In this issue
Policy
Have Your Say: Branding Cork
Have Your Say: National Tourism Policy Statement
Subsidised Training
Tell Us Your Training Needs for 2014! And be in with a chance to win our fabulous prize
Events
Get Ready for SEPA
Business Breakfast with Herb Hribar, CEO of eircom
Access to Finance for SMEs - PART 2 - EU Funding
Chamber Supported Events
Breakfast Briefing in advance of Budget 2014
Chamber Supported Projects
The 2013 Cork innovates bursary is valued at €30,000
International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
Member Updates
Forward to a colleague
Visit our website
Newsletter archive

twitter    linkedin  youtube
Printer Friendly Page
Policy
Have Your Say: Branding Cork

We are conducting this survey on the attitudes and perceptions of Cork businesses towards Cork and doing business in Cork as part of a wider Destination Branding project that is being carried out for the Cork region by Colliers International and Fuzion Communications. Take 5 minutes to tell us what you think HERE
(Please complete before Thursday 19th September)


Find out more about Cork Chamber Policy & Research Activities HERE



Have Your Say: National Tourism Policy Statement

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have launched a public consultation to support their development of a new tourism policy for Ireland.  As part of the process, the Department has prepared an Issues Paper and is seeking viewpoints under the following four areas: 

1. Tourism Marketing

2. Tourism Product Development

3. Human Resources and Training / Innovation / Enterprise Support and Competitiveness

4. Implementing Policy and Service Delivery Mechanisms


The Chamber is preparing a submission as part of the public consultation and invites interested parties to submit their views/observations/suggestions on the four key areas to Alma Murnane,  Director of Policy & External Relations (alma@corkchamber.ie) before  Friday 11th October.


For more information and to access the Issues Paper please visit: http://www.dttas.ie/tourism/english/tourism-policy-review-20132014

 

 



Subsidised Training
Tell Us Your Training Needs for 2014! And be in with a chance to win our fabulous prize
 

Have you got a training course that you would like us to provide in 2014? Complete our short survey HERE by Friday 20th


Biznetcork Skillnet, the Business School @ Cork Chamber would like to invite you to participate in our 2014 Training Needs Analysis survey, which we hope will help us to identify critical training needs among member companies for inclusion in our 2014 Training Plan.


We are currently in the process of preparing our 2014 funding submission, to be submitted to Skillnets Ltd. in the coming weeks. This document will be significantly influenced by the results of this survey.


*Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw for a prize of one night B&B and dinner for two at the River Lee Hotel, kindly sponsored by the River Lee.
Complete our short survey HERE 

 


The River Lee Hotel is the perfect choice from which to savour the city of Cork and everything that it has to offer. The River Lee Hotel is a superb deluxe four star hotel with a range of facilities and amenities that are second to none. From our superb fitness centre and magnificent Urban Escape spa, to the culinary delights of our Weir Bistro and Weir Bar with riverside terrace. Truly, the ultimate choice for all that is Cork. 


Events
Get Ready for SEPA
 

Date: 25th September
Time: 07:30 - 09:00
Venue: Gresham Metropole Hotel
Cost: FREE
To Book: visit our website here


Are you one of the 50,000 businesses in Ireland that will be affected by SEPA? This is the Single Euro Payments Area and all companies using electronic payments must migrate over to this new system by 1st February 2014.


For further information and to book, please CLICK HERE



Business Breakfast with Herb Hribar, CEO of eircom
 

Date: 10th October
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Cork International Airport Hotel
Cost: €20 member / €35 non members
To book: visit our website HERE

 

We are delighted to have Herb Hribar speak at our October Business Breakfast, as Chief Executive Officer Herb will outline eircom’s ambition to redefine the telecommunications landscape in Ireland. 


Further information and to book, please CLICK HERE.



Access to Finance for SMEs - PART 2 - EU Funding

Date: 9th October
Time: 08:00 - 11:00
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: visit our website here


The second seminar in our Access to Finance series will focus on EU funding. Identifying the source of EU funds that can be accessed by SMEs can be complicated, as the EU budget is broken down and allocated to SMEs via many different channels.

The seminar will outline how the EU budget is allocated and how SMEs can apply for direct or indirect funding. For more information, contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie or book online through www.corkchamber.ie.



Chamber Supported Events
Breakfast Briefing in advance of Budget 2014
 

Date: 23rd September
Time: 8.30am
Venue: Clarion Hotel, Cork
Cost: Free (and qualifies for CPD)
To book: email Samantha at the Irish Tax Institute here  –  or phone 01 6631707


The Irish Tax Institute is delighted to be associated with Cork Chamber of Commerce in hosting an informal Breakfast Briefing in advance of Budget 2014.  An array of issued will be addressed including personal tax, PRSI, capital taxes, SMEs and measures that might help economic growth and job creation.



Chamber Supported Projects
The 2013 Cork innovates bursary is valued at €30,000
 

The Cork innovates bursary valued at €30,000 is now taking applications  HERE   


Applications are being taken online until October 21st midnight.  A stringent and multi-tiered selection process will follow! 


The bursary recipient who will be announced at the InBusiness InCork Showcase on November 14th will benefit from a wide range of services including advertising, consultancy services for a number of business activities (including PR, accountancy and e-commence), print and design services and cash support.

 

Contributors include: AIB, Brook Catering, Cameo Communications, Cork Chamber, Irish Examiner, Newstalk, Rubicon, Studio forty9, Voxpro, Westboro Partners & Woodland Print & Design.


Those wishing to attend the INBusiness INCork event can pre-register now HERE   



International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
 

The Enterprise Europe Network helps small businesses to maximise their presence on the European marketplace. Working through a network of local business organisations across Europe and further afield, we can help you develop your business in new markets, source or license new technologies or access EU finance and EU funding.


For more information, please see: www.een-ireland.ie or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie


See the ‘read more’ section (below) for further information on the following:

  • Estonian company mission to Ireland, 1-5 October 2013, Belfast and Dublin
  • Innov’embre, 25 November, Lille, France
  • Business partnership opportunities

Estonian company mission to Ireland, 1 – 5 October 2013

The EEN office in the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising a company mission to Ireland (North and South), with the aim of raising awareness among SMEs of both Estonia and Ireland as places to do business. The programme will consist of B2B meetings, seminars on business opportunities in Ireland and an introduction to the Estonian business environment.  For more information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie.

Innov’embre

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Northern France is organising the sixth edition of Innov’embre, which is due to take place on 25 November 2013 in Lille. The aim of the event is to foster innovation through cooperation between research entities (private, public labs, technical centres) and companies. The event will comprise of B2B meetings between exhibitors and visitors, a conference, and an innovative products exhibition. The exhibition will be segmented into four domains: energy efficiency; chemistry; mechanics and transport. Participation in the event is free of charge but registration is required in advance. For more information, contact eimear@corkchamber.ie .


Business Partnership Opportunities

For a complete list of partnership opportunities, take a look at our EEN database. Here are some examples of current opportunities available:

  • A UK company specialising in the management of logistical and supply chain requirements is offering its transport and logistics services to companies. The company is also offering trade intermediary (distributor) services for Irish companies looking for UK partners. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20130204038
  • A Spanish company has developed new software for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) that can be managed entirely on the cloud. The system is adaptable to any type and size of business. The company is looking for a commercial agreement with other companies with technical assistance to adapt the technology to their specific needs. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 13 ES 28G1 3SSE
  • An Austrian SME has developed a new concept for shoes to increase comfort and reduce pressure on feet and joints. Prototypes have been tested by independent research centres and in a working environment. The company is looking for industrial partners to produce and sell the shoes, for which the patent has already been granted. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. TOAT20130827001
  • A UK company which specialises in the business development of building products, engineered timber ECO products and innovative building solutions is offering trade intermediary (agent) services to companies seeking to bring their products and technology into the UK. The company aims to provide architects, contractors, builders and distributors in the UK with new and alternative products and solutions to meet demand. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20130405017.

Member News
2013 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards

We would like to congratulate all the winners of 2013 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards, held in Dublin last Thursday night, in particular our Cork Chamber members – Janssen, Maritime Hotel, Ulster Bank, UCC and Fuzion PR. Now in it’s tenth year the awards recognise companies that demonstrate what can be done, beyond profit and margin, for their local community and environment. The quality and reach of CSR initiatives is continually improving and we were particularly delighted to see such a large number of entrants of Cork companies.


Please 'read more' for details of our winners.

 

 


Excellence in Environment Award – Large Indigenous Company – Joint Winner

University College Cork for their Green Campus Programme. The initiative aims to make environmental awareness and action an integral part of the philosophy of University Life.

Excellence in CSR by an SME Award

The Maritime Hotel for working Towards a Greener Hotel. This involves a proactive Green policy approach to protecting the environment implemented through all policies.

Excellence in Communication Award

Fuzion Communications for Safebook. Responding to the issue of Cyberbullying Safebook provides simple guidelines to promote the responsible use of social media and tips to those experiencing abusive behaviour.

Excellence in Marketplace CSR Award

Ulster Bank for BusinessWomenCan. This involves a dynamic collaboration between women-led businesses, mentored by internal and external ambassadors, working together to support women in business to be more successful.

Excellence in Community – Community Programme – Multinational Company

Janssen Supply Chain Ireland for Message in a Bottle. This programme encourages people to keep relevant medical details in a bottle in their fridge and thereby enables appropriate medical treatment provided in the event of emergency.

 

 

 


Members Offers
10% off Evening Performance of Cinderella by The Royal Moscow Ballet
 

Period of the offer available:  Up until Sunday 20th October


The Royal Moscow Ballet returns to Cork Opera House on Sunday 20th October with a lavish production of the enchanting fairytale Cinderella for all to enjoy. Cork Opera House are delighted to offer a 10% discount on tickets for the 8pm performance to all Cork Chamber of Commerce members.


Special Offer: 10% discount off all tickets priced: €36, €41, €43.

Booking fees apply when booking over the phone.

This special offer cannot be redeemed online.

This offer is only available for the evening performance of Cinderella at 8pm Sunday 20th October.

To avail of this offer call into our box office on Emmet Place or phone us on 021-4270022 and quote ‘Cork Chamber of Commerce Offer’.


Moloney & Associates - Acoustic & Environmental Consultants 15% Discount
 

Period of the offer available: booked between now and the end of September

Moloney & Associates - Acoustic & Environmental Consultants - are delighted to offer a 15% Discount for their Institute of Acoustics (IOA) Certificate of Competence Training Courses booked between now and the end of September. Please contact us on Tel: 021 4374333 or email info@env.ie. More infotrmation available here.  

 

 


There are two separate IOA courses available and first rate tutoring is available from experts in the field.  The Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement commences on the 3rd of October 2013. 

This IOA course covers the theory and practice of environmental noise measurement, assessment, legislation, codes of practice and noise control.  Delegates are trained in the use of noise measurement equipment and develop the competence to assess environmental noise.  Successful delegates can act as consultants to local authorities and industries.

The training course provides first rate and internationally recognised training by experienced tutors and can provide a pathway to an interesting and rewarding career in acoustics. Another option is the Workplace Noise Training course.


Autumn Cruise Sail on Now with Travelfox.ie - free insurance
 

Period of Offers: November 2013  - Free Insurance for Cork Chamber Members

Travelfox have launched their Autumn Cruise Sale with a cruise only offer from Royal Caribbean Cruises for a 7 Night MED Cruise for only €399.  2014 Cruises are being snapped up for a fraction of the price with these Travelfox early booking offers. Call Travelfox today for more info on 1890 98 98 02

 


Their 2014 GREEK ISLES & VENETIAN VOYAGE Cruise Package is on offer for €626, 2014 VENICE,DUBROVNIK & TURKEY Cruise Package is only €699 and they have a fantastic 12 night BLACK SEA VOYAGE Cruise Package for only €849 per person. 

Travelfox Cruise Packages include return flights with Aer Lingus, Full Board Cruise on a 4*/5* Cruise , Return Airport Transfers, Airline Taxes and Charges and 10k hand luggage. 


Offer 1

13 Night MED CRUISE - €1111pp

CELEBRITY 'SILHOUETTE'

Depart: 31 October

Ports of Call: Venice, Kopor, Ravenna, Split, Dubrovnik, Corfú, Valetta, Catania,  Naples, Rome

 Offer 2

7 Night MED CRUISE ONLY OFFER  - €399pp

NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Depart: 03 November

Offer 3

GREEK ISLES & VENETIAN VOYAGE - €626pp

MSC FANTASIA  - 7 nights  

Depart: 20 April

Ports of Call: Venice, Kotor, Corfú, Piraeus, Santorini, Katakolon, Bari

.  

 

Offer 4

ITALIAN WONDERS - €675pp

MSC SPLENDIDA    -  7 nights

Depart: 14 March

 Ports of Call: Barcelona,

Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, La Goulette

 

Offer 5

VENICE,DUBROVNIK & TURKEY -€699pp

MSC PREZIOSA - 7 nights  

Depart: 19 April

 Ports of Call: Venice, Bari, Kataolon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik

 

Offer 6

CARIBBEAN & MEXICO DISCOVERY - €1299pp

MSC DIVINA - 7 nights

Depart: 19 April

Ports of Call: Miami, Falmouth, Georgetown, Cozumel, Great Stirrup Cay

 

Offer 7

SPAIN, ITALY & MOROCCO - €699pp

MSC ORCHESTRA - 8 nights 

Depart: 28 March

Ports of Call: Barcelona, Genoa, Malaga, Lisbon, Casablanca

 

Offer 8

GREEK ISLES & BLACK SEA VOYAGE

MSC SINFONIA  - 12 nights

Depart: 09th April

Ports of Call:Rome,Istanbul,Constanta, Yalta Odessa,Piraeus, Naples,Genoa

 

 

 

 

 

 


Member Events
Celebrity Charity Soccer Match
 
Date:  13th October  
Time: Kick - off 3.00pm
Venue: Bishopstown Stadium, Curraheen, Cork (next to the Greyhound Stadium)
Cost: Admission €5
To Book: Pay-on-the-day at the gate


Please come and support this Celebrity Charity Soccer Match in aid of Chernobyl Children International, which is taking place at Bishopstown Stadium on Sunday October 13th. This promises to be a fantastic family day out, as Celebs from the sporting and entertainment world take on a team from Abtran in what is sure to be a joy to watch.



St Luke's Home - Ladies Golf Day
 

Date: 26th September
Time: 10.00am – Shot Gun start
Venue: Castlemartyr Golf Resort, followed by lunch in Castlemartyr Hotel
Cost: €65 per head, €195 for a team of 3
To Book: email Oonagh here


Last year 20 teams of 3 enjoyed this 3 ball golf event followed by a delicious lunch in the Hotel and presentation of fabulous prizes donated generously by the Castlemartyr Resort. Fancy your chances? Or Would you like to treat or sponsor a ladies team? A few slots remain so get in touch ASAP by emailing oonagh.odriscoll@stlukeshome.ie

 

 

 



Are you caring for an older relative at home? FREE Advice & Information provided by St Luke’s Home
 

Date: 10 three hour sessions in October and November
Time: Morning, Afternoon and Evening times available
Venue: 6 sessions at Northridge House, St Luke’s Home, Castle Rd, Mahon, 2 sessions in Bandon and 2 in Middleton
Cost: Free


St Luke’s Home are hosting free information & advice courses aimed at anyone looking after an older relative at home. With support from The Ireland Funds 10 courses are being offered in October and November and a further 8 between February and May. Places will be limited to 20 per session so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Claire on 021 4536551 or email: education@stlukeshome.ie



Cork Arts Theatre Repertory Company presents: Glorious! By Peter Quilter
 

Date: 18 Sept – 5th Oct (Excluding Sundays & Mondays)
Time: 20:00 – 22:00 Approx.
Venue: Cork Arts Theatre
Cost: Special Offer Opening Week: €10 (18-21st Sept)
To Book: 021 4505624


GLORIOUS! nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and seen by over 6,000,000 people in theatres across six continents tells the hilarious true story of Florence Foster Jenkins – the worst singer in the world! Standard: €15 (23 Sept- 5th Oct), Concession: €12 (23 Sept- 5th Oct), Other: €10 (Groups of 10+). See more events here.

 


In 1940's New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as 'the first lady of the sliding scale', she warbled and screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics and successfully spun from her charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall.


Table Quiz in aid of Special Olympics Ireland
 

Date: 26th September 2013
Time:  8.30pm
Venue:  Cork Constitution Football Club, Templehill, Cork
Cost: Table of 4: €40.            
To Book: Contact: Don at cork@bluebirdcare.ie  or  087 2580223

                                                
Bluebird Care are proud fundraising sponsors of Special Olympics Ireland and we have committed to raising much needed funds with a campaign entitled “Summit for the Weekend”.  The Cork office of Bluebird Care, as part of this campaign,  are holding a Table Quiz on Thursday 26th September 2013, details above. Please join us for night of fun & trivia in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.     



Going International Conference
 
Date: 16th October
Time: 9:00 – 17:30
Venue: Fota Island Resort & Hotel
Cost: 150 (+VAT) Early bird available until 13th Sept
To Book: www.corkbic.com  


The CorkBIC Going International Conference will focus on building relationships, smart investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, collaboration and learning from the experiences of International Entrepreneurs. This year the Going International Finance Conference, in Fota Island Resort, is being held as part of the Global Cork Economic Forum during Cork Rebel Week, (October 14th -20th 2013).      

Simon Coveney TD Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, launched the third Going International Conference taking place on October 16th in the Fota Island Hotel and Resort, Cork. This year the Going International Conference forms an integral part of the Global Cork Economic Forum, and is part of Cork Rebel Week October 14th -20th 2013, the official Cork Gathering 2013 flagship event.


The outcomes from the insightful panel discussions, at the Going International Conference, will form part of the morning session on entrepreneurship and innovation at the Global Cork Economic Forum on Thursday 17th October. These events are specifically focused on bringing International visitors and family home to join in meaningful discussions and gain a greater understanding of economic renewal and job creation opportunities specific to Cork County and City.
Full Press release and photo attached.


****The First 50 Registrations for the Going International Conference will receive their very own exclusive Cork Passport FREE! They will also be able to avail of the early bird rate at 150euro (+VAT) for the full day conference. 

CorkBIC have recently confirmed the first two keynote speakers for the Conference and are particularly excited to welcome back Candace Johnson. Candace Johnson, a serial entrepreneur and business angel, is an international telecommunications expert and entrepreneur, and one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen in Europe (Time Magazine). Julian Costley, co-founder of E*TRADE UK with Hermann Hauser of Cambridge, leads the afternoon session on Managing Exits. E*TRADE was the UK’s first all-Internet stockbroking firm and was sold in a reverse trade sale at the height of the dotcom boom.


Cork Culture Night 2013
 

Over 90 venues are taking part this year, throwing open their doors on one night and organising  events, from art exhibitions to poetry, orchestras to food markets, deconstructed bicycles to a giant see-saw – and it’s all free.

Don't miss out - more information available HERE.