RECENTLY I was asked to provide images of a business tour of MJM Marine’s premises in Newry for the Institute of Directors.
MJM Marine excel at fitting out cruise ships and ferries across the world to the highest of standards. Their location in Newry gives them perfect access to the UK and southern Irish markets, and they now have a firm footing in the world market for their field of expertise. Since opening in 1983 they have come a long way and are now recognised as world leaders in what they do.
As my work takes me to different locations on a regular basis I was delighted to get the chance to hear of a Newry Chamber business operating in a global market.
Following a digital presentation of the history of the company and its plans for the future, members of the institute were invited to tour the facilities of the factory, with two large groups getting the undivided attention of Naoimh McAteer (Rathbane Group, managing director) and CEO Gary Annett as they visited the various departments within the MJM Marine complex.
Speaking from my own perspective it was fascinating to hear how a global business operates; the logistics involved in working at many locations across the world while at the same time organising hundreds of staff, and the planning that goes into bringing a ship in to start a complete re-fit, something which starts years ahead of the actual work taking place.
Gary and Naoimh were happy to take and answer questions during the tour while I got busy trying to find a few different angles to snap a photo from while trying not to interrupt the flow of the tour.
Thankfully the workplace was well lit from a photographer’s perspective and while snapping pictures I was also able to hear what goes on in the various areas of the business we visited.
It was also great to bump into Deborah Loughran of King Communications, a former staff member at MJM Marine, now excelling at business communications with King Communications and helping put Newry and the greater Newry area on the map with her connections to Newry Chamber as well.
Deborah is no stranger to the stage either, often acting as MC for the chamber at events throughout the year and offering a very professional service when called on.
On that note it was also good to see Newry Chamber President Edwina Flynn, whose enthusiasm for her role is evident from every function I am lucky enough to cover for the chamber. Edwina is a proud advocate for the area, shouting from the rooftops about the great businesses around Newry – she was rushing off for another appointment just as the tour ended and members settled in for a nice bite of lunch and connecting – I wouldn’t do her job for a fortune!!! lol
Now getting on to a bit of photography talk.
I was delighted with the way my new camera performed in terms of image quality and capture – last year I delved into the world of mirrorless cameras, purchasing the Canon R6 Mk II. Having been very happy with its performance I have just purchased a second – as a professional photographer back-up options needs to be close at hand in the event of an accident or equipment failure, so it made sense to purchase another one.
Strange to say it, but my No. 3 camera is now my amazing Canon 5D Mk IV, an absolute beast of a camera which I’ve shot with for a past five years, and absolutely love. But the R6’s give me a bit more range in poor lighting situations and as such will be my go to mates for the next few years.
A few new lenses, drone and studio light have also been added to the arsenal – that’s me all set up for a busy 2025!!
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