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Inform the Chamber's Policy & Lobbying Priorities
Cork Chamber’s Q4 Economic Trends Survey 2015 is open at the moment and we invite you to participate in completing this survey by close of business this Friday 22nd January. The survey is vital in informing the Chamber's policy and lobbying priorities and so we would greatly appreciate your time on this. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and survey responses are treated in the strictest confidence with results presented in aggregate format only. Complete the survey here.
Our fourth economic trends survey of 2015 gathers data on the financial performance and business experiences of member companies over Q4. The survey also seeks your outlook across a number of key financial measures for the forthcoming quarter and this quarter. As this is an election year, a number of survey questions focus on the forthcoming elections and we hope to hear your views as regards priority areas for Election 2016 and this will be used to inform the direction of the Cork Chamber Pre-Election Manifesto 2016. Cork Chamber is also hoping to progress with an initiative which is aimed at empowering and smoothing the path for member businesses to navigate and engage with existing government backed employer/job seeker supports and ask for the participation of member businesses who have experience of various employment supporting schemes such as JobBridge, Jobs Plus, to input into this section of the survey. This quarter's survey prize is sponsored by BizNetCork Skillnet’s. Your organisation can win a €500 voucher for training from BizNetCork Skillnet’s extensive portfolio of courses, designed to provide attendees with proven methodologies and actionable practices to win in the most demanding business environment. With courses offered in Management Development, Sales, Finance and Marketing through to desktop skills there is something for all. To complete the survey please click here.
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Pre- Election Manifesto
Cork Chamber is in the process of developing our pre-election manifesto and would like to hear members’ views on the key business issues in need of being addressed by the next Government. If you have identified particular challenges or opportunities you would like included in our campaign, please contact Sarah.
Applications open for the 2nd National Age Friendly Awards
Age Friendly Ireland are calling for organisations, individuals and agencies to submit applications on projects or programmes that they consider age friendly.
There are eight award categories of awards, which align to the WHO themes. (See 'read more' for full list). The primary aim of these awards is recognise and reward achievement in age friendly projects around Ireland. Age Friendly Ireland welcome initiatives at both local and national level and are seeking innovative projects from across this range of areas that have had a real impact and have the potential to be showcased and replicated.
The closing dates for applications is the 8th February 2016 at 1pm. You can submit an application(s) on initiatives that have benefited older people in Cork or further afield throughout 2015 by clicking on the application form link below. Here is a link to the Application Form
There are eight award categories of awards, which align to the WHO themes.
These are:
1. Age Friendly Transport Award 2. Age Friendly Active and Healthy Ageing Award 3. Age Friendly Business Award 4. Age Friendly Safety and Security Award 5. Age Friendly Communication Award 6. Age Friendly Environment Award 7. Age Friendly Community Innovation Award 8. Age Friendly Housing Award
GLEN Workplace Equality Index Launch
GLEN will be officially launching its open search for Ireland’s Best Places to Work for LGBT People 2016. The Workplace Equality Index will push the top performing companies to new heights with its frameworks of thought and action. The Index is also an essential tool for employers at the beginning of the LGBT inclusive and diversity journey. The Index is free to enter and top performers are recognised at the Workplace Equality Index Awards in September, 2016. GLEN will also launch the inaugural Workplace Equality Index Report with the latest metric on LGBT inclusive workplaces in Ireland. See here for more details of the launch and to RSVP your attendance.
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Impact Your Bottom Line
- Do you want to impact the bottom line of your business?
- Do you want to help your business become better & faster?
- Do you want to become a VITAL ASSET to your company?
Our Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt)Programme will help you do all these things, and so much more. Starting on the 22nd February next, this is a unique opportunity to bring about and implement changes for the better for YOUR business. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your offering more valuable to your customer. BOOK NOW!
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.
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Empowering your Digital Future
Date: Thursday 21st January
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €15 members / €25 non members
To book: online
Cork Chamber and the Marketing Institute in Cork are proud to bring you the “Empowering your Digital Future” event on Thursday 21st January.
This event will look at the Digital Landscape and what is emerging in terms of marketing, advertising and sales with particular emphasis on the challenges and opportunities for SME businesses. We will hear from Marie Davis, Head of SME Sales for Google Ireland on the issues that businesses need to think of now in order to be ready for the future.
MORE HERE…
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Startup Europe Week, 1st-5th February 2016
Startup Europe Week (SUW) will take place in 40+ countries across 200+ cities. SUW is an initiative of Startup Europe and the European Commission and it has been created to celebrate entrepreneurship. From helping entrepreneurs to incorporate a company, to providing grants and tax breaks, Startup Week will put a spotlight on everything that is being done in the start-up space across Europe. Details of the Cork event(s) will be announced shortly, keep an eye out here.
EU Sustainable Energy Award
Are you promoting energy efficiency or renewable energy? Apply now for an EU Sustainable Energy Award! The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 22nd February 2016.
See ‘read more’ or contact Katherine for further information.
If you are promoting energy efficiency or renewable energy, then check out the EU Sustainable Energy Award. Award categories: - Consumers
- Rewarding actions leading to the behavioural change of individual energy users
- Public sector
- Rewarding public and non-profit organisations taking exemplary initiatives in energy efficiency or use of renewables
- Businesses
- Rewarding forward-thinking businesses which are exemplary in their production or use of energy
- Citizens’ Award
- Rewarding the nominee which best captures the public imagination.
Initiatives will be judged for their: - Excellence in their area and innovation
- Measurable impact and contribution to the EU’s sustainable energy objectives
- Replication potential and social acceptance.
Eligibility criteria The project coordinator must be based in the EU Research projects are not eligible. The aim of the Awards is to collect and showcase outstanding projects with a high impact and replication potential. Academic studies and theoretical research projects without any long-term, real-scale application directly linked to renewable energy or energy efficiency are therefore not eligible. The project must be ongoing or have concluded after 30 June 205. Projects which are still at the planning stage or not yet fully operational are not eligible. The closing date for receipt of applications is 22nd February.
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Jack Lynch Tunnel Maintenance Closure Information
A section of the South Ring Road (N40) between Dunkettle Interchange and Mahon Interchange, including the Jack Lynch Tunnel & Tunnel Management Building /Little Island access road will be closed to normal traffic overnight for three successive nights as follows: - 21:00 hrs on Tuesday 26th January 2016 until 05:30 hrs on Wednesday 27th January 2016
- 21:00 hrs on Wednesday 27th January 2016 until 05:30 hrs on Thursday 28th October 2016
- 21:00 hrs on Thursday 28th January 2016 until 05:30 hrs on Friday 29th January 2016
These closures are necessary to facilitate scheduled routine maintenance on the tunnel and its equipment.
In between these overnight closures period i.e. during the day on Wednesday and Thursday, the N40 including the Tunnel and its approach roads will be open to traffic as normal. Alternative traffic routes are available via the city centre during the periods of closure as follows: On the North side of the river, Southbound traffic should travel from the Dunkettle Interchange to the City Centre via the Tivoli dual carriageway and Lower Glanmire Road (N8), and then follow signs for the South Ring (N40) via the South City Link Road (N27). On the Southern approaches to the Tunnel, Northbound traffic should travel via the Kinsale Road Roundabout to the City Centre via the South City Link Road (N27), and then follow signs for Dublin (N8) and Waterford (N25) via Lower Glanmire Road.
Innovation Voucher Call Open Jan 20th - 3rd Feb (3pm)
The Innovation Voucher initiative was developed to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
Am I eligible?
The Innovation Vouchers initiative is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland. Applications are not restricted to clients of Enterprise Ireland.
How to Apply
Please register online.
The Innovation Voucher initiative was developed to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider. Am I eligible? The Innovation Vouchers initiative is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland. Applications are not restricted to clients of Enterprise Ireland. Exclusions Small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector are excluded in line with State aid guidelines. Companies with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, “not for profit” organisations, trade associations, company representation bodies such as Chambers of Commerce, Sports Clubs and other non-commercial bodies or associations are not eligible to participate in the innovation voucher initiative How to Apply Please register here What can I use voucher for More information on the scheme can be found at here
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Newstalk Lunchtime hits the road ahead of Election 2016
Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy will be coming live from The Maldron Hotel in Cork City on Monday 25th January from 12.30pm and we want you to join us for our live studio audience. We’ll be focusing on the issues affecting Cork North Central - a constituency where the left-wing challenge is expected to be strong. Sitting Ministers, TDs and councillors will be attending. We’ll also welcome contributions from the floor so you can put your points to your local representatives on a national platform.
To be in the audience, just click here.
Latest News
1. Ambitious Action Plan for Jobs 2016 puts key focus on competitiveness - read more
2. Gradam Ceoil TG4 returns to Cork on 21 February - read more
3. Titanic result for Forza at Marketing Awards - read more
4. Q-Park St. Finbarr's presents €9,569 to Mercy Hospital Foundation - read more
5. 11 Million Tonnes of Trade Traffic Reported by Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company in 2015 - read more
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Uncertainty in the Global Economy and its Impact on Equity and Property Markets
Date: 26th January
Time: 8pm
Venue: University College Cork - Boole Lecture Theatre 3
Cost: Free
To book: Tel: 021 4279053 or Email
Topics to be discussed:
- How real and sustainable is the much-flaunted recovery story in Ireland
- What impact will the Budget have on Irish business and the Irish Economy
- What has exiting the Troika deal Meant
- Has the Equity boat been missed or is there further to go
- The dynamics of the Irish housing and commercial property markets
Speakers: Jim Power Economist/Redmayne Bentley Stockbrokers.
Employing Graduates With A Disability
Date: Tuesday 26th January
Time: 10:45am – 1pm
Venue: Western gateway Building, University College Cork, Room 4.05
Cost: Free
To book: Email Shay for further information. Mob: 087 7585194
This seminar on Employing Graduates with a Disability will help employers to become more “Disability Confident” when it comes to recruitment and selection. The seminar will include brief presentations from 3 employers, group discussion on issues related to recruitment and disability, and an opportunity to share best practice.
Ireland’s Business Strategy Conference
Date: Thursday 28th January
Time: full day
Venue: Thomond Park
Cost: €80 (member rate)
To book: online
Ireland’s inaugural Business Strategy Conference, a major business and policy conference, will take place in Limerick on Thursday 28th January 2016. During the unique one-day event some of the leading lights from Ireland’s business, policy and economic world will identify the policies and future opportunities that will maximise Ireland’s business growth potential – both nationally and regionally.
Carl Tannenbaum, Chief Economist of Northern Trust and former Vice President of Federal Reserve, will deliver the keynote address entitled ‘Searching for the New Normal: Europe’s Attempts to Sustain Economic Growth and Cooperation’.
He will be joined by a stellar list of speakers including; Professor John McHale of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Board, Dr Hugh O’Donnell, Chairman of MACX3 Investments, Kieran Harte from Uber, FAI CEO John Delaney, Virgin Media’s newly appointed CEO Tony Hanway and many more leading experts
Matt Cooper, a well-known Irish broadcaster, newspaper columnist and best-selling author, will be the MC and Facilitator for the day-long event.
'Managing Assets – Fuelling Business Growth' is the overall theme for this one of a kind business conference with four key sections addressing sources of future growth, internationalisation, balanced regional development as well as how businesses can lead and adapt to change.
Energy Cork To Host Ireland's First Major Solar Power Conference
Date: 29th January
Time: 9.30am
Venue: the Clarion Hotel
Cost: free
To book: online
The recent White Paper on Energy Policy published by the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources acknowledged that Solar photovoltaic (PV) is part of the solution for the generation of zero-carbon electricity in Ireland. Energy Cork will host Ireland’s first major conference on solar power in Ireland to discuss the development of Solar PV, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities it presents.
Pancake Tuesday White Glove Afternoon Tea
in aid of Cork Simon Community
Date: Tuesday February 9th
Time: 1pm
Venue: Hayfield Manor
Cost: €32 per person
To book: Advance booking essential email or call 021 4845900.
Enjoy afternoon tea in the luxurious surrounds of Hayfield Manor while supporting a worthy local charity the Cork Simon community. As some of the most vulnerable members of our society struggle with the cold weather, Hayfield Manor would like to offer you an opportunity to make a difference by joining us for afternoon tea this Pancake Tuesday.
The Simon Community works tirelessly in their effort to help homeless people return to independent living through the provision of a wide range of services including; sheltered accommodation, community outreach and health services.
Freshly prepared pancakes, with a delicious variety of fillings, will be served in the relaxed surroundings of Orchids restaurant overlooking our private gardens. Pancakes are not the only delights on offer. Our Patisserie team will serve dainty miniature cakes, pastries, mini-breads as well as sandwiches. Round off the afternoon with your choice of freshly brewed tea or coffee. Should you wish to support this initiative, Hayfield Manor’s Afternoon Tea will be served on Tuesday 9th February between 1 and 3.30pm. Afternoon Tea in aid of this very deserving charity will be priced at €32 per person. This will be a ticketed event so pre-booking is essential. For bookings please call 021 4845900 or alternatively email.
Annual Employment Law Update
Date: Thursday 11th February
Time: 7.30am to 9.30am. Breakfast served between 7.30 & 8am
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Attendance is free
To book: RSVP by Friday 5th February by email.
Collins McNicholas in conjunction with Purdy FitzGerald Solicitors are delighted to invite you to our Annual Employment Law Update. The seminar will provide a review of recent case law and other developments in Employment Law over the last year, with a particular emphasis on what Practitioners should be aware of over the coming year.
Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle
Date: Sunday, March 20th
Time: 9am
Venue: Starts at Trabolgan Holiday Village
Cost: An early bird registration fee of €39 is available until February 1st. After that, registration is €45 for those who sign up before March 20th, and for those who want to register on the day, it’s €50.
To book: online
This year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle will raise funds for the Mercy Hospital Foundation, five Cork City and County Lions Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration. Fort 2 Fort has firmly established itself in the calendar of Cork’s cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, offering a choice of distances around Cork Harbour. To date, over 1,900 cyclists have participated and €85,180 has been raised for the local beneficiaries.
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