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Cork Chamber Agrifood and Drinks Strategy
On the 12th May Cork Chamber will launch its ‘Agrifood and Drinks Strategy’. In the preparation of this strategy Cork Chamber worked closely with key stakeholders from across the regional and national agri-economy toascertain whether additional enablers and supports are required to ensure Cork is as well positioned as possible to capitalise on the current unique global opportunities across the agri-food and drinks sector. Based on Cork’s existing strengths, the Strategy, identifies five opportunity areas – R & D; Talent; SME & Artisan Supports; Co-ordinated Marketing/Profiling; and Facilitative Environmental Supports – where Cork can further solidify its prime positioning as an agri-leader of capability and scale and harvest significant economic and employment benefits. More information on the launch can be found HERE
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Can I speak to the Manager please?!
Hearing these words from a disgruntled customer is the last thing a manager wants to hear. The buck has to stop somewhere and more often than not, it’s with the manager.
Our Certificate in Supervisory Management Course (FETAC Level 6), starting on 6th May next, will provide you with the necessary skills and abilities to handle these managerial and frontline responsibilities.
Also kicking off on the 6th May is our Digital Marketing/Social Media for Business Course – for businesses that want to get more business using social media and reinforce their offline reputation, online!
Certificate in Supervisory Management (FETAC Level 6) Course Dates: 22nd & 28th April, 8th & 29th May (Must attend all 4 days) Member Rate: €500.00 The main purpose of this programme is to provide candidates with the tools and techniques necessary to work in a supervisory management role in a wide variety of organisations by instructing them in key areas such as their roles and responsibilities, employment legislation, recruitment, performance management, data protection, operational planning and budgeting. At the end of this programme, successful participants will be able to: - List the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor/line manager;
- Analyse the process of staff recruitment;
- Identify the key areas of workplace legislation and best practice in staff supervision;
- List the main provisions of the Data Protection Act;
- Develop operations manuals for work-related procedures, including systems for records management;
- Prepare departmental budgets, taking into account a range of potential expenses such as labour and material costs, insurances and contingency;
- Identify best practices in the ongoing training and development of their staff;
- Manage performance and conduct effective performance appraisals.
This course is ideal for existing and newly appointed team leaders and supervisors, managers in business who have direct reports and who wish to learn best practice techniques for managing people through teamwork and people who wish to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of Supervisory Management. This course is assessed through a Skills Demonstration and the trainee must also prepare a portfolio of work. The 4 day course is only €500.00 for Chamber members so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY! Digital Marketing/Social Media for Business Training Course Course Dates: 4 Days (6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May) All Four Days can be booked together or individual days of interest can be booked separately. Member Rate: €440.00 for the four days or €140.00 per individual day. What’s involved? This four day course will provide an in depth insight into the latest innovations in Online Marketing and Digital Media. The course will also give an overview of social media use and look at LinkedIn for the business generation. - Day 1: Search Optimisation, website conversion and web traffic tools;
- Day 2: Content Creation: Using a blog or your website to create attractive content;
- Day 3: Twitter & LinkedIn for Business;
- Day 4: Mobile Future: Should you create an app? What is the work involved? Getting your company ready for the mobile revolution.
What will I be able to do? Following this course, participants will be able to: - Understand how search engines work
- Make changes to a website to increase site traffic
- Execute targeted ad campaigns online
- Know why blogs are good for business
- Build a plan for your business plan to increase traffic and leads to the website
- Build a Facebook presence for your company
- Build a Twitter business profile
- Improve your LinkedIn profile and know how to use it as a calling card for your work
- Be familiar with mobile apps
- Create a marketing plan for your social media properties and devise one based on available resources
Who should attend? This course is for any business that wants to reduce marketing and sales costs, that wants to get more business using social media and wants to reinforce their offline reputation, online. This course is suited for those in marketing, communications, sales and company positions that define business strategy. This course is €440.00 for Chamber members for the entire four days or days can be booked individually for €140.00 each. BOOK NOW!
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Cork Chamber/Network Cork Executive Lunch featuring Deirdre O’Connor
Date: 25th April
Time: 12.30pm – 3.00pm
Venue: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Cost: €60pp
To Book: HERE
Cork Chamber is delighted to join forces with Network Cork to host an Executive Lunch on Friday 25th April in Hayfield Manor, focusing on Women in Leadership with one of the most powerful Irish women in business in the USA, Deirdre O’Connor.
Deirdre, originally from Cobh, is currently the Managing Director at a Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund, she is a Chartered Management accountant with CIMA and GCMA and is a fellow at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and previously Deirdre was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs where she was Controller of $150 Billion of Assets under Management.
Business Breakfast with Paul Quinn, Chief Procurement Officer, Office of Government Procurement
Date: Wed 21st May
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €25 members/€35 non members
To Book: HERE Cork Chamber will welcome Chief Procurement Officer Paul Quinn to speak at the May Business Breakfast. The public sector procures about €190m in goods and services every year.
This presents huge opportunities for SMEs to get involved with public work and give themselves an opportunity to grow nationally and internationally.
BOOK HERE
Agri-Food and Drinks Launch
Date: Mon 12th May
Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm
Venue:Triskel Theatre, Christchurch
To Book: CLICK HERE for further details and to register your place.
Cork Chamber will launch Cork’s first ever Agri-Food and Drinks Strategy on Monday 12th May in the Triskel Theatre, with special guest speaker Minister Simon Coveney T.D. Opportunities within the agri-food and drinks sector have increasingly moved under the spotlight and this sector is increasingly seen as the growth area for the future.
Cork, with its long and rich heritage, abundant natural resources, intellectual capital and technical capabilities has a distinctive opportunity to position itself as a region of leading capability in the global market.
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Horizon 2020: EU funding for Research and Innovation - Opportunities for Cork Companies
Date: 1st May
Venue: UCC Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Room G05.
To Book: HERE
Cost: Free Supported by UCC, Cork Chamber, Cork innovates & Junior Chambers International, Cork
Dr Seán McCarthy, Managing Director of Cork based company Hyperion Ltd, will deliver a workshop on EU funding opportunities for Cork companies (including SMEs) to engage in new research and innovation under the Horizon 2020 programme.
This workshop will provide companies with an overview of the programme, describing how large and small companies can participate in Horizon 2020, the European Union’s recently launched research and innovation programme. Between 2014 and 2020 €80 billion will be spent on this programme with Ireland striving to secure €1.25 billion of this fund. This workshop will provide a road map for companies new to European research programmes, describing how large and small companies can participate. There will also be an opportunity to network with some of the agencies charged with supporting the programme as well as contact details for the Horizon 2020 support services at European, national and local level. Workshop Timetable: - 19:00 Refreshments and networking
- 19:30 Opening by Professor Anita Maguire, Vice President for Research and Innovation, UCC
- 19:45 Horizon 2020: Opportunities for Cork Companies Dr Seán McCarthy Hyperion Ltd
- 21:00 UCC Support Services for Horizon 2020
- 21:15 Closing remarks
Dr McCarthy specialises in designing training courses for researchers who participate in European research programmes; to date he has delivered training to over 45,000 researchers in 29 countries over the past 17 years. UCC, Cork Chamber, EEN Cork, Cork innovates and Junior Chambers International are delighted to support this workshop and extend a sincere thank you to Dr Seán McCarthy for his engagement with each organisation. University College Cork & Horizon 2020 Horizon 2020 will tackle societal challenges by helping to bridge the gap between research and the market by, for example, helping innovative enterprise to develop their technological breakthroughs into viable products with real commercial potential. This market-driven approach will include creating partnerships with the private sector and Member States to bring together the resources needed. This programme represents an enormous opportunity for UCC researchers to leverage national funding, collaborate nationally and internationally, and work with the private and other sectors to deliver economic and societal benefit for the region and the nation. Building on its success in FP7, UCC aims to achieve a greater number of successful participations in new projects accessing non-exchequer funds from Horizon 2020. Cork Chamber is the leading business organisation for the promotion and development of economic and commercial activity in the Cork Region. A core function of the Chamber is to ensure that quality infrastructure and support services are in place to facilitate Cork-based business activity and growth. Representing approximately 1,100 businesses in the Cork Region, the Chamber recognises the valuable opportunity that Horizon 2020 provides for innovative businesses and supports this event as a key opportunity to foster collaboration and business participation in Horizon 2020. Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at Cork Chamber is an Initiative of the European Commission, established to provide innovation and business support to SMEs across the EU and to identify business partners in the international marketplace. With over 600 (EEN) partners in over 50 countries globally the EEN offers a wide range of free services and supports to SME Cork innovates supports the creation of a best-in-class entrepreneurial environment within the Cork region by building on and maximising the collective value of partner members, and in turn delivering innovative, unique and complimentary initiatives in support of the Cork entrepreneurial community. Junior Chamber International Cork is part of an international organisation aimed at attracting members aged 18-40, with a strong focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and active citizenship. It is also a member of the Cork Chamber. The organisation has a strong focus on developing young leaders by involving them in many worthwhile projects which add to and enhance community life in Cork.
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Enterprise Europe Network @ Cork Chamber
- UK Business Opportunities for Cork SMEs – meet UK businesses from the Coventry / West Midlands area on Tuesday, April 29th at Cork Chamber. Appointments available 1 pm to 5pm. See inside for the UK participants’ profile details.
- A wide range of overseas partnership opportunities can be found in the Enterprise Europe Network database. See inside for a snapshot of current opportunities.
- International Festival for Business, Liverpool, June-July 2014. See 'read more' below for further details.
UK Business Opportunities for Cork SMEs Coventry / West Midlands business owners will visit Cork on April 29th and are seeking Irish SMEs to participate in business meetings, with the ultimate scope of engaging in new business. Visiting businesses include: - AG Cranes is a UK manufacturer of overhead gantry cranes who buy, sell, broker, service, test and repair new and used overhead cranes, chain hoists, a-frame gantries, pillar and swing jib cranes. AG Cranes seeks primarily end-user customers but it would consider distributors and Original Equipment Manufacturers.
- Reliance Textiles is a UK clothing manufacturer specialising in technical work-wear fit for a variety of industries and suppliers. Reliance Textiles offers a wide range of personalised work-wear and personalised protective equipment (PPE) direct to industries seeks customers in the rail, utilities, chemical, petro chemical, airport and trackside industries. Reliance Textiles offers a fully bespoke service for both manufacture and supply of work-wear and PPE.
- Worldview Learning provides high quality energy awareness campaigns and 3D interactive e-Learning. Its full awareness campaign ‘in a box’ is designed to help organisations save time, resources and ultimately energy and carbon by combining regular learning, reporting and configurable content together in one, cloud-based solution. Worldview Learning seeks partnership opportunities with facilities / building management companies and low carbon consultancies / training providers.
- Coventry Business Managers Ltd / National Autorax supplies accessories for light commercial vehicles and utility cars; including special purpose equipment, roof racks, ladder loading systems, pipe carriers, internal racking and shelving, mobile workshops and general van conversions. National Autorax seeks fleet customers, sales agents and/or distributors.
- PackSealer specialises in heat-sealing equipment and it offers the UK’s widest range of hand-operated plastic bag heat sealers and foot pedal operated heat sealers to meet a wide range of applications. Typical customers are those who pack products into plastic bags. Coffee retailers, for example, are a major sector for PackSealer. PackSealer provides a range of impulse sealer and heat sealers. PackSealer seeks an Irish partner who could stock and dispatch sealers, along with handling local customer enquiries.
- Mike Owen Media provides professional services in the media, entertainment and event industries. Mike Owen Media has produced many major events and is involved in radio training and bringing high profile UK pop artists to venues across Europe. Mike Owen Media is experienced in the field of large scale events with innovative approaches to promotion and production and has had involvement in media across the UK, Europe and the US. Mike Owen Media seeks Irish partners in cultural and arts innovation, venue and event management cultural training.
- The Debt Recovery Bureau provides debt recovery, credit control and related services to businesses in the UK and worldwide. Utilising bespoke systems, it has developed efficient debt-recovery strategies that ensure its clients recover their money in the most efficient way. The Debt Recovery Bureau offers debt recovery services to Irish businesses trading in the UK and seeks meetings whilst in Cork with Irish businesses, accountants and solicitors and business advisers.
Business Partnership Opportunities - A Finnish company, with over twenty years’ experience of operating in the field of sales representation of high technology products (electronics, semiconductor, telecommunications etc.) throughout Finland, the Baltic States and Scandinavia, offers trade intermediary services and sales and marketing related consultation services to Irish companies who wish to enter the Nordic markets. For further information about this profile, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie
- A Lithuanian furniture manufacturer, already manufacturing cabinet furniture for major UK and European high street players, seeks Irish agents, representatives and distributors. Its bespoke furniture range is made from premium quality oak, birch and ash timber from sustainable forests. For further information about this profile, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie.
- A Lithuanian manufacturer of premium high fashion womenswear seeks a partnership with Irish agents, distributors, department stores, shops and boutiques. It has a branded clothing range and under this range, it produces two ready-to-wear collections per year. With over 70 years’ experience, the company can also offer its services for subcontracting activities and has subcontracted its services to major UK high street chains. For further information about this profile, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie
- A Latvian manufacturer of eco-friendly wooden toys seeks to extend its distribution and sales network to the Irish market. The company strives to provide children with natural and educationally beneficial toys that are produced in an environmentally-friendly way. The company already has a global presence which spans throughout Europe and beyond but it does not currently have a presence on the Irish market. For further information about this profile, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie.
To see a full list of overseas opportunities available through the Enterprise Europe Network, please consult our database. For more information about inserting a profile in our database, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie
Business Growth in UK Markets Register now for the Liverpool International Festival of Business (registration is free) and access your business to the festival’s International Hub where you can meet with other key businesses, network and create new contacts/partnerships. The festival also offers a Business Brokering system that will help you to identify distribution partners, joint venture partners and suppliers. Register at: IFB Business Club. For further information about this event, contact liz@corkchamber.ie.
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Easter Opening Hours!
Cork Chamber would like to wish you and your team a Happy Easter!
Cork Chamber will close on Thursday 17th April for Easter Holidays and will re-open on Tuesday 22nd April .
Cork Chamber Partners with the Irish Open 2014
Cork Chamber is very pleased to partner with the 2014 Irish Open, one of the European Tour’s most prestigious tournaments, which returns to Fota Island Resort, Cork. This event will take place from the 19th - 22nd June.
Members of Cork Chamber can avail of the exclusive offer of booking a table of 10 and only pay for 9 guests in the Deerpark suite (reflecting a minimum saving of €245+ vat).
More details of what the Official VIP Hospitality Package includes are available HERE
There are also a number of preferential advertising and employee engagement options available to members of Cork Chamber. More details are available HERE.
Cork Chamber Team head for the Hills....
Cork Chamber is running a relay in this year's City Marathon on Monday 2nd June and all proceeds will go to Pieta House.
If you'd like to donate for this worthy cause please click HERE donation's are greatly appreciated!
Do you want to promote your business with Cork Chamber?
Membership of Cork Chamber allows you to avail of a number of communication tools exclusive to members.
If you have an upcoming event or offer for Chamber members why not get it included in our weekly business update?
Do you want to promote your business through our monthly Chamberlink magazine, we have highly competitive advertising rates from as little as €80.
Make sure you avail of the numerous opportunities that membership of Cork Chamber can bring to your business.
To find out more contact Deborah by email HERE or telephone 021 - 4530149.
Competitive Feasibility Fund - Cork
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The Enterprise Ireland Cork Competitive Feasibility Fund is designed to assist individuals or start-ups investigate the viability of a new growth-orientated business proposition to be located in Cork City or County. The fund is part of Enterprise Ireland's on-going roll-out of regionally-based Competitive Feasibility Fund calls to accelerate entrepreneurship development throughout the country.
Under the fund, applicants may apply for a feasibility grant for support towards eligible costs associated with undertaking a start-up feasibility project aimed at establishing the technical and commercial viability of a new business idea.
The aim of this funding call is to:
- Accelerate entrepreneurship in Cork;
- Support entrepreneurs with business ideas that have the potential to create jobs and significant growth in Cork;
- Stimulate the pipeline of High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) in Cork.
The deadline for all applications is 6pm on Friday 25th April 2014.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
News Headlines
1. Cork companies among the winners at 2014 Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards - Read More HERE
2. ICC Ireland Calls for Scaling up of Investment in Energy Efficiency - Read More HERE
3. €2.5 million CT Suite officially opened at The Mercy University Hospital, Cork - Read More HERE
4. Port of Cork to Feature in Fly on the Wall Style Documentary for TV3 - Read More HERE
5. Out with the old and in with the new for Granite Digital & Voicesage - Read More HERE
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10% off all Sage sales
Period of the offer available: Until end of April 2014
If you require a new copy of Sage 50 or need an upgrade on an existing Sage 50 then we can offer members of the chamber a 10% discount. Simply contact Compuland on 021 4544 144 or alison@compuland.ie for more information.
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Grease
Date: Thurs 3rd – Sun 20th April
Time: 2.30pm & 8pm
Venue: Cork Opera House
Cost: €20, €25, €27.50, €30 (Booking fee may apply)
To book: HERE / Box office: +353 (0)21-4270022
This April saw the revival of the box office smash hit GREASE at Cork Opera House, the ever popular show produced by Cork Opera House returned due to overwhelming public demand and runs until 20th April.
Don’t miss our LIMITED SPECIAL OFFER for Cork Chamber Members! Quote Cork Chamber Offer to receive a 20% discount for Wed 16th April or Thurs 17th April’s performances.
Questions and Answers Session with Cork Hurler Stephen McDonnell
Date: April 25th
Time: 4pm - 5pm
Venue: Cogans Carrigaline, Cork Road, Carrigaline Cogans Carrigaline would like to invite you to join them on Friday April 25th from 4pm-5pm for a Questions and Answers Session with Cork Hurler Stephen Mc Donnell. For more information contact Jean Murphy on: 021 4852500 or email: jmurphy@cogans.ie
Cork Arts Theatre: We Were There
Date: 16th - 26th April (excl. Sunday & Monday)
Time: 8pm
Venue: Cork Arts Theatre
Cost: All tickets €10, Family Special: 5 tickets for €40*
To Book: 021 4505624
The story of three ordinary people living in an extraordinary time. Avraham, Bina, and Esther are very different eyewitnesses to the happenings in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion. Cross words, cross purposes, lead each one to the foot of the cross. At a time of change, a time of chance, a time of choice - what would you do if you were there? Buy one ticket at €10 and get one free for opening week just quote 'chamber offer' when booking on 021 4505624.
Mercy Hospital Foundation Golf Classic
Date: Friday 25th April
Time: First tee-time at 8am
Venue: Cork Golf Club
Cost: €210 per team of three (this includes access to the driving range, green fees, goody bag, and a 'Rolling Roast' dinner following round)
To Book: HERE 021 427 4076
Get into the swing of things and join the fight against cancer by supporting The Mercy Hospital Foundation’s Annual three-ball Golf Classic in aid of The Mercy Cancer Appeal which aims to raise €2.5 million to fund key services and advancements in the treatment of and research into many cancers.
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