are delighted to sponsor this award and would like to thank Omagh Chamber of Commerce for their tireless efforts, and wish all participants the very best of luck at this years ceremony. 

The Green Award, kindly sponsored by BioG Ireland.

The Green Award is about recognising environmentally friendly businesses. The judges will be looking for the business/company that demonstrates environmental best practice or sustainable development.

BioG Ireland is an Omagh based company which provides biogas renewable energy solutions to customers throughout Northern Ireland. BioG Ireland is the Northern Ireland partner firm of BioG Biogastechnik GmbH based in Austria, whose state of the art anaerobic digester plant has the highest engine operating uptimes in Europe. Working closely with our customers BioG Ireland can provide tailor made designs, technological and project management support to ensure the maximum operating efficiency of the plant.

Leading the way in funding biogas renewable energy BioG Ireland can offer attractive finance packages and our dynamic approach to finance, combined with proven biogas technology, ensures an excellent return on investment.

Growth through Export Award, kindly sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland.

Success in export sales to countries outside NI & GB is a must plus judges will be looking at plans in place to sustain this success.

Invest Northern Ireland is proud, to once again sponsor the Omagh Business Awards. As Northern Ireland’s economic development agency our overall goal is to help create wealth by strengthening the economy and helping it grow. We do this by supporting business development, helping businesses to grow export levels, attracting high quality inward investment, and stimulating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Growth through Export Award celebrates local companies that have successfully grown their business by exporting their goods and services. Growth through Export is a key priority for Invest NI. Our forward plan of work aims to continue to support businesses that need help to break into overseas markets and assist those already exporting to explore other opportunities. Find out more on www.investni.com

Ulster Herald / Omagh Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award.

Judges will be looking for commitment to the enhancement of business life within the District.

Perhaps the most prestigious award of the night will the Business Person of The Year. This award will be presented to a person whos commercial endeavours have helped to enhance Omagh as a place for people to do business.

HOW TO NOMINATE

Any business or individual are invited to nominate themselves or others for any of the categories on offer. The awards are free to enter and open to any business in Omagh and District. Entry forms or online entry are available by logging onto www.ulsterherald.com. The closing date for nominations is 31st August 2012. Self and third party nominations are welcome for all award categories.

The Awards (Click on the award title below to enter online or download a Word application form.)

• Retailer of the Year Award (sponsored by Omagh District Council)
• Excellence in Customer Service Award (sponsored by First Trust Bank)
• Excellence in Business Practice Award (sponsored by ABAC Chartered Accountants)
• The Green Award (sponsored by BIOG Ireland)
• Best Start-up Business Award (sponsored by Omagh Enterprise)
• Excellence through Marketing Award (sponsored by Creative Media)
• Growth Through Export Award (sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland)
• Ulster Herald and Omagh Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award