In this issue
Policy
Cork City advances in Purple Flag Award application
Cork Chamber Launches Pre Budget Submission 2016
Subsidised Training
Cork Digital Marketing Awards
Embracing Digital!!
Events
Food for Thought: Trends and Opportunities in the UK Food and Drink Market
Modern Utility Services to support Economic Development
Business After Hours at the Mater Private
Innovation from Within
Chamber Supported Events
Are you on the Startup Ireland Map?
International
International Opportunities for your business
Member Updates
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Policy
Cork City advances in Purple Flag Award application
 

Cork City Centre Forum is pleased to announce the completion of the final Purple Flag award assessment, completed on Saturday 15th of August, and undertaken by two representatives from the Purple Flag Academy Programme who visited Cork city to complete an independent adjudication with regard to the Purple Flag award criteria.  The Cork City Purple Flag award application, which was initiated as an action via the Cork City Centre Forum, and coordinated and funded by Cork Chamber, has included workshops, the undertaking of a comprehensive opinion survey, a Purple Flag award self–assessment and the completion and submission of a comprehensive application to the Purple Flag academy. 

The independent Purple Flag Academy award assessment was the final step in concluding this application process, and this will inform the final award decision due to be announced in November 2015.



Cork Chamber Launches Pre Budget Submission 2016
 

The 2016 Pre Budget submission has been prepared in consultation with our members and reflects the views of Cork Businesses. This submission calls for initiatives to support existing businesses in the region whilst facilitating the entrance of new companies into the market. In addition to key tax and economic development policy recommendations, this submission highlights a number of proposals that will enhance the regional economy paying particular attention to regional infrastructure requirements that will allow Cork to develop as a dominant European second city. Cork Chamber's Pre Budget Submission can be accessed here.



Subsidised Training
Cork Digital Marketing Awards
 

Nominations are NOW OPEN for the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2015!!

With 15 different Award categories to enter, don’t miss this unique opportunity to showcase your business’ innovative use of digital marketing!

ENTER HERE 



Embracing Digital!!
 

This September we have a range of courses available to help you embrace all that is digital!!



Events
Food for Thought: Trends and Opportunities in the UK Food and Drink Market
 

Date: 9th September
Time:
 07:30 - 11:00
Venue: 
Clarion Hotel, Cork
Cost:
Free
To book: here

 

The Enterprise Europe Network brings you a breakfast seminar featuring a number of speakers who will outline some of the trends in the UK food market, opportunities for SMEs in the industry to engage with the market and grow their business into the UK, and stories from some of our Irish success stories. Guest Speakers will include Colette Twomey of Clonakilty Black Pudding and Michael Costain of the Food Matters Live exhibition which takes place in the UK in November. For more information contact Katherine



Modern Utility Services to support Economic Development
September Business Breakfast in association with Irish Examiner
 

Date: 10th September
Time: 07:30 - 09:00
Venue: Cork International Hotel
Cost: €25 Members / €30 Non members 
To book: here


The Cork Chamber September Business Breakfast will feature Michael McNicholas, Group CEO of Ervia, the commercial semi-state company with responsibility for the delivery of strategic national gas and water infrastructure and services in Ireland and a key employer in Cork.


Michael McNicholas was appointed CEO of Bord Gáis Éireann (now Ervia) in May 2013.  Prior to joining Bord Gáis Michael held the positions of CEO and Chief Operating Officer during his time at NTR plc, providing broad operational leadership across the Group’s businesses and led a significant restructuring of the company.


Michael will share insights with Cork Chamber members and guests on establishing Ireland’s first multi-utility infrastructure and services company, outline the urgent problems in Ireland’s water sector and Irish Water’s plans to transform water services delivery in Ireland. Growth of the Irish gas market is central to the Gas Networks Ireland business strategy and Michael will describe the gas utility’s plans including those for renewable gas and compressed natural gas as a transport fuel.

 

READ MORE AND BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE!



Business After Hours at the Mater Private
 

Date: 16th September
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Mater Private, Citygate, Mahon
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members & guests
Book: here

 

After a rejuvenating Summer season, we know that Cork Chamber members are keen to get back to the business of networking, so Cork Chamber is delighted to kick-off the Autumn networking season by hosting the September Business After Hours Event at the Mater Private Cork.


Mater Private Cork is the newest private hospital to open in Cork and Ireland. Located at City Gate Mahon, the Mater Private is covered by all private health insurers and all patients are treated in single en-suite rooms, a first for Ireland. 


As always, there will also be ample opportunity for networking and promoting your business at this event, so take the last few weeks of Summer to hone your sales pitches, ready your business cards and engage with your clients and colleagues.

CLICK HERE to book now!

 



Innovation from Within
 

Date: 23rd September
Time: 12 - 2pm
Venue: Tyndall National Institute
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members & guests 
To book: here


Cork Chamber and Aviva Health are excited to bring you “Innovation from Within” a fully interactive event, which will highlight the commercial importance of innovation in driving businesses forward. We will focus on how any business, large medium or small, needs to embrace innovation and embed it into the business culture. From new processes, through to new and innovative ideas for products and services, the speakers will highlight how innovation is key to meeting the ever evolving needs of customers. Speakers include Dr Peter Robbins, Liz Rowen, Donncha O’Callaghan and more…



Chamber Supported Events
Are you on the Startup Ireland Map?
 

As part of the Start-up Gathering 2015 activities, Startup Ireland has launched an Interactive Map of Ireland’s Startup Ecosystem, which will act as a visual guide to Ireland’s startup scene. Mapping startups, networks, incubators, accelerators, co-working space, funding sources, tech transfer offices, research centres, multi-nationals and more, the online interactive map is being continuously updated with crowd-sourced data from Ireland’s startup sector. If your business is in one of these categories, please help populate the Cork offering, by registering your details here



International
International Opportunities for your business
 

International Brokerage Event at Predict Conference, RDS, Dublin, 16th September

The Predict Conference (organised by industry leader, Crème Global) is an interactive meeting taking place from 15th-17th September 2015 in Dublin. It will feature leading international thinkers in the areas of data, predictive models, technology and decision making.

On Day 2 of the Conference (16th September), the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Ireland, in association with EEN Northern Ireland, is hosting an international brokerage event.

 

Maritime Cluster Mission to Portugal, “Cork Meets Algarve”, Faro, Portugal, 1st-3rd October 

The Enterprise Europe Network partners in Faro (Portugal) have invited a delegation from Cork to join them for the Mar Algarve Expo which will take place from 1st - 3rd October 2015. Historically, the sea has had an important role in the Algarve’s economy, from fishing, to trade and scientific research, and their sea clusters are a strategic resource to the region. The Algarve Sea Cluster focuses on five key areas: fisheries and aquaculture; coastal and nautical tourism; R&D; infrastructure and culture. This year marks the second edition of the Expo and its aim is to bring together professionals from the maritime sector together, to discuss opportunities, to share knowledge and information exchange, to promote products and services, and to create linkages between partners.  


EURES Customer Service Job Fair, Brussels, Belgium, 6th October 

The European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) is organising a customer service job fair that will take place in Brussels on 6th October. The job fair will welcome 400 candidates, 10 international companies involved in customer services, as well as international mobility partners. Attending companies will have the opportunity to meet multilingual candidates that are interested in work experience abroad.


See 'read more' for more details or contact Katherine.


International Brokerage Event at Predict Conference, RDS, Dublin, 16th September 

The Predict Conference (organised by industry-leader Crème Global) is an interactive meeting taking place from 15th-17th September in Dublin. It will feature leading international thinkers in the areas of data, predictive models, technology, and decision making.

On Day 2 of the Conference (16th September), Enterprise Europe Network Ireland, in association with Enterprise Europe Network Northern Ireland, is hosting an international brokerage event.

This event will target a wide spectrum of international innovative companies, researchers and business leaders involved in the Data-to-Decisions value chain, who are interested in sharing new project ideas and finding collaboration partners to:

  • Find new commercial and/or technological partners
  • Exchange experience with international business partners
  • Find out about market trends and innovations
  • Meet and share views with researchers and experts from your business
  • Present, discuss and develop new projects

To register for this event click here or contact Katherine for further information.


Maritime Cluster Mission to Portugal, “Cork Meets Algarve”, Faro, Portugal, 1st-3rd October 

The Enterprise Europe Network partners in Faro (Portugal) have invited a delegation from Cork to join them for the Mar Algarve Expo which will take place from 1st - 3rd October 2015. Historically, the sea has had an important role in the Algarve’s economy, from fishing, to trade and scientific research, and their sea clusters are a strategic resource to the region. The Algarve Sea Cluster focuses on five key areas: fisheries and aquaculture; coastal and nautical tourism; R&D; infrastructure and culture. This year marks the second edition of the Expo and its aim is to bring together professionals from the maritime sector together, to discuss opportunities, to share knowledge and information exchange, to promote products and services, and to create linkages between partners.  

For more information about how your organisation might be able to benefit from connecting with the Algarve Sea Cluster, contact Katherine

 

EURES Customer Service Job Fair, Brussels, Belgium, 6th October 

The European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) is organising a customer service job fair that will take place in Brussels on 6th October. The job fair will welcome 400 candidates, 10 international companies involved in customer services, as well as international mobility partners. Attending companies will have the opportunity to meet multilingual candidates that are interested in work experience abroad. Companies will also have the opportunity to promote their company and vacant positions during information sessions which are targeted at a large pool of jobseekers. Prior to the event, jobseekers will be required to attend information seminars which will give them practical information about working in a contact centre. Participation in the fair is free-of-charge for both employers and jobseekers. During the fair, participating companies will receive a free stand, a dedicated time for company presentations to pitch to jobseekers, catering throughout the day, promotion of the event, and the opportunity to promote job offers via social media. If your company would be interested in participating in this event, please contact Hugh Rodgers at the Department of Social Protection as soon as possible.

 


Promotion
ACE at UCC’s Health & Safety programmes
 

ACE at UCC’s Health & Safety programmes  are the only part-time IOSH accredited courses available in higher education in Munster. Applications are currently being accepted for the following courses commencing in Sept. ‘15:

  • Certificate in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (NFQ level 6);
  • Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) (NFQ level 7);
  • Higher Diploma in Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work (NFQ level 8).


Graduates from these programmes can apply for IOSH technician or graduate membership depending on their programme.


Visit our website for more information



Latest News
 
  • Startup Ireland Launches Interactive Map of Ireland's Startup Ecosystem -visual guide to Ireland's startup scene; startups, resources and supports - read more

  • Don't be a stranger, remote managers urged - read more

  • Complete the Asystec & RSA Security Survey to win a €250 Perfect Incentive Card - read more

  • Become a Bazzerfest fun-razor host in aid of The Mercy Cancer Appeal - read more 

  • Join #TeamMercy for the Women's Mini Marathon on Sunday, September 27th and be part of Cork's biggest team - read more 
  • Joanne O'Riordan to Represent Ireland for Prestigious International Award - read more



Photo Gallery for August BBQ at the Orangery
 
Check out the photo gallery from last weeks BBQ  at The Maryborough Orangery – an exclusive and unique venue,  perfect for corporate BBQ’s, Private Dining & Drinks Receptions.

Members Offers
10% Off Custom Mobile Friendly Websites
 

Period of the offer available: Offer Ends 8th September

Since April 2015 Google has changed the way it ranks websites on mobile devices. If your website is not mobile friendly, you risk being ranked beneath your competitors. According to StatCounter, 35% of all Irish internet users search the web through mobile devices. Can you afford to ignore 35% of your audience?To find out more visit here or call 021 2428689



Member Events
Demystifying the World of Personal Branding
Network Cork September event
 

Date: September 2nd
Time: 6-8.30pm
Venue: AIB, 66 South Mall, Cork
Cost: Free for Members / €25 for Non members 
To book: here 

 

Network Ireland Cork branch is partnering with AIB to host their next event on the 2nd September in the iconic 100 year old building at 66, South Mall, Cork.  


Guest speakers include Mary McKenna, Managing Director, Tour America and Brian Keating, Brand Director, AIB who will give an insight into the topic of personal branding.


Mary McKenna, Managing Director of Tour America founded her company in 1995 and has built it from 3 staff to now employing 50 staff in Dublin and Cork and includes Cruise Holidays and Magic Holidays.  Guests will also hear from Brian Keating, Brand Manager with AIB. Brian is a leading Marketing & Business leader with over 20 years’ experience of developing and delivering impact & profit driven business solutions within industry leading organisations. 


Network Ireland Cork branch is partnering with AIB to host their next event on the 2nd September in the iconic 100 year old building at 66, South Mall, Cork.  

Guest speakers include Mary McKenna, Managing Director, Tour America and Brian Keating, Brand Director, AIB who will give an insight into the topic of personal branding.

Mary McKenna, Managing Director of Tour America founded her company in 1995 and has built it from 3 staff to now employing 50 staff in Dublin and Cork and includes Cruise Holidays and Magic Holidays. She will share her thoughts on what is personal brand and how she has developed her own brand. Guests will also hear from Brian Keating, Brand Manager with AIB. Brian is a leading Marketing & Business leader with over 20 years’ experience of developing and delivering impact & profit driven business solutions within industry leading organisations such as Diageo, The Coca-Cola Company, Aryzta and AIB. In Sept 2013, Brian joined AIB as Brand Director with responsibility for the rejuvenation of the AIB brand.

Advance booking is essential for this event.


Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
 
Date: September 10th 
Time: 6pm 
Venue: Boardroom Port of Cork
Cost: Free
To book: email Patricia here

The BLCC in conjunction with Honorary Consul Dominic Daly’s first event in Cork. A Champagne Reception will open the event at 6pm in the magnificent Boardroom of the Port of Cork.  Guest Speakers Paul O’Regan, Harbour Master and Sean-Michael Collins of KBC Bank will give their presentations at 7pm which will be followed by drinks, canapés and the opportunity to network at the event.


St Luke’s Home, 5Km Memorial Run
 
Date:10th September
Time: 7pm
Venue: St Luke’s Home, Mahon, Cork
Cost: €10
To book: here 

We are delighted to announce our Inaugural Memorial 5Km Run which starts and finishes very close to the Home, with the majority of the route on the pedestrian, flat loop running along the water from Blackrock Castle. With large local employer RCI taking the main sponsor slot we are looking forward to lots of participants entering (ONLY €10!!!). Refreshments and Prize giving afterwards at the Home.


The Cork Wine School
 
Lecturer: Gary O'Donovan (BA, WSET Dip.)
Venue: The Clarion Hotel, Cork 
Level 1: Saturday October 10th 2015, 1 Day Course, 9am - 5pm, €195
Level 2: September 15th - November 10th 2015, 9 week Course, Tuesday: 7-9pm, €435
Level 3: February 2016 (TBC), 15 week course, €710
To book: email Lorna or  call: 021 4296060
Gift Vouchers available. 



6km Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk
 

Date: August 30th
Time: 11am
Venue: Blackrock
Cost: €15 for adults and €5 for children under 12. FREE with sponsorship card.
To book: Register online 

 

Fly your balloon for autism at the 6km Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk in aid of the Cork Association for Autism (CAA) which takes place on Sunday August 30th at 11am. The route will start near Páirc Uí Chaoimh and travel the scenic route along the old railway line and back to Blackrock Castle. The flat course makes it ideal training for anybody taking part in the Cork Mini Marathon this year. There will be light refreshments, an ice-cream van and a face painter at the finish line with a balloon release at 12.30pm making it a great family day out.

 

 


Autism now affects 1:100 individuals in Ireland which is why the demand for services at the CAA is increasing. All funds raised from this event will go towards the building of a new Day Service Centre in Mogeely for adults on the autistic spectrum. Building work began in March and the centre is due to be open in September. It will have four activity rooms and a relaxation room and will allow the CAA to provide additional skill development opportunities and multidisciplinary therapies to their clients. It is costing €300,000 to build which is why they need your support now more than ever.

 Entry fee if €15 for adults, €5 for children under 12 and FREE with a sponsorship card. Online registration is available at www.corkautism.ie or you can call 021 453 3642 for a sponsorship card.


Cornstore Autumn Fashion Event
 
Date: September 23rd
Time: 6.45pm
Venue:The Cornstore Restaurant
Cost: €45
To book: call 021 4274777 or email 

Our Autumn Fashion Event is nearly here. In association with Lockdown Models it promises to be a fun filled night of food and fashion all in aid of Pieta House.See the latest Autumn collections from Blush Boutique (Douglas) and Ela Maria Boutique (Newcastlewest). Tickets are limited so book yours now.


DealBroker
 
Date: September 30th 
Time: 9am
Venue: Vertigo, County Hall, Cork
Cost: Free (Application Process) Download Application Form here 


What is DealBroker?

DealBroker is an initiative involving ten or more early stage tech companies presenting their product offering to MNCs and large indigenous companies.

The forerunner of DealBroker was DealStart which was run as a pilot project. Following consultation with the MNC and startup companies who participated in the pilot – the initiative underwent some changes based on the very valuable feedback received. DealBroker is not just for startups, we also invite scaling tech companies who may be a bit beyond the startup phase and want to engage with the global tech community.

Some MNCs already confirmed include:  Tyco, EMC, IBM, Trend Micro, Qualcomm and GE Healthcare.


What’s the benefit?

Early stage tech companies get:

  • an opportunity to network with other early stage tech entrepreneurs
  • feedback on their technical competence
  • sales presentation coaching

MNCs and large indigenous companies get:

  • an opportunity to have an early view of some really interesting technologies in a unique setting

What’s the cost?

Zero. This is 100% volunteer based. The objective is to broker connections between early stage companies and MNCs and larger indigenous companies.

What type of companies apply?
A team from any early stage or scaling tech company may apply.    On the day, we expect a minimum of 2 representatives from the company to attend, one of whom must be your technical lead.

When does DealBroker take place?

DealBroker takes place in Cork on September 30th 2015

How do I apply? 

Submissions are currently open. The deadline is August 28th. Early stage companies should apply through the application form below.  We will review submissions as we receive them.  If you have been successful in reaching the shortlist, we will notify you know by September 1st.  There will be a screening interview during that week.  If you are successful through the interview process, we will notify you by September 4th.  Sales Presentation Coaching will be during the week commencing September 7th.

If you represent a large company (MNC or indigenous) and would be interested in participating please email us: Sarah@itcork.ie

DealBroker is kindly Sponsored by CPL Recruitment

DealBroker Application Form (Applications can be emailed to Admin@itcork.ie)


Procurement Workshop, Cork Institute of Technology

Date: September 17th 

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), in conjunction with its TESLA project partners in Bangor University, will hold a free workshop on tendering and procurement. The workshop will offer the opportunity to engage in a practical exercise that fast-tracks your understanding of how to create a winning bid. 

  • The first 3 applicants will have a free consultancy via the ‘Tender Surgeries Process’, an opportunity to have your bids reviewed by experts!
  • A session on demystifying the procurement process and the legal issues that surround it
  • Advice on tendering strategy and management – how you can approach tendering in the most efficient and effective way.
  • Guidance on accessing cross-border public sector opportunities
  • Training on how to approach tendering in partnership, the art of collaborative bidding.

 The closing date for receipt of applications is 21st August 2015. For further information about this workshop or to book a place contact Iseult O'Connor.