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Retail NI has urged shoppers to ensure they are complying with the law as they shop. If not, they could get a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60 (or £30 if paid within two weeks).

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts:

“Retail NI and our members will work with the Executive to get this message out to consumers that it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops. We have produced posters for our members to display in their stores, which encourages shoppers to comply with this law”

“Retailers and their staff are not required to police or enforce the wearing of face coverings and it will be the individual responsibility of shoppers to comply with this law”

“We hope that shoppers will show understanding and respect to each other and remind them that a significant number of people with a medical condition are exempt from wearing face covers”

“The wearing of face covers will be difficult for some customers, but we must all play our part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and ensure a second wave is avoided”

“Our members will continue to play their part to ensure the shopping experience is safe and enjoyable for all consumers”

NR wants to hear our readers views. Please email julie.nash@pentonpublications.co.uk and let us know how your customers are facing up to the new requirements in-store or at your door.

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The strategic partnership and acquisition agreement announced in May 2017 by Dawn Meats and Dunbia has been completed, with all relevant regulatory clearances approved.

Dawn has agreed a strategic partnership with Dunbia to establish a joint venture in the UK comprising the UK operations of both organisations.

The combined UK businesses now trade as Dunbia and are managed by former Dunbia CEO Jim Dobson as CEO, and Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne as Executive Chairman. The new brand and logo for the joint venture was recently unveiled to staff and customers at the business’s headquarters in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

In the Republic of Ireland, Dawn has acquired Dunbia’s operations, and now has nine facilities (including 5 abattoirs), following the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities – one abattoir in Slane, and one boning hall in Kilbeggan.

The combined businesses in the UK and Ireland will process approximately 900,000 cattle and 2.6 million sheep annually.

Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats said:

“We are very pleased to have successfully concluded this process and can now look to deliver the benefits that we believe this transaction will bring for our customers, staff and suppliers. Our focus will continue to be on quality and sustainability across 3 leading national businesses: Dawn Meats in Ireland, Dunbia in the UK and Elivia in France.”

The combined businesses in the UK are highly complementary, and will offer customers regionally sourced solutions for both beef and lamb from 15 facilities across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Jim Dobson, CEO of Dunbia said:

“I am excited today to be introducing a fresh look for the new Dunbia business in the UK. The partnership will ensure that we can grow as a leading supplier in the UK market and deliver long-term solutions for our customers and a strong relationship with our farmer suppliers.”

The post Dawn Meats and Dunbia Meats Deal Completed first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The post Events first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

AS the tourism and hospitality sector in Northern Ireland sets its sights on a July 3 reopening date, local company Mercury Security and Facilities Management (MSFM) is helping businesses open their doors safely to staff and public.

Mercury has been working around the clock to support businesses since the outbreak of COVID-19 and now, with many retail outlets already open and dates in place for the licensed and hospitality trade,  the company is helping organisations get back to work as restrictions ease.

As well as providing security solutions to protect empty properties during lockdown, MSFM also offers a specialised deep cleaning service and supplies sanitisation stations to help organisations minimise risk to staff and visitors.

In addition, the Mercury TC-1 thermal camera offers much-needed reassurances to returning companies and staff by enabling the speedy detection of a high body temperature – one of the first symptoms of Coronavirus – in just under a second.

Mercury CEO Frank Cullen welcomed the re-opening of retail and hospitality outlets but also urged caution.

“This is great and very welcome news for our tourism industry and the wider economy,” said Frank, “and it’ll be wonderful to see our hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes open again and bustling with good craic.

“However, we all must be careful and ensure that proper procedures and ‘fit-for-purpose’ safety solutions are in place as we open our doors and go forward.  We’ve heard of hotels, bars and restaurants in Florida closing their doors just one week after reopening and need to be sure this doesn’t happen here.

“Our COVID-19 packages will help take the strain off business owners and ensure that everything is done in a safe and compliant manner.”

For further information on Mercury’s COVID-19 packages, email enquiries@msfm.biz or call 028 9262 0518.

The post Welcome back… but let’s do it the right way! first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.