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How was Q3 for your Business?
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Cork Chamber has now released its latest quarterly economic trends survey and would greatly appreciate it if you could take five minutes to respond to our questions.
To access our survey, please CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://surveyconsole.com/t/AlrGZDbir Survey responses are treated in the strictest confidence with results presented in aggregate format only.
This quarter’s survey seeks your views on your company’s Q3 performance, the impact of government/banking supports and the key priorities and challenges for your business in the next quarter.
A key issue that members have communicated to us recently relates to the challenges they encounter in identifying and availing of existing government initiatives to support their recruitment needs and this month’s quarterly survey also includes questions on your perspective of these schemes/initiatives (e.g. Jobsbridge, JobsPlus etc).
Please complete the Q3 2013 survey by close of business on Thursday 3rd October
All survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a lunch for two at Barnabrow House, home to world renowned Michelin Star Chef Stuart Bowes.
*Survey Prize* All survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a lunch for two at Barnabrow House, home to world renowned Michelin Star Chef Stuart Bowes. Barnabrow House is set in a private estate near Ballycotton Bay, just 20 minutes from Cork City. Best known as a wedding venue, it is now available for corporate use - as a meeting venue and also for private dinners – in addition to their excellent Sunday lunch.
The Policy Department would like to thank you for your continued input into our work.
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The Business School @ Cork Chamber
The Business School @ Cork Chamber is currently offering a FETAC accredited Train the Trainer course (Level 6) due to start on the 7th October next. This course is ideal for trainers and subject-matter experts who want to take their training skills to the next level and beyond. Our accredited Train the Trainer course can give them the tools and practical experience they need to be good trainers. Only a few places remaining so BOOK NOW! Also, as we all know, sales are crucial for business and the marketplace is growing more competitive by the day which means that the business customer has more choice than ever before. Sellers now have to work as hard for repeat purchases as they do for new business. Our Business to Business Selling – The Secrets course is starting on the 15th October next – learn how exceed your sales target this year and beyond!
Train the Trainer (FETAC Level 6) Course Dates: 7th, 14th & 21st October Member Rate: €400.00 Trainer: Mike Roche, Mike Roche Training This 3 day course, one of our more popular, is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deliver, assess and evaluate training programmes. It is suitable for people who are working in the area of training and development or who will soon be assuming a training position within their organisation. Participants on this course will gain practical experience and recognised certification (FETAC Level 6) as trainers. At the end of this programme successful participants will be able to: - Understand different learning styles;
- Explain critical elements of a trainers' role;
- Understand the functions and processes of learning and training;
- Evaluate different approaches to training;
- Appreciate the importance of training on an individual, social and economic level;
- Work effectively with a range of learner groups;
- Explain the training needs analysis process and set appropriate training objectives;
- Apply the principles of training design in preparing lesson plans;
- Deliver training effectively in one-to-one and group situations, and select appropriate techniques for assessing trainee progress;
- Identify different levels of evaluation and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes;
- Develop and implement appropriate assessment methods.
This course is ideal for Managers and/or supervisors responsible for the training and development of staff, individuals wishing to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of training and those who may be seeking to change direction in their professional lives and explore employment opportunities in the area of training. So if you wish to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of training,BOOK TODAY! Business to Business Selling - The Secrets Course Dates: 15th October, 5th & 19th November Member Rate: €600.00 Trainer: David Malone, Evolve Organisational Learning Consultants Identifying new customers, driving demand, and building a solid sales pipeline is at the core of successful sales prospecting for anybody who sells business to business. The marketplace is growing more competitive by the day which means that the business customer has more choice than ever before. Sellers now have to work as hard for repeat purchases as they do for new business. This business to business sales course will teach you the necessary consultative selling skills required to exceed your sales target this year and beyond. This course will illustrate how to: - Make appointments by phone, email, and 'LinkedIn'
- Structure a prospecting meeting for maximum effect
- Better understand and profile their sales prospects
- Structure the sales process for maximum revenue and shortest lead time
- Ask the best sales questions to qualify and position your solution
- Ask for a commitment smoothly and effectively
- Sell more profitably and efficiently
- Following successful completion of this course, participants will have acquired:
- Techniques to target better prospects
- Understanding your metrics
- How to write a compelling e-mail
- How to connect with prospects using LinkedIn
- Where and how to network successfully
- How to get appointments by phone
- Preparing for the initial sales meeting
- How to structure a sales meeting
- Conditioning: Using the techniques of influence to increase conversion of sales
- Handling objections: using forward planning to handle objections seamlessly
- Closing: Gaining commitment or movement to the next stage
- Adapting your approach for different types of opportunities
- Developing a personal action plan
This course is ideal for business owners and sales professionals and is only €600.00 for Chamber members so BOOK NOW!! 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 November
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Access to Finance for SMEs - PART 2 - EU Funding
Date: 9th October Time: 08:00 - 10:30 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; how the EU budget is allocated and how SMEs can apply for direct or indirect funding. A number of SME and Research cases studies will give insights to EU funding successes.
Topics include: - EU Funding – An overview of funding opportunities for SMEs.
- Horizon 2020 – An outline of the new EU €80bn programme for research and innovation (2014-2020) and potential of the programme to assist SME growth.
For more information, contact Liz@corkchamber.ie or book online through www.corkchamber.ie
eircom Chief to address Cork Chamber audience
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 Do not miss your opportunity to learn about eircom’s plans to transform the telecommunications landscape at Cork Chamber’s October Business Breakfast, in association with the Irish Examiner. Herb Hribar, CEO of eircom plc will talk about the future of telecommunications in Ireland, the impact of 4G technology as well as exciting updates from the world of telecommunications. If you or anyone from your company would find this event useful, please book now to avoid disappointment.
For further information and booking details, please CLICK HERE.
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.
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Chamber Supported Projects
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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
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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:
- InterTradeIreland Energy Sector Master-class, 16 October 2013, Dublin
- Italian Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Forum, 22-23 October 2013, Naples, Italy
- European Telemedicine Conference, 29-30 October 2013, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Business partnership opportunities
InterTradeIreland Energy Sector Master-class, 16 October 2013, Dublin InterTradeIreland is running an Energy Sector Master-class and has developed a network of some of the island’s most successful entrepreneurs, with the objective of using their skills and expertise to assist growth companies. These entrepreneurs have agreed to dedicate some of their time to help growing businesses. The support from the entrepreneurs involves hosting master classes with small groups of companies including one to one sessions and follow-up support. The hosts on the day will be Norman Crowley, Founder of Crowley Carbon and Gary Duffy, CEO of Excelsys Technologies. As these master-classes are limited to 8-10 attendees, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information and to register for this event, please click here. Italian Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Forum, 22-23 October 2013, Naples, Italy The Italian Forum on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy (IFIB) will take place in Naples between the 22nd and 23rd October 2013 and is being organised by Assobiotec and the Italian Biocatalyis Centre. The workshop will offer attendees the chance to meet potential partners in pre-arranged face-to-face bilateral meetings will focus on the areas of industrial biotechnology; environmental technologies; energy and biofuels; pharma; chemicals; agro-food; and marine biotechnology. For further information and to register for this event, please click here. European Telemedicine Conference, 29-30 October 2013, Edinburgh, United Kingdom The inaugural European Telemedicine Conference (ETC) combines the efforts of several leading European takes place in Edinburgh on the 29th and 30th of October. Day 2 of the event offers partnering and showcasing opportunities. The Conference will showcase new telehealth related products and services to potential partners and the partnering event will allow participants to network and identify potential partnerships. For more information or to register for this event, please click here.
Business Partnership Opportunities - A UK martial arts and boxing wholesaler is seeking distributors in Ireland. The company has been manufacturing and supplying martial arts and boxing products for over 36 years and since its establishment, it has emerged as one of the foremost martial arts and boxing suppliers in Europe. For further information on this profile, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BOUK20130827001
- A French manufacturer of gourmet flavoured vinegar is seeking Irish suppliers of 100 ml and 200 ml glass bottles, with corks. The company seeks suppliers who can supply this product on a long-term basis. For more information on this profile, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20121217062
- A Maltese SME which specialises in the design and manufacture of high-end sinks, baths and shower trays is seeking manufacturers of similar products prepared to manufacture the company’s designs to its specifications. The company also seeks distributors for its range of products. For more information on this profile, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20120423009
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Cavanaghs - 131 Reg Car Sale (€500 discount)
Period of the offer available: October Thousands off 131 and 132 Fords at Cavanaghs. Low mileage, low tax and low emissions cars. All with extended 5 year manufacturer warranty. See our newly re-launched website for details: www.cavanaghs.com. €500 discount off Advertised prices for all Cork Chamber members and families.
GLORIOUS! At the Cork Arts Theatre - Special chamber member priced tickets
Period of the offer available: 1st- 5th October. 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!
Our offer to chamber members is the reduced price rate of €10pp. When availing of this offer please say you are a member of the chamber quoting ‘Chamber is GLORIOUS! ’
“People may say I can’t sing but nobody can ever say I didn’t sing.” 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. Florence Foster Jenkins, known as ‘the first lady of the sliding scale’, warbled 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. GLORIOUS! written by Peter Quilter (End of The Rainbow, Boyband, Stardust) and directed by Killian Collins (Damages, This Lime Tree Bower) stars Marion Wyatt (The Gingerbread Lady, Juno and the Paycock), Fionula Linehan (Over the Pub, The Good Sisters) and Brendan Dunlea (All My Sons, The Crucible). GLORIOUS! a Cork Arts Theatre Repertory Company presentation promises a glorious treat with this hilarious and heart-warming comedy. Starring Marion Wyatt, Fionula Linehan and Brendan Dunlea “Glittering and hilarious" - Sunday Times "This delightful and blissfully funny play generates a rare glow of warmth and generous laughter" - Daily Telegraph "Outstandingly droll and surprisingly touching" - The Independent When availing of this offer please say you are a member of the chamber quoting ‘Chamber is GLORIOUS! ’ Running until Saturday 5th October at 8pm. Bookings: 021 4505624 or in person. To the box office on Carroll’s quay. More details on our website: www.corkartstheatre.com
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Going International Conference
Date: 16th October Time: 9:00 – 17:30 Venue: Fota Island Resort & Hotel Cost: 150 (+VAT) 10% discount for Cork Chamber members Promo code: BICGI2013 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.
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Global Irish Economic Forum at UCC – public forum/Q&A
Date: 3rd October Time: The public forum and Q &A takes place at 1.30pm (also live online here) Venue: Aula Maxima, UCC Cost: Free but booking essential To book: Email m&c@ucc.ie by 5pm Wednesday 2nd October UCC, the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Enterprise Ireland will bring members of the Global Irish Network and businesses of the South together as part of the Global Irish Economic Forum, the focus being opportunities for job creation. A public forum and Q & A will also be held.
Bodega Trilogy Launch
Date: 10th October 2013 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Bodega, Cornmarket Street Cost: No Cost To Book: Please RSVP by Friday 4th October to nicola@bodegacork.ie The Bodega are delighted to Invite Chamber Members to attend the Trilogy menu launch on Thursday 10th October @ 6.30pm. Launching the Bodega's new food & superfood, cocktail and wine menus, the evening will be filled with food tasting, wine sipping and cocktail sampling. Live entertainment also.
IMAGE Networking Breakfast
Date: 10th October Time: 09:00am-11:00am Venue: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney, Co. Kerry To book: call: 01 2719616 or online here Cost: €45.00 per person Ladies, join us on Thursday October 10th for Image Magazine Ireland’s Networking Breakfasts in association with Brown Thomas and KBC Bank Ireland. The IMAGE Networking Breakfast will focus on the theme: “From Creativity to Commercialism”, with jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas leading a panel of expert speakers.
The panel of guest speakers along with Annoushka will offer personal accounts of combining creative learning with commercial awareness to forge hugely successful careers and businesses. There will also be ample opportunity to network with like-minded professional women, so make sure you’re well prepared with plenty of business cards and ready for action!
Southern Branch of Fundraising Ireland Seminar - Challenges and Best Practice in Volunteer Recruitment, Management and Engagement
Date: 8th October Time: 18.00-20.00 Venue: Clarion Hotel, Cork To book: HERE Cost: The fee for attending is €25 for members and €35 for non-members. This seminar will focus on the issues facing community fundraisers in today’s competitive environment and offer practical advice on how best to overcome them. Speakers from Mark Pollock Trust Bóthar & Autism Ireland
Illicit Trade in Ireland: Uncovering the cost to the Irish economy
Date: Friday, 04 October 2013 Time: 8.30am (registration and breakfast) 9.00am (start)10.30am (close) Venue: The Gresham Metropole, MacCurtain Street, Cork City, Ireland To book: email Ben Whelan here Grant Thornton would like to invite you to our panel discussion on Illicit Trade in Ireland. The discussion follows on from the successful Grant Thornton conference on the Black Market in Ireland and the publication, Illicit Trade in Ireland: Uncovering the cost to the Irish economy. The event will consider the impact of Illicit Trade on the retail sector and SME’s.
Grant Thornton would like to invite you to our panel discussion on Illicit Trade in Ireland. The discussion follows on from the successful Grant Thornton conference on the Black Market in Ireland and the publication, Illicit Trade in Ireland: Uncovering the cost to the Irish economy. The event will consider the impact of Illicit Trade on the retail sector and SME’s.
Brendan Foster, Partner in Grant Thornton, will open the meeting with a presentation highlighting the key findings from the Illicit Trade report. He will then chair a panel discussion featuring: • Jerry Buttimer TD Fine Gael and • Frank Gleeson, Chairman of Retail Ireland and Retail Director of Topaz
The discussion will focus on the following key areas: Intellectual property, Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel Laundering, Digital Piracy, General counterfeit (Clothes, bags, luxury goods etc.)
If you or anyone from your organisation is interested in attending please contact Ben Whelan at ben.whelan@ie.gt.com or on +353(0)1 6805 627
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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 SMILE Resource Exchange is a free service 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. Our next event takes place on the 24 October includes talks on resource efficiency and best practises in business.
Following this you will have a chance to meet other businesses through our unique networking rounds which offers 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.
Attendance at the event is FREE and advance booking is essential.
MSL Mercedes – Benz Cork Fashion Week: Boutique
Date: 11th October Time: 7.30pm drinks reception upstairs in the Bodega Venue: Seven Windows, Cornmarket Street Cost: €25 To Book: visit our website here
The show will be hosted by one half of the Lennon & Courtney Irish fashion label, Brendan Courtney. The show will be produced by Chairperson of the Irish Design Council, Eddie Shanahan, who over the last 30 years, has produced some of the biggest fashion events in the country. Drinks reception at 7.30pm upstairs in the Bodega. Goody bags and excellent prizes for Best Dressed.
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