In this issue
Policy
Cork Airport Top Priority for Cork Chamber
Subsidised Training
Lent Begins
Events
Learn About Lille - The Food Industry Powerhouse of Northern France
March Business Breakfast featuring Dr Kieran Drain, CEO of the Tyndall National Institute
International
International Opportunities for Your Business
Member Updates
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Policy
Cork Airport Top Priority for Cork Chamber

As part of Cork Chamber’s ongoing lobbying campaign to secure the future successful development of Cork Airport and safeguard Cork’s connectivity for the region’s business and tourism communities, Cork Chamber has undertaken a series of meetings in recent months, including in the last week meetings with key stakeholders including Ministers and Cork Oireachtas members. The primary purpose of these meetings was to highlight  growing concern at the lack of focus on Cork Airport and the need for measures to be taken to address the decline in activity at Cork Airport.  


During the meetings the Chamber highlighted the instrumental role that Cork’s air connectivity has played and continues to play in attracting inward investment from global market leaders in addition to its pivotal role in serving the needs of the broader indigenous business base and tourism sector in the region. The Chamber also discussed the severe consequences for the business and tourism sectors in the South of Ireland if Cork Airport’s connectivity to key hubs such as Heathrow, Schiphol and Paris are not maintained.



Subsidised Training
Lent Begins
 

Today Lent begins, instead of giving something up, why not take this opportunity to DO something for YOU!

Take a day for yourself and learn something new, acquire a new skill or discover a new talent!


MS Excel (Intermediate) - 2007/2010

Course Date: 25th February                                                    Member Rate: €110.00

On completion of this course participants will be able to use much of the functionality with MS Excel including:

• Competent use of Shortcut Keys

 

• Use formatting tools such as the format painter

 

• Write and copy formulas – Relative / Absolute

 

• Work with multiple worksheets and write formulas across sheets / Link Sheets

 

• Create professional looking charts and use drawing tools to enhance these

 

• Use the database functionality of MS Excel – Sorting & Auto Filter

 

Digital Marketing/Social Media for Business Training Course

Course Dates: 4 Days (February 26th, 5th, 12th & 19th March) 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.

  • Day One

Search Optimisation, website conversion and web traffic tools

Targeted Advertising with Google, Google Analytics and creating landing pages

  • Day Two

Content Creation: Using a blog or your website to create attractive content

Facebook for Business: Using Facebook Pages to market to their Billion+ users

  • Day Three

Twitter for Business: Using Twitter for sales, support and marketing.

LinkedIn: Using this business social network for lead generation and building the reputation of your business

  • Day Four

Mobile Future: Should you create an app? What is the work involved. Getting your company ready for the mobile revolution

Devising a Marketing Plan: Creating a template for your company to be efficient in digital marketing

 

Business Finance for Entrepreneurs & Managers  

Course Dates: 26th February                                      Member Rate: €120.00

At the end of this programme, you will have the knowledge and perspective to understand how financial statements are a fair and objective measure of business performance.

Following this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the common financial terms and concepts used in business
  • Describe the content and purpose of the main financial statements - Profit & Loss Account (Income Statement) and Balance Sheet
  • Use targeted ratio analysis to measure business performance in the three core areas of management responsibility i.e. profitability, stability and asset utilisation
  • Understand and explain relevant business tactics to improve performance in each of the three core areas

 

Nailing that Job Interview

Course Date: 26th February                                        Member Rate: €120.00

The programme aims to develop participants’ skills, competence and confidence to ensure they present themselves at their full potential when attending for interview and maximize their success in attaining employment.

It will enable participants to:

  • prepare effectively for the interview
  • develop coping mechanisms for dealing with nervousness
  • present themselves at their best at the interview

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

  • Have practical techniques and skills to prepare themselves for any interview.
  • Be more confident in interviews
  • Anticipate and prevent common stumbling blocks encountered at interview

Events
Learn About Lille - The Food Industry Powerhouse of Northern France
 
Date: Wednesday, 11th March
Time: 08:00am-10:30am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: FREE
To book: here


The Boulogne-Sur-Mer seafood centre in Lille is the largest seafood processing centre in Europe, processing 300,000 tons of seafood annually.


Join the Enterprise Europe Network on 11th March, to learn about Lille. Located in Northern France, on the border with Belgium, the Lille region provides access to 78 million consumers and 5 European capitals within a radius of 300km. The region has a particularly strong food industry, and is home to many food industry leaders, including Coca-Cola, Danone, McCain, Tate & Lyle, and Kerry Group, to name but a few. 




Two leading regional clusters include the Nutrition, Health, Longevity (NHL) and Eurasanté clusters and these clusters represent the region’s strengths in the food and pharma/healthcare sectors. The NHL cluster offers innovative responses to major public health issues such as cardio-vascular disease, metabolic disorders, age-related diseases, through nutrition and therapeutic innovation.

Why attend this seminar?
For Irish companies looking to expand into mainland Europe, there are a number of supports and incentives available via the Nord France Invest agency. Furthermore, companies looking for business partnership opportunities, or collaboration opportunities in the area of R&D and innovation, particularly in the Agri-food and health industries, will learn more about how to explore these opportunities. 
Speakers will include:
• Olivier Charras, Project Manager – Nord France Invest
• Capucine Maës - Deputy Development Director, Nutrition Health & Longevity (NHL) Cluster 
• Emmanuelle Cousin – Project Manager, Nutrevent

For more information contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie.

This event is open to members of the public as well as members of the Cork Chamber.


March Business Breakfast featuring Dr Kieran Drain, CEO of the Tyndall National Institute
 

Date: Tuesday 31st March
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €25 / €35 non members
To book:  HERE

 

Did you know that Cork houses one of the world’s leading research & innovation facilities housing 460 researchers, scientists and engineers, across 38 nationalities and attracting 11,500 visitors per year?  The Tyndall National Institute brings companies from around the world to Cork to collaborate and is spinning out successful start-ups, as well helping growing companies through research.  Tyndall is focused on developing technology solutions for health, communications, energy, agriculture, food, marine and the environment sectors.

 

Dr Kieran Drain describes Tyndall as being in “The Business of Research” and you will hear about how you can work with this global giant, right here in your own City. By hosting this event, Cork Chamber is delighted to showcase how this facility is benefitting the Cork region, and we urge you not miss the opportunity to learn how it can directly impact your business.



International
International Opportunities for Your Business
 

Research & Innovation Conference & Exhibition 2015, 25th February, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

This inaugural conference will bring together key influencers from government, industry and academia and will enable business people to meet with key influencers and enablers to advance Ireland’s agenda in Horizon 2020.

 

Last Chance to Register for B2B Meetings at Ecobuild, 4th March, ExCel, London

Don’t miss your chance to attend Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)’s B2B matchmaking event which will take place during Ecobuild, the biggest event in the world for sustainable construction. With pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, exhibitors and visitors can find potential commercial and technology partners from across Europe.

 

 

 


Research & Innovation Conference & Exhibition 2015, 25th February, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The inaugural Innovate Ireland 2015 Conference & Exhibition will bring together key influencers and decision makers from government, industry and academia; enabling business people to meet with key influencers and enablers to advance the agenda of placing Ireland at the heart of Horizon 2020. The conference aims to let businesses share information and inspiration about innovation and it will help to bridge the gap between researchers and the commercial marketplace. The conference will focus on the areas of food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, ICT, engineering, financial, gaming and social media.

The conference is being supported by the Industry Research and Development Group (IRDG), Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, Knowledge Transfer Ireland, InterTradeIreland and the Irish Research Council.

Speakers include Denis Hayes, IRDG; Ian Collins, EY; Damien English, TD, Minister for Skills, Research & Innovation; Dr Hubert Henry, Bord na Móna; Dr Seán McCarthy, Hyperion; Dr Rory O’Shea, UCD; Dr Darrin Morrissey, SFI; John Shaw, CIO, Kingspan Group PLC; Dr Pat O’Riordan, Glanbia; Dr Barry Fennell, KTI; Sergio Fernandez Ceballos, National Delegate / NCP for Horizon 2020; Richard Stokes, DCU; Denis O’Leary, ESB and Declan Troy, Teagasc. 

To view a list of exhibitors, please click here. If you would like to register for the event, please click through the following link: http://www.innovateireland.ie/delegatesregister/.  



Last Chance to Register for B2B Meetings at Ecobuild, 4th March, ExCel, London

Final registrations are now being accepted for a B2B matchmaking session which is taking place at Ecobuild on 4th March. Ecobuild is at the forefront of sustainable design, construction and energy for new builds, refurbishments, commercial and domestic buildings. The Enterprise Europe Network is pre-arranging one-to-one meetings, whereby visitors and exhibitors alike can find potential commercial and technology partners from all over Europe.

The focus of the Ecobuild matchmaking event will be on:

  • Sustainable design;
  • Innovative and efficient eco-technologies;
  • New building and materials and technologies;
  • Systems and equipment using energy from alternative sources.
Currently, a total of 189 companies have registered for the matchmaking event and these companies come from 18 different countries. To view the online catalogue companies which have registered to date, please click here. For further information, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie

Promotion
Chamber in the Media

A selection of some recent media coverage of Cork Chamber's lobbying efforts and event news. 


Irish Examiner:
Legal firm Ronan Daly Jermyn backs Cork Chamber's excellent message - Read More HERE


Irish Times:
 New initiative aims to attract more female students into science -Read More HERE


RTE.IE:
 Girls urged to consider science and tech careers - Read More HERE 


Businessandleadership.com: 
Over 1000 female students take part in 'I Wish' STEM initiative in Cork - Read More HERE


Irish Examiner: 
Walsh refuses to raise five-year slot vow - Read More HERE


Irish Examiner:
Tim Lucey believes a single Cork council is feasible - Read More HERE





Latest News
 

Timeframe and Specifics Remain a Concern - Read More HERE 

Cornstore Spring Fashion event - Opera Lane - Mercy Foundation - Read More HERE 

Jeremy Irons to present at Gradam Ceoil TG4 Traditional Irish Music Awards - Read More HERE 

Minister Jan O' SUllivan Turns Sod on Skibbereen Community School - Read More HERE

I Wish Inspires more than 1000 Girls about Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math  - Read More HERE

#CorkInDublin - showcase event promotes Cork's Conference and Meeting product - Read More HERE 

Woodland Print and Design are delighted to announce the appointment of Paddy Gahan - Read More HERE



#CCCorkHeroes - selfie fun
 
Lots of fun was had on Twitter at our recent Annual Dinner. The event was trending in Ireland and even managed to clock up over half a million twitter impressions.  Pictured on the right enjoying the #CCCorkHereos is Minister Simon Coveney, Cork Chamber President, Gillian Keating and Cllr. Mary Shields, Lord Mayor of Cork.

Helen Wycherly of the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, whose tweet received over 50k impressions was the winner of an iPad mini and €2,500 worth of social media consultancy with H+ A Marketing + PR. 



Members Offers
Pure filtered chilled and boiling water with BIBO
 

Free two week trial, free installation and no obligation to buy. 

BIBO simply connects to your water mains for pure, filtered, chilled & boiling water, instantly.

  • Pure, great-tasting filtered water
  • Endless supply, no refilling
  • No more waiting for water to boil or chill
  • No more buying bottles of filtered water
  • Energy efficient and environmentally friendly

 
Contact Emer today by telephone 087 9704141 or email here to have your BIBO installed.  More information on BIBO is available here. 


No obligation to buy or lease. 



Train Smarter Like A Celebrity at Educogym
 
Corporate Packages available for all Chamber Members


We have a New Celebrity to the Educogym Family!! Robbie Williams (yes, THAT Robbie Williams!!) has been using Educogym to get in shape for his forthcoming tour and, as he says in the video, "IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING!!"

Watch Robbie working out with his Educogym trainer. Train Smarter on the Educogym TIME MACHINE today! We can't promise to turn you into a global superstar, but we'll certainly help you achieve your goals and transform your body. Educogym is the fastest gym in the world to date for results in just 20 minutes.

 

Watch the exclusive video here 



4 Star hotel Turkey from €399
 
Period of the offer available: May 2015

Cost includes:  Flights from Cork, transfers, 7 nights 4 star hotel bed and breakfast and checked in bag.

Contact Deirdre here 021 2300721 .


Member Events
Fastnet Recruitment Career Open Days
 
Date: 24th, 26th February, 3rd, 4th,10th and 12th March
Time: 12noon – 7pm
Venue: Fastnet Recruitment Offices, Eastgate Village, Little Island, Cork
Cost: Free to Attend
To book: Just drop by, call 021 4509200 or email here 


Fastnet Recruitment are hosting a series of Open Days between the 24th February and the 12th March in the areas of Quality & Laboratory, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Finance & Accounting.  Meet a specialist consultant to discuss your next career move.  Click here for contact details.


Storytelling training with Helen Kuyper
 

Date: One day workshop Tuesday 24th February
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Vertigo, County Hall, Cork
To Book: HERE  

 

Helen Kuyper of 24/7 Storytelling, a world leader in building persuasive and memorable stories, will host a workshop in the art of storytelling in association with Smarter Egg. Open to individuals, professionals, business owners and organisations, the workshops will teach the fundamentals of storytelling and how to tell a story that people never forget.



26th Cork French Film Festival
 
Date: 1st – 8th March 
Venue: Main feature and education programme in Gate Cinema;  see 'read more for full details.
Cost: Varies
To book: HERE


The 26th Cork French Film Festival lights up the silver screen with a programme bursting with creative vitality from a host of dynamic young French filmmakers.Festival Director, Paul Bloom, together with Guest Curator, Julien Planté, celebrate the vital force of the 7th Art with an exciting programme featuring the best in current French cinema.


This year His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, is Patron of the Cork French Film Festival. The festival will be officially launched by Cork’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Shields together with guest of honour Mathieu Amalric. 


Highlights of the Festival include:

 

Max  Linder – Silent Shorts With live Burlesque music followed by a 4-course dinner with wine

Venue: The River Lee Hotel

19.00 / Wednesday 4th March  / Price: €32 / person for dinner, wine and screening

A selection of silent slapstick comedies starring celebrated screen comedy pioneer Max Linder.

Bookings: Paula Cogan, The River Lee Hotel, 0214937712 or email paula_cogan@doylecollection.com

 

Invitation au Voyage - With live score & supper à la Parisienne at the Farmgate Cafe, followed by dessert and coffee after the screening

Venue: English Market (Princes street entrance)

18.30 / Thursday 6th March / Price: €35

A masterpiece of silent cinema by Germain Dulac

Bookings:

Online:  here 

Tickets: Festival Office, Enterprise House, 36 Mary street, Cork. Tel.: 0214310677

 

Natural Resistance - Followed by a rustic supper paired with natural wines featured in the film.

Venue: Grainstore at Ballymaloe

19.00 Friday 6th March / Price: €45 or €10 for screening only

It’s about respect for everything – not only nature, but also workers and customers.  A documentary about a rapidly spreading European natural wine revolution.

Bookings

Online: here 

Tickets: Festival Office, Enterprise House, 36 Mary street, Cork. Tel.: 0214310677

 


Networking Breakfast: “Outlook for SMEs”
 
Date: Thursday, 26th February
Time: 7.45am – 9am
Venue: Clarion Hotel Lapp’s Quay
Cost: Free, Irish breakfast will be served.
To book: here


The briefing will present the findings of the inaugural Magnet Regional Business Barometer (MRBB) – among the largest studies of small and medium enterprises in Ireland, providing new insights into a range of issues relevant to small businesses in Cork and elsewhere.


UCC Economics Society Conference
 
Date: Saturday, 28th February 
Time: 10.30a.m.-4.30p.m.
Venue: Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, College Road.
Cost: €10 per ticket for the general public/ free for students
To book: email here with the subject title “Conference Tickets”University College Cork is pleased to present our annual conference.


This year’s conference will focus on topics such as small businesses in the Irish economy. Our speakers will include John Fitzgerald and David McWilliams with more to be announced as we move closer to the date.