Force Communications Centre Business Manager Louise Fraser said: 'This is excellent news and helps to show the potential of the new 101 service.

BBC: Tayside Police praise public for embracing new 101 number

"To us and the companies we support, speed makes a massive difference, " said Mary McCrory, ICT and business development manager at the centre.

BBC: Rural county sees struggles with speed

Business development manager Helen Taylor from Boots Centre for Innovation was at the event hoping to spot something to develop and sell in the high street store.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Inventors reveal their new ideas

Peter Murray, manager of the Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry, told RTE that business had been good on Tuesday.

BBC: Striking workers head north for bargains

Les Byard, manager of St Tydfils shopping Centre in Merthyr Tydfil and also chair of the town's business club, told BBC Radio Wales that free parking would be ideal.

BBC: Car parking sign