December 2024
Mackle Petfoods becomes the first large food manufacturer to sign up to the Real Living Wage.
Armagh pet food manufacturer, Mackle Petfoods, has become the first large food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to commit to paying the real Living Wage for employees. The company, which employs 275 staff across three sites in Moy and Dungannon, will now ensure all staff are paid the real Living Wage which is the only wage based on the cost of living, and is a voluntary commitment by businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage to meet their everyday needs. As a result, Mackle Petfoods will now pay all hourly-paid staff a minimum of £12.00 per hour increasing annually in line with wage rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.
Last month Mackle Petfoods gained accreditation as a company committed to paying the Real Living Wage, following a commitment to ensure all staff are paid a wage that reflects their work. It now joins 15,000 employers across the UK, and 121 in Northern Ireland signed up to paying the real Living Wage.
Commenting on the real Living Wage accreditation for Mackle Petfoods, Francesca Murray, HR Manager, said; “Mackle Petfoods are delighted to become the largest food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to make a commitment to pay the real Living Wage. All our staff are already paid above the National Minimum Wage as we recognise their importance within the company. Now by signing up to the real Living Wage, we will now pay all hourly salaried staff a minimum rate above the current Government Minimum Wage. *
This new rate indicates our company commitment to ensuring all staff are paid a fair wage for a fair days work and is an investment in our people as reflected in the salaries of all hourly paid staff. In addition to hourly paid staff, Mackle Petfoods will also ensure that any contractors we work with are paid the real Living Wage too.”
The company is currently recruiting for new staff in various areas, including production operatives. To learn more about Mackle Petfoods commitment to ensuring hourly paid staff earn a real Living Wage visit www.macklepetfoods.com.
The real Living Wage initiative was launched in Northern Ireland in June 2024, with 121 employers already signed up to participate. Across England, Scotland, and Wales. For more information about the Living Wage, visit www.livingwage.org.uk.
*The current National Minimum Wage is set at £10.24 for 2024.
December 2024
Killeen Castle wins Top Customer Excellence Award at Golfers’ Guide to Ireland Awards
Killeen Castle Golf Resort has been recognised nationally for its outstanding commitment to customer service, taking home the Customer Excellence Award at the esteemed Golfers’ Guide to Ireland 2024 Awards. The 31st edition of the coveted awards ceremony was held at the elegant Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort in Dundalk, where industry leaders, enthusiasts and guests gathered to celebrate the very best in Irish golf. The Golfers’ Guide to Ireland is the ultimate all-island directory for golf lovers.
Attendees included notable representatives from the Irish golf community- RTÉ’s golf correspondent, Greg Allen, and Guest of Honour, Des Smyth with Cormac Devlin TD (TBC) present for the prize giving.
Accepting the award on behalf of Killeen Castle, Philip Rock, General Manager, said: -
Killeen Castle’s team embarked on Fáilte Ireland Program Great Places to Work Program using the Global standard Best Workplaces methodology as its basis and their ambition is to build a great workplace culture, employee & customer service experience.
Receiving the Golfers Guide To Ireland Customer excellence award on behalf of the entire team at Killeen Castle is a true indication that the programme is proving a success and is bearing fruit
Having recently been awarded a Great Place to Work certification, he recognised the importance of their committed team members, “Our team members are trained in the delivery of excellence in customer service along with providing outstanding facilities. We are fortunate to retain the team that have successfully delivered a “world class Golf Resort”
Speaking on behalf of the Golfers’ Guide to Ireland, Paddy McCarthy noted that “The increase of online reviews and customer feedback has proven Killeen Castle worthy of this award for golf, F&B and their newly opened lodge accommodation.
Building on its reputation, Killeen Castle is set to embark on an exciting new chapter with plans to transform its 800-year-old castle into County Meath’s first five-star property, located just 30 minutes from Dublin Airport. This strategic investment will enhance its ability to offer unique guest experiences, further cementing its place as a leader in Irish hospitality and golf tourism.
The Customer Excellence Award serves as a testament to the quality that guests can expect at Killeen Castle. Whether it’s a round on the world-class Jack Nicklaus golf course, savouring locally-sourced produce under the guidance of Chef Declan Cronin, or an overnight stay in the luxurious new lodge accommodations, Killeen Castle promises an unforgettable experience.
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