Budget Matters 2013

The Chamber continues to highlight the recommendations made in its Pre-Budget Submission (PBS) 2013.    The submission, sent to Ministers, Secretary Generals and TD’s in early October, sets out proposals to ensure that Budget 2013 will not increase the cost of doing business in Ireland, but will instead stimulate the domestic economy and support government’s ambition of generating employment and investment.  In recent weeks, the Chamber has been involved in a number of high level meetings with Secretaries General across various governmental departments.  These meetings allowed the Chamber to discuss its pre-budget recommendations and urged government departments to resist any further cost increases for businesses in 2013.  Overall, the meetings have proved to be an excellent way to highlight the region’s challenges and the departments have agreed to review the recommendations and to maintain contact with the Chamber on their progression.  Further details of the Chamber’s Pre-Budget Submission 2013 can be found here. 

As Cork City and County Councils prepare upcoming budgets, the Chamber has communicated with all councillors highlighting the significant burden that the current rates system and other local authority charges place on businesses in the region. The Chamber has urged councillors to advocate for improved transparency in the expenditure of rates and local authority charges.  The Chamber also welcomed the Council’s ring-fencing of 1% of rates income for economic development in the region but called on the Council to protect the current fund and ideally increase the rate percentage allocation to 2% to enable expansion and maximise the impact of the fund.        

Your Views, Your Voice – Reform of National Micro & Small Business Support Infrastructure

The Government has announced the drafting of primary legislation to dissolve existing County and City Enterprise Boards and create an enhanced national micro enterprise support model, delivered through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in each local authority office.  Views are now sought from all stakeholders’ in particular small businesses and business representative groups as part of a four week public consultation on the Government’s reforms of supports for micro-enterprise and small business. 

Further information in relation to the consultation on the Reform of National Micro and Small Business Support Infrastructure can be found here or copy and paste the link into your browser http://www.djei.ie/publications/enterprise/2012/consultation_reform_businesssupport.pdf

Cork Chamber is currently putting together a submission, if you have any suggested inputs please contact, Siobhan Bradley, Policy & Research Manager by 4pm Monday 3^rd December 2012.

Cork County Alerts

Cork County Council has launched a new initiative which will issue severe weather alerts (as issued by Met Éireann) for the entire county and flood alerts for Clonakilty town area.  This free text message, social media and email alert system shall also issue information for,

-          Road closure and scheduled road works

-          Road gritting and salting updates

-          Road incidents and accidents

-          Water service disruptions and boil water notices

-          Community and miscellaneous events

-          Major emergencies

Those interested in receiving the alerts can provide a mobile number and email address or also have the option of adding a landline number which will receive a recorded message. 

To register for the alerts click here or copy and paste the following into your browser http://www.mapalerts.corkcoco.ie/register.

Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching (FETAC Level 6) – 16^th January, 2013

This FETAC Level 6 Business Coaching for Peak Performance course is designed to provide those with responsibilities for developing workplace competencies with the skills needed to develop individual performance in others. Throughout the 5 day course, competencies, behaviours, knowledge, skills, and abilities are identified that directly and positively impact the success of employees and organizations. It is designed to create an understanding of the organisational and workplace context within which performance and individual career development takes place and it will provide the skills, knowledge and tools required to carry out effective coaching in the workplace. Coaching is about unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their performance. This course (at a special member rate of €550.00) is ideal for anyone who would like to learn the core skills of Business Coaching whilst also gaining a qualification which is on the National Qualification Framework in Ireland (FETAC Level 6).

So, if you wish to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of coaching, BOOK TODAY

Supervisory Management – a FETAC Level 6 course – 23^rd January, 2013

This Supervisory Management (FETAC Level 6) course can be tailored to the specific needs of your company and is assessed through completion of a Skills Demonstration and an Assignment. Following the completion of this 4 day programme, you will have:

•  acquired the theoretical knowledge enabling you to understand the role and responsibilities of a supervisor
•  acquired a range of supervisory and management skills
• developed good interpersonal communication skills
• demonstrated the confidence to deal with a variety of challenging situations
• developed good work practices appropriate to your role as supervisor/line manager.

So, for an accredited qualification in the area of management, and at a cost of only €450.00 for members, BOOK NOW!

Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) – 24^th January, 2013

In these challenging times, all companies need to ensure they are controlling current costs and taking the steps needed to enhance their future performance. Lean Six Sigma helps companies streamline operations, increase value and reduce waste. Lean Six Sigma is a prescription for regaining business health and transforming a company, a way to cut waste from its operations and of increasing productivity and improving quality.

At the end of this training programme you will be able to:

1. Understand Continuous Improvement.
2. Understand Lean Six Sigma methodology and DMAIC.
3. Understand Change Management and tools used.
4. Understand how to use the most important tools in DMAIC phases.
5. Identify sources of waste and variation within the business.
6. Use Lean Six Sigma as an efficient and effective cost reduction strategy.

Our next Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) course starts on 24^th January 2013 and is of eight days duration delivered over three months for ONLY €900 so 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)

Cork Mental Health Foundation are happy to announce that they 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.

Everyday life is becoming more difficult for everyone with the economic downturn and our services give employers an opportunity to look after their employees mental hea lth whic m in having a more successful and happy work environment.

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


More information available here

J. Barter Travel are excited to let you know about our EXCLUSIVE ski and snowboarding deals in Austria. Offers for Christmas 2012 and New Year Holidays in January, February and March. CHRISTMAS ON THE SLOPES ~ DEPART 22^nd DECEMBER 2012

• 07 nights B&B 2* Hotel, Soll - €725 CHAMBER PRICE: €549
• 07 nights B&B 2* Hotel, St Johann - €599  CHAMBER PRICE: €549
• 07 nights HB 2* Hotel, Mayrhofen - €749 CHAMBER PRICE: €569
• 07 nights HB 4* Hotel, St Johann - €774 CHAMBER PRICE: €699
• 07 nights HB 3* Hotel, Kitzbuhel - €977 CHAMBER PRICE: €829
•  07 nights HB 4* Hotel, Kitzbuhel  - €1115 CHAMBER PRICE: €999

NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

• January & March from €419 ~ 07 nights B&B 2* Hotel, Mayrhofen & Soll
• February from €449 ~  07 nights B&B 2* Hotel,  Mayrhofen & Soll

Get Your Skis on & Book by 30th November
Contact J. Barter Travel Group for more information

92 Patrick Street – 1890 303 303
Douglas Village S.C – 021 489 4084
Old Market Bandon S.C – 023 884 1925

Serving all of cork city and county with over 15 yrs experience & from now to December 25th we would like to offer an exclusive member to member offer of a free CCTV survey of your drains with every high pressure drain clean. Our services start from €80 + Vat and every van comes equipped with a high pressure remote control jetting machine, CCTV camera system , repair gear etc.

Our team is Certified, trained , experienced & competent with Hetac, Fetac & CSCS certification and we come with great referrals, please call us at 0872140342 or check our website at www.blockagebusters.ie to fill out our Contact us page, get a free call back or make a booking.

Our superb Christmas party nights include the following:

• Mulled Wine Reception on arrival
• Five Course Dinner
• Table novelties & amazing festive décor
• Bar extension
• Live entertainment
• Live DJ

House Wine: €17 per bottle

Pre-order 10 bottle and get 1 Free

Call us today to discuss your last minute Christmas requirements and the booker will receive FREE overnight accommodation for 2 adults

Children of all ages can make their way up the magical path to Santa’s house and step inside a winter wonderland where elves are hard at work.  Listen to Mrs Claus relaying the tale of how a bad elf steals some of Santa’s toys and hides them away in secret passages throughout the house. Not to be missed is the visit to Santa’s workshop and house where he will listen to children’s Christmas wishes.

Santa is at Home in Castlemartyr Resort on the following dates:

Saturday 8 December at 2pm

Sunday 9 December at 2pm

Saturday 15 December at 2pm

Sunday 16 December at 2pm

To Reserve your tickets please phone 021 4219000 or email reservation@castlemartyrresort.ie

Early booking recommended

Children €20; Adults €25.

Family Ticket €80 (based on two adults and two children).

Price Includes: The Story of Santa Claus and The Bad Blue Pixie, visit and photo with Santa, face painting, Afternoon Tea for children and adults.

The 12th Annual UCC Law Conference will take place on the 29th November at 9.15am - 2pm in the Aula Maxima; University College Cork .The conference will discuss the legal uncertainty surrounding surrogacy in Irish law. Speakers include Mr. Hassan Khan-BL, Dr. Alpha Connolly, Professor Ursula Kilkelly-Dean of Law at UCC, Ms. Caroline Lindsay-Poulsen-BL, Dr. Deirdre Madden, Garrett O’Neill-Equality Authority of Ireland. The Conference is proudly sponsored by the Cork Chamber of Commerce and William Fry. The conference has attained 4.5 general CPD points, Certificates of Attendance will be provided. The fee is €20. Registration/inquiries please contact Laura at: conference@ucclawsociety.com

In the past five years, we’re humbled to say that many good things have happened to us

We've chatted live to a NASA astronaut while they were on the International Space Station as reported on Sky News, Founding Director Dr. Niall picked us up an award in Hollywood, we’ve helped lots of people to Send a Message to Space and we have a spot on Cork’s very own exclusive version of Monopoly

What is CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory?

In these 5 years, we’ve had over 250,000 visitors, 100 open nights, 4000 school visits, papers published by BCOLabs, and reached over 400,000 people with the StarDome, our portable planetarium

Our multimedia-driven exhibition Cosmos at the Castle,   has received 8 national awards and is the only Irish-designed and operated visitor attraction to receive a THEA ‘Award for Outstanding Achievement’ from TEA, the world association for themed attractions, in 2008

And this is not just to celebrate our past

At CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in 2007 we set out to create a focal point where students and the public would have the opportunity to interact with and learn about science in a totally new way. We believed that through our activities and commitment it would be possible to inspire people of all ages and from all walks of life to experience the wonder of science.

Through public and private support and the collaborative partnerships of the last 5 years we pushed the boundaries of what was possible to achieve.

This celebration is to toast our future and our continuous plans to remain as a major visitor attraction in Ireland and as a centre of excellence in scientific research, education and outreach which will continue to bring science education back down to Earth, making it accessible for all

 Do come by and let us thank you for being part of our journey so far.

Thursday 29, 16:00 – 18:00. RSVP to info@bco.ie

 Onwards and upwards!

Don't miss what is sure to be THE concert in Cork this Christmas. The Cork Youth Orchestra are following on from highly successful concerts with Altan, and West-end Star Colm Wilkinson, with two nights in the City Hall Cork with a legend of the theatre MICHAEL BALL. Michael is fresh from a run in Londons West-end where he played the title role of Sweeney Todd. Michael has played many roles in theatre, he was the original "Marius" in "les Miserables", he has performed in "Phantom of the Opera", "Hairspray" and many other well known musicals.

The Cork Youth Orchestra are building a reputation as an Youth Orchestra capable of giving performances which are comparable to many professional orchestras. They recently performed to an audience of over 2,000 in Florences main square "Piazza Della Signoria" as part of the Festival of European Youth Orchestras, when it comes to Youth Orchestras, Cork can truly claim to be the Capital.

Michael will be performing many hits such as "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" from "Les Mis", "All I ask of you" from "Phantom of the Opera", to Christmas favourites such as "When a child is born" and "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas". These promise to be memorable concerts which will get the festive season started.
 

Tickets are available from Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett St. and on-line from ticketmaster.ie

We are delighted to announce that our Christmas Gala Wine Society evening will take place on Tuesday 11^th December. Our host on the evening will be Donie O’Brien from Erne Drinks Company who has arranged a program of exceptional wines from France especially for the evening. Entertainment will be provided by The Loungeman, Conor O’Shea.

This special event begins at 7.00pm with aperitifs and an introduction of wines from Donie.

Dinner is €79.00 per person and will be served at 7.30pm. Our Executive Chef, Graeme Campbell, has carefully created a five course menu designed to perfectly complement the selection of five different wines which will be showcased on the night.

Enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of wine, or amateurs who simply love sampling new and exciting vintages will relish this special event, part of a series of Wine Society evenings to be held at Hayfield Manor. This is also a great option for Christmas parties, or as a gift voucher.

Limited spaces are available, therefore an early reservation is strongly recommended.

To book please call Michelle on 021 4845909 or email events@hayfieldmanor.ie.