In order to ensure as comprehensive and thorough a response as possible on the draft Plan – from the perspective of the Chamber’s membership – we are establishing an Expert Policy Submission Group – to assist in the development and finalisation of the Chamber’s submission [closing date for submission to County Council is 26^th February]. 

The policy department would like to invite any members interested in participating in the development of this submission to email there details to siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie by COB on Friday 31st January 2014.  The Group will include representation from our Economic & Enterprise and Transport & Infrastructure Committee in addition to Regional Chambers.  We anticipate participation will involve attendance at one group meeting and follow up comments by email on our final proposal. 

High Impact Presentations – A Dale Carnegie Programme

Course Dates: 13^th & 14^th March

Member Rate: €950.00

Trainer: Walter Bradley, Dale Carnegie Ireland

Communicators get ideas across with enthusiasm and poise. A presentation is one of the most important tools you have in business for getting things done.

Whether you're persuading colleagues, selling a client, energising a team or showing an idea to senior management, the power of your presentation makes the difference between success and failure. With so much riding on your presentation ability, you won't want to miss this opportunity to sharpen it to perfection.

The experience in this programme is as close as you can get to having a personal coach.

You begin presenting from almost the moment you walk into the class. You present at least seven times over the course of 2 days. Your presentations are videotaped and evaluated. You get expert, one-on-one coaching at the end of each presentation.

The class is small

The environment is supportive

The work is intense

The results are outstanding

This programme will illustrate the following:

1) Creating a Positive First Impression

- Identify personal objectives for the training

- Develop rapport with the audience

- Project professionalism and competency

2) Increasing Credibility

- Communicate with enhanced credibility

- Project enthusiasm

- Communicate competency with confidence

- Reinforce an informative message

3) Presenting Complex Information

- Develop flexibility in making complex material simple and understandable

- Communicate information in an interesting manner

- Relate to the audience at their level

- Follow a logical progression of ideas

4) Communicating with Greater Impact

- Develop increased flexibility through the use of expressions, gestures and voice modulation

- Demonstrate ownership of unfamiliar material

- Present written material in a captivating manner

- Overcome barriers that restrict our flexibility

5) Motivating Others to Action

- Present in a results-oriented way

- Persuade an audience to take action

- Be motivational, clear and concise

6) Responding to Pressure Situations

- Maintain professional composure under pressure

- Communicate clear, concise, positive messages

- Sell strategic ideas, self and organisation

- Communicate leadership ability

7) Inspiring People to Embrace Change

- Logically and emotionally appeal to the audience

- Use structure to gain the confidence of the audience

- Be convincing

Presentation skills training through our High-Impact Presentations programme will benefit managers who have some prior public speaking training or experience. It is particularly useful for executives who speak in front of groups, sales people and anyone who meets the press. This is a more advanced presentation skills training seminar and is not recommended for those new to public speaking.

Because of the one-on-one coaching, class size is very limited. BOOK NOW to ensure your place in this great experience.

Business School Calendar

January

• E-Mail & Business Writing    30^th January

February

• Personal Productivity using MS Outlook    4^th February
• Certificate in Supervisory Management   12^th February
• MS Excel Intermediate   13^th February
• Certificate in Train the Trainer 17^th February
• Effective Presentation Skills    18^th February
• MS PowerPoint ‘Beyond the Basics’   20^th February
• Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching Leadership   25^th February
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt    25^th February
• MS Word Intermediate   26^th February
• Conflict Management   27^th February
• Introduction to Technical Writing   27^th February

March

• Project Management Professional   11^th March
• Microsoft Visio    12^th March
• MS Excel Advanced   12^th March
• Microsoft Project     13^th March
• Dale Carnegie – High Impact Presentations  13^th March
• Certificate in Train the Trainer   20^th March
• PMI Exam Preparation      24^th March
• Certificate in Supervisory Management   25^th March

April

• Influencing & Negotiating Skills  16^th April

‘Funding and Support Seminar on doing business in the European Union’, February 4th, Dublin

The Europe Direct Centre based at Blanchardstown Library is hosting a Funding and Support Seminar on doing business in the European Union on February 4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown from 08:45 to 12:30.

The aim of the event is to:

• Increase your knowledge and understanding on how to access EU support
• Grow the potential of E-commerce opportunities
• Connect with local, regional and European Networks
• Provide a platform to collaborate and innovate

The seminar will include presentations from Sean Burke, Enterprise Ireland, with regard to opportunities for EU Funding for SMEs under Horizon 2020 and from Marion Jammet, Enterprise Europe Network, with regard to Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. One to One Advice Clinics will follow the presentations.  Book your place and talk directly to experts for free about finance and funding, research & development, innovation investment consulting services, employment, training or exporting. While this event is free, booking is required. Booking may be done by clicking here. For further information, contact Susan.lovatt@fingalcoco.ie 

‘Enterprise Ireland Exporting Awareness’, February 18th, Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island

If you are thinking about exporting for the first time or entering a new market, now or in the future, Enterprise Ireland’s Exporting Awareness events will help you understand the steps you need to take to develop your export potential and get export-ready. At these events, Enterprise Ireland will outline a range of supports to help you prepare to export and win new business overseas, successful Irish exporters will talk about their exporting journey and you will have the opportunity to discuss your export plans with Enterprise Ireland executives. To register for this event, click here.

‘Mission for Growth to Belgium’, February 18th-19th, Wallonia, Belgium

A Mission for Growth, led by Vice-President Antonio Tajani, takes place in Wallonia, Belgium, on February 18 and 19, 2014. With a strategic location, Wallonia is within close proximity to excellent transport links, including European road and rail networks. The Walloon leading innovative industries are grouped in clusters. This mission targets the following industry sectors, corresponding to the main regional clusters:

• Transport and Logistics
• Spatial and Aerospace
• Mechanical engineering industries
• Biotech / pharmaceuticals / life sciences
• Cultural and Creative industries

The Mission aims at connecting Walloon SMEs to European companies active in the same or complementary sectors by participating in networking and B2B events. To register for the conference, click here or to register for the B2B event, click here.

‘Enterprise Ireland Exploring Exporting Workshop’, February 25th, Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island

This workshop is aimed at early and pre-export companies that have the potential to sell their products/services in international markets. This highly practical one-day workshop will enable participants to investigate the export opportunities for their companies. By participating on the workshop participants will:

• Identify the challenges and risks associated with exporting
• Encourage you to take a systematic approach to preparing for export
• Enable you to assess and prioritise export opportunities
• Provide a framework to assess the capabilities and capacity of the business to support the demands of entering a new market
• Enable you to create a blueprint to prepare the business for the export journey

The workshop participation fee is €100 (VAT exempt) per client company, with a maximum of 2 participating delegates. For further information, contact Rena.Cushion@enterprise-Ireland.Com. Registration may be completed by clicking here. 

‘Mission for Growth to Italy’, March 13th-14th, Naples, Italy

In the framework of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Growth: Promoting Business Partnerships in Europe, the European Commission Vice-President, Antonio Tajani, heads a Mission for Growth whose aim is to contribute in assisting SMEs in the Campania region to successfully overcome current difficulties. The Mission will comprise of a conference and of business to business meetings (B2B); with the scope of promoting business, technological and research partnerships between local and European and non-European companies, universities, research centres and technological institutes. The mission is being organised in conjunction with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network and Regione Campania. Click here to register for the conference and click here to register for the B2B meetings.

‘Human Resources Training Programme - Japan Industry Insight’, May 12th to 06th June, Tokyo

The EU Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is organising a 4-week ‘Human Resources Training Programme (HRTP) - Japan Industry Insight’ and it will offer EU executives the opportunity to experience and understand both the cultural and economic elements which define and explain Japan's business and technological achievements. HRTP is targeted at small, medium and large enterprises, who wish to acquire a broad understanding of Japanese society, its culture, and the business environment and practices in Japan. The programme will comprise of lectures, seminars and company visits and is designed to help participants become informed about the actual conditions of Japanese business through practical analysis and research. The 4-week programme may be extended by an option fifth week of company visits.

For the first four weeks of the programme, the EU-Japan Centre will cover costs relating to tuition, travel costs for visits, interpretation, etc. SMEs can apply for a €2,500 scholarship towards living expenses. Additionally, a €500 scholarship will be paid after participation in the HRTP course if they submit a profile through the Enterprise Europe Network’s partnering service. Eligibility will be checked through the ‘scholarship request – self-assessment declaration’ form that will be sent to the selected SMEs before participating in the HRTP course. For further information about this programme, please click here. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 6.


Business Partnership Opportunities

A Maltese SME, with a 90 strong team of specialists focused on various sectors of the Information Technology industry, offers solutions that span across IT security, IT infrastructure, Financial, Asset Management, Payroll and HR Solutions. The company is looking for Irish partners in the banking and financial services sector for subcontracting, commercial agreements and joint cooperation for new market applications. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote BOMT20130828001

A Norwegian SME manufactures various light and heat management products in Norway. It offers several product segments and its main focus is on security and safety in private homes and care centres. The company has already acquired a market leader position in Norway within the area of stove guards. The company is looking for Irish distributors who would be interested in including the stove guard within its product portfolio. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote BONO20130801001

A Slovenian SME, specialised in the production, installation and refitting of steam boilers and biomass heating systems for domestic and industrial use offers subcontracting services. With over 20 years’ experience in this area, the company can also offer potential business partners welding services and the production of spare parts and tailor-made metal constructions. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote 20130529016

A Portuguese SME specialised in the development of touristic resorts and real estate, is building a luxury hotel on Madeira Island and seeks investors for this project and sale agents, to promote the resort in other markets. While the company is relatively new, it is well-established in the market and has a wide network of contents. It wishes to expand its activity and is offering potential investors the opportunity to do business in Portugal, particularly on Madeira Island, with a shareholding position. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote BOPT20130809002

On Tuesday 11, February at 07:30am, Ulster Bank will host a breakfast business event to help companies in Cork and the surrounding area plan for 2014 and beyond. The event taking place in the Sheraton Hotel, Cork is part of the Bank’s nationwide networking series, “Ahead for Business. The briefing is open to new and existing Ulster Bank customers and will include information on accessing finance, business planning and cash flow management.

Commenting on the event Ken Murnaghan, Head of Business Banking said: “Our teams are looking forward to hosting the “Ahead for Business” event in Cork. We intend to use this series to help local businesses develop their ideas, spark new concepts and highlight the suite of supports we provide to companies of all sizes.”

Ulster Bank recently announced it has a dedicated €1.2billion available for business in 2014.  Ulster Bank is open to all businesses who are seeking finance to support their growth plans in 2014.

The event in Cork will be moderated by Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, Cork Independent Editor, and speakers include:

• Ken Murnaghan, Ulster Bank;
• Sam Beamish, Head of Ulster Bank’s, Cork Business Centre;
• Simon Barry, Chief Economist, Ulster Bank;

Also featuring a selection of wedding supplier stands, fashion show with Hilary Thompson and our expert wedding team will be available to give you a show around of the hotel.

The Charleville Park are giving away two free flights to Paris for any couple who book their wedding on the day so if you are newly engaged or considering setting a date- come and see us at the Charleville Park Hotel.

AGENDA

- 09.00  Registration and Tea/Coffee

- 09.30  Welcome and Introduction

Enda McDonnell, Director – South/South East, Enterprise Ireland

09:40  Session 1 - The Business Story of William O’Brien Group

Hosted by business mentor John Lennon, this session will take the form of an interactive conversation with William O’Brien, CEO of William O’Brien Group about the company’s journey from home supplier to global player.

With the participation of the audience, the conversation will explore the pros and cons of preparing for, and finding, new customers overseas and assess the risks and rewards from deciding to grow a business through exporting.

11.00   Tea/Coffee

11.15  Session 2 – “Get Export Ready”

David Byrne, Manager, Potential Exporters Division, Enterprise Ireland. This session walks participants through the Enterprise Ireland programmes that support new and early stage exporters. It will cover the range of information, training, and financial products that are designed to test the commercial or technical feasibility of a new business idea. And will look at the on -line export “Health Check” tool, designed to enable a company to assess its business readiness for exporting.  Followed by Q&A.

Adrienne Rodgers, CEO (Acting), Cork City Enterprise Board This session will outline the supports offered by the Cork City and County Enterprise Board to drive the development of local business, including those interested in exploring exporting.  Followed by Q&A.

• 12.00          Close

 Enda McDonnell, Director – South/South East, Enterprise Ireland

If this is for you register here without delay: By Thursday, 13th February 2014

If you have any queries in relation to the workshop please contact Jacqui Norton HERE  or 021-4800228

We look forward to seeing you in Cork on Tuesday, 18th February 2014

http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Events/OurEvents/Export-Workshops/

Enjoy pre-dinner aperitifs at 7pm, followed by a five course gourmet menu. Spaces are limited so early bookings are recommended.


Dates for your Diary

Fancy having something engaging and different to look forward to on your social calendar? Why not pencil in these Wine Society dates and get a group of wine loving friends together for a night that promises to be unique, enjoyable and classy!

Hosted by Resident Sommeliere, Sandra Biret-Crowley & individual wine producers, a passion for good food, good wine and good fun is paramount at these bespoke events. Featuring a five course gourmet menu, complemented by five select wines, the evening offers something for everyone from the connoisseur to the enthusiastic wine novice.

April   24th

September  18th

November  13th

December  11th

Treat the Team – We would be delighted to arrange a bespoke, private  wine night for you & your colleagues.

Cork Chamber Members enjoy one complimentary place when booking tables of 10 or more.