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Final Chance to tell us how Q3 was for your Business?
Take 5 minutes to tell us your views on your company’s Q3 performance, the impact of government/banking supports and the key priorities and challenges for your business in the next quarter. Access the survey HERE. Survey responses are treated in the strictest confidence with results presented in aggregate format only. Survey closes tomorrow (Thursday 10th October) at 12 noon.
All survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a lunch for two at Barnabrow House, home to world renowned Michelin Star Chef Stuart Bowes.
*Survey Prize* All survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a lunch for two at Barnabrow House, home to world renowned Michelin Star Chef Stuart Bowes. Barnabrow House is set in a private estate near Ballycotton Bay, just 20 minutes from Cork City. Best known as a wedding venue, it is now available for corporate use - as a meeting venue and also for private dinners – in addition to their excellent Sunday lunch.
The Policy Department would like to thank you for your continued input into our work.
Have Your Say: National Tourism Policy Statement
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have launched a public consultation to support their development of a new tourism policy for Ireland.
The Chamber is preparing a submission as part of the public consultation and invites interested parties to submit their views/observations/suggestions on the four key areas to Alma Murnane, Director of Policy & External Relations (alma@corkchamber.ie) before Friday 11th October.
For more information and to access the Issues Paper visit here
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Psst – We have a secret to share!!
Want to exceed your sales targets this year and beyond? Need to perfect your sales process?
Our Business to Business Selling – The Secrets course, starting on the 15th October next, is designed to help you do just that! The course will help you sell more profitably and efficiently, ask the best sales questions, handle objections and ultimately gain the commitment and get the sale! The course starts next Tuesday so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!
Business to Business Selling - The Secrets Course Dates: 15th October, 5th & 19th November Member Rate: €600.00 Trainer: David Malone, Evolve Organisational Learning Consultants Identifying new customers, driving demand, and building a solid sales pipeline is at the core of successful sales prospecting for anybody who sells business to business. The marketplace is growing more competitive by the day which means that the business customer has more choice than ever before. Sellers now have to work as hard for repeat purchases as they do for new business. This business to business sales course will teach you the necessary consultative selling skills required to exceed your sales target this year and beyond. This course will illustrate how to: - Make appointments by phone, email, and 'LinkedIn'
- Structure a prospecting meeting for maximum effect
- Better understand and profile their sales prospects
- Structure the sales process for maximum revenue and shortest lead time
- Ask the best sales questions to qualify and position your solution
- Ask for a commitment smoothly and effectively
- Sell more profitably and efficiently
Following successful completion of this course, participants will have acquired: - Techniques to target better prospects
- Understanding your metrics
- How to write a compelling e-mail
- How to connect with prospects using LinkedIn
- Where and how to network successfully
- How to get appointments by phone
- Preparing for the initial sales meeting
- How to structure a sales meeting
- Conditioning: Using the techniques of influence to increase conversion of sales
- Handling objections: using forward planning to handle objections seamlessly
- Closing: Gaining commitment or movement to the next stage
- Adapting your approach for different types of opportunities
- Developing a personal action plan
This course is ideal for business owners and sales professionals and is only €600.00 for Chamber members 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) BUSINESS SCHOOL CALENDAR October Business to Business Selling – The Secrets 15th October MS Excel Intermediate 16th October Project Management Professional 16th October MS Visio Professional 21st October Certificate in Supervisory Management 23rd October MS Visio Professional 2010 24th October November Personal Productivity using MS Outlook 1st November PMI Exam Preparation Course 5th November Certificate in Train the Trainer 6th November E-Mail & Business Writing 6th November MS Project 2010 11th November Increasing Sales by Telephone 12th November Project Management Professional 20th November Influencing & Negotiating Skills 20th November Present & Express with Confidence 28th November
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Lehane Motors @ the Rochestown Park Hotel
Date: 24th October
Time: 17:30 - 19:00
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: visit our website HERE.
Cork Chamber and Lehane Motors who are now Cork City’s new Toyota and Lexus Dealer, present the October Business After Hours Event which will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Thursday 24th October.
This event will be a Dedicated Networking Event and will offer you ample opportunity to meet and do business with your fellow Cork Chamber members. As always, we will have our 30 minute “speed networking” slot which will help you move to the sound of the bell and guarantee that you meet 8-10 new business contacts – an absolute must for any business looking to grow it’s customer base.
Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner in association with EY
Date: 19th November
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: €120pp / €1200 per Table
To book: visit our website here
Now in it’s third year, Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2013 will once again promote the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin Businesses and enhance existing business relations between the two regions. It gives unique potential for Dublin-based companies to meet with their Cork peers as well as Cork companies doing business in Dublin. It also affords the opportunity for networking amongst Cork business people who are Dublin based.
For more details and booking information, please CLICK HERE
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Get On Board – Start-Up Express
Date: 29th October
Time: 4.10pm
To book: here
Cost: Free (train only)
Location: Kent station
On October the 30th/31st, the Dublin Web Summit, Europe’s Largest Technology event takes place and Cork stands to be well represented thanks to the efforts of a collective of local Technology Companies - VoxPro, PCH International and Trustev. They have commissioned a charter train called the ‘STARTUP EXPRESS’ to transport nearly 180 entrepreneurs, businesspeople, technologists, students and general startup junkies!
Cork Chamber are delighted to support this event and offer spaces to members. As we know the future of business is tied closely to the future of technology so if you’re interested in what the next few years will bring in terms of new technologies, hear discussions from leading international business people, press and investors, or want to help promote Cork as a leading destination for technology in Europe, GET ON BOARD!
Rebel Week – Be Part of it!
Cork Chamber and Cork Business Association welcome ‘Rebel Week’ the flagship event for Cork during this year of the Gathering. Running from the 14th to the 20th of Oct it will bring a host of activity to the city in a celebration of all things Cork that will attract visitors from near and far.
‘With over 10,000 passports in circulation this is an opportunity not to be missed to drive business and footfall at a typically quiet time of the year. There is still time to be involved and registration could not be simpler, please visit www.corkrebelweek2013.com to register your company or email info@CorkRebelWeek2013.com.’ highlighted Ernest Cantillon.
There are many exciting events throughout the city and county including Meet Your Hero’s, Cork Independence Day, Global Cork Economic Forum, International Naval Festival and a Flash Mob event to name just a few.
A key part of the week’s promotion has been the Rebel Passport, which has been a huge success with over 10,000 issued to date. Ernest Cantillon, President of the CBA and Gillian Keating, President of Cork Chamber are delighted that so many shops, hotels and restaurants are using this opportunity to promote their businesses by offering Rebel Passport holders offers and discounts during the week. ‘With over 10,000 passports in circulation this is an opportunity not to be missed to drive business and footfall at a typically quiet time of the year. There is still time to be involved and registration could not be simpler, please visit www.corkrebelweek2013.com to register your company or email info@CorkRebelWeek2013.com.’ highlighted Ernest Cantillon. Gillian Keating added, ‘This is a very exciting proposition for the County with events being held across all large towns and the city every day of Rebel Week. It is up to all of us to make this work and hopefully see this as an annual event in Cork’s calendar’.
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Chamber Supported Projects
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Closing date approaches for Cork innovates Bursary
Application submissions for €30,000 bursary to close on 21 October 2013 Earlier this year Cork innovates, an initiative driving entrepreneurship in the Cork region, announced an increased bursary of €30,000 in business support for the winning business. Now there are only two weeks left to apply for the Cork innovates bursary, which is sure to have a very significant impact on the winning business. The Cork innovates bursary offers a wide range of services from marketing, advertising, mentoring and financial and legal services to membership supports. Everything a business and entrepreneur could need to get started and get ahead is included in this year’s bursary. The bursary is now open for applications HERE until 21 October 2013.
Last year we received an overwhelming response to the bursary from startups and businesses”, said Siobhan Finn, Cork innovates Coordinator. “The final submission date is now only two weeks away. We would like to encourage those who have not already submitted an application to do so before the closing date. The shortlisted applicants will get a chance to pitch their business concepts to the judges and mentors at the InBusiness InCork event on 14 November 2013”. Last year’s bursary winner, James Duggan of Funmanway Adventureland saw off intense competition to take the inaugural business award. “Winning the bursary was the single biggest step my business made going forward since the launch,” said James Duggan of Funmanway Adventureland. “It opened new doors and opportunities for me that previously I had thought would not happen for years. The supports we received so far has been fantastic and now I have the propensity to dream a much bigger vision for my business. The Cork innovates bursary has given me the confidence to achieve success with my startup. I will always be truly grateful to Cork innovates and to all partners involved for the opportunity they have given my business to succeed.” Those wishing to attend the INBusiness INCork event can pre-register now at https://inbusinessincorkshowcase.eventbrite.ie/
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Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
The Enterprise Europe Network helps small business to maximise their presence on the European marketplace. Working through a network of local business organisations across Europe and further afield, we can help you develop your business in new markets, source or license new technologies or access EU finance and EU funding. For more information, please see: www.een-ireland.ie or contact Liz@corkchamber.ie
See the ‘read more’ section (below) for further information on the following:
- Enterprise Europe Network ‘Venture Capital Seminar’, November 6, Imperial Hotel
- ICT 2013, 6-8 November, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Business partnership opportunities
Enterprise Europe Network ‘Venture Capital Seminar’, November 6, Imperial Hotel The third part of the 'Access to Finance Series' will focus on Venture Capital (VC) and will give an introduction to the basics of investment funding; outline the difference between a VC investment and a business angel investment; outline the types of companies/sectors that are most likely to attract VC/angel investment; outline the stage when a business is likely to attract private investment; provide an overview of the 'Valley of Death'; and give examples of projects invested in by private equity firms. To register for the event, click here or contact Liz@corkchamber.ie for further information. ICT 2013 ICT 2013 ‘Create, Connect, Grow’ will take place in Vilnius (Lithuania) on 6-8 November, 2013. The event will include researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, young people and politicians are expected in Vilnius. The event will focus on Horizon 2020, the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for 2014-2020. The conference will feature top ICT professionals from industry, academia and research. Speakers from across the ICT sector will address a range of issues from cloud computing, broadband, ICT infrastructures, ICT skills, cyber security, long-term visions on the future and much more. Experts will present details on how to participate in Horizon 2020. For further information and to register for the event, please click here. Business Partnership Opportunities Researchers based in Northern Ireland have developed and optimised a system for high pressure processing (HPP) that can be used in food. HPP is a simple and cost effective treatment that can make food safer to eat and extend shelf-life without reducing vitamin content and without altering flavour, texture or appearance. The group is keen to enter commercial agreements with industry or to collaborate on research programmes with other academics. For further information, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 12 GB 39N3 3OM6. A UK company, based in Wales, develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of food allergen testing products. In addition to laboratory tests, they have developed innovative flow through tests for use in food production facilities. They are looking for a wider network of trade intermediaries in Ireland. The key personnel have over thirty years’ experience in the field of in vitro diagnostic testing and the company is dedicated to meeting customer needs. The preferred distributor will have well-established routes to market, and will be able to provide technical support in their territory. For further information, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20121220114.
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Brook Catering offering 10% discount on your Christmas party
Period of the offer available: Offer valid for bookings confirmed by Oct 31st 2013.
Having your party in the office, local bar or a venue, we will cater to your requirements and give you a party to remember! Avail of this offer and book catering for your Christmas party. Call Sinead @ 087 115 9863 Email Sinead.osullivan@brookcatering.com Web www.brookcatering.com
Free Travel Insurance For Chambers Members
Turkeys Turquoise Coast
7 nights from €920pp. Your Cosmos Escorted Tour Includes: - Return Flights & Airport Transfers
- 7 nights Cruise FULL BOARD Basis
VISITING: Ekincik Gulf, Adali, Manastir, Tersane Island, Kizil Island, Fethiya, Gocek Island, Yassica Island, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Domuz Island, Aga, Limani, Kumlubuk, Cennet Island. DEPART: 05th May 2014 Other Dates Available
Offer 2
THAILAND EXPERIENCE 14 nights from €1899pp Your Escorted Tour Includes: - Return Flights & Airport Transfers
- 14 nts Accommodation Incl.*Meals
VISITING: Bangkok Sightseeing , River Kwai, Ayutthaya Bang Pa, Sukhothai Visit Heritage Park, Lampang Emerald Buddha, Chiang Mai Elephant Camp DEPART: 20th Nov 2014 Other Dates Available Offer 3 CITIES OF EASTERN CANADA 14 nights from €1435pp Your Escorted Tour Includes: - Return Flights & Airport Transfers
- 14 nts Accommodation Incl.*Meals
VISITING: Niagara Falls , St Lawrence Islands National Park, Ottawa, Quebec, Montreal Offer 4 CHINA'S CITIES OF CONTRAST 7 nights from €1799pp Your Escorted Tour Includes: - Return Flights & Airport Transfers
- 7 nts Accommodation
VISITING: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer PalaceGreat Wall of China, Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road Offer 5 CITIES OF EASTERN EUROPE 8 nights from €1859pp Your Escorted Tour Includes: - Return Flights
- 8 nts Accommodation
VISITING: Berlin, Warsaw, Black Madonna of Czestochowa, Auschwitz, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Munich & Rothenburg
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€100 Discount For First 50 Members To Register For The Laya Healthcare Pendulum Summit
Period of the offer available: Offer expires when the first 50 tickets are sold/ and or 23rd October
To celebrate the inaugural Laya Healthcare Pendulum Summit, we are offering a special rate of €300 to the first 50 members that register (Full price €400). Join Astronaut Chris Hadfield and an exciting line-up of experts from business, IT, motivation, leadership and more on January 9th 2014, Convention Centre Dublin.
To avail of this special offer email us directly- welcome@pendulumsummit.com and quote Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Colonel Chris Hadfield, the famous Canadian astronaut who was singing from space and tweeting ‘as gaeilge’ will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Laya Healthcare Pendulum Summit that will take place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on 9th January 2014. With a conference tagline of Wisdom from Inspirational Minds, the speakers at the Laya Healthcare Pendulum Summit will focus on how they achieved mastery in their own lives and their approach to striving for a healthy work life balance. (See launch video featuring Chris Hadfield HERE) Guest MC, RTE broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, will be present on the day. Other guests include renowned motivational speaker Frank Dick OBE; leading authority on personal development Jack Black; Formula One industry expert, Mark Gallagher; Performance & Leadership Specialist, Gurra Krantz; former Bord Gais Chief Executive John Mullins; MD of Twitter Ireland, Stephen McIntyre; Web Summit Founder, Paddy Cosgrave and Business Development Specialist Paul McNeive. Diaspora member, Kingsley Aikins will be MC on the day and more exciting speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. The Laya Healthcare Pendulum Summit is a day-long forum for discussion that will take place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on the 9th January 2014. It was born from the premise that everyone from the hard-nosed businessman to the aspiring academic strives for something more, something bigger, and, in essence, tries to find the magic ingredients that will allow them to maximise their potential in every aspect of their life. At the heart of the conference is a diverse range of world-renowned international and home-grown speakers and guests who have reached the pinnacle of their industry. Through a series of interactive presentations and discussions, the speakers will demonstrate through real-life examples how they used hard work, innovation, inspiration, and motivation to overcome adversity and maintain a successful, balanced life while keeping their eye on the end goal. The speakers will be experts in business, technology and organisational development and will be invited to dig a little deeper into the areas of psychology to demonstrate the mind-set behind their achievements. It’s an ideal platform to focus priorities and get Ireland back on track. Further information is available at www.pendulumsummit.com Follow us: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
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Become Rebels with a Cause!
Date: October 16th
Time: 8am-6pm
Contact info: Email: info@cuhcharity.ie or Phone: 021 423 4529
CUH Charity, the chosen charity of Cork Rebel Week, is calling for volunteers to sell €2 Cork ‘Visas’ at ‘Visa Patrol Checkpoints’ throughout Cork City and County on October 16th. All proceeds will go towards the much-needed refurbishment of the Children’s Unit. We’re asking companies to support the sick children of Munster by selling the Cork Visa in their businesses and/or allowing staff to volunteer at collection points in the city and county on October 16th.
Alternatively, if companies would like to fundraise or organise an event, we would be humbled and most grateful. For further information or to sign-up as a volunteer visit www.cuhcharity.ie or email info@cuhcharity.ie
'The Comedy Improvised Murder Mystery' - Class Reunion
Date: 9th - 19th October
Time: 20:00
Venue: Cork Arts Theatre
Cost: Opening Night Special €10, €15/€12 conc, groups of 6+ €10pp
To Book: (021)4505624
The team that brought you the hilariously chaotic Improvised Murder Mystery last year are back again with more horrifically, naughty goings-on.What else can we say?...
- it's improvised;
- there's no script;
- anything can happen (and usually does);
- it's a different show every night;
- it's a laugh from start to gruesome end;
- you'll die laughing! (well, somebody's going to die anyway!!)
New Community lending platform wants to hear from you!
Date: 17th October
Time: 18:00
Venue: Central Cork location
To Book: You can register HERE or emailing focusgroup@ymoney.ie
A new community lending company, launching in January, wants to hear your views. We are aiming to support SME’s across Ireland so we want to understand your needs more. All participants will be in with a chance of winning a Brown Thomas Cork voucher. Come along and give your opinion. It should only take an hour!
Corks Lions Club Patricks Hill Ball Run
Date: 19th October
Time: 2.00 pm
In Aid of Blood Bike South & Lions Christmas Food Appeal. €2 per ball, 3 for €5 or 6 for €10. Ten thousand multi-coloured balls will be released down St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork, in a fantastic colourful event during Cork Rebel Week. The balls are individually numbered and will cascade down the hill to the barrier where they first six balls will be prize winners. www.corklionsclub.ie.
SMILE Resource Exchange Cork Event
Date: 24th October
Time: From 9.15am to 1.00pm
Venue: The Maryborough Hotel and Spa, Douglas
Cost: FREE
To book: visit our website here This event includes information sessions on resource efficiency and best practises in business by IKEA & MAMUKKO and our unique networking rounds offering you a chance to: • Introduce your organisation in small facilitated groups at round tables in a relaxed informal setting. • Identify potential synergies with other organisations e.g. exchange unwanted items, surplus products, by-products or off-cuts.
Following this you will have a chance to meet other businesses through our unique networking rounds which offers you a chance to : - Introduce your organisation in small facilitated groups at round tables in a relaxed informal setting.
- Identify potential synergies with other organisations.
Attendance at the event is FREE and advance booking is essential.
Celebrity Charity Soccer Match
Date: 13th October
Time: Kick - off 3.00pm
Venue: Bishopstown Stadium, Curraheen, Cork (next to the Greyhound Stadium)
Cost: Admission €5
To Book: Pay-on-the-day at the gate
Please come and support this Celebrity Charity Soccer Match in aid of Chernobyl Children International, which is taking place at Bishopstown Stadium on Sunday October 13th. This promises to be a fantastic family day out, as Celebs from the sporting and entertainment world take on a team from Abtran in what is sure to be a joy to watch.
MSL Mercedes – Benz Cork Fashion Week: Boutique
Date: 11th October
Time: 7.30pm drinks reception
Venue: Hayfield Manor
Cost: €25
To Book: visit our website here or from participating boutiques
The show will be hosted by one half of the Lennon & Courtney Irish fashion label, Brendan Courtney. The show will be produced by Chairperson of the Irish Design Council, Eddie Shanahan, who over the last 30 years, has produced some of the biggest fashion events in the country. Excellent prizes for Best Dressed.
IBM Cognos Business Analytics Executive Briefing - Driving Better Business Outcomes with Business Analytics
Date: 23rd October 2013
Time: 8.30 - 12.00
Venue: Finnstown Country House Hotel, Lucan, Co. Dublin
To book: click here
Organisations that embrace analytics outperform their competitors in both operations and financial results. (IBM Business Analytics Global Summit 2013).
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