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Survey Prize Winner
Cork Chamber would like to congratulate Patrick Leader, Leaders Menswear on winning this quarters Economic Trends Survey prize. This quarters prize is a Communications Package, kindly sponsored by Cork Chamber to the value of €2000. Many thanks to all those who completed this quarter’s economic survey. Your input is greatly appreciated and the results highlighted increasingly positive trends including that 96.6% of businesses are confident in the financial future of their business which is the highest level on record since the Chamber’s Economic Trends Surveys commenced in 2009 when only 51.5% reported confidence in the future of their business.
This quarter’s survey focused on understanding Cork businesses key calls in advance of the upcoming Budget. The survey results reported that the top priority areas which businesses believe the Government should target in Budget 2016 include increasing investment in crucial infrastructure priorities including road infrastructure and improving air connectivity from Cork Airport. In addition to strategies that increase employment; targeted investment in skills, education and health and mechanisms to reduce the tax burden and support SME’s were called for. When asked to identify specific measures businesses would like to see introduced in budget 2016 the clear priority of respondents centred on the reduction or elimination of the USC. Other key calls included increasing the scope of the R&D tax credit, decreasing income tax especially for middle and low income earners, reducing employers PRSI and reducing Capital Gains Tax. Interestingly despite these calls it was clear from the responses that businesses want the government to be prudent in developing Budget 2016 and to maintain their commitment to reducing National Debt and enhancing Ireland’s international relationship through responsible governance.
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Deadline Day Looming!
Nominations for the Cork Digital Marketing Awards close 7th September next!
Why Should I enter?
- It’s an amazing opportunity to recognise the hard-work and achievements of your digital marketing entrepreneurs.
- Entry is free!
- A win, a short-listing or a nomination acts as a third party endorsement for your business and can form part of your sales pitch.
- Promote your business to new customers.
- They’re fun, exciting and really good for your business!
Sure why wouldn’t you enter??!! So go on, ENTER NOW!
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Food for Thought: Trends and Opportunities in the UK Food and Drink Market
Date: 9th September
Time: 07:30 - 11:00
Venue: Clarion Hotel, Cork
Cost: Free
To book: here The Enterprise Europe Network brings you a breakfast seminar featuring a number of speakers who will outline some of the trends in the UK food market, opportunities for SMEs in the industry to engage with the market and grow their business into the UK, and stories from some of our Irish success stories. Guest Speakers will include Colette Twomey (Clonakilty Black Pudding), Fiona Esom (Product Chain Ltd), Aileen Cussen (Enterprise Ireland), Mary Daly (Mary Daly & Associates) and Michael Costain of the Food Matters Live exhibition which takes place in the UK in November. For more information contact Katherine.
Modern Utility Services to support Economic Development
September Business Breakfast in association with Irish Examiner
Date: 10th September
Time: 07:30 - 09:00
Venue: Cork International Hotel
Cost: €25 Members / €30 Non members
To book: here
The Cork Chamber September Business Breakfast will feature Michael McNicholas, Group CEO of Ervia, the commercial semi-state company with responsibility for the delivery of strategic national gas and water infrastructure and services in Ireland and a key employer in Cork.
Michael will share insights with Cork Chamber members and guests on establishing Ireland’s first multi-utility infrastructure and services company, outline the urgent problems in Ireland’s water sector and Irish Water’s plans to transform water services delivery in Ireland. Growth of the Irish gas market is central to the Gas Networks Ireland business strategy and Michael will describe the gas utility’s plans including those for renewable gas and compressed natural gas as a transport fuel.
READ MORE AND BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE!
Business After Hours at the Mater Private
Date: 16th September
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Mater Private, Citygate, Mahon
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members & guests
Book: here
After a rejuvenating Summer season, we know that Cork Chamber members are keen to get back to the business of networking, so Cork Chamber is delighted to kick-off the Autumn networking season by hosting the September Business After Hours Event at the Mater Private Cork.
Mater Private Cork is the newest private hospital to open in Cork and Ireland. Located at City Gate Mahon, the Mater Private is covered by all private health insurers and all patients are treated in single en-suite rooms, a first for Ireland.
As always, there will also be ample opportunity for networking and promoting your business at this event, so take the last few weeks of Summer to hone your sales pitches, ready your business cards and engage with your clients and colleagues.
CLICK HERE to book now!
Innovation from Within
Date: 23rd September
Time: 12 - 2pm
Venue: Tyndall National Institute
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members & guests
To book: here
Cork Chamber and Aviva Health are excited to bring you “Innovation from Within” a fully interactive event, which will highlight the commercial importance of innovation in driving businesses forward. We will focus on how any business, large medium or small, needs to embrace innovation and embed it into the business culture.
From new processes, through to new and innovative ideas for products and services, the speakers will highlight how innovation is key to meeting the ever evolving needs of customers. Speakers include Dr Peter Robbins, Liz Rowen, Donncha O’Callaghan and more…
The New Digital Reality
Date: 7th October
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Venue: Cork City Venue (tbc)
Cost: Free (registration is essential)
To book: here
What is “big data” and what does "data analytics” mean for your business? How will the EU’s new data protection and privacy regulations affect ecommerce businesses? How are we bringing the digital agenda to a local level and how are traditional businesses moving online?
The Enterprise Europe Network is supporting the Startup Gathering activities in Cork, by hosting an information seminar for start-ups and SMEs on the Single Digital Market.
This seminar will feature expert speakers and innovative local businesses, who will lay out some of the proposed changes to EU legislation, generate discussion on what this all means for business as well as highlight examples of best practice which illustrate how we are moving rapidly towards the new digital reality.
Join the Cork Delegation to China
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Date: 17-24 October 2015 Venue: Shanghai and Suzhou
To mark the 10 year anniversary of the twinning of Cork and Shanghai, a delegation will be travelling from Cork to Shanghai from 17-24 October 2015. The joint delegation will include representatives of Cork City Council (including the Lord Mayor), Cork Chamber, it@cork, UCC, CIT, Tyndall as well as a group of local businesses and representatives from the tourism/cultural sectors, including the Pulses of Tradition show.
The trip will give Cork businesses an opportunity to get an insight into how the business culture works in China, and the varied programme of activities will include: - Formal meetings with Chinese organisations (Chambers, local government, businesses, technology parks)
- Meetings with Irish state agencies and other Irish contacts (EI, IDA, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Consul General, Irish community in China)
- B2B meetings where possible (based on profiles submitted by participating delegates)
- Participation in the official Cork-Shanghai 10th anniversary twinning celebrations, including a banquet and the Pulses of Tradition show
- Participation in the Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum and Asian Gaelic Games
If you would be interested in joining the Cork delegation then please contact Katherine here for more information.
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Cork Startups Light Up On New Interactive Map
Startup Ireland Launches Interactive Map of Ireland’s Startup Ecosystem ahead of Startup Gathering 2015
The Cork startup scene has come alive following the launch a new interactive online map of Ireland’s startup ecosystem. The map, which shows that Cork has the second highest number of startup supports and services in the country, offers a comprehensive view of Ireland's startup ecosystem providing home-grown and international startups with a useful, visual guide to the startups, resources and supports available across Ireland.
The new online map ahead has been launched by Startup Ireland ahead of the Startup Gathering 2015, Ireland’s national startup week.
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Upcoming EEN Activities
Food Matters Live:
Looking for partnerships and collaboration with companies operating in the areas of Food, Health and Nutrition? Below are some of the organisations participating in the Enterprise Europe Network business-matching event, which takes place on Wednesday 18th November as part of Food Matters Live in the ExCel, London. Click on the links or see ‘read more’ for details of their requests: Maralgarve Expo: The Algarve maritime cluster is holding a conference and exhibition in Faro from 1-3 October, focusing on maritime themes. The local partners are keen to host Irish delegates at this event, in particular Irish tour operators (specialized in diving, water sports or other nautical activities), Irish seafood traders (interested in the Algarve's offer of fresh and processed fish and shellfish and sea salt) and Irish research organisations and knowledge-intensive companies specialized in the maritime sector. For more information contact Katherine here
The University of Chester hosts NowFood, the centre of excellence in food science and technology for producers across the North West region in England. At Food Matters Live, NowFood is looking for consortium partners for the following projects: - Horizon 2020 - looking for partners - Tackling malnutrition in the elderly SFS-16-2015
- Horizon 2020 - looking for partners - Biological contamination of crops and the food chain - SFS-13-2015
Appy Food and Drinks (UK) is the multi-award winning company that believes in making healthier products the right way. Their ethos to only create natural and delicious products using their own unique formulations, and the most innovative ingredients, such as the zero calorie plant-based sweetener stevia, ensures that whenever you pick up an Appy product it will be low in sugar & calories, 100% natural, and always approved by the family. Appy is on a mission to be the number one choice brand for healthier families. Berrico FoodCompany bv (NL) Berrico supply an extensive line of conventional and organic processed berry and superfoods ingredients for snacking & processing. These include organic certified (sweetened) dried berry products, like cranberries, blueberries, sour cherries, strawberries & rhubrab and also superfoods like goji berries, mulberries, physalis & chia seeds. MicroFood (PL) Microfood was founded in July 2011 and offers comprehensive processing lines for drying fruit and vegetables based on vacuum-drying technology with the use of microwaves. Their research has resulted in the development of a processing line project for drying fruit and vegetables with the use of innovative microwave technology. Products include dried, crunchy fruits like mango, pineapple, apple, bananas, grapes and goji berries and also physalis. The company is looking not only for suppliers, but also for distributors and b2b partners interested in technology. Sibelius Limited (UK) Sibelius is a unique, science based natural products company. The company has a pharmaceutical background originating from a spin-out of Oxford University. They partner with leading nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and food companies in the design and development of new products or improvements to existing products that are targeted to alleviate the impacts of age related diseases and conditions. Sibelius is looking to partner with nutraceutical and food ingredient companies looking to develop new or re-formulate existing products, or who want to substantiate claims in the alleviation of anti-ageing conditions particularly in the areas of weight loss/control, improved metabolism, muscle strength, memory and mental health, bone and joint care, skin and hair care and general wellbeing.
Maralgarve Expo
The Algarve maritime cluster is holding a conference and exhibition in Faro from 1-3 October, focusing on maritime themes. The local partners are keen to host Irish delegates at this event, in particular Irish tour operators (specialized in diving, water sports or other nautical activities), Irish seafood traders (interested in the Algarve's offer of fresh and processed fish and shellfish and sea salt) and Irish research organisations and knowledge-intensive companies specialized in the maritime sector. For more information contact Katherine here
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Latest News
- Local company EireChrom Ltd wins Funding and sets sights on top Pharma Awards - read more
- KPMG Cork raise €1,500 for Special Olympics Ireland - read more
- Munster Women officially sponsored by Keanes Jewellers - read more
- KBC Bank Awards €15,000 to Community Projects in Cork - read more
- Cork ETB Opens Second Community National School in Cork - read more
- Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk - read more
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Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 10th
Time: 6pm
Venue: Boardroom Port of Cork
Cost: Free
To book: email Patricia here
The BLCC in conjunction with Honorary Consul Dominic Daly’s first event in Cork. A Champagne Reception will open the event at 6pm in the magnificent Boardroom of the Port of Cork. Guest Speakers Paul O’Regan, Harbour Master and Sean-Michael Collins of KBC Bank will give their presentations at 7pm which will be followed by drinks, canapés and the opportunity to network at the event. Please bring your business cards as there will be a raffle at the end of the evening.
Evening Degrees for Business Professionals - Open Days
Date: September 2nd & 9th
Time: 5.30 - 8pm
Venue: Griffith College Cork , Wellington Rd
Griffith College Cork welcomes applications for the BA (Hons) in Business Studies and LLB (Hons) in Law. Both Level 8 QQI accredited degree programmes are designed to meet the needs of business professionals that wish to secure a promotion through additional qualifications or to change their career without giving up work.
For more information on both degree programmes, please check out the Griffith College website – or visit their new campus on Wellington Rd at their Open Evenings on September 2nd and 9th, 5.30pm to 8pm.
Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge
Date: 19th September
Time: 2-7pm
Venue: Lapp's Quay, Cork
Cost: €425 per team (17 people @ €25 each)
To book email here or tel: 086 2046357 / 021 4847673
Looking for an activity which involves fun, adventure, teambuilding and rivalry?Try your hand at dragonboating as the River Lee comes to life to the sound of drums and the splashing of paddles. A great day out with up to 300 participants from some of Cork's biggest companies!
Hayfield Manor Wine Society!
Date: September 17th
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: The Vine Wine Cellar at Hayfield Manor
Cost: Tickets are €99 per person
To book: Please call: 0214845909 or email here
Delight in an evening of fine Italian wines & exceptional cuisine in the exclusive & intimate environs of The Vine Wine Cellar. The evening will be hosted by Karwig Wines who will present a selection of wines from the Venegazzu winery. Begin your evening with a welcoming aperitif, followed by a 5 course menu, exclusively designed by Executive Head Chef Mark Staples, to complement the wines showcased.
Wine and Cheese Extravaganza
Date: 18th September
Time: 7 – 9pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel Cork
Cost: €20
To book: From Ikon Hair Design or contact 0214274588
Join us in the Clarion's Pegasus Room for a night of cheese and wine, in aid of Mellon Educate. Our experts will be on hand to pour and talk you through over 30 wines. Great for a girls night out, work night or oooh-a date night! Drink wine,eat cheese and support a charity. The Perfect night out ! Please like, share and give us a call to book your place 0214274588. See 'read more' for a little information regarding what the charity does.
THEN FROM BUILDING HOMES In 2002 a big hearted Irishman stepped across a road that led to a poverty stricken township in the Cape of South Africa. The squalid living conditions Niall Mellon saw moved him deeply. 10 years later, with the collective help of more than 22,000 amazing volunteers, the local community and the S.A. Government we have managed to: - Build 25,000 homes
- Transform the lives of 125,000 people
- Mobilize 22,000 volunteers to participate in Building Blitz projects in the townships of South Africa
- Fundraised and managed over £160m
- Radically changed the South African housing policy
NOW TO EDUCATING AFRICA Our goal is to educate 100,000 impoverished African children. In 2012, following an inspiring meeting with Nelson Mandela, Niall Mellon started planting bricks rather than laying them. He knew that by building schools, providing mentoring and teacher support, he would lay the seeds of growth and prosperity for the children of Africa. To date Mellon Educate has managed to: - Build and refurbish five schools
- Train and mentor dozens of teachers
- Help over 4,500 children
- Raise pass rates from 20% to 75%
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Pieta 100 Cycle
Date: 27th September
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Leaving Highfield Rugby Club, Highfield Lawn, Model Farm Road, Bishopstown to Kinsale
Cost: €30 or €50 with exclusive Pieta Cycling Jersey
To book: 061 484448 or online
Inaugural cycle event in aid of Pieta House, Centre of Prevention of self-harm and suicide. They are 2 cycle options, route 1: 50km leaving Highfield via Crossbarry Route 2: 100km via Kinsale finishing at Highfield Rugby Club.
The iNua Ireland Park Gala
Date: Thursday, 24th September
Time: 19:30
Venue: Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney
Cost: €100 pp
To book: here
Join Minister Simon Coveney & distinguished guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics to celebrate an Irish Canadian collaboration between iNua Partnership & Ireland Park Foundation at a Gala Dinner on September 24th in Muckross Park Hotel, located in the unique setting of Killarney National Park, Co.Kerry.
Big Data Analytics: evidence-based decision making
Date: Tuesday September 29th
Time: 8:00/8:30am – 11am
Venue: Kingsley Hotel, CorkCost: No charge
To book: here
This event is targeted at managers in Business and Technology who are keen to know how Big Data Analytics can rapidly deliver competitive advantage for their business. Attendees will have an opportunity to experience hands-on demonstrators of analytics tools which were co-developed by CeADAR with Irish companies showing how Big Data Analytics is unlocking hidden value and delivering competitive advantage.
eircom Spiders Cork Digital Workshop
Date: 10th September
Time: 8:00 am – 12:20
Venue: The Clarion Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork
Cost: Free (Places must be booked in advance though)
To book: online or email
The fifth annual eircom Spiders Digital Workshop will take place at The Clarion Hotel, Cork on Thursday September 10th 2015. The event which is free to attend is aimed at SME's who are seeking to improve their digital presence online and also to hear from past eircom Spider awards winners.
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