In this issue
Policy
Have Your Say: National Tourism Policy Statement
Subsidised Training
Business School @ Cork Chamber
Events
Access to Finance for SMEs - PART 2 - EU Funding
Business Breakfast with Herb Hribar, CEO of eircom
Chamber Supported Projects
The 2013 Cork innovates bursary is valued at €30,000
International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
Member Updates
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Policy
Have Your Say: National Tourism Policy Statement
 

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have launched a public consultation to support their development of a new tourism policy for Ireland.  As part of the process, the Department has prepared an Issues Paper and is seeking viewpoints under the following four areas: 

1. Tourism Marketing

2. Tourism Product Development

3. Human Resources and Training / Innovation / Enterprise Support and Competitiveness

4. Implementing Policy and Service Delivery Mechanisms


The Chamber is preparing a submission as part of the public consultation and invites interested parties to submit their views/observations/suggestions on the four key areas to Alma Murnane,  Director of Policy & External Relations (alma@corkchamber.ie) before  Friday 11th October.


For more information and to access the Issues Paper please visit: http://www.dttas.ie/tourism/english/tourism-policy-review-20132014

 

 



Subsidised Training
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. It will equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deliver, assess and evaluate training programmes. 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, for all you report writers out there, we have an Introduction to Technical Writing Course starting on the 2nd October next, don’t forget - great technical writing can make a poor product usable - poor technical writing can make a great product useless!


Train the Trainer (FETAC Level 6)  

Course Dates: 7th, 14th & 21st October

Member Rate: €400.00

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!

 

Introduction to Technical Writing

Course Date: 2nd October   

Member Rate: €130.00

Great technical writing can make a poor product usable - poor technical writing can make a great product useless. Our Introduction to Technical Writing Course is designed to help you become that great technical writer! This one day course aims to ensure that participants can make their technical documentation accurate, brief, clear, complete and, above all, useful. The emphasis is on writing to impart complex technical information to a specific target audience. Participants should be committed to delivering reports, manuals and routine communications that are accurate, concise, clear and focussed on the needs of the target audience.

The course will include:

  • How to structure reports
  • How to systematically improve your writing skills
  • A SWOT analysis of your writing skills
  • Overview of course content
  • Resources and style sheets
  • Accuracy and completeness
  • Brevity
  • Clarity
  • Punctuation
  • Courtesy
  • Reports & E-mails
  • Presenting & Influencing

 

This course is designed for participants who are committed to delivering reports, manuals and routine communications that are accurate, concise, clear and focussed on the needs of the target audience. This one-day course will be running on the 2nd October next and is only €130.00 for Chamber members - 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

September

Business English     30th September

October

Introduction to Technical Writing   2nd October

Certificate in Train the Trainer 7th October

MS Excel Advanced   8th October

Business to Business Selling – The Secrets 15th October

MS Excel Intermediate   16th October

Project Management Professional    16th October

MS Visio Professional  21st October

Certificate in Supervisory Management       23rd October

MS Visio Professional 2010    24th October

 

November

Personal Productivity using MS Outlook     1st November

PMI Exam Preparation Course   5th November

Certificate in Train the Trainer   6th November

E-Mail & Business Writing  6th November

MS Project 2010    11th November

Increasing Sales by Telephone  12th November

Project Management Professional   20th November

Influencing & Negotiating Skills    20th November

Present & Express with Confidence 28th November

 


Events
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.


Speakers:


  • EU Funding – An overview of funding opportunities for SMEs. Chris Farmakis, EU Funding Manager, Greater London Enterprise
  • 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.  Sean Burke, National Contact Point for the Research for the Benefit of SMEs, Enterprise Ireland  


For more information, contact Liz@corkchamber.ie or book online through www.corkchamber.ie
 



Business Breakfast with Herb Hribar, CEO of eircom
 

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

 

We are delighted to have Herb Hribar speak at our October Business Breakfast, as Chief Executive Officer Herb will outline eircom’s ambition to redefine the telecommunications landscape in Ireland. 


Further information and to book, please CLICK HERE.



Chamber Supported Projects
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   



International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
 

The Enterprise Europe Network helps small business to maximise their presence on the European marketplace. Working through a network of local business organisations across Europe and further afield, we can help you develop your business in new markets, source or license new technologies or access EU finance and EU funding.


For more information, please see: www.een-ireland.ie or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie


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

  • Aquatech NL brokerage event for water processing sector, 5-8 November, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Trade Mission for the Nanotechnology Industry from Germany to Ireland, 11-15 November, Dublin
  • Business partnership opportunities

 


 

 


Aquatech NL, 5-8 November, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Aquatech is the world’s leading trade exhibition for process, drinking and waste water. In line with this event, the NL Agency and Enterprise Europe Network in the Netherlands will organise a brokerage event called ‘Aquamatch’ on November 7th 2013.  The scope of this event is to enable exhibitors and visitors at Aquatech to find partners for cooperation. Companies, research institutes and universities are invited to use this opportunity to establish new international contacts within the water network; meet potential business partners; transfer knowledge and technology and to pre-select business meetings. The cost of this event is free but advance registration is required. Click here to register.

Trade Mission for the Nanotechnology Industry from Germany to Ireland, 11-15 November, Dublin

The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, is currently preparing a trade mission project in the area of Nanotechnology. In the framework of this trade mission, they will be bringing up to 12 German Nanotechnology companies to Ireland from 11-15 November 2013, to forge business partnerships with Irish companies.

On Tuesday, 12 November a Nanotechnology conference will take place in Dublin, headlining expert speakers in the field from both Germany and Ireland and also include information on innovation and cooperation opportunities within the sector. Presentations will also be made by up to 12 German companies from the Nanotechnology sector and the project will also consist of 2-3 days of business meetings in the offices of interested Irish companies. If you would like further information about this event, please contact Holger Erdmann at the German-Irish Chamber of Industry (holger.erdmann@german-irish.ie).  

Business Partnership Opportunities

For a complete list of partnership opportunities, take a look at our EEN database. Here are some examples of current opportunities available:

  • A UK Company specialising in UK, European and International Intellectual Property rights in relation to engineered products and processes is offering its services as subcontractor in relation to patent, design registration, and trademark registration requirements. Free initial consultation is available. For further information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20130313040.
  • A Danish trading company, specialising in green, energy-saving heating, air conditioning and refrigeration controls for commercial and residential buildings, is looking for independent distributors here in Ireland.  For further information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20120829005.
  • A UK Company specialising in electro/mechanical assembly, packing (including rebranding) is offering its services as a subcontractor. The company offers a competitive alternative to traditional in-house manufacture. It can work to specification and offer sub-assembly activity to compliment production demands, even support low to medium volumes. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BOUK20130807003.
  • An Italian producer of artisan extra virgin olive oil and wine seeks trade intermediaries to distribute its produce in Ireland. For more information, please contact eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20101229121.

Members Offers
Streat Cafe - 10% off all Outside Catering Orders
 
Offer available: 10% off all Outside Catering Orders for Chamber Members

10% off all Outside Catering Orders for Chamber Members. Call Daragh FitzGerald on 021-4274746 to arrange a free sample. Delivery service available.

  • Fresh handcrafted gourmet sandwiches & wraps.
  • Mouthwatering freshly baked cakes, scones & other tempting treats.
  • Gourmet cheese board & crackers served with fresh fruit.
  • Fresh fruit platters available.
  • Assortment of hot & cold drinks.
  • Gluten free options available.


Employers are you promoting positive mental health in your workplace?
 
Offer available: Free Education on Mental Health


Cork Mental Health Foundation are now providing companies with Free Education on Mental Health for their employees. We can provide presentations, workshops, resources and information on topics such as Stress, Coping Skills and Mental Health in general.   If you would be interested in speaking to us in more detail about what we can provide to your company please do not hesitate to contact Martina Ryan on 021 4511100 or martinaryancmhealth@eircom.net


20% off SEPA Direct Debit Software with Business Software Solutions

 Offer available: September, October & November.


Business Software Solutions has been dealing with direct debits since 2005. Our newest system SEPA Direct Debits is fully EU & ECB compliant. We provide a migration pack making the transition stress free for companies, providing support at every step of the way. Our system meets the specified requirements from the EU and will work for all banks in Ireland and across the EU. Our offer includes complimentary installation and migration along with 20% off our software.


To avail of this offer, call us on 021-4979817 or e-mail info@sepadirectdebits.ie.  

 



Member Events
Going International Conference
 
Date: 16th October
Time: 9:00 – 17:30
Venue: Fota Island Resort & Hotel
Cost: 150 (+VAT) Early bird available until 13th Sept
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.


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 2007.   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.

Offsite 2013
 

Date: 26th September
Time: 9am to 2pm
Venue: Celtic Ross Hotel
Cost: €45
To book: visit offsite2013.eventbrite.ie


Organised by West Cork Development Partnership (WCDP),  Offsite 2013 seeks to drive business opportunities, industry and technology expertise, networking opportunities with peers and experts and deliver unrivalled knowledge opportunities from regional, national and international technology entrepreneurs.  


This event is for you if you are a tech start up, already in business, remote workers or even thinking of setting up a technology business! Book your ticket today here
 

 



The Cork Independent Newspaper Charity Coffee Morning
 

Date: 26th September
Time: 9.30am – 1130am
Venue: Nash 19, Prince’s Street, Cork
Cost: Donations accepted on the day
To book: Just show up


The proceeds from this coffee morning are going to the Irish Heart Foundation , who for the past 47-years have been working to reduce premature death and disability from heart disease and stroke. They are now 100% funded by public donations and need your support.



IIBN 3rd Annual Global Conference 'Moving Into Growth'
 

Date: November 8th  (with exclusive pre-conference networking reception evening 7th November)
Time: November 7th reception 6.30 - 9pm, November 8th 8.15 (registration) - 5pm, followed by networking drinks
Venue: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, Greater London N1 9AG
Cost: Early bird rate £225 (use IIBN-Chamber for 10% discount on Guest Early Bird Rate)
To book: HERE


Networking Conference with the global Irish Business Diaspora! KEYNOTE SPEAKERS / PANELS / WORKSHOPS

ENTREPRENEUR PITCHES / EXHIBITION AREA NETWORKING APP
 

SPEAKERS: Dominic Chilcott UK Ambassador to Ireland, John Griffin, Founder Addison Lee, Tony O’Reilly Jnr, CEO, Providence Resources plc, Dee Forbes, President/MD Discovery Network Western Europe and Andrew Black, International Poker Tournament player & Buddhist

 

 



Northside for Business Conference

Date: 27th September
Time: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue: Neptune Stadium
Cost: €25
To book: Tel: Ursula on 021 4320466 or email: uryan@platocork.ie

 
A business conference is taking place Neptune Stadium, Cork as part of the Northside for Business initiative. Chaired by John Mullins, Director of Augmentis, other speakers  include:  Susan Hayes, The Positive Economist, Sean Gallagher, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Editor Cork Independent, Pat Lynch Director, YouGetitBack and Yvonne Barry senior partner at Quintas.


A great business conference is taking place on Friday of next week, 27th September in Neptune Stadium, Cork City.  The conference is being organised as part of the Northside for Business initiative, which aims to develop enterprise and employment on the Northside of Cork City.  

 

The conference should be of interest to all business owners and managers and will include 5 powerful and practical presentations from leaders in business. The conference will be chaired by John Mullins (Managing Director of Augmentis, Chairman of Port of Cork and former Group Chief Executive of Bord Gais).

 

We are delighted that Susan Hayes (The Positive Economist), Sean Gallagher, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Editor Cork Independent, Pat Lynch director of YouGetitBack and Yvonne Barry senior partner at Quintas have been secured to speak at the Conference. 

 

To book your place or to get further  information contact Ursula Ryan, Plato Cork (Northside for Business coordinators) at 021 4320466 / uryan@platocork.ie

 

As a follow on to the conference, a business showcase, which will be open to the public, will take place on Saturday October 19th also in Neptune.  More details to follow.

 

 


Network Ireland Annual Women in Business Conference 2013 Trailblazing Your Way to Success!
 

Date: 4th October
Time: 10:00 to 23:30 (BST)
Venue: Fota Island Resort Cork
Cost: tickets range from 49 - 149 (not including booking fee) Tickets sale ends 1 Oct 2013
To book: here  


Network Ireland represents some of the leading business women in the country and over 200 women in business will attend the Conference to celebrate the wealth of female entrepreneurship and professionalism as well as network, share contacts, ideas and experiences. The theme of the day is Trailblazing Your Way to Success and will feature a range of inspirational women across a broad spectrum of industry sectors.

 


The conference will be followed by the Network Ireland Business Women of the Year Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner. Winners from the regional awards of all Network Ireland branches across the country will go forward for the national awards which will be presented on the night. We are delighted that Ireland's foremost female broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan will MC the awards ceremony.

Photo Caption: Pictured at the launch of the 30th Annual Network Ireland National Conference are Network Ireland President and businesswoman Julia Lynes and Dr Rhona O'Mahony, first female master of the National Maternity Hospital. The theme of this year's conference, which will be held on Friday, October 4th at Fota Island Resort in Cork, is Trailblazing your Way to Success..