In this issue
Policy
JobsPlus – New Jobs, Less Cost
Subsidised Training
Need to update your I.T. Skills?
Events
Port of Cork Business After Hours
Enterprise Europe Network ‘Access to Finance for SMEs’ Autumn Seminar Series
Chamber Supported Events
Jobs Expo 2013: The best candidates in the world will be there. Will you?
Chamber Supported Projects
2nd Irish Sport Summit
International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
Other International Events
UK Market Access Programme
Member Updates
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Policy
JobsPlus – New Jobs, Less Cost

The Department of Social Protection has launched a new scheme, which provides financial incentives to employers who recruit employees who are long-term unemployed on the Live Register. There are two levels of payments available.  See ‘read more’ below for further details.


The Department of Social Protection has launched a new employer incentive scheme, JobsPlus, which encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to the long-term unemployed.  JobsPlus provides a monthly employment grant to employers who recruit employees who were long-term unemployed on the Live Register.  There are two levels of payment available:

  1. €7,500 for an employee who was unemployed for more than 12 months but less than 24 months
  2. €10,000 for an employee who was unemployed for more than 24 months

The JobsPlus scheme is available to employers who offer employment of over 30 hours per week and do not displace any existing employees.  There is no limit on the number of new recruits per employer.

Full details of eligibility criteria and steps to become an approved JobsPlus employer are available on www.jobsplus.ie


Subsidised Training
Need to update your I.T. Skills?
 

The Business School @ Cork Chamber recognises the importance of I.T. Skills in both everyday and business life. We have a broad range of I.T. courses running throughout September, covering everything from PowerPoint to E-Mail writing! Here is a sneak peek of what we have on offer:


Why train with us? We have small class sizes of an average of 10 persons per class (individual attention guaranteed) Top Trainers (all are leaders within their respective fields), locally delivered and exceptionally good value for money.

MS PowerPoint ‘Beyond the Basics’ – 2007/2010

Course Date: 3rd September 

Member Rate: €100.00

This course will show you how to produce and run professional looking slide shows. This course reviews the basics of PowerPoint to quickly run through shortcuts and speed keys, working through from text based slide content through to alternative options - inserting ClipArt, pictures, photos, diagrams, movie clips etc.

Then it looks at formatting the slide show including applying PowerPoint design templates and creating your own design templates for future use. Learn then how to run the slide show in the most professional way possible through the use of some simple keys.

The course includes:

  • The Do’s and Don’ts of PowerPoint
  • Working with slides
  • Formatting the presentation
  • Logos/Clipart/Pictures
  • Working with Charts
  • Diagrams
  • Drawing Tools
  • Multimedia
  • Adding the Finishing touches
  • Creating a slide show

This course is suitable for anyone who would like to produce and run professional looking slide shows. This one day course is only €100.00 for members, so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!

 

Microsoft Project 2010 (2 Day: Introduction & Intermediate)

Course Dates: 10th & 11th September

Member Rate: €230.00

This course provides practical guidance on how to plan and schedule projects using MS Project 2010. On completion of the course delegates will have acquired the skills needed to create a new project; analyse and adjust schedules with date, dependency and resource constraints; customise and print Gantt Chart views and reports; and record and review task progress against the baseline. Participants will also acquire the necessary skills to customise and print high quality charts and reports for effective communication of project plans.

Day One (Introduction) will include the following:

  • Project Management concepts
  • Getting started with MS Project 2010
  • Starting a New Project
  • Task Relationships
  • Project Presentation
  • Resource Management

 

Day Two (Intermediate) will include the following:

  • Resource Assignments
  • Tracking Changes
  • Filters
  • Tables
  • Reports

 

This 2 day course is ideal for new, recent or intending users of Project wishing to develop their understanding and capabilities with this package and is great value at only €230.00 for Chamber members. BOOK TODAY!

 

E-Mail & Business Writing

Course Date: 11th September 

Member Rate: €120.00

This one day 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 e-mails and documents with a clear, logical structure to organise their ideas and key points.

Following this course you will:

  • Understand the importance of active management of the written communication process as an essential skill in getting the information from others, setting clear direction, building trust and creating and maintaining customer relationships.
  • Understand that writing clearly is a professional business skill
  • Have logical structure to create effective e-mails
  • Realise that the content and tone of their emails can influence the reactions of the readers
  • Know how to properly structure e-mails.
  • Avoid common grammar and punctuation errors
  • Practice the techniques and tips to create professional emails and create an action plan to apply them.
  • Recognise that professional writing is a career skill which enhances employability.

This course is ideal for those people who are responsible for communicating in writing with internal and/or external customers or clients. BOOK TODAY!

 

Personal Productivity using MS Outlook

Course Date: 26th September  

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

September

  • MS PowerPoint ‘Beyond the Basics’                                                   3rd September
  • Microsoft Access 2003                                                                        4th September
  • Conflict Management                                                                         5th September
  • MS Excel Intermediate                                                                       5th September
  • Microsoft Project 2010                                                                       10th September
  • PMI Exam Preparation Course                                                           10th September
  • E-Mail & Business Writing                                                                  11th September

 

  • October
  • Introduction to Technical Writing                                                      2nd October
  • MS Excel Advanced                                                                             8th October
  • MS Visio Professional 2010                                                                24th October

 

  • November
  • PMI Exam Preparation Course                                                           5th November

Events
Port of Cork Business After Hours
 

Date: 17th September
Time:  5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Port of Cork Boardroom
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To Book: Visit our website  HERE


Cork Chamber will hold the September Business After Hours Event at the Port of Cork building on Custom House Quay on Tues 17th September.

The Port of Cork is the key seaport on the south of Ireland and acts as a major facilitator of both imports and export. The Port of Cork also attracts on average 100,000 cruise passengers and crew to the region every year, which in turn contributes significantly to the local economy.  This event will give you a unique opportunity to see the historical Port of Cork building and will also give you an opportunity to network, meet potential clients and grow your business.


Please note that although this event is FREE for you, there is a cost to the organiser so we ask that if you or your guests can’t attend on the night, you let us know.  You can BOOK HERE to secure your place.



Enterprise Europe Network ‘Access to Finance for SMEs’ Autumn Seminar Series
 

Date: Part 1: 11th September
Time: 8.30am – 11.30am
Venue: Clarion Hotel Cork
Cost:  free of charge
To Book: HERE


The Enterprise Europe Network, at Cork Chamber is organising a series of seminars this autumn to help unravel the complexity of accessing finance for small businesses, giving a clear and basic outline of the availability of different types of SME finance and funding, how to access it and the criteria involved.

 

 


Part 1:  Bank Financing - 11th September 2013

Speakers at this Seminar include:

-         Eoin Gunn, Business Banking Senior Relationship Manager, AIB Bank

-         Michael Ashe, Trade Finance Manager, Ulster Bank

-         Brendan Moran, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland

-         Paul Kerr, Senior Reviewer, Credit Review Office

 

Attendees will learn more about the following themes:

-          Managing all elements of the payments cycle effectively

-          What banks look for in a lending application

-          Working Capital Finance Options

-          Export financing options for businesses going international

-          Medium and Long-term funding facilities

-          The role of the Credit Review Office and how to proceed if you have been refused bank credit

All speakers will be available for one-to-one consultations after the seminar. The Seminar takes place in the Clarion Hotel Cork from 8.30am – 11.30am. To reserve your place click here or contact: katherine@corkchamber.ie (021- 4530137)                                                                                                 

Themes and provisional dates for the rest of the series include:

  • Part 2: EU Funding - Wednesday 9th October 2013
  • Part 3: Venture Capital and Private Investments - Wednesday 6th November 2013
  • Part 4: State Agency Funding - Wednesday 4th December 2013

The seminars are free of charge and details of each seminar will be announced in due course.


Chamber Supported Events
Jobs Expo 2013: The best candidates in the world will be there. Will you?
 

Date: 10th September
Time: 12-6pm
Venue: Silver Springs Moran Hotel, Cork
Cost: Details upon application.
To Book: Call: 01 8652160 or Email: info@jobsexpo.ie Website: www.jobsexpo.ie

 
Jobs Expo Cork will bring together national and international employers seeking to recruit experienced and skilled candidates and graduates. In addition, the event will include a number of education and training course providers and will feature a 'Starting your own Business' area, plus much more. With a rich pool of talented, experienced and educated attendees, Jobs Expo is an ideal opportunity for companies looking to recruit the right talent.

 



Chamber Supported Projects
2nd Irish Sport Summit
 

Date 23rd August
Time: 9.15 - 4.30
Venue: Millennium Hall, Cork City Hall
Cost: €50
To Book: Register online HERE or Register on the Morning


The 2nd Irish Sports Summit will take place in Cork City Hall this Friday, 23rd of August  Featuring leaders from throughout sport and the sports industry, and themed 'Growth through Partnership', whether involved in sport or not, key sponsorship and commercial partnership strategies will be discussed.   A special discounted rate of €50 applies to Chamber members, simply use the 'Volunteer' registration button.



International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
 

The Enterprise Europe Network is here to support your business and to assist you in taking advantage of the opportunities that exist for partnerships abroad. For more information, please see: www.een-ireland.ie or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie.

See 'read more' below for more information on the following:

  • Inbound Delegation: Swedish Safety Company, Dublin, Ireland, 29th – 30th August
  • B2B Matchmaking Event at 100% Design - London, United Kingdom. September 18-20th
  • International Matchmaking Event at POLAGRA FOOD Fair – Poznan, Poland. September 24-25,
  • B2B Matchmaking Event at IT Carinthia 2013 - October 3, Klagenfurt, Austria,

Keep up-to-date with Enterprise Europe Network Cork on Twitter.


 

 

Inbound Delegation: Swedish Safety Company, 29th – 30th August

A Swedish Safety Company who has developed unique safety products for rescue in water is travelling to Enterprise Europe Network Dublin. The company hopes find several distributors in Ireland and across Europe and gather market information.

They are interested in meeting with distributors of these types of products and Life Saving Societies/ Organisations. Their products were developed with professional users, have international patents and are on the market in Nordic countries.

The visit is organized in conjunction with the Enterprise Europe Network Sweeden as part of a one week round trip in the UK and Ireland. To express your interest and for further details please contact katherine@corkchamber.ie

 

B2B Matchmaking Event at 100% Design, London, United Kingdom, September 18-20th.

Enterprise Europe Network London is organising a matchmaking event at 100% Design, the largest and longest running contemporary design event for industry professionals held in the UK at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London. The Matchmaking session provides an opportunity to get acquainted with potential business partners in pre-arranged face-to-face meetings during the exhibition days. It is an opportunity to explore potential business and technological co-operation opportunities with innovative companies from four key industry sectors; Interiors, Office, Kitchen & Bathrooms and Eco Design & Build. This networking event is free of charge and will target a wide spectrum of companies, universities, institutes and other organisations involved in the Design sector. For further information click here or contact katherine@corkchamber.ie 

 

International Matchmaking Event at POLAGRA FOOD Fair – Poznan, Poland, September 24-25

The Enterprise Europe Network is organising an international matchmaking event in parallel with the International Trade Fair of Food Processing Technologies POLAGRA TECH and International Trade Fair for Gastronomy POLAGRA GASTRO.  This event is suitable for SMEs and other entities representing the food sector and those interested in the development of cross border co-operation. There is a focus on the following areas: Food and Drink, Catering, Packaging, Food Industry Machinery and Logistics. For further information, click here or contact katherine@corkchamber.ie

 

 

 

B2B Matchmaking Event at IT Carinthia 2013 - Klagenfurt, Austria, October 3

The Enterprise Europe Networking is organising a B2B Matchmaking Event at IT Carinthia 2013. This international B2B matchmaking event will offer SMEs the opportunity to present, discuss and develop new ideas and projects at an international level.  Sectors include: IT-Security, Applications, Products & Services, Hardware, Education and Advanced Education, Consulting, Data protection, Outsourcing. For further information, click here or contact katherine@corkchamber.ie

A full calendar of Enterprise Europe Network Events can be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Other International Events
UK Market Access Programme

Date: 18th September
Time: 9.00am- 2pm
Venue: Cork Chamber
To Book:
For expressions of interest or to find out more please contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie

Are you considering expanding your business in the UK market?If so, then you may wish to be involved in the UK Market Access Programme (UKMAP), which is promoted and supported by UK Trade and Invest (UKTI) in the British Embassy. The UK Market Access Programme offers Irish-owned businesses, expanding in the UK many opportunities including a FREE, one-to-one consultation with market experts JMB Partnership and EBS European Business Solutions. Limited places available.


UK Market Access Programme

Are you considering setting up a business in the UK?  If so, then you may wish to be involved in the UK Market Access Programme (UKMAP), which is promoted and supported by UK Trade and Invest (UKTI) in the British Embassy.

The UK Market Access Programme offers Irish-owned businesses, setting up in the UK:

  • Free formation of a limited company
  • Free Company Secretarial and Registered Office services for one year
  • 6 months’ rent free office accommodation at the University of Warwick Science Park
  • Discounts on market research and customer searching services
  • Access to a wide range of benefits including recruitment, employee benefits, logistics, car leasing and much more

As an introduction to the UK market, the Market Access Programme also gives Irish businesses the opportunity to avail of a FREE, one-to-one consultation with market experts JMB Partnership and EBS European Business Solutions.  The JMB Partnership specialises in helping companies find UK customers through meeting programmes and outsourced sales staff. Their services include telemarketing, email marketing and LinkedIn campaigns. EBS European Business Solutions  has been working exclusively with foreign-owned businesses establishing themselves in the UK since 1991 and specialises in providing practical accounting, office and administrative support.

As part of the UKMAP, JMB Partnership and EBS European Business Solutions are offering their free consultation services to businesses in Cork on Wednesday 18 September 2013. 

For expressions of interest or to find out more please contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie


Members Offers
J. Barter Travel Launch Over 50's Holidays Brochure
 

Period of the offer: 1st September 2013 up to the 31st May 2014    


7 nights from €399 per person to Spain, Portugal, Malta, Majorca and the Canary Islands.    Package includes return flight from Cork, Dublin and Shannon, 7 nights’ in 4* hotel accommodation, resort transfers, taxes and charges. Board basis available include self-catering, bed & breakfast, half board, full board and all inclusive.  


J. Barter Travel Group has launched a new Senior Holiday’s brochure this month. Destinations on offer include the Canary Islands, Spain, Majorca, Malta and Portugal. The winter sun programme runs from 01 September 2013 up to the 31 May 2014 and offers superb quality and value. The majority of hotels are four star with new properties added this year.

Prices:

7 nights Half Board Costa del Sol, Spain from €399pp

7 nights B&B Marbella, Spain from €409pp

7 nights B&B Malta from €439pp

7 nights Full Board Majorca from €449pp

7 nights Self Catering Fuerteventura from €459pp

7 nights Half Board Algarve, Portugal from €489pp

7 nights All Inclusive Nerja, Spain from €489pp

7 nights Full Board, Lanzarote from €539pp

 

Package includes return flight from Cork, Dublin and Shannon, 7 nights’ accommodation, resort transfers and taxes and charges. Board basis available include self-catering, bed & breakfast, half board, full board and all inclusive. Some hotels have wine and water included with evening meals with HB and FB options, as indicated on the brochure. Prices subject to availability.

Special prices can be arranged for long-term stays.

Contact

J. Barter Travel Group for more information or see Travelnet.ie

92 Patrick Street – 1890 303 303

Douglas Village S.C – 021 489 4084

Old Market Bandon S.C – 023 884 1925

Travel Creations, Waterford S.C, Lisduggan – 051 375 737

 

 

 

 

 

 


Member Events
Heffernan's Travel 90th Birthday Celebrations
 

Date: Friday 23rd August
Time: From 12pm to 3pm
Venue: Heffernan's Travel,  Pembroke House, Pembroke Street, Cork
 

Please join us for an afternoon of drinks, canapés, special offers and prizes. 96 FM Broadcasting live between 1 - 2 p.m



Focus Ireland Shine a Light Night 2013 – Ireland’s Business leaders highlighting homelessness
 

Date: 18th October 2013
Time: Overnight from 7pm
Venue: Cork City Gaol
Cost: Sponsorship
Please contact Thos O’Leary at olearyt@focusireland.ie or call 021 425 1731 for more information


Focus Ireland works to end homelessness across Ireland. We are seeking to recruit Business Leaders to take part in our Shine a Light 2013 Night taking place in Cork City Gaol on October 18th. By participating in Shine a Light and raising €5,000 for Focus Ireland’s prevention services you will actively help our work to end homelessness.

 

 


Focus Ireland would like to start by thanking our sponsors Aviva and the 55 business leaders who took part in last year’s inaugural event in Dublin. Together they raised over €370,000, without which we would not have been able to reach the 8,000 people who benefitted from our services in 2012. Due to the success of last year’s event we are expanding Shine a Light 2013 to include a Cork venue – Cork City Gaol – both events will be held on October 18th this year. A big thank you to John Reynolds (KBC), Ronan Harris (Google), Geoff Scully (Littlewoods), John Moloney (Glanbia), Siobhan Finn (Cork Innovates), and Dan Kiely (Voxpro) who are helping to champion this year’s event.

I
f you would like to register, please contact Thos O’Leary on 021 425 1731  or email olearyt@focusireland.ie . Alternatively pop into our Cork offices on 80a South Mall.  

Focus Ireland’s Prevention Services There are as many as 5,000 people in Ireland who are homeless at any one time. Approximately 100 of these are people who we see rough sleeping. Most people who are homeless in Ireland are living in temporary accommodation that may be unsafe or unsuitable. It may surprise you to learn that 1 in 7 people accessing homeless services is a child.   Focus Ireland works to end homelessness by providing 60 services across Ireland with advice and information centres in Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Kildare, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford and Wexford. Focus Ireland have been operating in Cork since 1997.   We offer individuals and families, advice, support, education and housing to help people to have and keep a home. We believe that everyone has a right to a place they can call home and we campaign to address the causes of homelessness.  

Our work benefited over 8,000 people last year.  

Focus Ireland staff work with young people whose relationships with their families have broken down, and help them build independent lives and rebuild relationships. We work with those who have grown up in state care, with families in emergency accommodation and take particular care to support children in crisis situations. We work with people who are on the streets, building trust and helping them to return to secure accommodation.   Shine a Light Night – what’s involved?  To participate in Shine a Light Night we ask that you raise €5,000 for Focus Ireland’s prevention services and sleep out for a night in Dublin or Cork.   Shine a Light Night begins at 7pm with a short talk on homelessness in Ireland. Then, participants progress to Shine a Light locations (Iveagh Gardens in Dublin and Cork City Gaol in Cork). These will be closed to the public, only Shine a Light Night participants will be permitted access. Security will be in place throughout the night, along with first aiders and some basic services such as lighting, toilets and a small canopy in case of stormy weather. Soup and sandwiches will be provided for participants at 10.30pm. The event finishes up at 7am.

Social Media Marketing For Business 101- The Myths and Magic
 

Date: Starts September 23rd and runs every Tuesday and Thursday for 3 weeks
Time: 6:30pm (Each Tuesday and Thursday)
Venue: The Atrium in Blackpool
Cost: 3 week course is €350 + vat
Booking Details: Contact Ciana on 021-4351061


You are an expert in your field. You offer value to your customers. But still you struggle on building customer loyalty, generating repeat business, educating and engaging where your customers are and adding value to their social media and online experience. Incidium Marketing in conjunction with Ourland.ie want to invite you to our  3 week workshop to learn everything you need to know in a fun and interactive environment. 



Sec’s’n the City - Charity Lunch brought to you by Cork Lions Club
 
Date: 13th September
Time: From 12.00 noon to 5.00pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €59.00

To Book: www.corklionsclub.ie or Email: info@corklionsclub.ie 



Time To Treat Your Staff And Support Local Cork Charities. The Day Includes Pre-Lunch Drinks, 4 Course Lunch Fashion Show & After Dinner Entertainment, MC Gerald Kean.


Join us at this years Sec’s ’n the City Lunch celebrating its 33rd year thanks to the continued growth of the Cork Lions Club and the unfettered passion and enthusiasm of businessman Pat O'Brien who leads the team in running the event. Pat established the lunch in 1981 as a way of raising money in support of local charities, little did he know that it would become an annual success raising over €280,000 since its inception.

The day begins at noon with a prosecco reception complimented by light entertainment in the atrium of the Clarion Hotel. This year guests will be able to view, experience and buy a wide range of new and local products, clothing and jewellery while mingling through the exhibition tables.

After a drink or two guests are invited into the Pegasus Suite for a tantalising four course meal, served with wine and a surprise beverage to get the party started! During lunch and in particular after the meal, there will be a variety of entertainment ranging from MC Gerald Kean, fashion show to live music to name but a few.

Suffice to say the lunch has something for everyone and is priced at just €59. Traditionally companies and organisations have sent their staff to the lunch as a treat and recognition of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Again this year a large number of Cork based companies have signed up and bought tables for their employees. So if you are an employer please consider sending your team to our Sec’s ’n the City lunch.

Time To Treat Your Staff And Support Local Cork Charities Friday 13th Sept. From 12.00 noon to 5.00pm

The Day Includes Pre-Lunch Drinks, 4 Course Lunch Fashion Show & After Dinner Entertainment, MC Gerald Kean.

Tickets are €59.00 A Great Day Is Guaranteed. Tickets go on sale on Monday 12th Aug 2013 and are available:  Online at: www.corklionsclub.ie  By Cheque addressed to: “Cork Lions Club” for the attention of: Pat O'Brien 086 818 5693, OBOS House, Clontarf St., Cork. Or by emailing: info@corklionsclub.ie


Hayfield Manor Wine Society Event
 

Date: September 12th
Time: 7pm 
Venue: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Cost: €59 per person
To Book: E: events@hayfieldmanor.ie or T: 021 4845900     

Join us for a unique Wine Society Evening. This event features a twist with two courses of tapas to begin, carefully selected to celebrate the renowned La Báscula Spanish wines to be showcased. A further three course meal with complementary wines shall follow, ensuring a fun, entertaining and bespoke evening.

 



Cork Opera House Autumn Winter Programme Launch
 

Date: Thursday 29th August
Time: 6pm
Venue: Half Moon Theatre
Cost: Free
To book: Email modonoghue@corkoperahouse.ie


Cork Opera House invites you to the launch of our exciting Autumn Winter programme of entertainment, packed with some great live gigs, top international comedy, fiery Opera & the unveiling of our Panto. From 6 to 7pm you can expect the unexpected, cold beer & mouth watering food from House Cafe - Munster's Best Casual Dining venue 2013. Twenty invites available to Chamber members.