In this issue
Subsidised Training
Santa Claus – The Ultimate Project Manager!!
Events
Enterprise Europe Network ‘State Agency Funding Seminar’
A Celebration of Cork’s Sporting Heroes
Business Breakfast featuring Tony O’Reilly Jr, Providence Resources
Chamber Supported Projects
Cork innovates recently scoped the 'Joint Local Authority' Award under the Chambers Ireland 10th Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards
International
Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber
Border Barriers To Trade
Member Updates
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Subsidised Training
Santa Claus – The Ultimate Project Manager!!
 

There’s no better man to manage his workforce and his time than Santa Claus! Who else could manage to travel the world and complete his entire year’s work in 24 hours?

If you wish to be a bit more like Santa and learn key project management techniques, then our Project Management Professional Course is just for you! This course can help you manage your workload and deliver on time, just like the man in red! 


Project Management Professional (PMBOK Version 5)

Course Dates: 4th, 5th & 6th December

Member Rate: €370.00

 

Professional Project Management is designed to establish a detailed understanding of Project Management terms, concepts and methodologies. The hands-on approach of this course ensures trainees “learn by doing” and gain a step-by-step, real-time experience of using the tools and implementing the methodologies and support structures. In simulating real-life environments, trainees gather the detailed knowledge required to apply the training on return to their work environment. The course uses PMBOK Guide Version 5 as its reference and so helps prepare people for PMI certification.

 

This course is ideal for:

 

  • Experienced project managers who had to learn ‘on the job’ and may not be aware of the different proven tools and techniques that exist and that can make their lives easier.

 

  • New or prospective project managers, who are looking for guidance on the “right” way to manage their projects.

 

  • People who intend to get certified as a PM, and who need to complete the required training so that they can meet the certification requirements.

 

  • Functional Managers, who may have to manage some projects “part-time” in addition to their real jobs. Many of the PM tools and methods can also apply to line management and deliver real value.

 

Following this course, participants will:-

 

  • Understand the purpose, inputs and outputs of the core processes in each of the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Execution, Control and Closing.

 

  • Learn how to Scope a Project clearly.

 

  • Learn about Program Governance, and how to create a Phase Gate approval system that ensures early identification of project problems.

 

  • Learn about the 10 knowledge areas of project management (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement plus Professional and Social Responsibility). Understand how each knowledge area contributes to the progression of a project from start to finish, and know how to create the key deliverables at each stage.

 

  • Learn key project management techniques, together with how and when to use them. Examples of such tools and techniques include Budget, Risk Analysis, Scheduling, Gantt chart, Contingency and Change Control.

 

  • Learn how to identify and analyse risks to your project.

 

  • Learn how to apply this learning a range of industries, with particular emphasis on projects that are relevant to participants’ environment through use of case studies and working exercises based on realistic problems and real-life project scenarios.

 

  • Understand Project Management Technical Skills and Tools such as Microsoft Project Professional, methodologies such as Work Breakdown Structures, Phase Gates, Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis and a robust Project Governance system.

Places are filling up fast on this course so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!

 

Why train with us? We have small class sizes of an average of 10 persons per class (individual attention guaranteed) Top Trainers (all are leaders within their respective fields), locally delivered and exceptionally good value for money.

 


Events
Enterprise Europe Network ‘State Agency Funding Seminar’
 

Date: 4th December
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island.
Time: 8am
Cost: Free
To book: HERE


The fourth and final part of the Enterprise Europe Network’s ‘Access to Finance for SMEs’ series will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Wednesday, December 4th at 8am.  State Agency Funding and Revenue Incentives to support business startups and business growth will be identified by a broad cross section of agencies including Cork Enterprise Boards, LEADER Development Companies, Enterprise Ireland, IntertTradeIreland, MicroFinance Ireland, and the Revenue Commissioners.

Business supports from these agencies range from training and mentoring programmes, feasibility grants, microfinance loans, advice, support and finance to develop export markets, job expansion funds, etc.


This seminar will be of interest to those considering starting their own business, those committed to developing a new business as well as business expansions in the domestic and exports markets.  Book a place here. For further information, contact liz@corkchamber.ie.

 



A Celebration of Cork’s Sporting Heroes
Cork Chamber Christmas Lunch 2013, sponsored by IBM Ireland
 

Date: 13th December
Time: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Radisson Hotel, Little Island
Cost: €50 Cork Chamber & MII members / €75 non members
To Book: HERE



Cork Chamber is kicking off the Christmas period in style with two of Cork’s greatest sporting heroes to inspire and motivate you for 2014.

 

Steve Redmond is a world class open water swimmer and became the first person in the world to conquer the Ocean’s 7 challenge last year.  Rob Heffernan is a champion race walker and winner of the 2013 World Championships in Moscow 50km race. Both are proud Cork men and leaders in their chosen field, flying the flag for Ireland on the International stage. We look forward to an interactive session where they share their motivational secrets and determination to succeed that we can all apply to our business lives.

 

This event is ideal for entertaining staff or corporate clients as it uniquely combines inspiring speakers, active networking, lots of great prizes with Christmas merriment! So book now and join with your fellow Cork Chamber and Marketing Institute of Ireland members for one of the most popular events in the Chamber calendar. 


Drinks reception kindly sponsored by Brightwater Recruitment.



Business Breakfast featuring Tony O’Reilly Jr, Providence Resources
 

Date: Wed 11th December
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Imperial Hotel
Cost: €20 members / €35 non-members


Cork Chamber is proud to bring you the final Business Breakfast of 2013 and this December event will feature Tony O’Reilly, founder and CEO of Providence Resources.  Providence Resources is an Irish based upstream oil and gas company active in the exploration and development of hydrocabon assets offshore Ireland and the United Kingdom, who has received a significant amount of international industry interest in it’s Barryroe Assets. Providence Resources has recently reported profits of €1.3m.


As this is the final Business Breakfast in 2013, take this opportunity to hear from an influential and successful Irish businessman, as well as joining with your fellow members for some pre-Christmas networking!



Chamber Supported Projects
Cork innovates recently scoped the 'Joint Local Authority' Award under the Chambers Ireland 10th Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards
 

The Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase best practice in local government and highlight some of the great projects that local authorities are undertaking.  The Awards are judged by a panel of expert judges working in the field of Local Government and have been taking place since 2004.  The 'Joint Local Authority Award' is sponsored by ESB Networks.

 

Commenting at the Awards Dinner Siobhán Finn of Cork innovates said 'I am thrilled that the work of Cork innovates and the commitment and support of the local authorities to the initiative has been recognised by Chambers Ireland.  Cork innovates is a unique project and to have made such a positive impression on the judges certainly makes all the hard work worthwhile'.


Mr. Healy said, "Cork Chamber has long recognised the importance of developing an environment which is conducive to entrepreneurship in the Cork region and as a founding member of Cork innovates to fulfill this need, we would like to take the opportunity to congratulate both Cork City and Cork County Councils for having the foresight to fund this initiative through the Economic Development Fund".

 

Cork innovates is funded by the Cork County Council and Cork City Council by the Economic Development Fund under the CASP Framework and is hosted by Cork Chamber.


International
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:

  • Ireland India Business Association Christmas Lunch, December 6, River Lee Hotel, Cork
  • Launch of Horizon 2020, the EU’s new €70 bn. programme for research and innovation, December 10, Convention Centre, Dublin
  • Explore investment opportunities on the African continent in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, energy, pharmaceuticals and ICT
  • Business Partnership Opportunities

Ireland India Business Association Christmas Lunch, December 6, River Lee Hotel, Cork

The Ireland India Business Association’s (IIBA) – Cork Chapter, has announced details of their Christmas lunch which takes place on Friday 6th December in the River Lee Hotel, Cork. The event will kick off with a mulled wine reception at 1.30pm and a special Indian Christmas lunch will commence at 2.30pm. Former RTE personality Bibi Baskin will share stories from her business and life in India and her return to Ireland. This year’s lunch is sponsored by Euler Hermes. Tickets are €20 each. Email corkchapter@iiba.ie to book. For further information, contact liz@corkchamber.ie


Launch of Horizon 2020, December 10, Convention Centre, Dublin

On Tuesday 10th December 2013, Horizon 2020, the EU’s new €70 billion programme for research and innovation to create new growth and jobs in Europe will be launched by Enterprise Ireland in the Convention Centre.

The EU’s Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn; and Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D. will both outline opportunities Horizon 2020 offers industry and researchers in Ireland.

At the launch, you will have the opportunity to meet and exchange contact details with Ireland’s European advisors, your first point of contact when accessing Horizon 2020. Find out how you can participate in this European programme to deliver excellent science, competitive industry and a better society for Ireland.

To find out more about the launch and to register your place, please click here.


Explore Investment Opportunities on the African Continent

Cork Chamber recently met with a number of African embassies that are based here in Ireland. Any company with an interest in exploring investment opportunities on the African continent are invited to contact liz@corkchamber.ie for further information of the investment opportunities which the continent offers. The fields in question are as follows: agriculture, infrastructure, energy, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and ICT.

Business Partnership Opportunities

  • A UK Coaching and Management Consultancy seeks partners to deliver a full range of coaching and mentoring skills workshops.  It is an innovative and dynamic coaching solutions company; enabling organisations to develop, implement and evaluate coaching strategies effectively. It seeks partners who will be able to deliver their full range of coaching and mentoring skills workshops. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote BOUK20131003001.
  • An Italian SME specialised in innovative  engineering products and miniaturized modular automated instruments, in the field of life sciences, offers a device to monitor environmental pollutants; eliminating the requirement of expensive specialist analysis. The company seeks hi- tech SMEs with whom it can collaborate for this technology offer. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote TOIT20131024001.

  • A Spanish artisan producer/supplier of extra virgin olive oil seeks distributors for its range of products. The company grows and handpicks its olives, to produce a sustainable and high-quality product. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20121203031.

  • A Portuguese travel agency wishes to expand its business to new markets seeks companies interested in establishing partnerships via subcontracting and outsourcing activities, with the purpose of exchanging information and contacts. With several years’ experience in organising trips and providing comprehensive tourist services in Portugal, this company has a great understanding of the market. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BOPT20130902002.






Border Barriers To Trade
 
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has issued a global survey on barriers to trade.  At the request of Irish Chambers they have included a question which allows companies to highlight specific countries that they are experiencing trade difficulties with. We request that if you are encountering difficulties with a country or a specific issue that you complete this survey. If we have a strong response rate from Ireland it will enable us influence which barriers the ICC will work towards resolving in 2014. Access survey here:

Promotion
Tradtional Christmas evening on Saturday Nov 30th


Members Offers
Corporate Dinner & Lunch Offer at Castlemartyr Resort
 

Corporate Dinner from €55 per person

Period of the offer: 30th November – 23rd December

Max 18 Guests, Complimentary festive mulled wine reception, followed by a private festive Christmas dinner in the beautiful Ladysbridge Room.

Christmas Lunch Package from €37.50 per person


Period of the offer
: 30th November – 23rd December

Minimum number apply. Complimentary festive mulled wine reception, followed by a private festive Christmas lunch in the Kilta Suite, the Ladysbridge Room or the Bell Tower Restaurant.





Cork Chamber Cruise Offers
 

Offer available: €50 off for Cork Chamber Members


MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE: MSC Splendida Feb 2014, 7 nights €499

Includes : Return Flights, Full Board Cruise,

Ports of Call: Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille


CANARY ISLANDS CRUISE

MSC Armonia Nov – Feb 2014 7 nights  €699

Includes : Return Flights, Full Board Cruise

Ports of Call: Las Palmas, La Gomera, Funchal, La Palma, Tenerife

GLORIOUS GREECE & CROATIA

MSC Fantasia May/ Apr 2014, 7 nights €799

Includes : Return Flights, Full Board Cruise, Transfers, Checked in Luggage

Ports of Call: Venice, Bari, Katakolon ,Santorini, Piraeus, Corfù, Dubrovnik

MALTA & ITALIAN CRUISE

MSC Lirica 23 May 2014, 7 nights €799

Includes : Return Flights, Full Board Cruise, Return Transfers

Ports of Call: Rome, La Spezia, Marseille, Tunisia, Malta, Italy

11 NIGHT CRUISE

MSC Sinfonia 02 Oct 2014, 7 nights €799

Includes : Return Flights & Airport Transfers, Luggage, Full Board Cruise 

Ports of Call: Barcelona, Genoa, Malaga, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife,

Las Palmas, Morocco

CHRISTMAS DUBAI CRUISE & STAY

MSC Lirica  21 Dec 2014, 7 nights €799

Includes : Return Flights with Emirates, Full Board Cruise,1 night stay in Dubai

Ports of Call: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Khor al Fakkan, Muscat, Khasab

MED CRUISE & STAY

Liberty of the Seas May 2014, 7 nights €899

Includes : Return Flights, Airport Transfers, Luggage, 4 Night Cruise

Full Board & 3 Nights 4* City Hotel

Ports of Call: Barcelona, Nice, Florence 

5 COUNTRIES IN 10 DAYS

MSC Opera Sep 2014, 9 nights €1058

Includes : Return Flights, Full Board Cruise, Luggage,  1 Night In a 4* Hotel

Ports of Call: Lisbon, Bilbao, France, Southampton, Netherlands, St Peter

Port, Vigo,

CARIBBEAN CRUISE

MSC Divina 27 Sep 2014, 10 nights €1499

Includes : Return Flights, Airport Transfers, Luggage, Full Board, Balcony Cabin, 3 night stay in a Miami Hotel

Ports of Call: Miami, Falmouth, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Bahamas

 

 


Member Events
A Night of Festive Fashion in aid of Dress for Success Cork
 

Date: Tuesday 3rd December
Time: 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
Venue: Celtic Interiors, Douglas Woollen Mills
Cost: Tickets €20.00 each.


A showcase of fashion from local stores and boutiques in the luxurious surroundings of Celtic Interiors. Mulled wine and finger food.


In-house Sale:

Previously loved Occasion Wear sale in 131 Oliver Plunkett Street. Date: Saturday 14th December. Time: 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

All proceeds to Dress for Success Cork


Kilkenny Shop Exclusive Private Sale
 

Date: Thursday 5th December
Time: 5-9pm
Venue: The Kilkenny Shop, Emmet Place, Cork City
Cost: €0
To book: Not necessary


Everything in The Kilkenny Shop will be reduced for 1 night only with up to 50% off for corporate partners in Cork.  Free wine, festive treats & spot prizes to ensure a fun filled evening.  Contact ltoner@kilkennygroup.com for more info.

 

 



Dragons’ Den Applications Now Open!
 

Closing date: 20th December 2013


‘One idea, one pitch, one deal away from the dream’ . Applications for Dragons’ Den and Junior Dragons’ Den are now open to all up-and-coming businesses and entrepreneurs! If you’ve got the newest innovative product, then make sure to apply to try and part the dragons from their cash!

Go to www.bankofireland.com/dragons for applications and more information.



Kanchi 500: Start the Conversation - hosted by PepsiCo
 

Date: Wednesday 4th December             
Time: 9am, 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Venue: Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork
Cost: Free
To book: here / (01) 634 0018


‘Kanchi 500’ is a national campaign coinciding with UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities and providing 500 people across Ireland with free disability awareness training.

The Cork event is hosted by PepsiCo and takes place on Wednesday 4th December. We welcome both business attendees and members of the public.

 

 


This December, to coincide with UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kanchi are taking to the road to kick start a national conversation on disability and we want YOU to join us!

Why ‘Start the Conversation’?

The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is ‘Breaking down Barriers’. In Kanchi, we often find that stigma and lack of confidence discussing disability are the biggest barriers to inclusion. Through our ‘Start the Conversation’ training we aim to remove that fear of ‘causing offence’ or ‘saying the wrong thing’ that prevents many of us from talking about disability

Who can attend?

Everyone! This training has been designed to be relevant for any member of the community. We want to encourage businesses to up skill their employees and also welcome any member of the public that is interested in finding out more about disability. Anyone that has ever had a question or concern about the language of disability is welcome to attend.

 

Where and when will training take place?

 

Sessions last 90 minutes and will take place in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Wednesday 4th December at  9am, 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm. This training is brought to you in collaboration with local partners and Kanchi Network Leaders, PepsiCo.

 

This event is kindly sponsored by the Department of Justice and Equality.

Kanchi is an Irish social enterprise dedicated to creating a business world that is fully inclusive of people with disabilities.

 

Kanchi Network Leaders: Abbott, Aura Sports and Leisure Management, Deloitte, Diageo Ireland, Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s, Newstalk 106-108 fm, PepsiCo, Telefonica O2 Ireland, The Irish Times & UCD Michael Smurfit Business School

 

www.kanchinetwork.com

@kanchi_ireland

#Kanchi500

 


Update on the Eurozone and impact on Irish-Franco trade by John Mullins
 

Date: Thursday 5th December 2013
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Venue: The Council Chambers at the Port of Cork, Cork
Cost: €25 IFCC Members and members of Cork Chamber
To Book: Aurelie (info@irelandfrance.com)  or on-line www.irelandfrance.com

 

The speaker is John Mullins, CEO of Amarenco and former Chief Executive of Bord Gáis.


France and Ireland have had distinctly different economic experiences over the last five years but they both exist in a Eurozone with deep economic and governance challenges. The ECB, currency and fiscal agendas of the Eurozone continue to present an inconsistent economic patchwork quilt across Europe – the question is whether individual economic cycles can converge.

 

 


France is a very important market for Irish companies and the recent downgrading of France means that Ireland will need further competitiveness to grow trade with France.


John Mullins
, 45, is Chief Executive Officer of Amarenco, a company which is focused on solar asset development, financing and ownership in Europe and particularly in the South of France. Previous to these roles, John Mullins was Chief Executive of Bord Gáis from December 2007 until the end of 2012. During this time, BGE established a significant electricity business, renewable and conventional generation assets. He has held senior management positions with ESB, ESB International, PricewaterhouseCooper (UK) and NTR plc. Group. He is a Fellow of Engineers Ireland and the Irish Academy of Engineering and is a member of the UCC Governing Body. He is also Chairman of the Port of Cork Company and a Director of Wisetek Limited. John has served as Chairman of the Bord Gais Pension Fund and now serves as Chairman of the Port of Cork Pension Fund. He holds a Bachelor and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the Smurfit Business School in UCD, Dublin.

§Q&A – followed by drinks & canapés


Are you Up for a Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day?
 

After years in exile, the Christmas Jumper is back! Cork Simon Community is asking businesses in Cork to DO SOMETHING for people who are homeless this winter and take part in the Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 6 December.  The Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day is a brilliant opportunity for organisations across Cork to have some festive fun while raising money to help Cork Simon Community to give food, shelter and vital support services to people who are most in need, right here on our doorsteps and without a home in Cork this winter.


 


Up-For-It companies can register on-line at www.corksimon.ie or email info@corksimon.ie

This campaign is kindly sponsored by 7UP Free as part of their UP For Christmas campaign. Join the festive fun and help someone off the street this Christmas.

 

What will you wear to show you’re UP for Christmas?

 


Cork-based companies like PepsiCo Ireland, McAfee, KPMG, Davy, Strencom and Otterbox are Up for a Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day– their way of getting staff involved in doing something for people who are homeless this winter.  This campaign is kindly sponsored by 7UP Free as part of their UP For Christmas campaign. Up-For-It companies can register on-line at www.corksimon.ie.  Join the festive fun and help someone off the street this Christmas.

 

Photo left to right:

Frasier Heaslip – Director of Sales, EMEA, Otterbox, Cork

Paul Kent – Global Quality Group, PepsiCo Ireland

Barrie O’Connell - Partner in Charge, KPMG Cork

Rhona Holland – Marketing Director, PepsiCo Ireland

Tim Murphy – Cork Simon Volunteer and CEO, Strencom

Sinead Brady – Organisation Development & Communications Manager, PepsiCo Ireland

Olan Wixted – Director, Davy Cork


The National Contractors Briefing hosted by Westboro Partners
 

Date: Tuesday, 3 December
Time:
5:30pm Registration – 8pm
Venue:
Clarion Hotel, Cork
Cost:
Free
To book:
Book online here or email mpower@westboro.ie 


Recently the Revenue Commissioners have been targeting small service providers/single member companies with extensive audits of accounts and expenses.

Dubbed the “National Contractors Project”, it appears that the Revenue Commissioners activity in this area has been triggered by instances of service companies paying high amounts of expenses to their employees.


Currently underway across the country, the Revenue’s Project has particular implications for Contractors, which includes agency workers, contract employees and self-employed contractors.

“As a contractor or a single member company, this briefing is a must-attend”, said Mary Power, Partner, Westboro Partners.


Christmas Concert in aid of The Cork Association for Autism
 

Date: Thursday December 5th
Time: Doors open at 7.30pm and the concert will begin at 8pm.
Venue: Aula Maxima, UCC
Cost: €15
To book: You can purchase tickets from the fundraising office at 18 Cook St or you can book online HERE 


Music lovers are in for a treat when a wonderful cast of singers and musicians gather to present a Christmas Concert in aid of The Cork Association for Autism. The Concert will feature the wonderful voices of soprano Jill Coogan and mezzo-soprano Louise O’Sullivan, the Chorus of Opera Cork and the City of Cork Male Voice Choir. 


Special Guests for the evening are Kevin Walsh and the Regina Mundi Secondary School choir. The programme for the evening will include well known favourites such as; Adeste Fideles, Ave Maria, Mary’s Boy Child, O Tannenbaum, The Virgin’s Slumber song and Oh Holy Night.

This not-to-be-missed Concert is in aid of The Cork Association for AutismFunds raised on the night will go towards the provision of services for adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome to ensure they and their families have a better quality of life. The CAA provides a range of services in the Cork and Kerry area which include: residential, respite, day service, home and outreach supports.