In this issue
Policy
Competition in the Irish Ports and Cork County Development Plan
Subsidised Training
Good News & Bad News!
Events
March Business After Hours at Noel Deasy Cars
Chamber supported Events
The Dynamics of CorkMEET 2013
International
Regional Supports for Female Entrepreneurship & Is Your Business China Ready?
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Policy
Competition in the Irish Ports and Cork County Development Plan

This week’s issue provides detail on the Policy Department’s work on two key submissions: the Competition Authority’s consultation on Competition in the Irish Ports and our on-going work on our submission for the Cork County Development Plan. 

 


‘Competition in the Irish Ports Sector’ Submission:

Following a request by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, the Competition Authority is currently undertaking a review of the effectiveness of existing competition in the ports sector to identify any issues or areas which require further exploration. The Authority’s review included a consultation process where interested parties were invited to identify ways to strengthen competition in the ports sector by the 8th February.

The Chamber prepared a submission for the Competition Authority’s consideration which identified specific recommendations and requirements that must be addressed to support the improved competitiveness of the Irish ports and firmly position the Port of Cork as a leading competitor and key global player in supply chain logistics:

 

Key recommendations in our submission:

  • There is significant scope to improve the competitiveness of ports in terms of efficiency of services and the provision of quality;
  • Ports must be equipped to respond to expected increases in traffic volumes through appropriate infrastructure for larger and deeper vessels;
  • Ability to compete is influenced by capacity to fund required investment.  The Government must facilitate ports in attracting private financial investment to part fund new infrastructure;
  • Government support must be given to Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan so that the Port can remain globally competitive;
  • Good quality access for all of the major portsis integral to competitiveness.  Failure to complete the N28 creates potential access difficulties and has distorted competition when considered in the context of the ‘free’ provision of the Port Access Tunnel to Dublin Port;
  • As the planning system is key to the future development of ports, there is a requirement for ‘joined up thinking’ between Government, Local Authorities, transport providers and port operators

Further details on our submission can be found on www.corkchamber.ie

 

Cork County Development Plan:

The County Development Plan sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County.  The current County Development Plan expires in 2015 and in order to ensure that new County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 is reflective of and appropriate to the social, demographic and economic requirements of the County, the County Council has commenced a formal consultation process.  Further details including the Council’s consultation document ‘Planning for Cork County’s Future’ – Section 11 are available at www.corkcoco.ie

The Chamber is currently preparing a submission and welcomes input from its members.  Should you be interested in providing comments or feedback for this submission, please contact the Policy and Research Manager (Acting) (siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie) by Monday 25th February at 4pm. 

 


Subsidised Training
Good News & Bad News!
Business School @ Cork Chamber
 
Bad news first! If you attended our 3 Day Professional Project Management course in the past few years, but never got around to getting Certified as a Project Manager, unfortunately the PMI Certification exam will change on July 31st this year. 

This means that the material you studied over the past 4 years will be changing, so if you still want to use the knowledge you gained on that training to get certified, you should consider applying for the certification exam before it changes.
The Good News is that the Business School is here to help! We have two more PMI Exam Prep bootcamps, targeted at people who want to get certified before the exam changes. 
         

PMI Exam Preparation (2 days)

Course Dates: 18th & 19th February & 6th & 7th May

Member Rate: €255.00

These courses are targeted at those who have previously attended the 3 day PMP course and who wish to sit the exam. It is prepared and delivered by experienced PMPs who help students understand the scope and rationale of the PMP® and CAPM® certification exams.

This course will help participants to:

  • Understand the PMBOK® Guide V4.0
  • Understand the PMP exam process, and some practical steps to maximise your success rate
  • Understand the different types of questions and how to approach them, including situational questions, double negative questions, best fit questions and earned value questions
  • Complete a number of sample questions in each of the knowledge areas, analysing the answers to understand the logic behind the correct answer
  • Have focused training on areas where students have the most difficulty with the current exam.
  • Have insider tips to taking and passing the exam from an industry professional who has taken and passed the exam.
  • Be "prepped" to take the exam - this is a prep course and a review course.

 

So, if you wish to get certified as a Project Manager and another string to your bow! Please click here to book your place.

 

We also have these courses coming up next week:

Influencing & Negotiating Skills

Course Dates: 21st & 22nd February

Member Rate: €225.00

Learn to be an effective negotiator with our two day course in Influencing & Negotiating Skills. The programme aims to enable participants to influence the thinking and behaviour of others through the effective use of communication skills. This programme is designed to help participants to enhance their ability to communicate in a confident and professional manner. This course is ideal for those who wish to improve their persuading, influencing and negotiating skills, especially people working in the areas of marketing, sales, advertising and buying.

Learners who successfully complete this module will:

  • Obtain practical techniques, strategies and skills for influencing others
  • Be more confident in building rapport effortlessly with clients
  • Discover their persuasion style and how to make a positive impact in using it
  • Learn the skills to negotiate to lower overhead and maintain profit margins
  • Understand the know-how of a negotiation process
  • Be able to conduct the negotiation using persuasion and influencing skills
  • Use the different negotiation approaches depending on the situation
  • Be able to develop consensus in a negotiation process
  • Identify the barriers in achieving a negotiation deal and learn how to deal with objections

This fantastic course will be run on the 21st & 22nd February next so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!

 

Conflict Management

Course Dates:26th & 27th February

Member Rate: €250.00

Conflict is inevitable in groups and organisations, and it represents both a challenge and a true opportunity for every leader. When leaders handle conflict effectively, problem solving increases, interpersonal relationships become stronger and stress surrounding the conflict decreases. On completion of this course the participants will have a heightened awareness of their own personal conflict management style, be aware of the positive role of conflict and also be able to develop their mediation skills to manage an effective outcome via a mediation process.

This course is ideal for front line personnel- customer service, sales, complaint handling, procurement, operations, supervisors, and those involved in human resources. Click HERE to book a place.

 

The Business School @ Cork Chamber is also delighted to announce that we are launching 2 new courses, MS Visio Professional & MS Project. Please contact Aoife Dunne, Training Services Administrator at Aoife@corkchamber.ie for more information.


Events
March Business After Hours at Noel Deasy Cars
 
Date: 27th March
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Cork.
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To Book:  visit our website HERE 

Cork Chamber is delighted to partner with Noel Deasy Cars for the March Business After Hours Networking Event.

Noel Deasy Cars has been in business for nearly 33 years and are a wholly owned and family run operation. In March of this year they will launch the all new Skoda Octavia in their showroom on the Mallow Road Blackpool. The new Skoda Octavia, a simple clean-lined design of the current Octavia has stood the test of time and is being used by Skoda to represent unrivalled packaging at the price point.

Join with your fellow Cork Chamber members for this “dedicated” networking event at Noel Deasy Cars, where there will be a 30 minute formal networking piece, giving Cork Chamber members plenty of opportunity to meet new business contacts and strengthen established connections.


Chamber supported Events
The Dynamics of CorkMEET 2013
 

Over the coming weeks a series of briefings are being organised for Small to Medium sized companies interested in learning more about CorkMEET 2013 and how the 3 day business forum will benefit business. The CorkMEET 2013 team will be on hand to outline details of the activities planned from 10th-12th April. They will advise on how to complete the registration process by filling out a detailed company profile and how to maximise the networking opportunities available to generate further business leads.


Briefings will take place on the following dates with a light refreshments provided
:

- Wednesday, 13th February at 12 noon in Vertigo, Top Floor, County Hall.
- Wednesday, 20th February at 5pm in the Council Chamber, City Hall.
- Wednesday, 27th February at 5pm in Vertigo, Top Floor, County Hall.

 

To book a place please call tel (021) 4320467 / email ian@corkmeet.ie and please state which briefing you wish to attend.

 



International
Regional Supports for Female Entrepreneurship & Is Your Business China Ready?
 

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at Cork Chamber will be participating in a cross-border working group on female entrepreneurship and as part of this initiative we are compiling a regional overview of supports for female entrepreneurs. Also we are  looking for expressions of interest from companies who would like to attend a practical information seminar on China, including tips on how to assess whether your business is China ready. To register your interest, email Katherine@corkchamber.ie.  See ‘read more’ for full details.




Regional Supports for Female Entrepreneurship

The Enterprise Europe Network will be participating in a cross-border working group on female entrepreneurship and as part of this initiative we are compiling a regional overview of supports for female entrepreneurs.  If you are involved in providing business supports, programmes or mentoring specifically aimed at female entrepreneurs in the region, we would be delighted to include your initiatives in our regional summary.  Please email the details to Katherine@corkchamber.ie .




Is your business China ready?

The Enterprise Europe Network is looking for expressions of interest from companies who would like to attend a practical information seminar on China, including tips on how to assess whether your business is China ready, knowing your partners in China and specific opportunities by industry sector.  To register your interest, email Katherine@corkchamber.ie



European Business Partner Opportunities

A French company specialising in the production of top-quality fruit liqueurs, cocktail liqueurs, herbal digestive liqueurs, regional aperitifs and syrups, is looking for commercial partners (Reference: 20130122023).

A UK company working in the Fire Industry is looking for manufacturing partners who are experienced in the manufacture of glass fibre (GRP) poles using mandrel wrap / roll wrap or pull winding processes (Reference: 20130116043).

A UK company supplying the highest quality thermal imaging cameras and block cameras is looking for distributors in the security, defense, CCTV camera or speed dome sectors in Europe to handle their Hitachi block camera range (Reference: 20130125015).


For further information on any of the above profiles, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie, quoting the relevant Reference Number above.


Members Offers
Make the Leap this February at Jurys Inn
 

Offer available: February 2013


Book a meeting room in February and receive a 2nd one for 50% OFF. T&C apply. Offer subject to availability. 2nd meeting room needs to be booked for February or March 2013



East Village Bar, Restaurant & Hotel - Special Corporate Offer
 

Offer available: February, March & April

East Village Bar, Restaurant & Hotel is delighted to inform you of our special corporate offer available for the month of February, March & April.

  • 50% off our finger food menus of parties of 25+
  • 25% off our BBQ menus

 If you would like to book or have any enquiries regarding our special offers please contact us on (021) 4367000 or e-mail: info@eastvillage.ie
 


Offer available for: February, March & April

East Village Bar, Restaurant & Hotel is delighted to inform you of our special corporate offer available for the month of February, March & April.

  • 50% off our finger food menus of parties of 25+
  • 25% off our BBQ menus

East Village is the perfect choice for quality food in a great atmosphere. We provide a fantastic venue for all parties & occasions. All parties (both large or small) can be catered for in both our vibrant Bar downstairs, as well as upstairs in our popular Manhattan styled Restaurant, Bar & Terrace. Our wait staff will be personally assigned to you on your night to cater for all your needs. Both our finger food & BBQ menus can be altered to suit any of your requirments. If you would like to book or have any enquiries regarding our special offers please contact us on (021) 4367000 or e-mail: info@eastvillage.ie

Find us on facebook or check out our web page www.eastvillage.ie for information on late bars, gigs & other events.

To celebrate the launch of the Porterhouse food menu - 2 FOR 1 on all main meals
 

Offer available: 11th - 17th February


Porterhouse Food Menu is available from Monday 11th February! To celebrate we will be offering 2 for 1 on all main courses from Monday the 11th to Sunday 17th February. (Pre - Book offer only) Ph: 021 4273000.  



10% Off Any Public Health & Safety Training Course for February & March
 

Offer available: From now until the end of March

We are offering all members of Cork Chamber a 10% discount off any Public Health & Safety Training course. A full schedule of our upcoming training courses can be found at www.healthandsafetytrainingcourses.ie. All you have to do is mention “Cork Chamber” when booking a place on any of our courses.  For more information on this offer, contact Eric at ehiggins@cmse.ie or call 021 497 8100.



Member Events
Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards - Enter Now
 

Date: Closing Date for applications is Thursday 28th February 2013
Enter: HERE


Only two weeks left to enter the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards. By entering you will have the opportunity to be one of our provincial winners in Munster in one of our eight award categories. If successful, you will also compete to be our overall national Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award winner! Entries are open to all businesses north and south regardless of size, location, sector or turnover. There are eight categories in total and businesses can enter a maximum of two of these categories choosing the ones that best match their business description and profile.



St Luke's Home Annual Golf Classic
 

Date:19th April
Venue: Fota Island Resort, Deerpark Course
Cost: €300 for team of 3 includes refreshments on arrival, golf and a meal afterwards
Prizes: Fantastic prizes kindly sponsored by Pharmacy First Plus
To Book: Please contact Oonagh O Driscoll on (021) 4359444 or Oonagh.odriscoll@stlukeshome.ie


It’s that time of year again, for the 3rd year running we are being supported by Pharmacy First Plus for our Annual Golf Classic in Fota. The day is proving to be hugely popular with many of you already registering your return this year. To avoid disappointment and to secure your preferred Tee Time book early! All proceeds go to St Luke’s Home. Keep up-to-date with the latest news on our facebook page available HERE


 More information available here: St Luke's Home Annual Golf Classic

Donal Crowley Memorial Leisure Cycle supporting Cork ARC
 
Date: 17th February
Time: 11.00am
Location / Start: The Square, Blarney


The Donal Crowley Memorial Cycle supporting Cork ARC Cancer Support House will take place on Sunday 17th February 2013. Sean Kelly will attend and over 1,000 cyclists are expected to take part. There will be three events on the day: The 100km Leisure Cycle, the 40km Novice Cycle, and the 10km Family Fun Cycle. Organized by Blarney Cycling Club, Registration online at www.blarneycyclingclub.ie





International Womens Day
 

Date: 8th March
Time: 1pm - 6pm
Venue: Western Room, River Lee Hotel, Cork
Cost: €45 for members and €65 for non-members of Network Ireland
To Book: Visit www.networkcork.com for more information on the event.  


On Friday 8th March Network Ireland are organising a National Conference at the River Lee Hotel in Cork, to celebrate International Womens Day with some of the leading women in business. Supported by the European Parliament Information Office, Cork City Council and Irish Tatler the half day conference, titled Growing Momentum will feature a wide range of speakers who will inspire, motivate and energise with a theme of positivity with no boundaries.


ITINERARY

1pm: Registration & Light Networking Lunch

1:45pm Deirdre Waldron, President Network Cork to introduce Conference and pass over to Francis Jacobs, Head of European Parliament information Office, who in turn introduces
Deirdre O’Shaughnessy – MC for the Day

2pm: Supports for Women in Business

  • Phil Prendergast MEP – EU Supports, Changes in EU Regulations, Gender Quotas
  • Julia Lynes, National President Network Ireland & Owner EazyCity –  Using our own Networks – Making use of our contacts/resources/support mechanisms
  • Sarah Abbott, Senior Director, Human Resources, EMC Ireland – Best Practices, Employers playing their part, How EMC has gotten it right, globally and locally. 
  • Aine Collins TD – Supports for the SME Sector

3:15pm: Power Break! 

3:45pm: The Journey of Women in Business

  • Jane Maas – Then & Now: What’s changed & what’s the very same!
  • Heidi Higgins, Fashion Designer &  Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Fashion– Life as a Young Female Entrepreneur
  • Ruth Buckley, Head of ICT and Business Services, Cork City Council  
  • Gillian Keating – JW O’Donovan Solicitors & incoming President of Cork Chamber

5pm: Panel Discussion/Q&A : “What’s Next?” for Women in Business

Looking at new EU directives, use of new technologies, the digital era, and where all of this will take us. 

5:45pm: Post Event Drinks Reception & Networking

 


The Marketing Institute - Driving real brand value through social media engagement
 
Date: Tuesday 19th of February
Time: 6pm
Venue: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Cost: MII Members & Students €10, Non Member €20
To Book: www.mii.ie/en/cev/367  


Mark Henry Director Marketing for Tourism Ireland will speak on “Driving real brand value through social media engagement”. Tourism Ireland is one of Ireland's leading social media brands with more than 1,000,000 followers around the world.  Mark will share his insight into driving value for your business and your brand through successful social media engagement and how to plan effective marketing strategies to deliver growth. 

Date: Tuesday 19th of February
Time: 6pm
Venue: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Cost: MII Members & Students €10, Non Member €20
To Book: www.mii.ie/en/cev/367  


Mark Henry Director Marketing for Tourism Ireland will speak on “Driving real brand value through social media engagement”. Tourism Ireland is one of Ireland's leading social media brands with more than 1,000,000 followers around the world. It was last year's winner of the All Ireland Marketing Award's digital Category and is the only organisation to have ever won that category two years running. Mark will share his insight into driving value for your business and your brand through successful social media engagement and how to plan effective marketing strategies to deliver growth. After the presentation, refreshments will be served and you will have a opportunity to network with the presenter and other business professionals.

Cork Summer Show
 
Date: 15th and 16th June 2013              
Time: All day from 9am
Venue: Curraheen, Co.Cork                                      

Cost: From as Little as €200 for a stand for the weekend 
To book: email - chris@corksummershow.com

The Cork Summer Show 2013 is now taking bookings for trade stands for this year. With stands coming in thick and fast this is a gentle reminder that spaces will be limited to enhance marketability for trade stands and it will be done on a first come first serve basis. So when the stands are all gone… there really gone. Looking forward to hearing from your company.