In this issue
Policy
Iarnród Éireann Stakeholder survey
Subsidised Training
Let’s get Technical!
Events
Lehane Motors @ the Rochestown Park Hotel
Getting Financial Investment in your Business – Venture Capital and Private Investments
Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner in association with EY
Chamber Supported Events
Get On Board – Start-Up Express
Business Leaders Join Forces to Combat homelessness
Chamber Supported Projects
LAST CALL for submissions to Cork innovates bursary valued at €30,000
International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
Member Updates
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Policy
Iarnród Éireann Stakeholder survey
 

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is undertaking a stakeholder opinion survey.  Through this, they hope to gain insight into key stakeholders views, on transport in general and Iarnród Éireann and rail services in particular, to enable them to address the concerns of, and engage with, stakeholders more effectively in the future.


The business community in Cork is a key stakeholder group for Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail.  Therefore, we would appreciate it if you could take 10 minutes to complete this survey HERE



Subsidised Training
Let’s get Technical!
 

Let’s face it, sometimes we all need a bit of help with our IT skills, there’s always something new to learn! The Business School @ Cork Chamber has two IT courses coming up soon, both designed to make you more effective and efficient in your daily tasks.


First up, on the 25th October next is our MS Excel Advanced course for those experienced Excel users among you and then on the 1st November, our Personal Productivity using MS Outlook course is running, designed to help you have an EMPTY INBOX at the end of each day!


MS Excel Advanced

Course Dates: Friday, 25th October 2013

Member Rate: €100.00

This course is designed for experienced users of MS Excel who would like to maximise their use of the application through the use of the advanced functionality of MS Excel including advanced data analysis tools including Pivot Tables. You will cover functions such as IF & VLookup / HLookup & will look at automating tasks through the use of Macros.

On completion of this course participants will be proficient in the more advanced functionality of MS Excel including:

  • Advanced Data Analysis – Advanced Filtering, Creating Names Ranges, Sub-Totalling feature, Database Function, Pivot Tables
  • Recording Macros
  • IF, Lookup and other functions
  • Goal Seek & Scenario Manager
  • Protecting worksheets & workbooks

This course is designed for experienced users of MS Excel. Ideally you should have completed an Intermediate training course prior to attending this advanced programme. Having already familiarised yourself with the most efficient way of performing everyday tasks, and having covered some intermediate topics, it is now time to build on that knowledge.

A large proportion of the course is dedicated to using the Database Features in MS Excel – this is a very powerful side to Excel that not many people utilise to its fullest potential. Useful functions such as IF and Lookups are covered in addition to automating tasks using Macros etc. It is highly recommended that you firstly attend Level Two (Intermediate) or have extensive experience of the functions covered at Intermediate level prior to attending as some of the topics covered in Level Two are essential for successful completion.

This course is only €100.00 for Chamber members, so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!!

 

Personal Productivity using MS Outlook

Course Date: Friday, 1st November 2013

Member Rate: €130.00

This one day course will provide you with an effective means to reduce mind clutter and an easy to apply method of managing and prioritizing workload and overcoming e-mail deluge. This course, based on the 2007/2010 version of Outlook, will enable you to have an EMPTY INBOX at the end of each working day!

Following this course you will:

  • Be aware of Time Management theory (Best Practice)
  • Be familiar with MS Outlook Shortcut Keys
  • Be able to use timesaving everyday functionality in MS Outlook
  • Have customised Outlook to make it work more effectively as a time management tool
  • Know how to create tasks in order to prioritise and manage workload
  • Know how to create tasks directly from email as an effective method of deferring less urgent work
  • Have the ability to use the calendar and tasks to manage working days realistically
  • Able to collaborate with other users through meeting invitations, sharing calendars etc.

This invaluable one-day course is available at a cost of only €130.00, so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!  

 

See our full range of courses at www.corkchamber.ie/training

Bookings can be completed through the website and enquiries should be directed to Aoife@corkchamber.ie  (Training Services Administrator)

 

 

BUSINESS SCHOOL CALENDAR

October

Certificate in Supervisory Management         23rd October

November

Personal Productivity using MS Outlook  1st November

PMI Exam Preparation Course 5th November

Certificate in Train the Trainer 6th November

E-Mail & Business Writing     6th November

MS Project 2010       11th November

Increasing Sales by Telephone  12th November

Project Management Professional   20th November

Influencing & Negotiating Skills  20th November

Present & Express with Confidence 28th November

 


Events
Lehane Motors @ the Rochestown Park Hotel
 
Date: 24th October
Time: 17:30 - 19:00
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: visit our website HERE.


Cork Chamber and Lehane Motors who are now Cork City’s new Toyota and Lexus Dealer, present the October Business After Hours Event which will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Thursday 24th October. 

This event will be a Dedicated Networking Event and will offer you ample opportunity to meet and do business with your fellow Cork Chamber members. As always, we will have our 30 minute “speed networking” slot which will help you move to the sound of the bell and guarantee that you meet 8-10 new business contacts – an absolute must for any business looking to grow it’s customer base.



Getting Financial Investment in your Business – Venture Capital and Private Investments
 
Date: 6th November
Time: 08:00 - 10:30
Venue: Imperial Hotel
Cost: Free
To Book: visit our website here


The focus of this, the 3rd seminar, will be on identifying what makes a business investor ready, what business sectors are favoured by private investment and venture capital companies and some new private funding innovations.


Speakers will include Michael O’Connor, CorkBIC who will speak about the Halo Business Angel Network, Marc Rafferty from Linked Finance will introduce the concept of crowd funding and Cork entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon will share his experience of crowd funding a business in Cork.



Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner in association with EY
 

Date: 19th November
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: €120pp / €1200 per Table
To book: visit our website here


Now in it’s third year, Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2013 will once again promote the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin Businesses and enhance existing business relations between the two regions. It gives unique potential for Dublin-based companies to meet with their Cork peers as well as Cork companies doing business in Dublin. It also affords the opportunity for networking amongst Cork business people who are Dublin based.


For more details and booking information, please CLICK HERE



Chamber Supported Events
Get On Board – Start-Up Express
 

Date: 29th October
Time: 4.10pm
To book: here
Cost: Free (train only)
Location:
Kent station

On October the 30th/31st, the Dublin Web Summit, Europe’s Largest Technology event  takes place and Cork stands to be well represented thanks to the efforts of a collective of local Technology Companies - VoxPro, PCH International and Trustev. They have commissioned a charter train called the ‘STARTUP EXPRESS’ to transport nearly 180 entrepreneurs, businesspeople, technologists, students and general startup junkies!


Cork Chamber are delighted to support this event and offer spaces to members. As we know the future of business is tied closely to the future of technology so if you’re interested in what the next few years will bring in terms of new technologies, hear discussions from leading international business people, press and investors, or want to help promote Cork as a leading destination for technology in Europe, GET ON BOARD!

 



Business Leaders Join Forces to Combat homelessness
 
On Friday 18th October, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, along with fellow business leaders, will be sleeping rough at Cork City Gaol for the "Shine a Light" Focus Ireland homelessness campaign.

Over 5,000 people are homeless in Ireland today and one in seven is child. 'Shine a Light Night' is happening so that we can all play our part in helping Focus Ireland provide vital services which can change people's lives.

Your contribution will make a difference. To sponsor participants click here.


Chamber Supported Projects
LAST CALL for submissions to Cork innovates bursary valued at €30,000
 

With less than one week to go, budding entrepreneurs and ambitious start-ups are being encouraged to take some time out to submit their application for the 2013 Cork innovates bursary.


The Cork innovates bursary will offer a wide range of services from advertising,  financial advice and mentoring to legal services and membership supports. Everything a business and entrepreneur could need to get started and get ahead is included in this year’s bursary.


The bursary is now open for applications here until 21 October 2013.   


With less than one week to go, budding entrepreneurs and ambitious start-ups are being encouraged to take some time out to submit their application for the 2013 Cork innovates bursary.

The Cork innovates bursary will offer a wide range of services from advertising,  financial advice and mentoring to legal services and membership supports. Everything a business and entrepreneur could need to get started and get ahead is included in this year’s bursary.

 

James Duggan of Funmanway Adventureland recently commented that “Winning the bursary was the single biggest step my business made going forward since its launch,” and similar likeminded entrepreneurs are being encouraged to follow in his footsteps this year to avail of an even greater award.  The bursary is now open for applications on www.corkinnovates.com until 21 October 2013.   The selection process will be a multi-tiered approach with an initial screening of applications, followed by interviews, private pitching sessions and a public pitching session on November 14th at the second InBusiness InCork Showcase.  Pre-registration for this showcase is now open here


International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
 

The Enterprise Europe Network helps small business 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 Liz@corkchamber.ie

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

  • Doing Business with India’ networking event 21 October
  • B2B Networking Event, November 29, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Business partnership opportunities

Ireland India Business Association (IIBA), in association with Tyndall National Institute

On Monday 21 October, the Ireland India Business Association (IIBA), in association with Tyndall National Institute, will host a ‘Doing Business with India’ networking event in Tyndall between 18:30 and 20:30. This event will provide a networking opportunity for industries with Indian links or those interested in establishing links with India. The event will also showcase different research activities at Tyndall and how Tyndall/UCC can generate value for industry through research collaboration. To register for this event, please click here.



B2B Networking Event, November 29, Lisbon, Portugal

Vice President of the European Commission, Antonio Tajani, has joined forces with the Portuguese government by organising a B2B networking event which will take place in Lisbon on 29 November. The objective of this conference is to make European companies aware about opportunities in and from Portugal. This mission will comprise of a conference which will focus on making European companies aware of business opportunities in Portugal and there will also be a B2B matchmaking session to allow European enterprises to meet potential Portuguese partners within the Health, Tourism, Automotive, Aeronautical, ICT and Agrifood sectors. For further information about this event, please click here.

Business Partnership Opportunities

  • An award-winning German producer of high quality fruit juices is looking for distribution partners in Ireland. The juices are available in apple, plum, quince, elderberry and rhubarb flavours. This family-run business is focused on producing juices in a sustainable and ethical way. For further information about this profile, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BODE20130627001.
  • A Swiss specialist in the field of measurement is looking for access to key markets in the area of aviation, aerospace, railway industry, automobile industry, health and medical industry for their measuring products through a trade intermediary. They are also looking for companies that can sell their licence to and for any interested investors. For further information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20120625013.

Promotion
Cork Company of the Year Awards 2014
 

Cork Chamber, in partnership with Vodafone, is actively looking for Cork based companies that have demonstrated significant achievement and success over the past year. The ‘Cork Company of the Year’ awards are open to all businesses, across varying sectors and sizes, from Emerging to SME’s to Large indigenous and multinational organisations.


Both finalists and winners will receive significant exposure in the media and at Cork Chamber’s Annual Dinner, which is attended by close to 1000 business people, including the country’s leading business and political figures.  

Deadline for entries: Friday, 25th October at 5pm for nominations and Friday the 1st of November at 1pm for completed applications


Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be recognised for your business success in 2013. Apply or nominate here.



Do you want to enhance students’ employability?
 

The College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences, University College Cork has launched a new work placement module, to enhance students' employability and transferable skills through work experience and critical reflection. This work placement initiative is a great opportunity for employers to make a real difference to students University experience. 


For further information, please contact: Elaine Browne Employability Advisor for the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences (CACSSS) Work Placement Module, UCC Career Services e.browne@ucc.ie or (021) 4902945



See ‘read more’ below to find out how this placement programme may be of interest to your business.

 

 


  • This new CACSSS Work Placement Module gives employers and recruiting organisations the chance to recruit a valuable source of skilled labour to meet business and project needs and provides a flexible solution to your recruitment needs.
  • The Employability Advisor, based at the UCC Career Services, is responsible for the management and development of this new work placement module for the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences in UCC.
  • The programme involves Employability & Pre-placement workshops (supporting students in becoming ‘work-ready’) and post-placement follow-up designed to help students to reflect and articulate on their work-based learning and skills developed and how to market these to future employers.
  • This 5 Credit Additional Module involves  a minimum of 150 hours of work placement and is academically assessed. Work Experience can be paid or unpaid, or supported by external funding (e.g. Erasmus), and can occur in a variety of relevant campus, local, national or international settings (e.g. academic, commercial, cultural, heritage, statutory, NGO etc.)
  • Work-placements can be completed in one of two periods: Across College Term (Weekly) Placement (within months Nov to Sept) or during the summer months (Block) Placement (within months – June to Sept).
  • This module offers students the benefit of a period of work experience, which is vetted by the university and employers.
  •  The UCC Career Services, participating companies and academic staff work with students to ensure that they are developing work-place relevant skills related to their degrees.
  •  Successful completion of this placement module is listed on students’ transcripts.

More details available here.


Members Offers
10% off your overnight Christmas Party package
 
Period of Offer: Booked prior to the 31st of October


Why not celebrate Christmas in Style by having your Christmas Party at the Five star Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney. Party Nights scheduled for the 13th,14th and 20th of December will include, A Mulled wine reception on arrival, A four course gala Christmas Dinner, Live Band and DJ, Great spot prizes,

All for €49.00 per person or €119 per person to include deluxe Bed & Breakfast. For any enquiries please contact Karen Long Corporate Sales Manager at Muckross park on 064/6623400 or 087/1362397.


See Christmas Brochure here.


Member Events
SMILE Resource Exchange Cork Event
 

Date: 24th October
Time: From 9.15am to 1.00pm
Venue: The Maryborough Hotel and Spa, Douglas
Cost: FREE
To book: visit our website here


This event includes information sessions on resource efficiency and best practises in business by IKEA & MAMUKKO and our unique networking rounds offering you a chance to:

• Introduce your organisation in small facilitated groups at round tables in a relaxed informal setting.
• Identify potential synergies with other organisations e.g. exchange unwanted items, surplus products, by-products or off-cuts.



Leadership in Difficult Times: A Group Relations Conference
 

Date: 29 November to 2 December, 2013
Time:  9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Venue: Western Gateway Building, UCC
Cost:  €850
To Book: Dr Patrice Cooper, Department of Management and Marketing, UCC, email patrice@ucc.ie , tel (021) 4902081


A Group Relations Conference is an experiential learning programme which increases effectiveness for any organisational role.  This Conference run in association between the Tavistock, UCC and Ochre will help participants understand Leadership and Followership in a different way, see below the surface, and become a better leader in a better organisation.


More information available here.





SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit
 

Date: October 31-November 1
Time:  7:30am – 5pm (both days)
Cost:  $395.00 (U.S. Dollars)
Venue:  Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
To Book:  visit HERE to pre-register


SelectUSA is a U.S. government initiative to promote and facilitate investment in the United States.  The inaugural SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit aims to connect international businesses and investors with U.S. economic development organizations at the state, regional, and local levels. Attendees will have an unparalleled opportunity to share investment objectives with relevant experts.



The National Franchise Centre comes to Cork!
 

Date: due to be delivered from 4th November on a part time basis

Find out whether your business might be suited to expansion - using Franchise, Licence or Distributor Models

The National Franchise Centre (NFC) in partnership with Cork innovates has recently announced that it will deliver its hugely successful programme Franchise START in Cork this November.

The programme is 5 days in duration and caters to those who wish to assess the feasibility of business expansion using various models. Often, the cost and time involved in scaling ones venture depends on the complexity of the business, the proposed system and the current position.

To register your interest for Franchise START (due to be delivered from 4th November on a part time basis) or for further information please logo onto www.nationalfranchisecentre.ie or email: nfc@lit.ie


Find out whether your business might be suited to expansion - using Franchise, Licence or Distributor Models

The National Franchise Centre (NFC) in partnership with Cork innovates has recently announced that it will deliver its hugely successful programme Franchise START in Cork this November.

The programme is 5 days in duration and caters to those who wish to assess the feasibility of business expansion using various models. Often, the cost and time involved in scaling ones venture depends on the complexity of the business, the proposed system and the current position. Franchise START helps participants to evaluate their current situation and what planning is required in areas such as intellectual property, the market, systems, profitability etc.  The merits of Franchise START lie in its practical and utilitarian approach to expansion models and no doubt it will prove itself to a new Cork audience.

Siobhan Finn of Cork Innovates commented that “We identified a need for support for businesses wishing to grow and scale using the franchise model in Cork. We successfully engaged with the National Franchise Centre and are delighted to now support the launch of its Franchise START programme here in Cork.  This is another new offering for local entrepreneurs and the business community and Cork innovates is very pleased to have instigated this for the region”

Martina McGrath, National Franchise Centre Manager advised "this programme offers a true insight into the investment required in order to scale ones business. For some franchising, licencing and distributorships offer an excellent platform for expansion; however, gaining a knowledge base to enter into this sphere can be an uphill and costly exercise. We look forward to facilitating such businesses over the coming months- assisting in their growth journey”.

To register your interest for Franchise START (due to be delivered from 4th November on a part time basis) or for further information please logo onto www.nationalfranchisecentre.ie or email: nfc@lit.ie


The Marketing Institute October Event: How to make Facebook work for your business
 
Date: 24th Oct
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Venue: Vertigo, County Hall
Cost: €10 members, €25 non members, €10 students
To Book: here (Registration deadline is Wednesday 23-Oct-13 1:45 PM)


Helen Smyth manages the Small & Medium Business Team in EMEA at Facebook, where she strives to educate, service and support small & medium sized businesses on Facebook to market and grow their companies. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, providing us all with an opportunity to network and engage with fellow marketers and our guest speaker.