In this issue
Policy
Have your say: How was Q1 2014 for your business?
Cork Competitive Feasibility Fund
Cork Chamber Welcomes Announcement of Cork INC
Subsidised Training
Management - for you and your team!
The PMI National Conference
Events
Business Breakfast with Caroline Dowling, Flextronics
Chamber Supported Events
Energy Cork Breakfast Briefing
CSR Workshop for SMEs
Chamber Supported Projects
Innovate Through Challenge
International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
Opportunities for your business in Asia
Member Updates
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Policy
Have your say: How was Q1 2014 for your business?
 

Take 5 minutes to complete our short economic trends survey on your company’s experience over the first quarter of 2014 and your outlook for the forthcoming quarter.

To begin the survey -
please CLICK HERE.

All members who complete this survey, will be entered into a draw to win a meal for two in Oysters Restaurant, Cork City’s first ever dedicated Seafood Restaurant.

As always, your input is vital in informing our policy priorities and your responses will be integrated into our strategic planning and advocacy throughout 2014 from our meetings with senior government and political officials to our wider strategic and lobbying work for the Cork region

Please complete the survey by close of business on Thursday 27th March



Cork Competitive Feasibility Fund
 

Minister for Research and Innovation Mr Seán Sherlock TD, has announced a new €200,000 Enterprise Ireland fund to help entrepreneurs in Cork explore the feasibility of their start-up ideas. The fund can provide up to €25,000 towards the cost of a feasibility study to help new entrepreneurs to validate their start-up ideas. The aim of the fund is to boost start-ups and stimulate growth and job creation in Cork City and County.


Deadline for applications: 6pm on Friday 25th April 2014

Full details of the fund including application form are available from: www.enterprise-ireland.com/corkfund.  

Enquiries to corkfund@enterprise-ireland.com or call Enterprise Ireland, Cork at +353 21 4800231



Cork Chamber Welcomes Announcement of Cork INC

Cork Chamber today welcomed the announcement of the formation of Cork INC (Innovated, Networked, Connected). Cork Inc will be tasked with creating a ‘whole region’ approach to marketing Cork.

Speaking this morning Conor Healy, Chief Executive of Cork Chamber, said, “This is a very welcome initiative and one the Chamber has championed over many years.  However, it is important now that impetus is not lost and that Cork Inc receives both the resources and proper structures needed to ensure that Cork, as a region maximises to the full its tourism and economic development potential.”

 


Concluding Mr. Healy said, “While Cork is performing well from both a tourism and investment perspective there is significant room for improvement and this collaboration between both City and County Council with the support of Failte Ireland will go a long way to achieving this.  For Cork to maintain its position as an attractive place for companies to invest and for people to visit Cork INC needs to become an immediate reality.”

Subsidised Training
Management - for you and your team!
 

Do you wish to become an effective manager? Want to learn how to build an effective team? Our Certificate in Supervisory Management course will equip you with the new skills set to help you excel in your management role - BOOK NOW!


The Business School also has a limited number of tickets available for the PMI National Conference – 10th April in the Aviva Stadium – only €125.00!!


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!

 

Business School Calendar

April

MS Excel Intermediate                                                                       2nd April

Dynamic HR Business Partner                                                          17th April

Certificate in Train the Trainer                                                          23rd April

Certificate in Supervisory Management                                            22nd April

Project Management Professional                                                    30th April



May

Digital Media for Business                                                                  6th May

Effective Presentation Skills                                                               6th May

PMI Exam Preparation Course                                                         15th May

Conflict Management                                                                        19th May

MS Word Intermediate                                                                      22nd May

MS PowerPoint ‘Beyond the Basics’                                                 29th May


The PMI National Conference
 

The PMI National Conference is taking place on 10th April 2014 in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

The PMI will present Ireland's premier Project Management event which will include many distinguished speakers, including Sean Gallagher and Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan complemented by networking, panel discussion sessions and an option to take a tour of the beautiful Aviva Stadium.

Attending this conference will ensure you stay up to date with the latest topics in the project management profession. Learn about practical and proven project techniques and gain new business or potential clients while networking with the experts.

Click here to book – special discounted price for Members of €125.



Events
Business Breakfast with Caroline Dowling, Flextronics
 
Date: 2nd April
Time: 07:30am
Venue: Imperial Hotel
Cost: €25 / €35 non-members
To book: HERE


Cork Chamber is delighted to present the President of Integrated Network Solutions at Flextronics, Caroline Dowling. Flextronics is a Fortune 500 supply chains solutions company with more than 150,000 employees and operations in over 30 countries, including 3 locations in Ireland (Cork, Limerick and Dublin).


A graduate of Harvard Business School, Caroline will share her insights on future mobile technology trends as well as strategic growth opportunities in the market.


Join with your fellow Cork Chamber members to hear Caroline's unique story of the challenges in growing a multi-billion dollar business.



Chamber Supported Events
Energy Cork Breakfast Briefing
 

Date: Thursday 27th March
Time: 7-8.30am
Venue: Gresham Metropole Hotel

The Breakfast Briefing will focus on electricity transportation infrastructure. Main Speaker: John Lowry, Grid Link Project Manager, Eirgrid. John will provide an update on Eirgrid’s developments in the Cork area, provide information on recently announced Grid25 initiatives and discuss the Grid Link project.

A light breakfast buffet will be served from 7am. Speaker commences at 7.30 am sharp. Open to both members and non-members of Energy Cork and is a free event but registration is essential. Please confirm your attendance via kieran_lettice@external.corkcity.ie



CSR Workshop for SMEs
 

Date: Friday 11th April
Time: 12.30pm to 14.30pm
Venue: Cork County Hall

At this workshop, you will hear from award winning CSR experts, Karina Howley, CSR Manager, KPMG and Greg Canty, Managing Director, Fuzion Communications.
The event is free to attend but places are limited. Please contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland at amy.woods@chambers.ie or call 01 400 4319/ or Teresa O’Halloran, South West Regional Authority at tohalloran@swra.ie.


At this workshop, you will hear from award winning CSR experts where attendees will:

  •  Learn what CSR is all about and how it can be beneficial for your business;
  •  Get tips on how to go about starting your own CSR programme;
  •  Hear real life experiences from SMEs who have implemented successful CSR programmes;
  •  Have the opportunity to ask the panel any questions about CSR; and
  •  Have lunch and meet some great people!

Special guest speakers will include:

Karina Howley, CSR Manager, KPMG

Karina has over 10 years experience working in CSR and won the award for Outstanding Achievement in CSR at last year’s Chambers Ireland CSR Awards. She also chairs Chambers Ireland’s CSR Policy Council. Karina will demystify what CSR is really all about, how it can be beneficial for your business and give expert tips on how SMEs can get started in CSR.

Andrew Mullen, Facilities Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork. Andrew is the brains behind the excellent greening initiative at the Radisson Hotel which took home the award for Best Eco-Business at the 2010 CSR Awards. Sustainability and energy efficiency are often the easiest and most beneficial ways for SMEs to start out in CSR. Andrew will discuss how he implemented his strategy and the benefits he has reaped since.

Greg Canty, Managing Director, Fuzion Communications

Greg and Fuzion Communications were another SME winner at last year’s awards for their innovative project, Safebook. Safebook used Fuzion’s key skills, communications and understanding of social media, to provide the community with effective advice on cyber bullying. Greg will recount his personal experience of engaging in CSR and why he feels it is so important.
To register for this workshop, email amy.woods@chambers.ie or call 01 400 4319. The event is free to attend but places are limited. Refreshments will be served. If you have any queries please contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland at amy.woods@chambers.ie or Teresa O’Halloran, South West Regional Authority at tohalloran@swra.ie.


Chamber Supported Projects
Innovate Through Challenge
 
Date: 8th May
Time: 8.30am
Venue: Rochestown Park, Cork
Cost: FREE
To book: HERE


Ambitious CEOs and MDs - attend a FREE two-hour briefing session to find out about tools and techniques used in Challenge. Take these away and use in your business. You will see how world-class companies excel in bringing products and services to market quickly and with less risk.  


International
Enterprise Europe Network At Cork Chamber
 

Reducing Energy Costs for your Business, Cork Chamber, April 3

Places still remain for the free ISO 50001 Energy Management Standards seminar which takes place in Cork Chamber, 3 April 09:30am - 12:00 pm. The event is being hosted by the Enterprise Europe Network, in association with Energia. Email: liz@corkchamber.ie


Atlantic 2014, Atlantic Communication Technologies Event, Santandar (Spain), April 14-15

The Regional Government of Cantabria, in association with the Enterprise Europe Network, is organising the inaugural Atlantic business meetings. The scope of this event is to create a meeting point between administrations, companies, technology centres, universities and other European Atlantic organisations from the ICT sector. Email: eimear@corkchamber.ie


Free Seminar for SMEs on ISO 50001 Energy Management Standards, Cork Chamber, 3 April

In line with the EU priorities on SME competitiveness and energy conservation, Enterprise Europe Network Cork will host a seminar for SMEs on ISO 50001 Energy Management Standards. This seminar will help participating business to improve energy performance, cut costs and meet customer expectations.

ISO 50001 training can deliver energy cost savings for your business and better energy management systems help reduce carbon emissions, and improve business competitiveness. As the demand for environmentally-friendly services and products continues to grow, energy conservation is becoming a strong business advantage.

Topics to be covered in the seminar will include:

  • Introduction to ISO 50001
  • Comparison to other ISO standards
  • ISO 50001 guidelines
  • Developing an energy policy
  • Establishing a team and deciding who does what
  • How to conduct an energy review
  • Setting up an improvement programme

The seminar will be facilitated by P.J. Henry, a qualified energy consultant engineer, who has many years experience of working in the multinational sector and currently provides training seminars and energy audits to companies around Ireland.   P.J is also a qualified BER (Building Energy Rating) consultant and ISO 50001 energy management systems lead auditor.

PJ has experience in real world implementation of management systems and will share his wealth of practical experience in showing you how to put systems in place in an efficient manner. Places at this event are limited and advance booking is essential. This workshop is kindly sponsored by Energia. For further information, please contact liz@corkchamber.ie


Atlantic 2014, Atlantic Communication Technologies Event, Santandar (Spain), April 14-15

For online registration which will open on April 8th 2014: www.b2match.eu/atlantic2014

Further information and enquiries: internacional@gruposodercan.es

Some of the topics for the thematic sessions during the Conference are as follows:

  • Internet of Things and Internet of Services: Interoperability and Standardisation
  • Internet of Energy – Ecosystem for Transferring, Storing and Processing Energy and Information
  • The Open Data Paradigm
  • From the Clout to the Fog Computing
  • Beyond Smart Santandar
  • 5g-PPP in H2020: Designing Advance Network Infrastructure for the next decade
  • Big Data / Open Data in Business: Applications
  • Smart Cities and FI-WARE: Innovation for Citizends
  • Solutions in Cloud Computing
  • Cloud and Safety

Opportunities for your business in Asia
 

Date: March 28, 2014
Time: 9.15 to 12 noon
Venue: Council Room, Main Quad, UCC

The Irish Exporters Association's Asia Trade Forum will hold a Cork event on doing business in Asia with speakers sharing their experiences of breaking into Asian markets.
 
The event will also mark the partnership between the Asia Trade Forum and the School of Asian Studies, UCC, in the delivery and promotion of the new Diploma in Business, Language and Culture in East Asia. 
 

Speakers will include:

  • Juan Blanes, Glenmar Shellfish
  • Trevor O’Regan, PM Group
  • Kevin O’Leary, Qumas

All welcome but places are limited.  Please RSVP to ashleybeston@irishexporters.ie or call 016424170



Promotion
Open Day at Cork Chamber
 

On Friday 28th March from 2pm to 4pm we would like to invite you to Cork Chamber Offices on Summerhill North. Open to both members and non-members you will have an opportunity to meet with key members of the team to learn the specific ways in which Cork Chamber can help your business.
 
Please forward this information to anyone who would be interested in learning more about Cork Chamber or feel free to pop in for a cup of coffee on the day. Contact us on 021-4509044 to book ahead.



Member News
Barry & Fitzwilliam Win Deloitte Best Managed Company Award
 

Ireland’s largest independent drinks distributor, Barry & Fitzwilliam has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard Award in the Deloitte Best Managed Company Awards in Dublin recently. A winner of the Deloitte Best Managed company award in 2011, this subsequent award has been awarded to just 15 companies throughout Ireland, following four consecutive years of operating at the highest level of business performance. The awards were presented by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD.


The programme seeks to identify best managed companies through a valuation process that extends far beyond financial results and is unique in that it recognises the efforts of the entire organisation, not just one individual. Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam, in accepting the award on behalf of his colleagues, stated:

With over 100 premium international brands, 70 staff and an anticipated turnover of €75M in 2014, we are always adding to our portfolio in order to enhance our reputation as a key player in the industry, with efficient controls in operation, and providing sustainable employment in Ireland.  This award copper fastens our reputation as a serious player in our market sector and this is really important to us and to our loyal staff.  Our portfolio of brands includes products from the multinational drinks groups Beam Global, Accolade Wines, Rémy Cointreau, Edrington, Mc Guigan, Villa Maria, Corona Extra, Corona Light and several others and we are continually adding to our offering, exploring new markets and new products. Indeed, just this week we have landed the Irish distribution rights to the premium German Pilsner Brand Warsteiner, and hope to replicate the considerable success we have enjoyed with another German brand – Jägermeister.   We plan to add several new brands to our portfolio in 2014.’ 

When asked what, in his opinion, constituted a ‘Best Managed’ company, Michael Barry told us: ‘Personal relationships are the cornerstone of our business.  It is the tide of team-spirit that urges people to drive on to success, and this is very evident in our company.  Trusting relationships across the board are crucial, and while our management team and I are facilitators in driving the business, it is the team on the warehouse floor, in administration, distribution and merchandising, that provide the crucial efficient and timely backup that makes our company a success.  Ultimately, it’s our fantastic sales and marketing team that ensure our range of products are out there on the shelves and they are empowered to be entrepreneurial in their approach to business and clients welcome that flexibility.  Relationships with our brand owners are also key to our success.  Our experience, integrity and ability to deliver the numbers are vital.  Having weathered a tough period in Irish business (like many others) over the last number of years we are optimistic for the future.  Personally, I feel that optimism is the only way to go in life, and it’s amazing how a positive attitude engenders confidence!’ 

He added:  ‘Managing a company requires careful planning.  Planning is essential in developing a firm’s potential, ensuring that long-range visions as well as short-term goals are achieved.  I believe that business owners should look to the talents and leadership skills within their organisations and allocate responsibility in the planning and decision-making processes.Open and effective communications play an integral role in managing and operating any successful business. With open communications, changes and their effects on the organization are quickly shared, allowing time to respond and take advantage of evolving opportunities.’

Mr. Barry concluded:  ‘Good time management, an ability to be decisive, and clearly defined roles and goals within the organisation are essential.  Business today often demands compressed timelines and delivery dates which make extraordinary demands on people.  We try to uphold an effective management structure that can channel the productive capacity of our colleagues towards business growth and profits.’ www.bandf.ie


Members Offers
Mother’s Day Lunch at Castlemartyr Hotel
 

Treat your mother to a delectable Mother’s Day Lunch in the 5 star Castlemartyr Resort. Enjoy a two course lunch for €25 per person or a three course lunch for €35 per person. To make a booking or to purchase a voucher for the above offer contact 021-4219000 or info@castlemartyrresort.ie. The Voucher is valid for 12 months.



Party Time at the Montenotte Hotel
 

Period of the offer available: Offer valid until 30th April.
Summary of offer:                              
Limited dates free in May/June & July. Book your party with us (numbers must be 100 and over), delicious finger food menus available, complimentary room hire decorated with our center pieces & candle light and over night stay for the party guest at The Best Western Montenotte Hotel with spectacular views over looking the City, and our Chamber colleagues can enjoy a 10% discount on final food bill (mentioned on booking) call 021 4530050 or email events@themontenottehotel.com  www.themontenottehotel.com



Member Events
An Event of Interest to Personnel and Senior Managers
 
Date: Friday 28th March
Time: 5.30 - 6.00pm arrive, register and refreshments
6.00pm Presentation
7.00pm Close
Venue: Silversprings Moran Hotel

A special opportunity to find out about how the Scouts can help you...

Scout Ireland which has over 45,000 members is holding its annual conference in the Silversprings Moran Hotel on 29/30 March. An information briefing on the relevance of Scouting in the community and business is taking place on Friday 28th at 6pm at the Convention Centre of the hotel. The event will be of special interest to public representatives and senior management including human resources management of companies in Cork. R.S.V.P. to southernprovince@scouts.ie Tel: 021-4310034 by 12 noon 28th March

 


The Scout movement has changed greatly in the last decade and is recognised as an important provider of non-formal education and life experience for young people from age 6 to 26.

The event will be of special interest to public representatives and senior management including human resources management of companies in Cork. The unique session will conclude in one hour and light refreshments will be served.

The Chief Scout of Ireland, Michael John Shinnick and his team look forward to meeting you.

R.S.V.P. to southernprovince@scouts.ie / Tel: 021-4310034   .......  By 12.00 noon 28th March


Seminar for Retailers and Retail Managers
 

Date: Tuesday 1st April 2014
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel

The seminar follows on from the "Outlook" Retail report and will be hosted by Simon Healy, AIB Retail Sector Specialist (former Chief Executive of ADM Londis & SMS Consulting) and Mark Brendan, AIB Head of Digital Marketing & Innovation. Contact Elmarie Kelleher, Regional Business Banking Manager. Tel 086-0231486. Email: elmarie.m.kelleher@aib.ie


Mark Brennan has worked in digital marketing with some of the biggest brands in the world including Volkswagen & Guinness and has won multiple awards - webbiest, caber lions, Phase site of the month etc. Attendees will discover winning strategies for growing business in 2014 and gain a competitive advantage on the high street and on-line. This is open to all retail businesses - both AIB & Non AIB Customers. There will also be a panel discussion on the night.  

More than one person from each business may attend but please note this seminar is only suitable for those that influence the business strategy. If you have any queries please contact Elmarie Kelleher, Regional Business Banking Manager. Tel 086-0231486. Email: elmarie.m.kelleher@aib.ie


Taking Care of Business
 
Date: 1st April
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Venue: Silver Springs
Cost: Free
To book: online HERE or email HERE

These events have been specifically designed to help small and start-up businesses understand and benefit from the services provided by many of our State offices and agencies.

By attending one of these events you will:

  • Meet with representatives from a range of State offices and agencies throughout the event
  • Get practical information and advice
  • Find out ways to save your business money
  • Get supports and tools to assist you in your business

More information available here



Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge - Information Night
 

Date: Thursday March 27th

Time: 6.30pm

Venue:  Imperial Hotel

Cost: Free

Please contact Thos O’Leary at olearyt@focusireland.ie or call 021 425 1731 for more information

Mirror Mirror on the wall who is the fittest corporate team of all? Over 5,000 people have scaled 11,937 feet over 14 years. Have you missed out? It's not too late. Sign up now and be part of the adventure that changes lives.



Cork Association for Autism 'Light it up Blue’ campaign
 

Date: Begins Saturday March 29th with the Light it up Blue Gala Ball
Venue: Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Douglas
Time: 6.30pm
Cost : €75

The Cork Association for Autism are gearing up for their Light it up Blue campaign which will begin with their Light it up Blue Gala Ball on March 29th at the Maryborough Hotel and Spa, Douglas. This black tie affair is one of the organisations biggest fundraisers in the year with all funds going directly towards the CAA's 'Building for the future' project. Tickets for the Light it Up Blue Gala Ball can be booked at the C.A.A. fundraising office at 18 Cook St., by calling 021 427 1808 or online at www.corkautism.ie.


Tickets for this great event cost €75 which will include a champagne drinks reception, beautiful four course meal, entertainment from the ‘The Incredibles’ and the MC on the night will be PJ Coogan from 96FM. There will be great table prizes up for grabs and the monster raffle include prizes of a pair of two season passes to the 2014 Irish Open at Fota Island and a pair of Il Divo tickets for their concert in Musgrave park in June which includes a limousine escort and weekend stay at The Imperial Hotel.

To continue on with this awareness campaign there will be a 'Light it up Blue' coffee morning taking place at the Electric Bar on the South Mall from 10am-12pm on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day. On this day businesses and public buildings will light up in the colour blue to raise awareness of autism. The public are encouraged to hold their own coffee mornings and other fundraising events throughout this week to raise money for the Cork Association for Autism who provide residential, respite, day service, home support and an asperger syndrome support service to adults on the autism spectrum.

Marion Courtney Fundraising Manager at the Cork Association for Autism hopes that the people of Cork will come along and show their support for these C.A.A events. ‘Our gala ball will kick-start a week of activities which will raise awareness of autism in Cork and raise funds for our newly launched 'Building for the future' project. Support from the public and corporates is vital in order for us to continue to develop our services’.

Tickets for the Light it Up Blue Gala Ball can be booked at the C.A.A. fundraising office at 18 Cook St., by calling 021 427 1808 or online at www.corkautism.ie.


Employment Law & Social Media Breakfast Seminar
 

Date: Thursday 10th April
Time: 7.30am Coffe/Light Refreshments; 8am Presentation
Venue: Hayfield Manor Hotel

Guest Speaker: Jennifer Cashman, Employment & Industrial Relations Partner, Ronan Daly Jermyn
If you would like to atttend, please RSVP to SocialMediaCork@brightwater.ie



CONNECT Business Network Event
 

Date: 2 April
Time: 8.45am
Venue: Macroom E
Cost: €3 per person
Register online at http://macroom-e.com/our-programmes/upcoming-training/
This month’s Guest Speaker is well-known PR Consultant, Lucy O ’Donoghue. In March 2012 Lucy left secure full-time employment to pursue a path of discovery to personal and professional fulfilment. She now runs her own PR and Event Management company, Lucy O'Donoghue Consulting