In this issue
Policy
Countdown to Budget 2015
Subsidised Training
Would you like to be more effective at work?
Events
Discover how India may have the business opportunity for you!
Cork Chamber Business Breakfast with David Duffy, CEO of AIB Bank
Cork Chamber’s Speed Networking Event
Cork Chamber's Dublin Dinner 2014 In association with EY
International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
Member Updates
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Policy
Countdown to Budget 2015
 

The final set of exchequer returns before the announcement of Budget 2015 revealed that total tax revenue collected to the end-September increased by 7.4% or €2bn compared to the same period last year and is 2.5% ahead of target. With less than a week to go before the budget is announced on the 14th of October, Cork Chamber is reiterating its call to the government that good fiscal discipline must be maintained when considering the measures contained in this upcoming release.


Cork Chamber’s pre-budget submission document submitted in August covers a number of areas with a primary focus on innovative solutions which the Chamber believes will aid continued economic growth and job creation whilst fostering a positive environment for start-up enterprises and increasing consumer confidence. The submission identified a number of taxation, SME support and health insurance policy initiatives that we feel will help put more money in the pockets of consumers to spend in the economy whilst encouraging economic growth and job creation.



To view Cork Chambers Pre-Budget Submission please click here



Subsidised Training
Would you like to be more effective at work?
 

Learn how to manage your time? Eliminate interruptions?


Then our course in Personal Effectivenessis the one for you! Learn time management, the 4D process, SMART goals and much much more. BOOK NOW!


Also with a focus on YOU, our Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching Leadership (FETAC Level 6) Course is kicking off on the 5th November next. Learn how to unlock your potential so you can maximise your performance!

 
P.S. Don’t forget our LinkedIn for Sales & Retention event running 6.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. on 30th October next! 


Personal Effectiveness

Course Date: 21st October

Member Rate: €140.00

You will gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes to manage your time more effectively by:

  • eliminating unnecessary interruptions
  • prioritising tasks
  • understanding the difference between urgent and important

Once you complete this programme, you will be able to

  • Assess your work priorities and schedules
  • Prioritise your tasks
  • Set individual goals and objectives
  • Plan your time effectively in order to achieve your personal and organisational goals
  • Identify and manage time robbers such as e-mails, meetings, phone calls and interruptions
  • Overcome Procrastination
  • Manage your communications more effectively
  • Delegate tasks effectively
  • Improve your work output as a result of improved personal effectiveness

This course includes effective time management, the 4D Process: Important vs Urgent Tasks, Setting SMART Goals & Objectives, Personal Effectiveness, Emotional Intelligence & Influencing Others, Effective Delegation & Focused Communication.

This one day course can transform your working day, BOOK NOW!

 

 

Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching Leadership (FETAC Level 6)

Course Dates: 5th & 6th November, 3rd & 4th December 2014 & 14th January, 2015

Member Rate: €720.00

Coaching is about unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their performance.

This 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 organisation 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.

Specific features of this newly revised programme include

(a) an exploration of the Co-Active Coaching model (course book provided);

(b) enhanced practical coaching applications; and

(c) an individual MBTI Personality assessment designed to provide participants with significant understanding of the psychology of workplace relationships.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will:

  • Understand the distinctive nature of coaching as an intervention designed to enhance workplace competencies and career advancement
  • Learn how to use a range of coaching models
  • Understand the organisational context of coaching
  • Have learned how to set goals for individual development
  • Be in a position to build powerful coaching relationships
  • Understand the non-critical, non-judgemental and confidential nature of the coaching relationship
  • Have acquired the skills of rapport building, active listening, systematic questioning, feedback and empathy
  • Have acquired an understanding of how personality and individual learning styles impact on the workplace learning environment
  • Have developed personal effectiveness as a coach
  • Be able to manage a coaching programme and evaluate the effectiveness of coaching as a development tool

 

This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn the core skills of Business Coaching whilst also gaining a qualification which is on the National Qualification Framework in Ireland (FETAC Level 6). This course is suitable for managers and other individuals who are responsible for developing workplace competencies and who possess the interest and skills required to develop individual performance in others.

 

See our full range of courses HERE 

Bookings can be completed through the website and enquiries should be directed to Aoife@corkchamber.ie  (Business School Executive)

 


Events
Discover how India may have the business opportunity for you!
 

Date: 13th October
Time: 12:30pm – 14:30pm
Venue: Kingsley Hotel
To book: here or contact Katherine for further information.

 

Enterprise Europe Network, in conjunction with the European Business and Technology Centre, Ireland India Business Association and EnergyCork are hosting a ‘Discover Energy and Cleantech Business Opportunities in India’.


At the event, Energy sector specialist Mr. Vittal Kumar Dhage will address Cork companies at an information seminar about business opportunities in India in sectors such as biotechnology, energy, environment and transport, which offer huge scope for synergy and collaboration.  


To bring a local business perspective to the seminar, Don Buckley, Senior Project/ Operational Manager with PM Group will outline the PM Group story in India.  Don was the Operations Manager in PM Group’s India office during the start-up phase.


To bring a local business perspective to the seminar, Don Buckley, Senior Project/ Operational Manager with PM Group will outline the PM Group story in India.  Don was the Operations Manager in PM Group’s India office during the start-up phase.

Cork Chamber Business Breakfast with David Duffy, CEO of AIB Bank
 

Date: Tuesday 21st October
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €25 members / €35 non members
To book: here



Prior to joining AIB, David established Celtic Advisory International in Singapore to provide capital raising and development advisory services to corporates and companies seeking to raise equity.


David has held various positions at ING Group including the position of Head of Global Wholesale Banking Network based in Amsterdam. This included the management of a team of CEOs covering all of the Bank’s regions globally.

This event will be a sell-out, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.



Cork Chamber’s Speed Networking Event
 

Date: Thursday 23rd October
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: The River Lee Hotel
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To book: here 



Cork Chamber and Arachas Corporate Brokers will work in partnership in October to bring you a highly energized event, where you will make over 10 business contacts in a fast-paced environment.


‘Speed networking’ is a more structured form of networking where you have 1 ½ minutes each side to pitch your business and make connections for both buying and selling. This is a practical event for SME’s, giving you a chance to speed network and meet new business contacts as well as receive referrals and renew existing connections.


Due to the nature of the speed networking, only ONE representative from each company can take part. Places are limited so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.



Cork Chamber's Dublin Dinner 2014 In association with EY
 

Date: Tuesday, 18th November 2014
Time: 19.30pm
Venue: Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: €125.00
To book:  here 



Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2014 promotes the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin businesses and enhances existing business relationships between the two regions. This is a unique opportunity for Cork businesses to network with their Dublin counterparts as well as an ideal corporate entertainment platform. 

At this Black Tie Event, we will honour a prominent business person with the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award and this year Darina Allen of Ballymaloe will be the proud recipient. We are also delighted to announce that Dr Johnny Walker of Global Diagnostics, medical pioneer and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist 2010 will be the key note speaker. 

This event sells out every year so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. 



International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
 

Exporting from the EU – what you need to know

The European Union’s (EU) Market Access Database contains information for companies exporting from the EU about import conditions in third country markets. See ‘read more’ for further details.

 

Expressions of Interest now being accepted for an International Workshop

Expressions of interest are now being accepted from SMEs for a workshop entitled ‘A targeted approach to international growth’. The workshop, which takes place on November 26th, is aimed at SMEs who are looking to internationalise. See  ‘read more’ for further details.

 

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for a UK-focused Public Procurement Seminar

Expressions of interested are now being accepted from SMEs for a workshop focussing on procurement opportunities in the UK. It is expected that this event will take place before Christmas. See ‘read more’for further details.


Exporting from the EU – what you need to know

 

The EU’s Market Access Database provides information for Irish companies exporting outside the EU.

It outlines details on:

Find out which import duties and taxes you will have to pay on your exports to particular countries and you can calculate a landed cost for your product by entering the relevant specific harmonised system code.

Find out about import procedures and documents required by specific countries and general information on market access conditions.

Find out about trade flows in goods between EU and non-EU countries for a specific product; 

In this section you can find out about trade barriers which have been reported to the Commission and learn about what the EU is doing to remove them.

SPS measures are often necessary to protect human, animal and plant life or health, including to protect them from risks arising from imported goods.

Find out if the goods that you are exporting qualify for preferential treatment under a tariff preference scheme.

Find out about available EU business supports

 

Expressions of Interest now being accepted for an International Workshop

A workshop entitled ‘A targeted approach to international growth’ will take place on Wednesday26th November. The workshop is specifically aimed at SMEs who are looking to internationalise.

This highly interactive one-day workshop is designed for SMEs to focus their resources where they can be most successful internationally. The workshop topics will include:

  • The challenge of addressing International markets
  • Know your market - what market research do you need to do and how?
  • Adapting your business to International Markets - defining your business model
  • How to market your business internationally
  • Your next steps

 

The workshop will include case studies of Irish companies that have been successful and provide opportunities to share experiences and learn from others. Exercises will be included in each section of the workshop to encourage discussion. Delegates will leave with a greater understanding of how to be more targeted in their approach to the International growth opportunity. They will also have specific actions on the research they will need to undertake. Finally they will have had an opportunity to refine their business model, using a well proven tool and have the beginnings of a marketing plan to target buyers internationally.

 

Our workshop will include a valuable workbook, including all the guidance, exercises and resources used within the workshop to ensure delegates avoid unnecessary note taking and concentrate on their business and applying the learnings from the workshop.

 

The workshop will be delivered by Ray Clarke, Chartered Marketer B.Sc.Eng. DipM. MCIM AMIET. Ray is a Chartered Marketer with extensive international experience in business marketing. As a Marketing Consultant at Shaping Business he has over twenty years’ experience working with SME’s and large multinational corporations in researching and targeting markets in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Americas. His experience includes business modelling, strategy development, market research & analysis, marketing planning, marketing management and lead generation. Ray is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Vice Chair on the Manchester Branch Management Team. He is regularly involved in delivering marketing seminars, consultancy and coaching to help businesses in Ireland and the UK to be more effective in marketing and business development. To register for this event, please contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie.  (Please note places are limited and are subject to an application process.)

 

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for a UK-focused Public Procurement Workshop

Are you interested in learning about how to apply for public procurement contracts in the UK? A workshop on ‘Tendering for Public Sector Contracts in the UK’ is being planned for later this year. If you would be interested in learning more about this workshop please email Katherine@corkchamber.ie.  


Promotion
Griffins Cork’s friendliest business
 

GRIFFINS Garden Centre in Dripsey recently were announced as Cork’s Friendliest Business 2014.


The award was presented to them at the JCI/Evening Echo Cork Friendly Business Awards, in association with Silversprings Moran Hotel and Cork Chamber.


Griffins got the honour after nominations from members of the public in recognition of their customer care ethos. A number of category winners were also presented: Best Customer Care, Griffins Garden Centre; Layout and Design winner, Energy Fitness; Eco Friendliness winner, Cogan’s Garage, Carrigaline; Disability Access winner, Brookfield Leisure Centre, College Road; Digital Experience winner, McCarthy's Bar, Model Farm Road.



Latest News
 

1. Cork Chamber Warmly Welcomes 100 New SolarWinds Jobs - Read More here 


2. VMware Cork - Diversity Event - Read More here 


3. Minister For Jobs, Enterprise And Innovation, Richard Bruton, Lauds Global Software Giant's Expansion Plans - Read More here 


4. Former Secretary General Of The Department Of Finance, John Moran, To Speak At Cork Foundation's Dublin Lunch - Read More here 


5. Cork Chamber Disappointed With Short-Sighted Local Property Tax Change - Read More here 


6. Householders and businesses should take Precautionary Measures to protect property for this evenings high tide at 18:17 - Read More here


7. 'Cork Company Of The Year' Awards 2015 - Read More here 


8. Give One Night To Change A Lifetime - Read More here 



Members Offers
€20 Unlimited Mobile Plan with Three Mobile
 

SIM Only for your business.

On a rolling 30 day contract for €20 ex-VAT per month.


* Unlimited calls to Irish mobiles
* Unlimited texts to Irish mobiles
* Unlimited calls to landlines in Ireland (incl. Northern Ireland)
* Unlimited Data
* Free Voicemail
* Unlimited calls and texts to Ireland from any Three network abroad, including Three UK
* Unlimited data on any Three network abroad


Contact Siobhan Gallagher on 0834011661 for further information. 



10% off physiotherapy appointments @ Bon Secours Hospital
 
Period of the offer available: until 30th  November

Cork's Largest Private Physiotherapy Clinic with17 Chartered Physiotherapists Providing Clinical Excellence for: 

  • Back & Neck Pain/Acupuncture
  • Arthritis & Rheumatology
  • Sports Injuries & Orthotics• Pilates Classes
  • Rehab Physiotherapy - Stroke & Decreased Mobility
  • Respiratory Physiotherapy - COPD & Breathlessness
  • Incontinence   

Self referrals/GP referrals  welcome Tel: 021 4801630 for appointments Mon – Thur  08.00 - 19.30, Fri 08.00 - 16.30


Your Christmas Party Destination
 
Period of the offer available: November/December 2014  

Castlemartyr Resort is the perfect location to host your Christmas party or entertain clients as it captures the true essence of the spirit and magic of Christmas. We offer a truly personal service and will tailor a package to suit you whether it would be a small intimate gathering or a large banquet.

  • Party Nights start from €72 per person
  • Festive Dinners start from €55 per person
  • Festive Lunches start from €37 per person
  • Please quote Cork Chamber Christmas Package when booking to receive a special treat.


Member Events
Imerc Innovation Week
 
Date: 15th -18th October
Time: 15th October 13:00; 16th October 20:00; 18th October: All Day  
Venue: National Maritime College of Ireland/City Hall Cork
To book: here  

 
Imerc Innovation Week is a mix of lectures, outreach and networking events. We are particularly excited to have Alex Thomson, a global yachting superstar racer, speak about his life as a racer in Cork City Hall on Thursday, October 16 at 20:00. See here  for full details.


SCSI Launch A Guide to Property for SMEs
 
Date: 16th October 
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Venue: The Imperial Hotel
Cost: Free of charge
To book: here 


The Southern Region of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland will now launch A Guide to Property for SMEs. Tea/Coffee etc. will be provided. The event provides an opportunity for business owners in the region to network with members of the Society who can offer guidance on such matters.


VMware Cork – Diversity Event
 
Date: 11th  November
Time: 8-10am
Venue: VMware’s Training and Development Centre in Ballincollig
Cost: FREE
To book: email Claire O’Regan here 


VMware in connection with it@Cork are hosting an event around the theme of “What is Diversity”. There will be a Panel discussion with Senior Representatives from EMC, CIT, VMware and it@Cork and an unconscious bias training session and Coderdojo presentation.


Introduction to Business Angel Investing Seminar
 
Date: 13th October 
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: The River Lee Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: Email  Sarah here ​or call 01 669 8525 to register

Have you ever thought about business angel investing but don’t know where to start? Are you interested in learning how you can support & invest in some of Ireland’s most exciting start-ups and the associated tax benefits? HBAN, the Halo Business Angel Network, invites you to join this evening seminar lasting approx. 1hr to network with likeminded individuals from your region, hear from current investors about the benefits of investing in a syndicate and how to get the most out of your investments. 



This seminar will be of interest to individuals who are new to business angel investing, as well as those who are already active independent investors and have an interest in finding out more about angel investment and investing as part of a syndicate. For more information please visit our website here

Cork Pops Orchestra Schools Concerts
 
Date: 5th,6th and 7th November
Time:10 am and 12 noon
Venue: City Hall, Cork
Cost: €8 per student Teachers free
To book: here 

Evelyn Grant and the Cork Pops Orchestra will be performing concerts Primary and Post Primary school audiences in City Hall, Cork, November 5th,6th and 7th.The programme is entitled ‘Blockbuster Classics – Music from the Movies’.


J. Barter Travel’s Biggest Sale Yet – 3 Day Sale
 

Date: 13th October – Wednesday 15th October
Time: Starts Monday at 9am – Ends Wednesday at 5pm!
Venue: J. Barter Travel – 92 Patrick Street | Douglas Village Shopping Centre | Old Market Bandon Shopping Centre


Come along to J. Barter Travel next week13th to 15th October to avail of our 3 Day Flash Sale prices. City Breaks, Ski Holidays, Cruises, Long-haul, Honeymoons and Summer 2015!! Our biggest sale yet! Exclusive to J. Barter Travel in Cork City, Douglas and Bandon. Sale ends Wednesday at 5pm. Terms and conditions apply.