going international

going international
members' success in european markets
MARCH 2012. ISSUE 3
Chamber Link
policy
training
events
IN THIS ISSUE:
Implementation of Jobs Plan
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Coaching in the Workplace
promotion
international
REGULAR FEATURES:
Members News
Upcoming events
New Members
works for your business
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Chamber Link
policy
training
events
promotion
siness
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for yo
international
Dear Chamber Member
Welcome to the March edition of Chamberlink which will keep you informed
on current activities at the Chamber and new developments from your fellow
members. Our main feature this month focuses on local success stories from
companies concentrating on expanding internationally while the members
news section is filled with awards, product launches, premises openings and
new appointments.
contents
policy
4
Implementation of the Jobs Plan
5
Local Enterprises Offices &
Northside Economic Development
Strategy
A delegation from the Chamber recently met with Minister Bruton and Minister
Rabbitte advocating the implementation of the Action Plan on Jobs and
international connectivity as well as the future of local enterprise offices and
Cork Airport.
events
The services offered by the Chamber are varied and aimed at providing as
comprehensive a service as possible to members. We are delighted to announce
the launch of a new Mentoring for Female Entrepreneurs programme which will
be operated by the Enterprise Europe Newtwork and a new course, Coaching in
the Workplace has been added to the Biznetcork training schedule.
international
We would like to thank all members who have recently renewed their
membership. The 2012 Membership Badge is now available for your use on your
website and promotional products as a visible sign of your commitment to your
business and to business in the Cork region.
Stay informed by receiving the weekly eBulletin, join the Chamber LinkedIn
group, follow us on Twitter or check out www.corkchamber.ie or all the news
and updates from the Chamber and members.
Best regards,
Conor
6
Breakfast Briefing - Aer Lingus
7
Upcoming Events
8
Business After Hours
10
Mentoring for Female
Entrepreneurs Programme
11
Info-2-Innovate Seminar &
Consultation & Review of Data
Retention Directive
cover story
12
The secret of small business
success in international markets
media
13
Recent Media Coverage
training
14
New Course: Coaching in the
Workplace
15
Upcoming Training Courses
promotion
Conor Healy
Chief Executive
conor@corkchamber.ie
16
Newly Appointed
17
Members News
connecting
22
New Members
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Chamber Link
policy
Chamber calls for implementation of Jobs Plan in Meetings with Ministers
In February the Chamber attended the open meeting with
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton T.D.
regarding the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs. A Chamber
delegation also held a private meeting with Minister Bruton
which discussed a number of issues. The Chamber called on the
Government to focus on the realistic and timely implementation
of key priorities contained within the Action Plan for Jobs 2012
and outlined the need for Government to set minimum targets
for unsecured lending.
It is critical that key priority actions within the Plan’s 275
measures are implemented as a matter of urgency. It is also
essential that direct responsibility is assigned to specific entities
for the delivery of these actions to ensure their appropriate
execution.
The Chamber highlighted the role that regional gateways such
as Cork can play in national recovery, citing projects such as
Cork Docklands and the proposed Cork Science Innovation and
Technology Park, but called on Government to identify a limited
number of gateways which have immediate potential to be
developed as regional engines of national growth and resource
them with a gateway capital funding envelope to maximise job
outputs in the 2012 – 2015 period.
As communicated in a recent meeting with Minister Hogan,
Cork Chamber urged Minister Bruton to rebalance the pressure
of rates and local authority charges on business using the
additional revenues generated from the introduction of domestic
water charges and the property tax. This would sustain current
jobs and create new jobs over the next number of years.
The Chamber also attended a meeting with Minister for
Small Jobs John Perry T.D. as part of the Minister’s regional
consultations discussing November’s Mazars’s report on SME
lending. The Minister and his officials were told of relevant
findings in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey and
the need for new unsecured lending. According to the latest
Chamber quarterly economic survey, 77% of members are not
confident that Government is taking adequate measures to
increase business access to capital.
It is disappointing that the roll-out of the temporary targeted
partial credit guarantee scheme will not take place until the
second quarter of 2012. In light of this, it is even more important
that provision is made for a minimum amount of unsecured
lending to be set as part of the annual lending commitments
from the banks. Businesses cannot survive on term loans alone,
they need working capital and there is an onus on Government
to make this happen.
Chamber met with Minister Pat Rabbitte
Minster for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Pat Rabbitte T.D. met with a delegation representing Cork
Chamber, IT@Cork and Energy@Cork in February. The meeting
discussed international connectivity, the potential of the
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and backhaul costs. The role
of telecommunications infrastructure in attracting investment
and the jobs potential of the ICT sector was highlighted. The
Minister was also briefed on the work of the Chamber and other
organisations on the Energy@Cork steering group to build on the
unique economic and employment opportunities for the Cork Area
Strategic Plan (CASP) region to secure competitive advantage in
the energy area.
John Mullins, President Cork Chamber welcomes Pat Rabbitte T.D., Minister for
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources.
4
•
•
Alma Murnane, Policy & Research Manager
e: alma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530147
Seán O’Leary, Policy & Research Executive
e: sean@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530143
Northside Economic Development
Strategy
Transition Year Business Projects 2012
launched
Cork City Development Board has invited the Chamber to
nominate members with an interest in the Northside of the city
to become involved in the development of a Northside Economic
Development Strategy. Those who joined the group developing
the strategy are: Kevin Condon (DNG Kevin Condon Estate
Agents); Dermot Walsh (Atrium Business Centre); Carla Manning
(CACM Accountants) and Veronica Murphy (The Discovery
Partnership). The vision is to support new and existing enterprise
development and create employment through a multi-layered
strategy led by Cork City Council, which is evidence based and
attractive to potential inward investors. The strategy will look to
exploit opportunities for locally based community enterprise
focused on local service needs. The strategy will be developed
in conjunction with the economic element of the Northwest
regeneration plan approved in November 2011.
Cork Chamber and University College Cork’s College of Business
& Law have launched the Transition Year Business Project Awards
for 2012. This year's awards, kindly sponsored by Bank of New
York Mellon will focus on entrepreneurship.
The closing date for entries is 30th March with the prize giving
ceremony on 24th April.
To apply for the awards, Transition Year students must submit
a 1,500 word project based on their experience with their Mini
Company/Enterprise or School Bank. The prize for this year’s
winning team is a €1,000 cheque for their school.
(see advert on inside cover for more information)
Local Enterprise Offices
As part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 the Minister for the
Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan,
T.D., announced plans to transfer City and County Enterprise
Board structures to Local Authorities around the country.
The new structure of local enterprise offices, (LEOs) will build on
the significant work done by the county enterprise boards (CEBs)
to date. It will be achieved through the dissolution of the existing
CEBs and the creation of a new micro enterprise and small
business unit within Enterprise Ireland that is intended to work
with the local authorities to establish a local enterprise office in
each local authority. The local enterprise offices will be staffed
with a combination of local authority and CEB officials.
The new LEOs are to offer:
•
Local business advisory services (licensing, regulation,
planning, etc); Information and support for accessing the
local procurement process
•
Close coupling to NEES*/SOLAS** services (referrals,
access to training/development/recruitment); Access to
micro-business supports/incentives (finance, innovation,
marketing, mentoring, management development)
•
Progression for high-growth companies to appropriate
Enterprise Ireland supports.
Cork Chamber has written to Minister Hogan and regional elected
representatives regarding the new structures for local enterprise
support. The Chamber also discussed the new structures while
meeting Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard
Bruton T.D.
Given the direct, significant and regular interactions of Chambers
with their respective Local Authorities, Cork Chamber has
recommended that Chambers should be given the right to
nominate representatives to an oversight committee structure
that should be put in place for individual LEOs at their respective
Local Authority level.
Chambers have extensive experience of interacting with Local
Authorities as key stakeholders in a wide range of contexts. Our
central role as the representative of business at the local level
has been recognised by the Department of the Environment,
Community and Local Government in nominating Chambers
as the co-ordinator of business pillar nominations to County
Development Boards and Strategic Policy Committees.
LEOs represent a new departure for Local Authorities and for
Chambers. In the view of the national Chamber network it
will be very important for the local business community to
be represented at oversight level by individuals representing
business interests. In doing so, we believe that Chamber
representatives will be able to bring a business perspective to
the work of individual LEOs underlining the need for measurable
action based on strong business case/financial analyses and a
focus on meaningful results.
*National Employment and Entitlements Service
**Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanunaigh agus Scileanna
works for your business
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Chamber Link
events
Cork Chamber Leadership Forum in association with
Cork Chamber and Deloitte partnered up for the Cork Chamber
Leadership Forum, which was held in the Maryborough Hotel &
Spa on Monday 5th March and featured a key note address from
the Secretary General at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise &
Innovation, Mr John Murphy.
John Mullins, President Cork Chamber with John Murphy, Secretary General Department of
Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation and Ger Lyons, Deloitte. (Photographs: John Sheehan)
John O'Flynn, Deloitte; Michael Barry, Barry & Fitzwilliam and Frankie
Whelehan, Kasterlee.
Dan O'Sullivan, Maryborough Hotel & Spa with Ger White,
KBC Bank.
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Mr Murphy told the forum of the Department’s key role in job
creation and planning for long-term sustainable economic
development. Mr. Murphy discussed the Government’s recently
published Action Plan for Jobs 2012, which contains 275 actions
to be implemented in 2012 by all Government Departments, and
the Plan’s emphasis on implementation and monitoring.
Conall MacAongusa, Transport & Innovation with Mike Sheehan and Honor Moore
from Deloitte.
Sean Gayer, Option Wireless; Dr Brendan Murphy, President CIT; Ger Lyons, Deloitte and Bob
Savage, EMC with John Murphy, Secretary General Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.
Brendan O'Regan, Zenith Technologies; Theo Cullinane, BAM
Contractors and Mike Madonia, Quest International Software.
Denis Collins, IBM Business Continuity and
Donal Clancy, QUINN-healthcare.
•
Leigh Gillen, Events Manager
e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133
Upcoming Events - Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie
Business Breakfast Briefing in association with
The Cork Chamber March Business Breakfast will take place on Thursday 22nd March at
7.30am and will feature Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork as the
guest speaker.
Brendan has been Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company since December 2002.
Prior to that he was City Manager in Limerick for four years, as well as previously holding
the role of Assistant City Manager in Cork. In the position of Chief Executive, Brendan’s
primary focus has been on the development and growth of business along with planning
port infrastructure. His commitment to the delivery of higher levels of efficiency and
quality of port services has been central to the continued success of the company.
Guest Speaker: Brendan Keating,
Chief Executive, Port of Cork
Clarion Hotel
Thursday 22nd March
7.30am-9.00am
€20 members/€35 non-members
The Port of Cork is the key seaport in the South of Ireland and has made impressive
strides in recent decades. Join with your fellow Chamber members to hear Brendan talk
about the Port’s key role in Cork’s infrastructure, as well as outlining the Port’s plans and
potential for the future.
If you work in the transport, trade or export industries, or if your company supports these
sectors, this event will be of particular interest to you.
Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Business After Hours at the Gresham Metropole Hotel
Cork Chamber will host the April Business After Hours at the Gresham Metropole Hotel
on Wednesday 4th April from 6pm – 8pm and will be a “dedicated” networking event,
free of charge for Chamber members.
The Gresham Metropole Hotel is one of Cork’s best known Conference & Meetings
Hotels. Since opening for business in 1897 the Gresham Metropole Hotel has developed
a reputation as a distinctively unique conference and meetings facility of the highest
standard, providing efficient friendly service with an attention to detail that is second
to none. The Gresham Metropole Hotel has 12 meeting rooms which are ideally suited
for small, medium and large sized events, from intimate private dinners, small business
meetings, new product launches to conferences and elegant formal events.
Wednesday 4th April
Gresham Metropole Hotel (Douglas
Vance Suite)
6.00pm-8.00pm
FREE for Cork Chamber Members
This is a unique opportunity to see all that the Gresham Metropole has to offer to Cork
Chamber members in terms of quality meeting, conference and banqueting facilities.
Join with your fellow Chamber members to view the potential at this famous Cork hotel.
As always, there will be a dedicated networking element to the event, so make sure to
come prepared with your business cards and a well-oiled business pitch!
Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Places for events are limited, please quote Purchase Order if required. Events Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted up to 72hrs
before each event. After this all places will be charged. This policy applies to all events.
works for your business
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Chamber Link
events
Chamber Breakfast Briefing with Christoph Mueller
Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller addressed an audience of
Cork Chamber members on Wednesday 8th February in the Cork
International Airport Hotel. Christoph provided invaluable insight
into the Aviation Sector and the current strengths of Aer Lingus at
Cork Airport.
Christoph has been CEO of the much-lauded aviation company
since 2009 and discussed at length the partnership approach
e.g. partnerships with other airlines, a key factor to delivering
the strategy of 'connecting Ireland to the world' while also
highlighting the legacy of Aer Lingus, having recently celebrated
its 75th birthday, being one of just five aviation companies to do
so in the world.
Europeans travel on average 1.5 times per year but within Ireland
this increases to 5 times and Mr Mueller admitted that this is a
statistic that sits well with the company in the current economic
climate; “The Irish travel a lot and we like it.”
The company survived high losses in 2009 by changing their
business model to a demand led approach, which requires
competitiveness and time-sensitivity. A purely low cost model
was not sustainable as deeply-discounted aircrafts were not
available for purchase while a full service flag carrier model was
not the solution either. Aer Lingus required a one size fits all
product where the service offering is modular with a full business
Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber; John Mullins, President Cork Chamber;
Christoph Mueller, Aer Lingus and Aidan Forde, Irish Examiner. (Photograph: Denis
Minihane)
product on demand as well as low fare availability for price
sensitive customers. This in short translated to two completely
different products using the same hardware which has been
successfully achieved by the company.
During the Q&A session, Mr. Mueller ruled out a Cork/Dublin
flight operation in the short term as it does not make sense
economically but highlighted the addition of Brussels, as a new
route out of Cork, starting in March 2012, as being extremely
positive.
Business after Hours in Cafe Bar Deli
Cork Chamber members visited the Cafe Bar Deli premises on
Tuesday 21st February for a Business After Hours Networking
Event. Members were treated to the finest food the restaurant
has to offer as well as being offered plenty of networking
opportunities.
Almost 100 members attended this event and members heard
soapboxes from Xcellent Cleaning Ltd, Europcar/Irish Car Rentals
and Irish Formations. The soapboxes are a great way for Chamber
members to “pitch” their products and services at events, with a
one minute opportunity to talk about your business in front of a
large audience of fellow members and prospective customers.
Robert Quinlan, Caremark and Juli Rea,
James Riordan and Partners.
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Joe Corcoran, Auditel and Kevin O'Callaghan,
B2B Print.
Chris Lentzy, CHL Business Solutions and Avril Fox, Café Bar Deli.
(Photographs: Ger McCarthy Photography)
Attendees from Ronan Daly Jermyn included Uilliam O Lorcain, Jamie Olden (Partner)
and Ricky Kelly.
Networking after Hours in the Rubicon
Cork Chamber, The Rubicon Centre and NIMBUS Research Facility
joined forces on Wednesday 7th March out on the CIT campus
with almost 100 Chamber members in attendance. This was a
unique opportunity for companies within the Rubicon Centre
to network with fellow Chamber members and on the night,
Chamber members heard soapboxes from Michael Powell
Solicitors, Cork Midsummer Festival and Heartaid.
John Mullins, President Cork Chamber with Carole O'Leary, Industry Liaison Manager, CIT and
Paul Healy, General Manager, Rubicon Centre CIT. (Photographs: Pascal Ungerer)
Josette O'Mullane, Industry Liaison Manager
CIT and Sorcha Holohan, H+A Marketing+PR.
NIMBUS Research Staff - Padraig Donovan and Holger Geisler with Sinead Rodgers,
Cork Institute of Technology.
Also on the evening Kevin O’Dwyer of Marymount Hospice made
a presentation to Aidan Mulcahy of M3 Productions for their
outstanding work on the production of the recent tv series on
Marymount Hospice.
Eamonn O'Neill, Applied Research Manager of CAPPA with Stewart Meehan,
Carbon Group.
Aidan Mulcahy, M3Productions receiving a presentation from Kevin O'Dwyer,
Marymount Hospice.
Pat O'Connor, MEDIC Centre Manager and Clive Aherne, Tax Assist Accountants
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Chamber Link
international
Female Entrepreneurs
Mentoring Programme
The Mentoring for Female Entrepreneurs Programme is an
initiative developed by Cork Chamber along with 4 other
Chambers of Commerce in Ireland. The programme itself offers
expert mentoring to women entrepreneurs, to help them keep
their new businesses going during their first, very challenging
years. The programme is part of the wider European Network
of Mentors for Women Entrepreneurs. The aim of this network
is to boost female entrepreneurship, recognise and support the
distinctive nature of women’s business start-ups and ensure that
newly-established women entrepreneurs can sustain their activity
throughout their first years in business.
A call for expressions of interest from female entrepreneurs was
issued and the successful candidates have now been placed
with a suitable Mentor for a 12 month period for the purpose of
receiving guidance and mentoring support for their business.
In addition to the one-to-one mentoring, a series of Mentoring
Clinics will take place throughout Ireland which affords all
entrepreneurs the opportunity to have consultations with
individual mentors on specific aspects of their business.
Over 17 countries were represented at the Inauguration
Conference of the European Network of Mentors for Women
Entrepreneurs in Warsaw and the representatives of the Irish
Network of Mentors were formally inaugurated by high-level
representatives of the Polish Presidency and the European
Commission. The Mentors selected for the southwest region are:
Christine Winning, Lisa Murphy and Grainne Barry.
Christine Winning, Corporate Care Relocation Ltd
Christine established her company Corporate Care Relocation Ltd in 1997.
It supplies a full range of relocation support to business people moving
into and out of Ireland. From simple beginnings with a PC in her home
office (i.e. converted attic), a mobile ‘phone and her car, she approached
companies setting up or expanding operations in Cork and began
working with incoming expatriates to help them relocate here and settle
in their new surroundings. With an emphasis from the outset on providing
“professional practical personal solutions to people on the move” she
was quickly regarded by her customers as a key service provider and the
business grew by word of mouth.
Lisa Murphy, ThinkTank
Lisa is Co-founder and Strategic Planning Director of ThinkTank, a strategic
marketing and branding consultancy based in Cork which offers an
integrated suite of research, strategy consulting and creative services to
both local and international clients. Lisa also worked in Dublin in various
marketing, brand consultancy and strategic planning roles in both global
and Irish owned companies. She has lectured on the MBS programme
in Strategic Marketing Management and Innovation & Creativity in Cork
Institute of Technology. Her industry and academic background enable
Lisa to apply high level crossover marketing and branding thinking and
skills in a very practical way for clients with game changing results for
their businesses.
Grainne Barry, anotherfriend.com
Grainne is the creator of www.anotherfriend.com, Ireland’s largest online
dating website. She is recognised as one of the upcoming Irish business
leaders in the digital strategy space, and has an innate ability to recognise
and implement key commercial opportunities that exist for businesses
online. She is currently working with a number of companies across
a variety of business sectors in developing their online strategies and
assisting with implementation.
Business & Investment Opportunities in Poland
The Enterprise Europe Network in association with the Embassy
of the Republic of Poland – Trade and Investment Promotion
Section would like to meet with Cork companies interested in
doing business in Poland.
Poland’s 38-million strong consumer market is one of the biggest
in Europe. The country’s favourable localisation, in the centre of
Europe, where the main communication routes intersect, makes
it possible to export goods to all European countries and thus
reach over 500 million consumers. The country has been a relative
winner of the global financial crisis and offers a product which has
lately been short in supply worldwide - economic stability. The
country offers a vide range of investment incentives. Investors are
10
invited to locate their projects
in 14 Special Economic Zones
(SEZ). i.e. special zones where
economic activity may be
run in favourable conditions.
Polish SEZs offer attractive
tax exemptions, employment
incentives and well-prepared
investment lots.
For further information and to register your interest to meet with
representatives from the Polish Embassy please contact
siobhan@corkchamber.ie
•
•
Information
Siobhan Horan, Acting EU Trade & Innovation Services
Manager e: siobhan@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530138
Imelda Mulcahy, Export Documentation Manager
e: imelda@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530130
Innovation
Info – 2 – Innovate Seminar
A free event for entrepreneurs and businesses who wish to understand what assistance is available to help them profit from innovation
Enterprise Europe Network are launching their Directory for Innovation Supports & Services available to all Small & Medium Enterprises
in Ireland at a seminar in River Lee Hotel, Cork, 10th May. You will hear why you should think about innovation and learn about
the supports & services available to you! This information is vital to your business if you want to grow and profit from international
business.
During this half day seminar you will:
•
Receive information on why innovation is important to your business.
•
See a demonstration of how to work with this directory to find the supports that are right for the development of your business.
•
Hear from some of the main Services Providers about the benefits of their services.
This Directory will be web-based and easy to operate! There are a total of 460 Supports & Services listed for you!
We will also highlight some of the local services available. We have some useful feedback from companies in your area that have
embraced innovation and will share this with you!
If you are serious about finding innovation supports then we invite you to stay after the lunch to join our discussion tables and have
One-on-One consultations with the experts:
The seminar is free of charge but registration is required. To register your interest please contact siobhan@corkchamber.ie
Consultation and Review of Data Retention Directive
Historical telecommunications data is used in the investigation and prosecution of crime and
the protection of the public. The Data Retention Directive (DRD) requires providers of publicly
available electronic communications services or of public communications networks to retain
certain categories of data (for identifying users and details of phone calls made and emails
sent, excluding the content of those communications) for a period between six months and
two years and to make them available, on request, to law enforcement authorities for the
purpose of the investigation, detection and prosecution of serious crime, as defined by each
Member State in its national law.
As part of this Impact Assessment the Commission is trying to understand the overall costs of
compliance with the DRD, and in particular whether there are any significant cost differences
between small and large operators. To gain an initial understanding of the most important
issues and to identify issues for a more detailed investigation, the Commission has devised
the following SME panel questionnaire. The closing date for the receipt of feedback for this
consultation is 31 March 2012.
If you would like to communicate your views on this matter to the European Commission, please contact siobhan@corkchamber.ie
works for your business
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Chamber Link
•
cover story
Siobhan Horan, Acting EU Trade & Innovation Services Manager
e: siobhan@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530138
The secret of small business success in international markets
The Enterprise Europe Network offers support and advice
to European small businesses. It helps them find the right
partner, technology or funding, as well as providing
information on EU legislation and policies. The following
are some examples of how the Enterprise Europe Network
has helped small businesses in Cork make the most of
opportunities in the international marketplace. To find out
how the Enterprise Europe Network can help your business
please contact siobhan@corkchamber.ie
Alfresco Heaters
Alfresco Heaters is an emerging company specialised in
manufacturing and selling medium wave infra-red outdoor
heaters. The company has recently made progress distributing
their products to France and the Middle East. The company met
with the Enterprise Europe Network team to discuss plans to
begin exporting throughout Europe. As a result of the assistance
and research provided by the EEN, this company has been able
to make a breakthrough into the French market and has since
managed to find a reputable distribution partner through the
contacts which they have recently signed a contract with.
“We found the Enterprise Europe Network extremely helpful in
our quest to find reputable distribution partners in European
and in particular, the French market. The EEN Cork staff are very
approachable and provide support, advice and research facilities to
help our company on a continuous basis. We found the partnership
database to be a useful tool in helping us identify key players in the
market and more importantly filter out non-compatible partners,
which ultimately helped us to hone in on more suitable contacts.”
Adrian McGarry, Alfresco Heaters
Supply.ie
Mike McGrath, owner of supply.ie was recently appointed to a
European expert group after first hearing about it in the Cork
Chamber weekly ebulletin. The Enterprise Europe Network had
advertised a call for experts in the field of e-procurement to take
part in a new expert group on e-tendering. This project is one of
a series of measures the European Commission are implementing
having acknowledged the significant savings e-procurement can
deliver to European taxpayers. The group has been established
to develop a blue-print for common solutions for electronic
submission offers. The Commission defines e-procurement as
“the electronic communications and transaction processing by
governments and other public sector organisations when buying
supplies and services or tendering public works.”
“I wish to thank EEN Cork for raising awareness of this opportunity
which I may never have heard about otherwise. The European
Commission is committed to improving e-tendering across Europe
and without the help of the team at the EEN Cork, I would not
have had the opportunity to participate in a project such as this.
As founder of Ireland’s leading private e-tendering platform, I am
honoured that the European Commission recognise the expertise we
have built up and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities
that lie ahead.”
Mike McGrath, supply.ie
12
Otterbox
OtterBox is a highly successful multinational company with the
global headquarters at Fort Collins, Colorado and the EMEA head
office in Cork, Ireland. The company had faced difficulties in
recruiting suitable candidates with proficient foreign language
skills to work in their European operations. The company
contacted the Enterprise Europe Network to obtain information
about recruitment sources throughout Europe (ie the most
relevant job websites, recruitment agencies, recruitment fairs,
information about relocation packages etc). Through the EEN
they were able to access the correct information to recruit the
skillset required.
“The Enterprise Europe Network allowed us to find great candidates
across Europe by advising the right channels to reach out in order to
recruit across EMEA. I can’t speak highly enough of this service. It has
offered invaluable advice that saved us both time and money.”
Kate Slattery, Otterbox
Windturbines.ie
Windturbines.ie are the largest retailer of micro turbines in
Ireland, selling and installing well over 50 turbines nationwide in
2011. The company contacted the Enterprise Europe Network
to request information about doing business internationally.
Following the receipt of market research carried out on the Italian
market, the company continued to travel to Italy and actively
search for partners. Windturbines.ie have recently signed a supply
agreement for the export of reconditioned windturbines to Italy.
The company will source, recondition and adapt the turbines to
suit the Italian wind energy market at its premises in Cork and
transport them to Italy as new.
“With the help of the EEN Cork, we at Windturbines.ie were able to
further explore the Italian market which we had been researching for
the past 8 months and have recently signed a supply agreement with
a company based in Puglia. We found the EEN to be very helpful in
our search and were impressed by the services and support offered
by the network, in particular their network database facility. We
would be happy to recommend the services of the EEN to companies
looking to further develop their business on an international level.”
Gary McCormick, Windturbines.ie
media
•
Alma Murnane, Policy & Research Manager
e: alma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530147
What the media covered
Press Releases
Cork Chamber featured in the media in February on a number of
issues including:
•
Announcement of €6.8M for Cork public transport
infrastructure projects
•
Eli Lilly investment
•
Sick pay and redundancy changes
•
Meeting with Minister Richard Bruton & Minister John Perry
•
Cork Company of the Year winners
•
Cork Chamber annual dinner
•
Cork Swansea ferry route
•
Access to credit and unsecured lending
•
Business Breakfast with Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller
9 Feb
23 Feb
24 Feb
27 Feb
27 Feb
Cork Chamber welcome Real Time Passenger Information Launch
Move of art works to Crawford Gallery welcomed by Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber comment on rail report targeting
two-hour Cork-Dublin journey
Cork Chamber Calls for Speedy Implementation of
Jobs Plan
Cork Chamber welcomes Eli Lilly announcement
Press Releases and News Stories are posted on Twitter & LinkedIn
and are also available on www.corkchamber.ie
Media Sources
Irish Examiner, The Southern Star, The Corkman, The Evening
Echo, The Cork Independent, Manufacturing Ireland, The
Carrigdhoun, Evening Herald, The Cork News, 96fm
works for your business
13
Chamber Link
training
New Course: Coaching in the Workplace (Fetac Level 6)
BiznetcorkSkillnet at Cork Chamber are delighted to announce the addition of a new course to their offerings: Coaching in the
Workplace (Fetac Level 6). The programme includes a high level of coaching role plays, in addition to a practical Coaching Skills
Demonstration, which is assessed as part of the FETAC assessment process.
The programme is designed to provide those with responsibilities for developing workplace competencies with the skills needed to
develop individual performance in others. It is designed to create an understanding of the organisational and workplace context within
which performance and individual career development takes place and it will provide the skills, knowledge and tools required to carry
out effective coaching in the workplace.
What skills can you expect to develop?
• Understand the distinctive nature of coaching as a tool for developing workplace competencies and career advancement.
• Learn how to use the G.R.O.W. model of coaching.
• Understand the organisational context of coaching.
• Learn how to set goals for individual development.
• Understand the non-critical, non-judgemental, and confidential nature of the coaching relationship.
• Be able to build and sustain powerful coaching relationships.
• Develop the skills of active listening and systematic questioning.
• Understand how NLP can contribute to coaching effectiveness
• Develop personal effectiveness as a coach
• Be able to manage a coaching programme and evaluate the effectiveness of coaching as a development tool
Each course will be five days and will be broken down as follows:
2 Days- 4 Week Space / 2 Days- 4 Week Space / 1 Final Day
First course commences on 17th April. Contact Jennifer@corkchamber.ie now to book at the special introductory price of €550.
Biznetcork Skillnet and Munster Finuas Networks are funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme and Finuas Networks Programme
respectively, initiatives of Skillnets Ltd. funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills”
14
•
•
Norma Lynch, Training Services Manager
e: norma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530142
Jennifer Kenneally, Training Administrator
e: jennifer@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530141
Upcoming Training Courses - Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/training
Personal Productivity using MS
Outlook 2007/2010
21st March
Ever dreamed of an empty inbox and an
effective way to organise your working day?
This course is designed to enable
participants to manage their time and
workload effectively using MS Outlook as
the tool.
PMI Exam Preparation
21st March
Almost ready to sit the Project Management
Institute exam?
This course is designed to help you
prepare for the PMP/CAPM Exam and
improve your understanding of project
management. Features of this course
include games, exercises, case studies
and other tools to help you understand
the concepts necessary to pass the PMP
exam and achieve PMI credentials.
Email and Business Writing
29th March
This course is designed to give the
participants an understanding of the
importance of written communication
in delivering the core message of the
company brand. Specifically, it will
present the techniques to create emails
and documents with a clear, logical
structure to organise their ideas and key
points.
Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/training
More courses will be added in the coming weeks. Please visit www.corkchamber.ie/training for details of all scheduled
training or contact us to discuss your company’s training needs. Limited FREE places for unemployed on all courses
Chamber Link
promotion
New Appointments
Quintas Wealth Management appoints
new Business Development Consultant
Quintas Wealth Management (QWM) has appointmed Ian Walsh
as Business Development Consultant. Ian joins QWM from
Bank of Ireland Life where he worked as a Wealth Management
Consultant. Ian is a Qualified
Financial Advisor and graduated
from Cork Institute of Technology
with a Diploma in Business Studies.
Ian has over 10 years experience
in Financial Services focusing on
Retirement Planning, Protection
and Investments. QWM recently
announced a new association
with a Tralee based accountancy
practice, Casey & Co and Ian will be
working between both offices to
provide clients with expert advice
Ian Walsh, Quintas Wealth
in the area of Wealth Management
Management
provisions.
Castle Hotel announces appointment
of Deputy General Manager
The Castle Hotel has appointed Aisling MacDonnell as Deputy
General Manager. Aisling holds a Masters in Human Resource
Management, a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Human
Resource Management and a
Diploma in International Hotel
Management with French
from Shannon College of Hotel
Management. Aisling has worked
in a number of International high
profile hotels which included the
Four Seasons Hotel, Doha in Qatar,
The Sheraton Aerogolf Hotel in
Luxembourg, The Balmoral Hotel,
Edinburgh and the Oriel House
Hotel in Cork. Aisling also spent a
Aisling MacDonnell, Castle
period of her career working with
Hotel, Macroom
Visit Scotland, which is Scotland’s
national tourism organisation.
Further Growth at Strencom
New Audit Senior at Westboro Partners
Westboro Partners, a leading firm of financial advisors and
accountants in Munster, are delighted to announce the
appointment of John McCarthy
to the position of Audit Senior.
Prior to joining Westboro Partners,
John worked with Peevers Slye
Cotter Accountants based in
Killorglin, Co. Kerry. A graduate of
Business Studies at Tralee Institute
of Technology, John successfully
secured a first class honours degree
in Accountancy in 2008. He was
awarded the accredited title of
Certified Public Accountant in 2011 John McCarthy, Westboro Partners
and is a full member of the Institute
of Certified Public Accountants in
Ireland.
Hayfield Manor Hotel appoints new
Sales Executive
Hayfield Manor Hotel has
promoted Ciara Mahon as Sales
Executive. Ciara is originally from
Galway and holds a Marketing
Honors Degree from GMIT. Part of
her role will be to developing new
corporate business for Hayfield
Manor and to broaden the hotels
client base.
Ciara Mahon, Hayfield Manor Hotel.
16
Strencom is delighted to announce
the appointment of Geraldine
O’ Riordan as Senior Account
Manager at Strencom. Having
worked in the ICT sector for the
past thirteen years with a number
of high profile companies including
eircom, Geraldine brings a wealth
of knowledge and expertise to her
role as Senior Account Manager. A
graduate of UCC, Geraldine holds a
Bachelor of Commerce, a Certificate
in Professional Sales from the
Dublin Institute of Technology in
conjunction with the Sales Institute
of Ireland and a Postgraduate in
Marketing from the UCD Smurfit
Business School.
Barry O’Connell has recently
joined Strencom as New Business
Development Manager.With over
20 years experience in the ICT
sector, Barry brings a strong level
of knowledge and expertise to his
role as New Business Development
Manager. Previously Barry held
key positions at Alcatel-Lucent, in
both engineering and client facing
roles. Barry holds a Bachelor of
Business Studies from Cork Institute
of Technology, a Postgraduate
Diploma from University College
Cork as well as several qualifications
in Project Management, Mechanical
and Electrical Engineering and
Management.
Geraldine O'Riordan, Senior Account
Manager, Strencom
Barry O'Connell, Business
Development Manager, Strencom
•
Members News
Maurice Geary, Assistant Surveyor; Pierce Stakelum, Project Manager; Stuart Griffin,
Associate; John O’Regan, Director; David Johnston, Associate; Glenn Hanna, Senior Surveyor.
Davis Langdon on the move
Davis Langdon’s Cork office has relocated to Douglas Business
Centre. Their growing team is led by David Johnston (Cost
Management) and Stuart Griffin (Project Management). Davis
Langdon, formerly PKS, have over the past 150 years led the
development of cost and project management professions
in Ireland. The firm also provides specialist services including
specification writing, fire insurance assessment, legal support,
facilities management, financial modeling, project recovery,
tax consultancy relating to construction work, and industry
research and analysis. With offices in Cork, Limerick, Galway and
Dublin, Davis Langdon today provide a unique range of services,
all of which are available to our clients locally here in Cork. In
2010 Davis Langdon took the exciting step of joining AECOM
Technology Corporation – a global leader in professional and
technical services. We trade under the name ‘Davis Langdon’ and
operate as a global business line within the AECOM organisation.
To submit articles for Members News to e: imelda@corkchamber.ie
Double celebrations at Micromail
Micromail has been accredited with the coveted International
Quality Standard (ISO 9001:2008) for its provision of software
licensing solutions and Software Asset Management (SAM)
services. The awarding body was the National Standards
Authority of Ireland (NSAI). ISO 9001:2008 is the latest version
of ISO 9001 and is the internationally recognised standard for a
Quality Management System which focuses on an organisation’s
actions to meet and continually improve customer satisfaction
and quality requirements. Micromail is celebrating 25 years
in business this year and the investment in ISO 9001:2008
demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offer our customers
the highest levels of service possible. Micromail was set up in
1987 to supply software to computer users, along with manuals
and books on every aspect of computing & IT. Their first website
and an online shop were added in 1995 and areas of expertise
have grown over the years in response to technological
developments and to customer demand.
At reopening of RDJ Glynn's expanded office Padraic Brenna, Partner; Imelda Tierney
Partner and John Dwyer, Managing Partner.
Significant growth announced by RDJ
Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ) has announced the appointment of five
new solicitors and the completion of a substantial extension to its
Galway offices, more than doubling the size of the premises. The
combined staff of RDJ and RDJ Glynn is now at 140 – positioning
it in the top ten law firms in Ireland. As one of the leading law
firms in the country, RDJ has extensive experience in dealing with
complex transactions, which is unique for a regionally based firm
Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport at the opening of the Mardyke
Pavilion, UCC
UCC unveils redveloped Mardyke Pavilion
The state-of-the-art Mardyke Pavilion at University College Cork
was officially opened by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport
Leo Varadkar T.D. The €1.4m investment in this iconic building at
the Mardyke Sports Grounds provides all modern amenities and
facilities for the university’s outdoor sports clubs, players and
visiting teams. UCC President Dr. Michael Murphy explained that
the UCC Sport 1911-2011 centenary celebrations acknowledged
the legacy of sporting success at UCC, since the purchase of the
Mardyke lands in 1911. “The redevelopment of the Mardyke
Pavilion, along with other capital projects underway this year,
ensures that the Mardyke complex represents truly world-class
sporting facilities and continues to enhance the positioning and
reputation of UCC as a leading university for sport both in Ireland
and internationally,” said UCC President Michael Murphy.
KPMG Partners Celine Fox and Barrie O'Connell (on left and right of the photo) with John
Kelly, Kathryn McCrohan, Ciara O'Callaghan and Brian MacSweeney.
New Audit Managers at KPMG
KPMG is delighted to announce the appointment of 4 Audit
Managers in the Cork office - John Kelly, Kathryn McCrohan, Ciara
O’Callaghan and Brian MacSweeney - effective 1 February 2012,
demonstrating their ongoing commitment to Cork and Munster
marketplace supporting their clients across industry sectors.
works for your business
17
Chamber Link
promotion
Brian Murphy (Deloitte) and Leader of the Cork Symphony Orchestra with orchestra
members Colm Walsh and Elaine McCarthy.
Playing Strings with Nigel
Martin Condon (centre) collecting the Deloitte Best Managed Award from David
Harney (left) CEO, Irish Life and Brendan Jennings, Managing Partner, Deloitte.
One of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies!
Cavanaghs of Charleville, has been named one of Ireland’s
‘Best Managed’ companies in the Deloitte Best Managed
Companies Awards Programme. In total, twenty companies which
demonstrated superior business performance were recognised.
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme,
in association with Irish Life Corporate Business, recognises
indigenous Irish companies across the island of Ireland which
are operating at the highest levels of business performance.
Cavanagh’s of Charleville was singled out from among the
winners to receive a special accolade for ‘rising to the challenge’
which was the theme of this year’s programme. This award
reflects the fact that, this year, the judges placed a particular
emphasis on the innovative strategies that companies are
adopting to ensure their continued success.
Nigel Kennedy, one of the world's best-selling violinists, will bring
a funky and fresh perspective to contemporary and classical
music when he plays with The City of Cork Symphony Orchestra
in City Hall on May 11th next. Supported by Deloitte, Goldcrop,
Savills and The Port of Cork, with the Irish Examiner and Lyric Fm
as media partners, and several other local sponsors, the 75-strong
Orchestra will be led by Brian Murphy, Head of Audit with Deloitte
in the Cork region, is also Leader of the Orchestra. ‘The Orchestra
(which is the oldest non-professional orchestra in Europe) has
been my hobby for years. I’m delighted that Nigel Kennedy has
accepted my invitation to return to perform with us. On his last
visit to Cork in 2007, Nigel packed City Hall (1,200 capacity), in
what was dubbed ‘the most important cultural event of the year’
in the city. Tickets for the concerts (including corporate tickets)
are available at Promusica.
Strencom Connects Three Local
Authorities to Government Network
Strencom recently announced completion of contracts totaling
€300,000 to connect Roscommon and Monaghan County
Councils and Cork City Council to the Government Data Network.
The Government Data Network links all public bodies in Ireland
and facilitates inter-agency collaboration and delivery of joinedup government services by providing a secure connectivity
environment for data exchange/sharing. The Strencom solution
provides the highest levels of connectivity for networks servicing
Government departments and other state agencies, enabling the
councils to increase bandwidth by up to 20 times. Ruth Buckley,
Head of Information Systems & Business Process Improvement,
Cork City Council said, “The Strencom solution has proved a
key ingredient in our program to streamline our network data
infrastructure, increase levels of operational efficiencies and,
ultimately, enhance our service offering. Our resulting experience
of higher speeds, lower costs and a very professional support
team, have validated our decision to award the contract to
Strencom.”
18
Margaret Carroll, Compliance and Risk; Andrew Guerin, Andrew Guerin Associates;
Caroline Fleming, Andrew Guerin Associates; Pat Lynch, Compliance and Risk and Lisa
O'Leary, Andrew Guerin Associates.
Tax Planning Seminar
Andrew Guerin Associates recently held a tax planning seminar
at the Imperial Hotel. The seminar dealt with tax planning
issues including managing property portfolios, rearranging
finances and borrowings in a tax efficient manner, succession
and inheritance tax planning, tax efficient investments and
Incorporation for businesses. Inheritance Tax and succession
planning opportunities were also discussed, particularly bearing
in mind the reduced Inheritance Tax exemption threshold
between Parents and Children of €250,000. The importance of
addressing the transfer of business to the next generations was
also emphasised whilst the favorable “Retirement Relief” for
Capital Gains Tax purposes and “Business Relief” for Inheritance
Tax purposes continues to be available.
•
To submit articles for Members News to e: imelda@corkchamber.ie
New Account Wins at CAMEO
COMMUNICATIONS
CAMEO Communications has announced a number of
significant client wins and further expansion in 2012. The new
corporate account wins include Glanbia Plc, the international
food and nutritional products company, and Strencom, a
leading cloud computing and connectivity organisation
with offices in Cork, Dublin and the UK. ,The Cork-based PR
agency has also added Michael Powell Solicitors, a prominent
commercial law firm and Westboro Partners, a leading
firm of financial advisors and accountants to its expanding
client base. Most recently CAMEO has been engaged by
Titanic Experience to officially launch this unique visitor
attraction located in the White Star Line building in Cobh.
Renate Murphy, Managing Director at CAMEO said, “The
agency continues to grow due to the high levels of service
and creativity that we provide at CAMEO when it comes to
marketing and pr strategies, and their successful execution.
We now have an established client base, a strong pipeline
and with this growth, we expect to recruit a further two PR
account managers in the coming months”.
David Ronayne, Cork Simon Chairman; David Wallace, Munster; Graham Canty,
Cork Footballer; Declan Farmer, Heineken Ireland and Frankie Sheahan, Front Row
Entertainment.
‘Sports and Olympics’
Cork Simon’s 12th annual Ball themed ‘Sports and Olympics’,
took place at Fota Island Resort. Regarded as one of Cork’s
social events of the year, the Cork Simon Ball started with a
champagne reception sponsored by Thomas Sabo of Brown
Thomas, followed by fabulous food, superb entertainment
and one-of-a-kind prizes and surprises, all organised by
volunteers Liosa O’Sullivan, Fiona Murphy and Anne O’Leary.
In keeping with this year’s theme, a new element to the
2012 Ball invited guests to bid for a sports personality to
join their table. All Ireland GAA winner Graham Canty and
distinguished Munster and Ireland rugby players David
Wallace, Frankie Sheahan, Anthony Foley and Mick Galwey
threw their hats in the ring to raise funds for Cork Simon.
Seamus Collins, Velopi receiving FETAC accreditation.
Velopi gains FETAC approval
Velopi was awarded Further Education and Training Awards
Council (FETAC) approval in Q4 2011. This means that Velopi
are approved Training Providers with FETAC and that they
have agreed and approved quality assurance systems in place
for the design and delivery of training programs. Velopi can
offer to learners Project Management programmes leading
to FETAC awards on the National Framework of Qualifications
(NFQ). The NFQ provides a way to compare qualifications,
and to ensure that they are quality assured and recognised at
home and abroad. Individuals with qualifications recognised
through the NFQ have advantages if contemplating moving
abroad for further study or for employment. NFQ is a national
initiative that is linked in with similar developments that are
taking place in other countries and at an overall International
level. Velopi is also a Registered Education Provider for the
Project Management Institute (PMI). Their quality systems
and course content has been approved by the PMI as
meeting their expectations. Velopi have expertise in getting
people the internationally recognised Project Management
Professional (PMP) certification.
Michelle Green SMILE Resource Exchange with Ger Harte, Adhesives Research and
Maeve Bowen, Macroom E.
SMILE reaches 500
SMILE Resource Exchange reached a significant milestone by
welcoming its 500th member to the initiative for businesses
that encourages the exchanging of resources between
its members in order to save money, reduce waste going
to landfill and to develop new business opportunities based on the concept that "one businesses waste could
be another’s resource". Adhesives Research Ireland, the
milestone member, was welcomed at an innovative business
networking event at Castlemartyr Resort, Cork, which was
attended by over 50 businesses from a huge variety of sectors
in the Cork region and further afield, all with the common
purpose of forming alliances that will see their businesses
help the environment and save them money.
works for your business
19
Chamber Link
promotion
Westboro Partners announce New Service
Westboro Partners recently announced an innovative online
accounting solution for professional contractors called
i-Finance. The novel i-Finance solution provides a secure webbased service, delivering 24/7 access to a contractor’s financial
affairs. Accounting issues such as payroll, invoicing, accounting
procedures and tax legislation requirements are managed
securely online, ensuring that professional contractors are
compliant in their accounts, but also are fully in control of their
financial status at all times. “Cork has a large population of
multinational companies operating in Little Island, Ringaskiddy,
the Airport Business Park among others, who continue to employ
large numbers of professional contractors in the areas of IT &
engineering particularly. This new service will be of significant
value to contractors, as it provides transparency, control, cost
efficiencies and ease of manageability for their accounting
procedures,” said Mary Power of Westboro Partners.
Experiencing the light Corona Girls pictured at the launch of Corona Light in Ireland.
Ireland ‘Experiences the Light’
The launch party for Corona Light in Ireland took place in Cork.
The Mexican Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Carlos Garcia
de Alba, officially launched the new light beer, which is only 99
calories per bottle. This is the very first time Corona Light has
been exported beyond the US and Mexico. Commenting at the
launch, Michael Barry of Barry Fitzwilliam, importers of Corona
Light and Corona Extra in Ireland said, “Irish people are the best
in the world for trying new things, and our research has shown
that the market is ready for a new and tasty light beer to tickle the
taste buds of Ireland’s energetic and discerning drinkers! Ireland
is the top consumer of Corona Extra in Europe per capita and we
expect Ireland’s consumers will lead the way with Corona Light as
well’.
Wild Goose Studio wins top US Awards
Ken Murphy, Director of CareerWise Recruitment , Michael Rooney, Rights Commissioner
and Conor O'Connell, CIPD Southern Region.
Mock Rights Commissioner Hearing
CareerWise Recruitment, sponsored an innovative Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) event in Cork
with a court style session in the impressive surrounds of Council
Chambers in the County Hall in Cork. Over 70 members of the
(CIPD) took part in an informative and interactive mock Rights
Commissioner Hearing. Michael Rooney, Rights Commissioner
kicked off the court session, which saw an energetic two way
communication process between an employer and employee.
Ken Murphy, Director of CareerWise Recruitment and event
sponsor said “When we sat down to discuss the possibility of
running this event, we felt that the live demonstration session
would bring the theory to life for the HR professional. This
interactive event provides members with a unique insight into
the procedures at a hearing to the courts.”
20
Wild Goose has won Supplier of the Year & Best New Product at
the prestigious annual awards given by the North American Celtic
Trade Association (NACTA) & Enterprise Ireland. NACTA is the
trade association for retailers of products from Ireland, Scotland,
Wales and the Celtic Isles and has over 200 members in the USA
and Canada. Voted by NACTA members, Gift Supplier of the Year is
the top award and is given in recognition for the excellent service
& recent innovation provided by the Studio in North America.
Best New Product was awarded to the Celtic Collection of bronze
decorations which were developed & launched in September
2011. The presentation was made to Wild Goose Managing
Director Jamie McCarthy-Fisher and Sales Director Clive Salter
at a ceremony in Dublin last week by Association President Fran
Siefert, who also runs Ballyhugh Irish Imports, a shop in Audubon,
New Jersey.
Pre-festival buzz draws early birds
Cork International Choral Festival arrives May 2nd to present
a fresh, vibrant programme of vocal culture from around the
world. The festival hand picks the finest international choirs,
blends in world renowned artists, flavours with diverse vocal
traditions and cultures, and merges together in a 5 day melting
pot of sumptuous Gala Concerts, thrilling competitions, and lively
citywide events. With interest high in this year’s superb line up the
festival box office at the Everyman Theatre has opened its doors
early; with ‘early bird’ tickets and Friends of the Festival packages
ensuring a great value all- round festival experience.
•
To submit articles for Members News to e: imelda@corkchamber.ie
Maire Mc Inerney and Ian Lynch at the launch of the Kenya Ball 2012.
Kenya Ball 2012
The eighth annual Kenya Ball, Saturday April 21st 2012 in the
Maryborough House Hotel & Spa, in aid of the charity Friends of
Londiani (FOL) was launched recently. This ball is one of the main
fundraising events for FOL who support sustainable community
development programmes that improve living conditions in
the areas of health, education and water in Kenya. During 2012,
FOL are celebrating 10 years of Community Partnership with
the people of the Kipkelion District of Kenya. The chairperson of
FOL, Maria Kidney, says “I am looking forward to a great night,
reuniting with volunteers from previous Harambees*, celebrating
the achievements of the past 10 years and having the opportunity
to thank and acknowledge all our volunteers, supporters and
sponsors”. Tickets are available www.friendsoflondiani.com
*Harambee is a Kiswahili word meaning ‘working together’
Bob Casey, Casey & Co; Noel Creedon, Quintas Wealth Management; Chris Murray, Casey &
Co; James Kelleher, Casey & Co; Ian Walsh, Quintas Wealth Management.
New Business Association Launch
A leading accountancy firm in Kerry, Casey & Co announced
recently that it will be working in association with one of
Munster’s largest and most progressive financial services
organisations, Quintas Wealth Management (QWM). To launch
the new venture Casey & Co in partnership with Quintas Wealth
Management will host a launch event entitled ‘2012: Adapting
to the New Global Economy’ on Thursday 29th March 2012 at
Ballygarry House Hotel, Killarney Rd, Tralee, Co Kerry. At the
event, David O’Shea, Investment Director at Quintas Wealth
Management will outline his views on the future of the Euro,
investing in a low yielding environment and why the global
economy has radically changed. For more information please
contact Sarah O’Neill of Quintas Wealth Management on 021
4641480 or email soneill@qwm.ie.
IrishFormations.ie is launched
A new, innovative company formations agency has opened for business in Cork.
IrishFormations.ie operates an online company incorporations service for Solicitors,
Accountants and individuals accross Ireland and Europe. The specially developed
website incorporates a limited company name check facility which links live to the
Companies Registration Office database and returns instant results.
IrishFormations.ie were the first to release this facility to the public and
have opened the facility to all visitors to the website and not just account
holders. Additional services provided by Irishformations.ie include; business
name registration, change in Directors and Shareholders, and any other post
incorporation changes required by a company. Company Seals and Registers can
also be purchased through Irish Formations. The innovative online system allows
users to track the progress of a company formation and download any of their
company formation documents free of charge. For further information t: 021
4217322 or visit www.irishformations.ie
works for your business
21
Chamber Link
connecting
We welcome the following New Members
Business Continuity Services
National Escrow Company
Facilitate business transactions acting as a
holding company
Contact: Eugene Ferris
T: (0818) 333 315
E: eferris@nationalescrow.ie
W: www.nationalescrow.ie
Entertainment/Leisure/Tourism
Management Consultants
HJM Business Development
Working with business owners to bring
business ideas from initial concept to
international rollout
Contact: Eamon Curtin
T: (021) 4290420
E: eamon.curtin@hjmbd.ie
W: www.hjmbd.ie
The Grainstore at Ballymaloe
Venue for conferences, weddings, concerts,
parties, dances, fashion shows, fundraisers
and family events
Contact: Rebecca Cronin
T: (021) 4651511
E: thegrainstore@ballymaloe.com
W: www.thegrainstoreballymaloe.com
John Bowen Ltd. t/a BowenConsult
General Business Advisory, Non-Executive
Director/Chairman & Dispute resolution
through mediation
Contact: John Bowen
T: (021) 4217350
E: jrb@bowenconsult.ie
W: www.bowenconsult.ie
Hotel/Guesthouse
Select Hotels of Ireland
A collection of Independent Irish Hotels with
central reservation number for bookings
Contact: Jim Maher
T: (021) 4391998
E: jim@selecthotels.ie
W: www.selecthotels.ie
Manufacturers
IT Services
FERFICS Ltd
Design and manufacture front end
semiconductor components to improve the
battery life of wireless devices
Contact: PJ Fitzgerald
T: (021) 4928909
E: pj@ferfics.com
W: www.ferfics.com
Bracken Foam Fabricators
Manufacture foam products for a range
of industries, i.e. Computer/Electronic
Construction/Marine/Sports & Furniture
Contact: Adrian Bracken
T: (086) 8851715
E: adrianbracken@foamfabricators.ie
W: www.foamfabricators.ie
Medical Services/Supplies
Touchstone Blackrock Hall Primary Care
Centre
Quality healthcare at teh lowest cost with
many practices in the one place
Contact: Dymphna Lordan
T: (021) 4231166
E: dymphna.lordon@blackrockhall.ie
W: www.touchstone.ie
Office Supplies/Equipment/
Furniture
Recharge Cartridges (Cork) Ltd
Refilling Inkjet, Laser, Fax & Photocopier
Cartridges, Fullrange of Office Supplies &
Professional Printing Services
Contact: Liz Hughes
T: (021) 4272744
E: cork@rechargecartridges.com
W: www.rechargecartridges.com
Recruitment/Executive Search
Cregg Group
Working with SME and Large companies &
assisting them with their recruitment needs
for permanent/contract roles
Contact: Lorraine Behan
T: (086) 0423638
E: lorraineb@cregg.ie
Software/Software Services
Compass Software Technology Ltd
Developed a range of software solutions
giving control over all aspects of facilities
maintenance administration
Contact: Dominic Murnane
T: (021) 4928946
E: dmurnane@compass-softtech.com
W: www.compass-softtech.com
Waste Management/Recycling
Healys Blue Bin
Provide range of waste & recycling service
throughout Cork city and suburbs
Contact: Nora Healy
T: (021) 4357444
E: norshealy@yahoo.co.uk
W: www.healysbluebin.ie
Members Badge 2012
Your Chamber membership is a valuable tool in enhancing the profile of
your business and we encourage you to promote your membership by using
the Members Badge. The Members badge is issued annually on renewal of
membership. The badge can be be used on letterhead, company brochures and
your website to show your commitment to Chamber membership and the region.
For a copy of the Members Badge 2012 please contact:
Sarah: sarah@corkchamber.ie or Imelda: imelda@corkchamber.ie
22
member
2012
Go
further,
faster
Enterprise Europe Network
The route
to new markets
European Commission
Enterprise and Industry
ec.europa.eu/enterprise-europe-network