In this issue
Policy
Policy Update - N28 upgrade
Subsidised Training
Learn some new skills!
Events
Summer BBQ at Ronan Daly Jermyn
International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
Member Updates
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Policy
Policy Update - N28 upgrade

Cork Chamber has continued to dedicate significant resources  to the progression of the N28 upgrade since Minister Varadkar indicated that the project would progress in the Summer of  2013. In light of the change to the economic landscape since the  2010 Chamber Economic Feasibility Study on the N28: “Cork to World” report, Cork Chamber has commissioned Indecon to carry  out an updated assessment on the N28 upgrade. The objective of this report is re-establishing and re-affirming the economic importance of completion of the scheme, ensuring that the scheme design is optimal from the perspective of maximising its  impact, and strengthening the rationale for funding the required investment.

 

The completed updated Economic Assessment will be launched in the Cork Chamber Offices, Summerhill North on Tuesday the 10th of June at 10am.

 



Subsidised Training
Learn some new skills!
 

The Business School has a Project Management Professional (PMBOK Version 5) course starting on the 18th June next – take the chaos out of project management!


Then running on the 12th June next is our MS Excel (Advanced) course. This one day course will help you master the advanced functions of MS Excel!


These new skills are invaluable attributes for any job – BOOK NOW!! 

 


MS Excel (Advanced) 2007/2010

Course Date: 12th June

Member Rate: €110.00

 

This course is designed to follow-on from the MS Excel Intermediate course. Having already familiarised yourself with the most efficient way of performing everyday tasks, and having covered some intermediate tasks, it is now time to build on that knowledge. A large proportion of the course is dedicated to using the Database Features in MS Excel - this is a very powerful side to Excel that not many people utilise to its fullest potential. Useful functions such as IF and Lookups are covered in addition to automating tasks using Macros etc.

 

Objectives:

On completion of this course participants will be proficient in the more advanced functionality of MS Excel including:

 

• Advanced Data Analysis – Advanced Filtering, Creating Names Ranges, Sub-Totalling feature, Database Function, Pivot Tables

 

• Recording Macros

 

• IF, Lookup and other functions

 

• Goal Seek & Scenario Manager

 

• Protecting worksheets & workbooks

 

Course Outline:

 

Essentials and shortcuts

- An overview / recap of some essential Intermediate topics

- Run-through of shortcuts

 

Named Ranges

- Creating a named range

- Redefining a named range

- Users for named ranges

 

Text Manipulation

- Upper / Lower / Proper Functions

- Text to columns

- Concatenation

- Trim

- Right / Left / Mid Function

 

Database Features

- Sorting Records

- Using AutoFilter

- Removing duplicates

- Subtotalling lists

- Database Functions - DSUM / DAVERAGE / DMAX / DMIN / DCOUNT

 

Working with Pivot Tables

- Pivot Table Concepts

- Setting up the Pivot Table Layout

- Refreshing Pivot Table Data

- Using PivotTable AutoFormat

- Filtering PivotTable Data

- Creating calculated fields

- Grouping dates and values

 

More on Functions

- Using the COUNT Functions

- Using LOOKUP Functions (Vlookup & Hlookup)

- Using the IF Function

- Using IS Functions

- Using the SUMIF Function

- Creating Formulae with Nested Functions

- PMT Function

 

What IF Analysis

- Using Goal Seek

- Scenario Manager

 

Auditing

- Using the Auditing Toolbar

- Tracing Precedents & Dependents

 

Macros

- Recording & Running Macros

- Assigning a Macro to the quick access toolbar

 

Content, Worksheet & Workbook protection

- Data validation

- Protecting Worksheets

- Protecting Workbook Access

- Assigning Password Protection

- Removing a Password

- Preventing Changes to a Workbook

 

 

Project Management Professional (3 days) (PMBOK Version 5)

Course Dates:  18th, 19th & 20th June

Member Rate: €420.00

Professional Project Management is designed to establish a detailed understanding of Project Management terms, concepts and methodologies. The hands-on approach of this course ensures trainees “learn by doing” and gain a step-by-step, real-time experience of using the tools and implementing the methodologies and support structures. In simulating real-life environments, trainees gather the detailed knowledge required to apply the training on return to their work environment.

The Project Management course is designed to be practical and help people apply the knowledge to the workplace. The course uses PMBOK Guide Version 5 as its reference and so helps prepare people for PMI certification.

The trainers are expert on multiple project management systems so if a specific company has questions on practical application of theory they are able to answer and give examples of how these systems are used in real life.

A soft copy of tools and PMBOK-compliant templates that participants can take away and use when they are back in the workplace are provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the purpose, inputs and outputs of the core processes in each of the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Execution, Control and Closing.
  • Learn how to Scope a Project clearly by using a Work Breakdown Structure, and how to put in place a mechanism to control any changes to the Project Scope.
  • Learn about Program Governance, and how to create a Phase Gate approval system that ensures early identification of project problems.
  • Learn about the 10 knowledge areas of project management (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement plus Professional and Social Responsibility). Understand how each knowledge area contributes to the progression of a project from start to finish, and know how to create the key deliverables at each stage.
  • Learn key project management techniques, together with how and when to use them. Examples of such tools and techniques include Budget, Risk Analysis, Scheduling, Gantt chart, Contingency and Change Control.
  • Learn how to identify and analyse risks to your project, and place a focus on avoiding risks rather than recovering from their effect. Learn how to quickly build a Risk Register for your organisation and how to weigh up the best response to different types of risk.
  • Learn how to apply this learning a range of industries, with particular emphasis on projects that are relevant to participants’ environment through use of case studies and working exercises based on realistic problems and real-life project scenarios.
  • Understand Project Management Technical Skills and Tools such as Microsoft Project Professional, methodologies such as Work Breakdown Structures, Phase Gates, Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis and a robust Project Governance system.
  • Learn different techniques for estimating schedule and effort, understanding the different factors that have to be taken into account when moving from an initial estimate through to a detailed plan upon which you can make a commitment.

This module uses PMBoK Version 5.0 as its core reference.


Events
Summer BBQ at Ronan Daly Jermyn
 

Date: 17th June
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Ronan Daly Jermyn, Park Plaza, Citygate
Book:  HERE

 

Cork Chamber and Ronan Daly Jermyn will partner on Tuesday 17th June to bring you the annual Summer BBQ at their new Park Plaza Premises in Mahon.

 

Ronan Daly Jermyn is a leading Irish law firm offering specialist legal advice. The firm represents local, national and international clients engaged in a wide range of activities, as well as public sector bodies and governmental agencies. A progressive modern law firm, RDJ offers a partner-led service to clients.

 

The new offices at City Gate Park provide the firm with 7,000 additional square feet of office space, as well as a theatre-style conference and training rooms to facilitate hosting of in-house client seminars. This event will take place on the firm’s rooftop garden, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, an absolutely unique opportunity for some “high level” networking!

 

 



International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
 

Shenzhen-Cork Business Forum, Cork, 20th June 2014 

Subsequent to Cork City Council’s recent cooperation with the Shenzhen Municipal Government in November 2013, a Shenzhen-Cork Business Forum will be held on the morning of Friday, 20 June in Cork (venue to be confirmed). See inside for further details.

 

Match4Industry, Kocaeli (Turkey), 25th-26th September 2014

Match4Industry is a multi-sector business matching event will take place in Kocaeli (Turkey) in September. The Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Economy is subsidising this event for successful applicants. See inside for more details.

 

Overseas Business Matchmaking Opportunities

See inside for a snapshot of partnership opportunities contained within our Enterprise Europe Network database.


Shenzhen-Cork Business Forum, Cork, 20th June 2014 

A delegation from Shenzhen (China) will visit Cork on 20 June 2014. The delegation will comprise six Shenzhen companies and the visit follows on from a cooperation agreement with the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government which Cork City Council concluded during a trade mission in November 2013.

A Shenzhen-Cork Business Forum will be held on the morning of Friday, 20 June. The forum will consist of presentations on Shenzhen and Cork and a networking session between the Shenzhen and Cork companies will follow. The Shenzhen companies include three food companies; a gardening company involved in the production of bonsai trees; a technology company; and a marina resort.

Interpreters will be available on the day to assist with communication during this event.

The venue for this event is to be confirmed but expressions of interest are currently being sought. Contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie to register your interest.

 

Match4Industry, Kocaeli (Turkey), 25th-26th September 2014

The third edition of the multi-sector Match4Industry Business Matching will take place in Kocaeli (Turkey) in September.

The Match4Industry Business Matching Event will be organised by ABIGEM (European Turkish Business Networks) East Marmara and the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry in close collaboration with Enterprise Europe Network-Luxembourg, the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and many other professional business support organisations from Europe, Turkey and beyond.

Match4Industry will be organised in a special industrial zone and bilateral meetings will be organised here. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with companies exhibiting their products and services. The areas of interest at this event will be:  Automotive Supplies; Metal and Machinery; Plastics and Rubber Tyres; Chemical; Construction; Energy; Environment; Electronics; ICT; and Female Entrepreneurship.
 The participation fee will cost €80 per participant and the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Economy will finance B2B meetings; assistance at the event; local transfers to meeting points; translation services; meals; and the accommodation cost of the delegation and partners. The registration deadline for this event is 15th September 2014. For further information, click here or contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie.

 

Overseas Business Matchmaking Opportunities

  • A German Life Science SME, providing high-quality product and service solutions for Life Science research in industry and academia, seeks to expand its activities to the Veterinary Diagnostics sector. The SME seeks partners from academia and industry with activities in this field for a technical cooperation agreement. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. TRDE20140516002.
  • A Polish designer and distributor of wastewater treatment equipment seeks suppliers/producers of wastewater treatment equipment who are interested in entering the Polish market. The company currently engages with Norwegian and Japanese partners but wishes to expand its customer base on a Pan-European level. Its target customers are companies which produce wastewater. If you are interested in this profile, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BRPL20140418001.

 


Take a look at the complete
Enterprise Europe Network database by clicking here.


Promotion
Executive Briefing: Best Practices in Financial Performance Management
 
Date: Wednesday 18th June 2014
Time: 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Free Event
To book: HERE  

Join ProStrategy & IBM on the 18th June at a 'Best Practices in Financial Performance Management' Executive Briefing.  Find out how IBM performance management solutions help companies of all sizes - from large-scale enterprises to small and mid-size business - transform slow, expensive, disconnected processes into more dynamic, efficient and connected experiences.  


News Headlines
 
  • Celebrating Cork Business Women - Read More HERE 
  • Credit Demand Stable But Action Required To Support Growth - Read More HERE 
  • Government Can No Longer Be Allowed To Discriminate Against Local Business - Read More HERE 

 





Café Conversations with our Annual Conference Speakers
 

We asked our excellent line-up of speakers to give us some insights ahead of next week's Annual Conference 'Healthy Relationships for Driving Better Sales', sponsored by laya healthcare and in partnership with the Sales Institute of Ireland. Networking Breaks sponsored by KPMG. 

  • Paul O'Dea - Select Strategies [The Guru] - HERE 
  • Denise O’Callaghan - Denise's Delicious Gluten Free Bakery [The Networker] - HERE 
  • Natasha Lynch - Essential French [The Social Media Seller] - HERE 
  • Kevin O'Dwyer, VP Of Inside Sales EMEA, McAfee [The Influencer] - HERE 
  • Peter Briffett, Living Social / YPlan [The Visionary] - HERE 
  • Ronan Whelan, Head Of Sales, Laya Healthcare [The Relationship Builder] - HERE 


Don't miss out book your place today! BOOK HERE



Thank You!
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed towards supporting the Cork Chamber relay team in last Mondays 2014 Cork City Marathon. Your kind contributions helped us raise over €1,000 for Pieta House. 



15 DAYS TO GO!
 
This is an exciting time for Cork, as the business community looks forward to the 2014 Irish Open which will take place in Fota Island Resort, Cork from 19th - 22nd June . We urge all businesses to get behind the event in any way you can, from putting up branding and posters in company offices and buildings, to hosting viewing and après golf events, to dressing shop windows with golf-themed displays, or running Irish Open themed menus.

For tickets and information visit HERE


Members Offers
Royal Shakespeare ‘The Rape of Lucrece’
 
Period of the offer available: Thurs 5th – Sat 7th June, 8pm
Venue:  Cork Opera House
Time: 8pm



A special discount rate of €10 per ticket (normal price from €20). To avail of this offer, call their Box Office on 021 427 0022 and quote “Chamber Offer. In the hypnotic hands of Camille O’Sullivan, Shakespeare’s politically-charged, sexually provocative and violent thriller is brought to life through storytelling and song with original music played live by Feargal Murray on piano.

 


in the hypnotic hands of Camille O’Sullivan, Shakespeare’s politically-charged, sexually provocative and violent thriller is brought to life through storytelling and song with original music played live by Feargal Murray on piano. This rarely performed poem narrates the Roman tale of Lucrece, the chaste wife of Collatinus, who is defiled by Prince Tarquin. O’Sullivan inhabits the souls of both Tarquin and Lucrece. While narrating their fates, she delivers an astonishing range of human experience contained in this dark tale that is as beautiful as it is monstrous. O’Sullivan secured the prestigious Bank of Scotland Herald Angel Award for Best Performance.

 

“A triumph, strange, gripping and honest” – The Times (UK) ****

“O’ Sullivan is a superb performer and great singer…the star is in her singing voice” – The Guardian


Member Events
Look Good, Feel Good
 
Date: 10th June 
Time: 6pm
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: HERE  


A free interactive seminar with medical consultants on skin and vein care as well as cosmetic and trauma related facial reconstruction will be addressed at a ‘Look Good, Feel Good’ event hosted by Cork’s newest hospital, the 75-bed Mater Private Cork which is located at City Gate, Mahon. 


Greenshoots Showcase & Awards 2014
 

Date: 13th June 
Time: Showcase from 2.00pm, Awards Ceremony 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Venue: At Macroom E Enterprise Centre, Bowl Road, Macroom, Co. Cork
To book: Please rsvp HERE 

 
A celebration of Cork’s newest and most fabulous start-up businesses. These ten business owners have been readying themselves to launch under the supportive watch of the Greenshoots programme at Macroom E for the past nine months. Come along, meet the owners and find out more. Refreshments will be served. All welcome. 



Kite Fest
 

Date: June 15th 
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Venue: Millstreet Country Park
Cost: €20 entrance fee all going to Breakthrough Cancer Research 
To book: Just come on the day – bring your friends and family, your own kite & picnic if you like (restaurant on the grounds of the park also)


Breakthrough Cancer Research is holding its 2nd Kite Fest & the day will include kite- flying demos, kite making demos, a puppeteer, bike trails, family games, a bouncy castle and face painting will ensure plenty of entertainment for all the family.



'A Summer's Evening on the Quad' at UCC
 

Date: July 4th
Time: 8pm
Venue: UCC
Cost: €30
To book: Tickets can be purchased at the Cork Association for Autism office on 18 Cook St or online HERE  

 

Summary of the event: A charity concert 'A Summer’s Evening on the Quad' will take place again this year at UCC. This is an outdoor event where Ronan Tynan from the Irish Tenors, Emmet Cahill from Celtic Thunder and Linda Kenny (Cork Soprano) will all perform with backing from the Garda Band. MC on the night will be Gerald Kean, celebrity solicitor. The show will begin at 8pm and run for 2.5 hours and it promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment. 

 

 


All money raised from tickets purchased through the online link (booking fee of €2.55) or from the CAA office at 18 Cook Street, Cork City will go directly to the Cork Association for Autism. The Cork Association for Autism provides residential, respite, home support, day service and an Asperger Syndrome Support Service to approximately 200 adults on the autistic spectrum. All funds raised will go towards essential building and repair work at the CAA's service centres.

For more information call 021 427 1808 or visit the CAA website on www.corkautism.ie

Via Francigena Trek to Rome
 
Date: 10th -17th September
Time: Venue: Rome
Cost: Sophia is asking participants to raise €2,000 in sponsorship per person or €3,600 per two people signing up together
To book: HERE 
 
Fancy a trek along the Via Fracigena in aid of Sophia Cork?   Sophia provides accommodation and support to vulnerable families and individuals at risk of homelessness in Cork.  Help them raise funds by joining this trek of the last 100k of the Via Francigena. More information here.    


Cork Jazz Festival Shout Out!
 
Date: Friday 24th to Monday 28th October
Time: All over the bank holiday weekend
Venue: All venues across the city
Cost: Various

To book: HERE 


Would you like to help the local Jazz Fringe by volunteering or by sponsoring one of our great marching bands during the Festival? It offers a great opportunity to become part of the Festival history. The festival this year runs from 24th- 28th October. For full details please contact: fiona@corkjazzfestival.org