enter now

Cork Company of the Year Awards in association with Vodafone

ChamberLink
policy
IN THIS ISSUE: Towards a National Tourism Policy Statement Cork Chamber's Dublin Annual Dinner Let's Talk Money, Money, Money!

OCTOBER 2013. ISSUE 9

training

events

promotion

international

works for your business

REGULAR FEATURES: Upcoming Events New Members Members News

T
W W W

Greyhound Stadium 2013

ARTY IGHTS

Curraheen Park

Christmas P N
Christmas Packages....
45 per person
Thursday
Includes: Admission, Racing Card, Mulled Wine Reception, 4 Course Gourmet Meal, Table Side Tote Betting, Table Side Drink Service, Live Racing & Live Music

LAURELS RESTAURANT PACKAGE

Friday Saturday

55 per person

55 per person

Includes: Admission, Racing Card, Mulled Wine Reception, Reserved Area, Finger Food OR Chicken Supper, 5 Drink Voucher, Live Racing & Live Music. Minimum 15, maximum 25 people.

SNUG CHRISTMAS PACKAGE

25 per person

Event Nights & Music....

LAUGHING SHAMROCKS every night with the exception of 28th November when a DJ will be playing

THURS Nov 28th Dec 5th Dec 12th Dec 19th

W

FRI Nov 29th Dec 6th Dec 13th Dec 20th

SAT Nov 30th Dec 7th Dec 14th Dec 21st

Visit www.igb.ie for Packages & Party Information Call IGB Sales Centre 1890 269 969 Email: sales@igb.ie

Book your Christmas Party Now!

ChamberLink
policy training events promotion international

s k r o w
ur bu for yo

siness

Dear Chamber Member Welcome to the October issue of Chamberlink, bringing you all the latest news and information on key upcoming business events and opportunities. The final quarter promises to be a busy one with the concluding seminars in our Access to Finance series, Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner and our Christmas Lunch, alongside the regular Business Breakfasts, After Hours networking event and full Training calendar. We look forward to seeing members from both regions at Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner on Tuesday 19th November in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Burlington Hotel). This is the third year we are running the event which promotes the strenghtening connections between the two cities and affords unique potential for networking opportunity. This month we launch the Cork Company of the Year Awards, in association with Vodafone and we request companies to use this opportunity to reflect on their successes over the past year and submit an application/nomination to us, (see p12 for further information). This month we are delighted to introduce a new feature "Members Business 2 Business" on page 7, where you can avail of competitive advertising rates, contact Deborah at t: (021) 4530149 for a personalised promotional plan. Chamberlink is read by over 5,000 business people every month making it an ideal platform to promote your business. We would like to compliment both Councils, and our other fellow supporting bodies, for organising Rebel Week a flagship event for the Gathering that will see visitors to the city from near and far enjoying a week-long celebration of all things Cork. The Policy department of the Chamber have been extremely busy in the past month preparing submissions on behalf of members and also meeting key stakeholders in the run-up to Budget 2014, a summary of their work can be found on p4. Finally please mark the Friday 22nd November in your diary as the Annual Dinner tickets are going on sale that morning and have sold out in a matter of hours in recent years. Best regards,

contents
policy
4 5 Your Voice Makes the Difference Towards a National Tourism Policy Statement & Current Projects Step Out with Cork innovates & Franchise Start - Cork Let's Talk About Money, Money! Upcoming Courses Access to Finance for SMEs Series Calls for Proposals Are you Cork's Next Top Business Cork Chamber's Dublin Dinner Upcoming Events Recent Events:
- International Financial Services Industry - New Members Networking Breakfast - Breakfast with Rob Penney - Business After Hours in the Port of Cork

partnered projects
6

training
8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16

international

cover story

events

promotion
18 19 21 22 CSR Award Winners Members News Newly Appointed New Members

Conor
Conor Healy Chief Executive conor@corkchamber.ie

connecting

Chamberlink is Sponsored by

Join us on

Follow us on

Cork Chamber, Fitzgerald House, Summerhill North, Cork T: (021) 4509044 F: (021) 4508568 E: info@corkchamber.ie W: www.corkchamber.ie Registered in Ireland no. 13918

Chamberlink is published by Cork Chamber and is a monthly publication exclusive to members. The opinions expressed in Chamberlink are not necessarily those of Cork Chamber, neither do they accept any responsibility or liability for any legal implications arising there from.

Chamber Link

policy

Your input is extremely valuable in informing our policy development work and guiding the business issues we prioritise in our policy advocacy, research and development work.
The Chambers aim is to ensure a strong and powerful representative voice that reflects the needs of our members and delivers on the key requirements and messages communicated by our members to policy-decision makers. In the last few months alone, we have: Communicated key findings from our economic trends survey to the Secretaries General and their senior teams in the Department of Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Developed high-level submissions for the National Aviation Policy consultation, our 2014 Pre-Budget submission, the National Ports Policy consultation guided by members feedback Developed high-level submissions for Cork City and County Council on the priority areas for incorporation into the 2015 2021 City and County Development Plans; the City Centre Movement Strategy and the Joint Metropolitan Retail Study incorporating the key recommendations of members Input into the Chambers Ireland submission on the National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement and the Chambers Ireland Alternative Ten Point Plan for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises integrating commentary and feedback from members All of our policy submissions are communicated to Corkbased Ministers and TDs, city and county councillors and senior civil servants regional and national - to ensure that decision-makers are consistently aware of the requirements and needs of Cork-based businesses and the facilitative supports, which if implemented, will enable businesses to grow and employment to increase within the Cork region. To successfully ensure that our priority messages and policy recommendations reflect your business needs and those of the regional economy in all of our communications with political and policy decision makers, your input is key. The policy team would like to thank members for taking the time to complete our surveys and feed into our consultation work as we develop policy submission documents and proposals and encourages you to continue to do so as we undertake new policy projects and develop new proposals, surveys and submissions. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and extremely valuable in our on-going efforts to ensure the most facilitative environment possible for Cork-based businesses that responds to existing business requirements and successfully attracts new inward investment. Please feel free to contact Alma Murnane, Director of Policy & External Relations, (alma@corkchamber.ie) or Siobhan Bradley, Senior Policy & Research Analyst, (siobhan.bradley@ corkchamber.ie) should you require any further information on the work of the policy team at Cork Chamber. Copies of submissions are available on www.corkchamber.ie

Incorporated your perspectives and feed-back on: - Key business aviation requirements into our meetings with the senior management team in Cork Airport, the Director of the DAA, the Chief Executive of the DAA and the Irish Aviation Authority senior management team; - The skills and training requirements of businesses into our meetings and communications with the DJEI and senior management in UCC and CIT; and - Key regional infrastructure requirements into our meetings with the Minister for Transport & his senior team of advisors and the IMF and guarantee to do same at our upcoming meetings with NAMA and the NRA

"A Strong Representative Voice Informed by You"

Alma Murnane, Director of Policy & External Relations e: alma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530147 Siobhn Bradley, Senior Policy & Research Analyst e: siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530132

Towards a National Tourism Policy Statement

Cork Chamber is preparing a submission for the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sports consultation on the delivery of a national tourism policy statement. A clear statement of policy priorities will address the contribution that tourism makes to national goals, how that contribution will be measured and in what ways tourism can best make its contribution to the Irish economy. Tourism remains central to national economic recovery with the focus on growing export earnings and employment through the sector. The Departments policy statement aims to provide the appropriate direction and support required for and of the sector and will set out a range of objectives, actions and measures to develop tourism for government and tourism agencies and enterprises, industry groups and other relevant bodies. The Department has prepared an Issues Paper and is seeking viewpoints under the following 4 areas: Tourism Marketing Tourism Product Development Human Resources and Training/Innovation/Enterprise Support and Competitiveness Implementing Policy and Service Delivery Mechanisms The Cork region has an extremely valuable and uniquely appealing tourism product and much discussion has focused on the importance of identifying strategies and opportunities to enable the region to capitalise on its natural and abundant tourism resources. The Chamber is preparing a submission for the Department of Transport and Tourisms consultation and is keen to incorporate your views and recommendations across the 4 areas outlined by the Department. Members are invited to submit their views/observations/suggestions on the four key areas to Alma Murnane, Director of Policy and External Affairs (alma@corkchamber.ie) before Friday 18th October 2013. For more information and to access the Issues Paper please visit: http://www.dttas.ie/tourism/english/tourism-policyreview-20132014

Branding/Strategic Messaging of Cork

Some of Our Current Policy Projects

Cork Chamber is a partner organisation on the Regional Strategic Messaging Group (RSMG), chaired by the City Manager, along with Cork County Council, Cork Airport, Port of Cork, SWRA, Failte Ireland, UCC, CIT, Enterprise Ireland and IDA. This group was established in response to the on-going challenges that the lack of an over-arching Cork brand creates for all stakeholders in strategically messaging and pitching Cork in their business development work. To address this, and explore the feasibility of developing an over-arching strategic messaging campaign that could be used by all stakeholders to grow Corks global reputation, the first step of the group is to access the different stakeholder perspectives. By engaging with as wide a range of stakeholders from as diverse a range of sectors as possible, (e.g. tourism/education/business, local governement) the RSMG hope to distil the diversity of messages and more clearly delineate what is, and what Corks brand could be. Cork Chamber is responsible for the collection of data on the economic aspect of this work. To capture the business perspective as comprehensively as possible, we have already administered a survey to all our members on their perspectives of Corks branding and we are currently undertaking a number of in-depth interviews with a number of organisations from a cross-spectrum of industries (e.g. pharma, ICT, agrifood, BPO, financial services). Through these interviews, we aim to gather more detailed insights on the perspectives of those engaged in business/ economic development work around the type of strategic messaging that will benefit businesses in their pitching of Cork to clients/customers and how the region could be more effectively marketed to attract new businesses/investors. In association with

its Branding & Economic Marketing Sub-Committee, the Chamber is due to compile the findings of its consultation for the RMSG in forthcoming weeks and will keep members updated as work progressed.

Government Employment & Recruitment Incentive Schemes

A key issue that members have communicated to us relates to the challenges they encounter in identifying and availing of existing government employment incentive initiatives (e.g. JobBridge, JobsPlus), government grants and assistance schemes (e.g. revenue job assist scheme, short-term enterprise allowance) and employee development schemes (e.g. skillnets, momentum) to support their recruitment and business development needs. A recent survey undertaken by the Chamber corroborates the limited awareness and usage of these schemes and supports amongst businesses and the high demand that exists amongst members for more user-friendly accessible information and advice that enables them to further explore the appropriateness of these supports for their business needs. In association with its Labour Market & Skills Sub-Committee, the Chamber is currently exploring the development of a Chamber web-portal/information pack with localised information and contact points and personalised stories/case studies from businesses who have availed of these schemes to assist our members in identifying and availing of these supports to meet their recruitment and staff/business development needs. The Chamber will keep members updated of our actions as we progress this work.

works for your business

5

Chamber Link

partnered projects

Siobhn Finn, Cork innovates e: siobhan.finn@corkinnovates.com

Step out for Business with Cork innovates on November 14th 2013
The leading showcase for entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and small business, INBusiness INCork will take place on 14 November 2013 at City Hall, Cork. Hosted by Cork innovates, this all-day event promises to be a must-attend for anyone interested in business and entrepreneurship. This year, Cork innovates wants to help you and your business take a step in the right direction, and with this in mind, this years showcase is jam-packed with business value for your company, from a showcase of business support organisations and services, to a stellar line up of motivational and entrepreneurial speakers along with the Vodafones Smart Startup Network. The journey of a business begins with a number of critical steps, explains Siobhan Finn, Cork innovates Co-ordinator. The INBusiness INCork showcase event will enable attendees to take those steps, meeting with potential partners, funding organisations and support agencies as well as hearing from case studies and successful entrepreneurs across every sector including technology, services, food and the craft industry, explains Siobhn Finn. Running from 9am to 4pm, it is expected that this showcase will attract record numbers. The event is free to attend, but registration is recommended at https:// inbusinessincorkshowcase.eventbrite.ie/

Pictured in Banking Hall, AIB Bank, 66 South Mall are Siobhn Finn, Cork innovates; John O'Doherty, AIB and Conor Healy, Cork Chamber. (Photographs: Gerard McCarthy)

The Cork innovates steering group comprises representatives from Cork City Council and Cork County Council, the four Enterprise Boards in the region, Enterprise Ireland, UCC, CIT, Cork Chamber, CorkBIC and the South West Regional Authority (SWRA) as well as a number of entrepreneurs. These stakeholders have come together to identify and support key projects and activities to promote Cork as a location of choice for regional, national and international entrpreneurs. For more go to www.corkinnovates.com Follow up on Twitter @corkinnovates Join us on LinkedIn Group is Cork innovates Like us on Facebook

NA TI

NA

L FRA

NFC
TR
E

Franchise START*- CORK

Explore Your Business Opportunities
Who should go? Owner/Managers - Exploring Expansion Strategies, Interested in Franchising, Evaluating Distributor Options or Looking into Licence arrangements Fee: 495/Person Time: 9.30am-5pm Duration: 5 Days Venue: The Rubicon Centre, CIT Dates: Wk 1: 4th & 5th Nov Wk 2: 11th Nov Wk 3: 18th & 19th Nov For further information contact National Franchise Centre on T: 061 293550 E: nfc@lit.ie W: www.nationalfranchisecentre.ie
*est. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) & Limerick Chamber

Franchise START is 5 days in duration and caters to those who wish to assess the feasibility of business expansion using various models. Often, the cost and time involved in scaling ones venture depends on the complexity of the business, the proposed system and the current position. Franchise START helps participants to evaluate their current situation and what planning is required in areas such as intellectual property, the market, systems, profitability etc. Integrated Business & Management Development. Assists Prospective Franchisors/ Distributors & Licence owners in evaluating business suitability. Clear understanding of next steps -should scaling prove appropriate. Illustrates the complexity of developing a robust expansion strategy. Highlights advantages & pragmatic challenges.

N
CH
ISE CE

To submit adverts for this section e: deborah@corkchamber.ie

Business 2 Business
Why is Alpha Wealth a unique Financial Services Company?
It is because we give something people have not experienced before with regards to how they are advised and their finances managed. We share the same passion and hold long term relationships with our clients throughout different stages in their lives. This is whether it is advice on bank charges to advising on getting the best out of their retirement pot, however large or small. We work hard for all our clients, to assist them to save money, make money and protect them and their families in the event of the unforeseen.

Heffernans Travel Celebrates 90 yrs with Competition for trip to Cuba

Heffernans Travel one of the longest established travel companies in Ireland celebrating 90 years in business. Continuing our 90 years celebrations we are offering our customers a chance to win 2 tickets to Cuba with KLM. Our competition runs for the month of October and November all you have to do is book your holiday with us before 30th November and be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize. We would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout the years. www.heffernans.ie

NeonSMS gets your message to customers

NeonSMS is an Irish owned Text Messaging provider, we offer a low cost solution for your business communication requirements. Text Messaging can benefit all industries with the ability to record delivery and response rates. This direct form of communication will allow you to get your message into the hands of your target audience in real time. Some of our products include Bulk SMS, MFlyer and Email to SMS plus many more innovative solutions. For more information contact Leigh-Ann 021 -2430700. You can also Free text NeonSMS along with your NAME to 50015

Proof. A branding and design agency fuelled by passion, creativity, tea & biscuits.
Proof is a creative agency that offers a wide range of effective graphic design solutions for brand, print and digital media. Our business is the art of communication, delivering powerful messages that bring results. To us every client is unique and for that reason a fresh and innovative approach is taken to each project. We thrive on working with like-minded clients who want to set themselves apart from their competition. Find out more about the Proof Team and view our latest work at www.proof.ie

Thousands off 131 Fords at Cavanaghs

Is your business ready to change car but looking for extra value? Then look no further than our 131 Reg Fords. These cars all come with low mileage, low road tax and an extended 5 year warranty. Whats more, we can offer Cork Chamber members an additional 500 off published retail prices when you mention your Cork Chamber membership at the time of enquiry. Call 1850 500 300, email info@cavanaghs.com or visit www. cavanaghs.com for more.

Get your business message to the right audience!

To include your advertisement in this new section please contact Deborah Barrett on t: 021- 4530149 or e: deborah@corkchamber.ie The cost is 80 per 80 words plus VAT (this includes one image or logo).

works for your business

7

Chamber Link

training

Lets Talk About Money, Money, Money!!

The Business School @ Cork Chamber has just the course to show you how to talk the talk to increase your sales success over the phone!
Course Dates: Trainer: Member Rate:

Increasing Sales by Telephone

12th & 26th November David Malone, Evolve Organisational Learning Consultants 380.00

This course is aimed at sellers who use the telephone to sell products and services directly to consumers. Whether you sell on inbound or outbound calls, this workshop will help you develop the prospecting protocols and influencing skills required to significantly increase your sales success over the phone. This course is ideal for business owners, telephone sales professionals and field sales professionals and will enable you to evaluate your current telephone skills level, to develop an appropriate telephone structure based on best practice, learn how influence works over the phone and ultimately, will enable you to increase your telephone sales results. By the end of this training programme, participants will: Understand the way buyers think and buy WIIFM - Whats in it for me the only item on the customers mind Incremental steps how customers make the decision to proceed with your offering How to structure the call for maximum commercial impact Developing results based call openings that gets the customer interested How to give the customer perceived control at all stages of the call Asking better questions to create better understanding and better sales opportunities Use of summary and conditioning questions to move the call forward How to present your offering focusing on the customers priorities and motivations Asking for the business How to explore and overcome an objection Managing gatekeepers and voice mail Get an outcome for every call: How to bring every call to a conclusion Managing the follow up call - How to get commitment in advance Best practice telephone sales metrics The trainer, David Malone, has worked in the training and consulting industry since 1994 and he joined Evolve Organisational Learning Consultants in 1999. He works as a trainer, speaker and consultant in the areas of sales development and management / personal development. He is considered one of Irelands best training programme designers, and he specialises in the area of inside sales.
Biznetcork Skillnet and Munster Finuas Networks are funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme and Finuas Networks Programme respectively, initiatives of Skillnets Ltd. funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills

Norma Lynch, Training Services Manager e: norma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530142 Aoife Dunne, Training Administrator e: aoife@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530141

Heres some courses to keep you busy in the coming months!

Certificate in Supervisory Management
Course Dates: 1st, 8th & 15th November & 2nd December Member Rate:: 450.00 This FETAC Level 6 course is designed to help participants acquire the knowledge to enable them to understand the role and responsibilities of a supervisor, acquire a range of supervisory and management skills, good interpersonal communication skills and develop good work practices appropriate to the role of supervisor/line manager. It will include the role of the supervisor, conducting a training needs analysis, coaching and mentoring and effective time management.

MS PowerPoint Beyond the Basics

Course Dates: 19th November Member Rate: 100.00 Learn how to produce and run professional looking slide shows. This course reviews the basics of PowerPoint to quickly run through shortcuts and speed keys, working through from text based slide content through to alternative options - inserting ClipArt, pictures, photos, diagrams, movie clips etc. Most importantly, learn the Dos and Donts of PowerPoint.

Influencing & Negotiating Skills

Course Date: 1st November Member Rate: 130.00 This course is designed to enable participants manage their time and workload effectively using MS Outlook as the tool. Reference is made throughout the course to "Time Management Best Practice", but the focus is on putting these principles into practice. The process, when implemented, will enable you to have an empty inbox at the end of each working day and an effective way of prioritising and managing workload.

Personal Productivity using MS Outlook

Course Date: 20th & 21st November Member Rate: 225.00 The programme aims to enable participants to influence the thinking and behaviour of others through the effective use of communication skills. It will enable participants to acquire the skills to prepare and plan effectively for negotiations, to understand the roles and functions people play within the customers organisation, to develop an awareness of strategies to deal with people in the customer organisation and to cultivate the persuasive style of conducting a professional sales negotiation. This is a key skill that once learned has applicability across both business and life situations.

Train the Trainer

Course Dates: 6th, 13th & 20th November Member Rate: 400.00 This course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deliver, assess and evaluate training programmes. It is suitable for people who are working in the area of training and development or who will soon be assuming a training position within their organisation. Participants on this course will gain practical experience and recognised certification as trainers.

Introduction to Technical Writing

E-Mail & Business Writing

Course Dates: 6th November Member Rate: 120.00 This course is ideal for those people who are responsible for communicating in writing with internal and/or external customers or clients. It is designed to give the participants an understanding of the importance of written communication in delivering the core message of their organisation and its brand. Specifically, it will present the techniques to create emails and documents with a clear, logical structure to organise their ideas and key points.

Course Date: 27th November Member Rate:: 130.00 'Any scientist who cannot explain what he is doing to a reasonably intelligent 14-year old is either incompetent or a charlatan' - Einstein. That`s where technical writing comes in. Good technical writers excel at explaining difficult concepts for readers who will have no time to read twice. This course aims to ensure that participants can make their technical documentation accurate, brief, clear, complete and, above all, useful. The emphasis is on writing to impart complex technical information to a specific target audience.

Present & Express with Confidence

Course Date:: 28th November Member Rate: 130.00 This one day 'Present and Express with Confidence' programme takes the fear out of presentations, public speaking, meetings and one to one conversations by furnishing participants with a toolset guaranteed to improve their approach. This programme focuses on structure, content, audience, presenter competency, visual aids and practical demonstration.

Course Dates: 11th & 12th November Member Rate: 230.00 On completion of this course, delegates will have acquired the skills needed to create a new project; analyse and adjust schedules with date, dependency and resource constraints; customise and print Gantt Chart views and reports; and record and review task progress against the baseline. Participants will also acquire the necessary skills to customise and print high quality charts and reports for effective communication of project plans.

MS Project 2010 (2 Day Course: Introduction & Intermediate)

Many congratulations to Sharon ODonovan, General Manager of Mercier Press who won our fantastic prize of 1 night B&B with dinner in the River Lee Hotel for completing our Training Needs Survey. Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, your support is greatly appreciated.

Congratulations!

Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/training

works for your business

9

Chamber Link

international
Access to Finance for SMEs Seminar Series

Katherine Fitzpatrick, Enterprise Europe Network; Michael Ashe, Ulster Bank; Paul Kerr, Credit Review Office; Brendan Moran, Bank of Ireland; Eoin Gunn, AIB; and Conor Healy, Cork Chamber. (Photographs: John Sheehan Photography)

Gerard ORegan, Enterprise Europe Network; Anne Marie Shanahan, AMS Languages; Jan Gerritsen, Enterprise Europe Network; Liz McAvoy, Enterprise Europe Network and Patrick Mc Cutcheon, DG Research & Innovation, European Commission.

Part 1 - Bank Finance

On September 11 2013, the Enterprise Europe Network office in Cork hosted the first part of its four-part autumn seminar series on the theme of Access to Finance for SMEs. This seminar focused on Bank Financing and payment cycle management, what banks look for in a lending application, working capital finance options, export financing, medium and long-term funding facilities. Paul Kerr of the Credit Review Office outlined the procedures open to businesses that have been refused bank credit.

On October 9 2013, the Enterprise Europe Network hosted the second part of its 'Access to Finance for SMEs' series and the focus of this seminar was on EU Funding. The seminar gave an overview of how the EU budget is allocated and how SMEs can apply for direct or indirect funding. A number of SME and Research case studies gave insights to EU funding successes.

Part 2 - EU Funding

Access to Finance for SMEs Seminar Series - Upcoming Events

Venture Capital Seminar
Wednesday 6th November Imperial Hotel 08:00 10:30 The third part of the Access to Finance for SMEs Series will focus on Venture Capital (VC). Session 1 of this seminar will give an introduction to the basics of investment funding, outline the difference between a VC investment and a business angel investment, it will outline the types of companies/sectors that are most likely to attract VC/angel investment, outline the stage when a business is likely to attract private investment, provide an overview of the 'Valley of Death' and give examples of projects invested in by private equity firms. Session 2 of this seminar will give an introduction to the basics of crowd funding and how it works. For further information, please contact Liz@corkchamber. ie

State Agency Funding Seminar

Wednesday 4th December Radisson Blu Hotel 08:00 10:30 The fourth and final part of the Access to Finance for SMEs Serieswill focus on State Agency Funding. This seminar will outline the role of state agencies and government bodies that finance SMEs. It will give an overview of the criteria for application / eligibility and it will outline the key tax incentives and Revenue schemes to assist businesses. For further information, please contact Liz@corkchamber.ie

10

Liz McAvoy, EU Trade & Innovation Services Manager (Acting) e: liz@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530137 Eimear O'Mullane, EU Trade & Innovation Services Executive e: eimear@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530138 Imelda Mulcahy, Export Documentation Manager e: imelda@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530130

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan Award Tyndall-UCC India Industry Event

in association with Ireland India Business Association Keynote Speaker: Indian Ambassador HE Radhika Lal Lokesh Monday, 21st October, 2013, 18.30-20.30 Tyndall National Institute, Dyke Parade, Cork A networking opportunity for industries with Indian links or interested in establishing links with India. Advance booking is essential, see events: www.iiba.ie The second annual EU award for outstanding Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) by regional and local authorities was launched on 2 September. The 2013 award will focus on the integration of economic, social, and environmental policy criteria in the development and delivery of improved mobility policies. SUMPs need not necessarily have been fully implemented in order to be eligible for the award, but should display an integrated and pragmatic approach addressing different, sometimes conflicting, policy issues. The winning authority will benefit from increased visibility of their plan on a European level and a prize fund of 10,000. The deadline for the submission of entries to these awards is 1st November. For further information, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie

Call: iCaptial Innovation Ecosystems

The Commission opened a search to find the inaugural iCapital or European Capital of Innovation last month. The title is to be awarded to the city which can demonstrate how its activities to date and plans for the future are creating the overall conditions for the best sustainable innovation ecosystem whereby the combined efforts of citizens, public organisations, academia, and business can flourish. A single prize fund of 500,000 is on offer as a means of upscaling these activities and ambitions by taking them to the next level and enhancing local innovation capacity. The intention is that the approaches should also be replicable in other cities. As well as the clear need to embrace innovative concepts, processes and tools, candidate cities efforts will be evaluated on the degree to which they reflect a strategic approach which is grounded in inspiration; integration; and interactivity. The deadline to submit applications is 3rd December. For more information, please see: www.ec.europa.eu/icapital

Call: Accessible Tourism

As part of the Preparatory Action Tourism and accessibility for all, DG Enterprise & Industry is providing up to 125,000 each for 7-8 different projects to be addressed towards catering for visitors with special access needs. This call will provide co-financing to proposals dealing with the design, implementation, promotion, and marketing of accessible tourism itineraries in Europe; thus contributing towards allowing visitors with special needs to more fully enjoy tourism experiences on an equal basis with other tourists. Supported activities may relate to accessibility in local tourism development agendas, strategies and practices, such as the adaptation of tourism products and services to special needs; support and guidance to SMEs; providing improved accessibility skills and training in the tourism supply chain and mainstreaming accessibility throughout its segments; and dissemination of best practice approaches. Proposals should identify tourism businesses that already provide quality accessible services. In the design phase, these services will be combined to provide a comprehensive tourism experience, encompassing different aspects of travel. The deadline for this call is 22nd October. For further information about this call, please contact Eimear@ corkchamber.ie

New Eco-Innovation Project Portal

EU-backed initiatives in support of green technologies have now been gathered in one online place, through the ECOWEB portal. Within this portal, information is available on over 1500 projects from the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Development, the Eco-innovation initiative within the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme, and the LIFE+ programme on the environment. The tool is a one-stop information resource which targets SMEs. The database is broken down into four distinct categories: environment, society, energy, and material and production. The portal is accessible through the following link: www.ecoweb.info

works for your business

11

Chamber Link

cover story

Leo O'Leary, Vodafone with Conor Healy, Cork Chamber. (Photograph & Cover by Johnny Bambury)

Are you Corks Next Top Business?

Cork Chamber, in partnership with Vodafone, is actively looking for Cork based companies that have demonstrated significant achievement and success over the past year. The Cork Company of the Year awards are open to all businesses, across varying sectors and sizes, from the Emerging to SMEs to Large indigenous and multinational organisations. Speaking at the launch Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber said; Each year the Cork Company of the Year awards grow in strength and stature making them synonymous with the highest level of achievement in business. The determination and innovation shown by companies over challenging times is inspiring. We are delighted to be working with Vodafone to recognize and celebrate business success and achievements. Both finalists and winners receive significant exposure in media and at the Annual Dinner, which is attended by close to 1000 business people, including the countrys leading business and political figures. Therefore the Chamber encourages all businesses to use this opportunity to reflect on their success over the past year and there is also the opportunity to nominate companies that you believe have got the wow factor. Leo OLeary, Head of Large Sales, Vodafone Ireland said; The calibre of companies that were acknowledged, both finalists and winners, last year was so impressive that we are really looking forward to what the 2014 Cork Company of the Year Awards have in store. Companies across the region are
12

continuously innovating to really progress their businesses and are succeeding; its great that we can acknowledge their hard work and success, and Vodafone is very proud to support these inspiring businesses. Highlighting the significance of the awards, John Dolan, Vice President Global Technical Support, VMWare, the 2013 over winner added, "We were delighted to receive the award from the Cork Chamber of Commerce on behalf of all the hard working people in VMware. The award gave public recognition to the superb quality and can do attitudes of the 700 employees within our organisation and highlighted the talent available to prospective employers in our region. The three award categories are: Cork Large Company of the Year ( more than 100 employees) Cork SME of the Year ( less than 100 employees) Emerging Cork Company of the Year ( less than 5 years in business) To complete the entry form or to nominate a company please visit: www.corkchamber.ie/corkcompany Closing Date: Friday 25th October, 2013. (Nominations) Friday 1st November, 2013. (Applications)

Are you Corks Next Top Business?

Apply now for the Cork Company of the Year Awards and be in with a chance to get recognition and exposure for your business.
The award gave public recognition to the superb quality and can do attitudes of the 700 employees within our organisation and highlighted the talent available to prospective employers in our region.
John Dolan, VMWare

People stood up and took notice of the fact that Keelvar was Cork Chamber Emerging Company of the Year 2013 and this proved to be a strong selling point for us in 2013.
Dr. Alan Holland, Keelvar

This award boosted our presence signi cantly and fostered new and exciting relationships with companies both on a national and international level.
Michael Dineen, Contracting PLUS

The three award categories are:

Cork Large Company of the Year (>100 employees) Cork SME of the Year (< 100 employees) Emerging Cork Company of the Year (< 5 years in business)

Closing date: Friday 25th October at 5pm (Nominations) Friday 1st November 2013 at 1pm (Applications)
All nalists and winners are pro led in Media and at the Annual Dinner on Friday, 7th February 2014 where close to 1,000 leading business people are in attendance giving huge exposure for your company!

http://www.corkchamber.ie/corkcompany

To complete the entry form or to nominate a company visit:

Chamber Link

events
Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner in association with
Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner will take place on Tuesday 19th November in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Burlington). This year we are delighted to announce that the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award will be Leslie Buckley. Leslie Buckley is one of Ireland's most successful business consultants having helped manage the start-up of Esat Telecom Group plc and Esat Digifone Limited. Leslie is currently the Executive Chairman of Saon Group, one of the fastest growing online recruitment companies in the world, Vice Chairman of Digicel and a director and shareholder of a number of other Irish companies including Siteserv, as well as establishing Haven a charitable foundation dedicated to building and up-grading houses for the poorest of the poor. We are also honoured to have Julie Sinnamon, newly appointed CEO of Enterprise Ireland as our Key Note speaker on the evening. This will be one of Julie's first public appearances since her appointment. Other important guests will include key political and business leaders, national influencers and decision makers, as well as national media to ensure Corks economic development is kept high on the national agenda. Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner 2013 will once again promote the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin Businesses and enhance existing business relations between the two regions. It gives unique potential for Dublin-based companies to meet with their Cork peers as well as Cork companies doing business in Dublin. It also affords the opportunity for networking amongst Cork business people who are Dublin based.

John Higgins, EY with Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber. (Photographs: Andy Gibson Photograpy)

Cork Chamber is delighted to welcome EY as the event sponsor for the second year running. With cross office service teams from Cork and Dublin working with some of the country's largest indigenous and multinational businesses, EY is leading the way in establishing the type of business connections this event is trying to promote. 7.30pm 11.30pm Tuesday 19th November Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Burlington Hotel) 120 per ticket / 1200 per table of ten

on www.corkchamber.ie/upcoming/events

Important Dates for your Diary

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19TH, 7.30pm - Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner in association with EY FRIDAY 22ND NOVEMBER, 9.00am - Tickets for Cork Chamber Annual Dinner go on sale! FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER, 12.30pm - Annual Christmas Lunch in association with IBM
14

Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133

Upcoming Events - Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/upcoming/events

Access to Finance for SMES Part 3 - Venture Capital
The third part of the Access to Finance for SMEs Series will focus on Venture Capital (VC). This seminar will give an introduction to the basics of investment funding, outline the difference between a VC investment and a business angel investment, it will outline the types of companies/sectors that are most likely to attract VC/angel investment, outline the stage when a business is likely to attract private investment, provide an overview of the 'Valley of Death' and give examples of projects invested in by private equity firms. The seminar will also give an introduction to the basics of crowd funding and how it works. For further information, please contact Liz@corkchamber.ie

Wednesday 6th November 8.00am-10.30am Imperial Hotel FREE for Cork Chamber members

Business Breakfast in association with

Cork Chamber is delighted to welcome Richie Boucher, CEO of Bank of Ireland Group as the speaker for the November Business Breakfast. Richie Boucher was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Ireland Group in February 2009 and has led the Group through a major recapitalisation, restructuring and rationalisation process maintaining the Bank in private ownership with its core-franchises intact. He was Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland Groups Retail Division from January 2006 to February 2009 having previously spent two years as Chief Executive Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland Group. Richie is a past President of both the Irish Banking Federation and the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. Join with your fellow members to hear directly from the leader of a key Irish bank talk about the new landscape of banking in Ireland, from local to global. This is a unique opportunity for you to ask some of those burning banking questions, so dont miss out!

Richie Boucher, CEO, Bank of Ireland Wednesday 13th November 7.30am 9.00am Clarion Hotel 20 members/35 non members

Cork Chamber's Dublin Dinner in association with

Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner will take place on Tuesday 19th November in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Burlington). This year we are delighted to announce that the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award will be Leslie Buckley. We are also honoured to have Julie Sinnamon, newly appointed CEO of Enterprise Ireland as our Key Note speaker on the evening. This will be one of Julies first national engagements since her recent appointment. Other important guests will include key political and business leaders, national influencers and decision makers, as well as national media to ensure Corks economic development is kept high on the national agenda. For more information and booking details, please see Page 14 Book your place online on www.corkchamber.ie

7.30pm-11.30pm Tuesday 19th November 2012 Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Burlington Hotel) 120 per ticket / 1200 per table of 10

Business After Hours at St Lukes Home, Blackrock

Cork Chamber brings you another FREE networking event for your November calendar, so its definitely time to start getting down to business before the Christmas rush! This months event will take place in Northridge House on the grounds of St Lukes Home in Blackrock. Northridge House was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins in 2012 and is a state-of-the-art, bright, spacious and attractive venue which is an ideal facility for businesses, associations, organisations, government bodies, societies and clubs who need a conference or meeting room for team building, training or seminars. Join us for this fun networking event, where you will meet a minimum of 8-10 contacts with the help of the Chamber bell, in the bright and modern surroundings of Northridge House.

Tuesday 26th November 5.30pm 7.00pm Northridge House, St Lukes Home FREE for Cork Chamber members

Places for events are limited, please quote Purchase Order if required. Events Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted up to 72hrs before each event. After this all places will be charged. This policy applies to all events.

works for your business

15

Chamber Link

events
Recent Business Breakfasts
International Financial Services Industry Event
Recently over 60 Cork professionals working in the international financial services industry attended a Funds Industry Update in the Port of Cork, where Pat Lardner, CEO of the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA) and Declan Casey, Legal and Technical Director of the IFIA provided a briefing on the Irish funds industry as well as a regulatory update on industry developments in UCITS V, Money Market Funds and AIFMD. Peter Kane, MD of Citco Fund Services (Ireland) Ltd, acted as MC on the night, which concluded with an informative Q&A session. Barrie OConnell, Deputy President Cork Chamber, acknowledged the importance of the growing investment funds industry to the Cork region, with over 1,000 people in the greater Cork area employed by the sector. The event was organised by the Cork Funds Network* in conjunction with Cork Chamber and concluded with a networking reception. *The Cork Funds Network was established in 2012 to promote awareness of the funds industry in
Cork, and to provide a series of networking events for professionals in the sector. The Network is comprised of individuals from fund administration companies, service providers, and the education sector. Terry Clune, Connect Ireland with John Mullins, President Cork Chamber. (Photograph: Denis Scannell)

Peter Kane, Citco; Barrie O'Connell, KPMG & Deputy President Cork Chamber; Pat Lardner and Declan Casey from the IFIA. (Photographs: Gerard McCarthy)

New Members Networking Breakfast in association with AIB

the Chamber and a great way to get to know your fellow new members. Cork Chamber Ambassadors also participated in this event, giving new members the benefit of their extensive experience and as always offering a helping hand at events where needed.

Cork Chamber and AIB have once again joined forces to host the Cork Chamber New Members Breakfast Series in 2013. The third in the four part series of New Members Breakfasts saw over 40 new Chamber companies attended this event, each one showcasing their company to the crowd as well as participating in a one minute soapbox great practice for all aspiring networkers in

John O'Doherty, AIB with Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber. (Photographs: Gerard McCarthy Photograpy)

Gillian Peters, interactive Events Ltd; Liam Hayes, Home and Business Cleaning and Ciana Aspell, Incidium Marketing.

John McCarthy, Apex Fire and Paul McNally, Paul McNally Architect.

John Watson, Emcor and Steve Lenox, William Fry Solicitors.

Gerard Walsh, Grant Thornton Ireland and Dave Moran, Dave Moran Office Supplies.

16

Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133

Business Breakfast with Rob Penney

Cork Chamber was delighted to welcome Munster Head Coach Rob Penney to speak at the September Business Breakfast at the Fitzgerald Vienna Woods Hotel. Rob was Head Coach of Canterbury from 2006 to 2012 and in his last season took them to their fourth straight ITM Cup national provincial title. Rob has been Head Coach of the Munster Rugby team since July 2012. This was a truly unique opportunity to hear the Head Coach of the Munster Rugby Team talk about what is involved in motivating and invigorating a team, whether on or off the pitch. Over 140 attendees were treated to an inspiring presentation encompassing Robs key elements to creating a united group; Culture, Wisdom, Work ethic, Resilience, Integrity and Teamness. Ensuring there is a positive culture is essential. If that lives in the heart and soul of the people then it will allow people to strive for improvement and success will follow. He recommended leaders to focus on connecting and motivating their teams so that the job is done for the joy of doing than for rewards, he recommended books which have contributed to his strategy and that he has his players reading. His final point was

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber; Rob Penney, Head Coach Munster Rugby; Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber and Aidan Forde, Irish Examiner (Photograph: Dan Linehan)

that a leader should aim for sustainability so that the team can continue to perform to their best after the leader has moved on. The Soapboxes on the morning were Brightwater Recruitment and the Irish Heart Foundation.

Business After Hours in the Port

Michelle Ryan, Ronan Daly Jermyn; Carla Manning, CACM Accountants; Catherine Kearney, Celtic Interiors and Laya healthcare MD Donal Clancy with Cork Chamber President, Gillian The Port of Cork hosted the September Business After Hours Karl O'Flanagan, Brand Magic. Keating. Networking event in the stunning boardroom of the Custom House. With spectacular views of the city, the building is also steeped in historical significance and is the heart of trade in Cork. So a perfect setting for the September Business After Hours!

Almost 100 Chamber members congregated in the Port to meet potential clients, develop relationships with existing clients and overall raise their company profiles through the networking opportunity provided by this event. Soapboxes on the night were given by Proof Graphic Design, Irishmadegifts.com and Cork Opera House, all with a very strong message and a very effective one minute pitch.
Carmel O'Keeffe, Dress For Success and Claire Liston, Weddings and Events by Franc.

Brendan Keating, Port of Cork and Olan Wixted, Davy & Deputy President. (Photographs: John Allen) with Paul Dennehy, Barry Hanrahan, Laya healthcare chatting Neil McSorley, Top Security and Mick O'Regan, Arachas. Absolute Business Continuity Solutions.

Mandy Devlin, FRS Recruitment with Martin Coomey, Willis and Susan Boeg, James Riordan Anne O'Dwyer, Alpha Wealth Ltd, having her blood pressure checked by nurse Eimear Coffey & Partners. of Laya healthcare.

Kathy ODwyer, Career Training Internships and Susie Horgan, Springboard PR. Dermot O'Hara, Kenneth Kling and Declan O'Hara, all of MSL Mercedes Benz Cork, attending the Cork Chamber business after hours event.

works for your business

17

Chamber Link

promotion
We would like to congratulate all the winners of 2013 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards, held in Dublin on Thursday Sept 12th, in particular our Cork Chamber members Janssen, Maritime Hotel, Ulster Bank, UCC and Fuzion PR. Now in its tenth year the awards recognise companies that demonstrate what can be done, beyond profit and margin, for their local community and environment. The quality and reach of CSR initiatives is continually improving and we were particularly delighted to see such a large number of entrants of Cork companies this year. Organised by Chambers Ireland and run in association with the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government and kindly sponsored by BAM Contractors and SmartSimple Software Ireland. Each winner was presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Tipperary Crystal and details of the Cork winners are as follows: Excellence in Environment Award Large Indigenous Company Joint Winner University College Cork for their Green Campus Programme. The initiative aims to make environmental awareness and action an integral part of the philosophy of University Life. Excellence in CSR by an SME Award The Maritime Hotel for working Towards a Greener Hotel. This involves a proactive Green policy approach to protecting the environment implemented through all policies. Excellence in Communication Award Fuzion Communications for Safebook. Responding to the issue of Cyberbullying Safebook provides simple guidelines to promote the responsible use of social media and tips to those experiencing abusive behaviour. Excellence in Marketplace CSR Award Ulster Bank for BusinessWomenCan. This involves a dynamic collaboration between women-led businesses, mentored by internal and external ambassadors, working together to support women in business to be more successful. Excellence in Community Community Programme Multinational Company Janssen Supply Chain Ireland for Message in a Bottle. This programme encourages people to keep relevant medical details in a bottle in their fridge and thereby enables appropriate medical treatment provided in the event of emergency.

CSR Award Winners

Andy Gibson Photography - Members Offer

Following on from over 20 years of passionate involvement with photography, Andy Gibson turned professional and set up Andy Gibson Photography in February of this year. Andy offers a wide range of photographic services including: Commercial, Events, Portraits and Weddings. Presently, Andy is offering Cork Chamber members a 20% discount on all services and picture sales. For example, you might desire a 16x12 mounted print of a landscape image for your office, which is ready to frame and usually retails at 50 for Chamber members it is reduced by 20%. Perhaps your company needs headshots of its employees? Andy Gibson Photography can photograph your entire workforce on-site. Andy took the Cover photo for last month's Chamberlink which was the announcement of the Cork Chambers Dublin Dinner 2013 and an example of his work can be found on this page. To view more of Andys work, go to his website or Facebook page. Andy can be contacted via his website (andygibsonphotography.com), Facebook page and can also be found on Twitter (@ AndytheLensman) and LinkedIn or give him a call on: 086 738 8863.
18

Portrait by Andy Gibson Photography

Barbara-Anne Richardson, Director of Membership Development & Services e: barbara-anne@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530140

Members News

Camera, Lights, Action!

The 58th Cork Film Festival, Irelands oldest film festival will take place from November 9th-17th and will screen big budget films, world cinema, independent films, international documentaries and short films from Ireland and all over the world. The festival opens with Nebraska, Alexander Paynes latest film which tells the story of a road trip between a father and a son where bittersweet personal truths are uncovered and savoured. The Closing Night Presentation is Kill Your Darlings, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at this years Sundance Film Festival and stars Daniel Radcliffe in a breakthrough career defining performance as Allen Ginsberg. This year, the Festival presents a series of films with a revolutionary spirit, looking at the brave individuals who fight injustice and an event series which explores challenging and topical themes through debate and film. There will be a Nicholas Roeg retrospective, a programme of Mexican film and some very special live music events.

Cracking Open Smarter Egg Event Series

People from across the business spectrum recently gathered at the White Horse in Ballincollig for the first in a new season of Smarter Egg events. The on-stage interview featured American writer, designer and entrepreneur AJ Leon, who was visiting Ireland as part of his world tour to launch his new book 'The Life & Times of a Remarkable Misfit', a project almost four times over-funded on Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform Aodan Enright, Smarter Egg with AJ Leon. for creative projects. AJ had a fascinating story to tell. He is involved in many extraordinary projects, from crowdfunding windmills in Kenya to running sell-out conferences in Fargo, North Dakota while travelling around the world in 1,880 days. The event also featured more of the Egg Talks series talks from Carmel OKeeffe, Dress for Success Cork who spoke about how this globally successful concept has been adapted for Cork and Doreen OMahony, Digital Brand Manager, Laya Healthcare shared her story on her road to Digital Damascus, illustrating how social media has transformed her career.

Catherine Green, Kayleigh Houlihan, Lillian O'Regan and Emmet Foley from Regus.

Regus Cork celebrates 5 year anniversary

Five years ago the worlds largest workspace provider, Regus became one of the first tenants in Corks City Gate development Since then, flexible workspace in the Regus centre has helped hundreds of businesses from local start-ups to multinationals to set up base in the area, and has played an important role in City Gates emergence as a thriving tech and business hub. Today it is one of the most sought-after business addresses in Cork. Emmet Foley, GM for Regus in Cork says: Id like to thank the Cork chamber and business community for their continued support over the last 5 years. Were lucky to live in a city with such a strong entrepreneurial spirit, as evidenced by events like Cork Meet and Cork Innovates, which we actively engage in."
Seamus O'Reilly, Chairman Cork ARC; Bernard Casey, Cork Jazz Festival, Cllr. Lorraine Kingston, Deputy Lord Mayor; Hilary Sullivan, Cork ARC and Michael Mullins, CAB Motors.

Cork Arc Official Charity for Jazz Festival

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kingston officially launched the Cork ARC Cancer Support House fundraising prizedraw campaign as Cork Jazz Festival Official Charity Partner in Reardens of Washington St recently. The raffle prize, a brand new Ford KA Edge, was in situ where sales of raffle tickets for 5 began to sell in earnest. Representatives of Cork ARC Cancer Support House will be selling raffle tickets in Wilton Shopping Centre on 17th & 18th October and on the streets of Cork from the 21st 27th October. Tickets can be bought online at www.corkcancersupport.ie. The Raffle prize winners name will be drawn on Sunday night (Oct 27th) at the Festival Club, Gresham Metropole Hotel at 10pm.

works for your business

19

Chamber Link

promotion
Members News
Leading the way from Cobh to Canberra
An Irish company has signed an agreement with Australias largest healthcare provider which could see half a million Australian dollars in revenue generated over the next 12 months. Leading Edge Group, a leading provider of Lean education and consultancy, will partner with the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) to deliver training programmes to organisations affiliated with the AHHA network. With offices in the UK and Canada, Leading Edge Group already has a strong international presence and works in partnership with a number of academic and professional bodies internationally to provide accredited Lean certification programmes. The deal with the AHHA is very significant for access to the Australia n healthcare market for Leading Edge Group.

Brian Honan, Ronan Murphy, Matthew Clarke, Norma O Callaghan, Gillian Keating and Dervla Mannion.

Trend Micro & Smarttech.ie join forces Black-Tie Charity Ball

Trend Micro & Smarttech.ie recently a joint executive forum A new charitable trust to offer free held advice to chari in Hayfield Manor. This prestigious event brought together senior business leaders to learn about the increasing cyber security threat landscape. Keynote Speaker JD Sherry Vice President, Technology and Solutions at Trend Micro who had been presenting at the Gartner conference in London flew in especially for the event. After dinner he gave the attendees a fascinating insight into the world of cyber crime and also practical advice on how to protect both their business & personal identity. JD also gave strategic advice on how Ireland was ideally positioned to lead the European market in the delivery of Cloud services. The questions and answers session provided a fascinating insight into people's views and understanding of Internet security.

Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport Director and his colleagues, celebrating the news that Cork Airport has placed first for overall customer satisfaction.

CORK AIRPORT RANKED FIRST

Cork Airport has placed first for overall customer satisfaction in a respected global survey of passengers. Cork Airport saw off all contenders in the latest Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Regional survey, which is carried out globally on behalf of Airports Council International. The passenger survey measured customer satisfaction across eight categories in 61 regional airports worldwide. Cork Airport scored highest of all the airports, and was ranked as the worlds best regional airport for customer service by both business and leisure travellers.
Christine Moloney, Executive Chairperson of ILAM with Richard Tierney, Micheal Brew and Joanne Lenihan.

Irelands Largest Health & Fitness Conference held in Cork

Health and Fitness professionals from all over Ireland converged on Cork City recently, as the annual Irish Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) conference took place in City Hall. It is the main event in the calendar year for professionals working in the health & fitness industry, and will be attended by over 400 delegates. The conference addressed key areas of concern for industry attendees, such as the role of fitness and leisure in dealing with growing health issues and obesity and membership retention and the fitness sector in Europe . This was led by Herman Rutgers, former Executive Director of EHFA, the European Health and Fitness Association in Brussels.
20

Mercy Stars Awards

The Mercy Stars Awards, an exciting new initiative developed by the Mercy Hospital Foundation, recognising the important role played by staff and volunteers, right across the hospital, took place at a very special Awards ceremony in Cork City Gaol. The Winners were presented with a specially commissioned Mercy Star from Keanes Jewellers. The Mercy Stars Awards offered patients and their families, as well as staff in the hospital, the opportunity to nominate the people who have made a difference in their lives- nurses, doctors, porters, care attendants- any staff member at the Mercy who has played a role in their hospital experience, to recognise them for their efforts for patients. The Awards were kindly sponsored by Quintas Wealth Management and TOSHMedical.

To submit articles for Members News e: imelda@corkchamber.ie

Newly Appointed

Katie Sloane, Cork International Airport Hotel

Maggie Timoney, Heineken Ireland

Francis Farrell, Contracting Plus

Katie joins Cork International Airport Hotel

Cork International Airport Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Katie Sloane to the position of Business Development Manager. Katie has over 5 years experience working in Sales and Business Development with well-known hotel brands in Ireland, including the Castlemartyr Resort, The Radisson and Clarion Hotel groups. With qualifications in tourism and hospitality, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role at Cork International Airport Hotel.

Timoney Appointed Managing Director

Maggie Timoney has been appointed Managing Director HEINEKEN Ireland. A fifteen year veteran of HEINEKEN Maggie previously served as Chief People Officer at HEINEKEN USA (since 2010), during a period that saw a significant turnaround in its business. In her prior role as General Manager of HEINEKEN Canada (20062010), she drove substantial growth of the HEINEKEN brand, resulting in Canada becoming one of the brands top ten markets in the world. Maggie joined HEINEKEN from Sound Distributing, an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler, where she was Vice President of Sales.

Contracting PLUS strengthens their tax team

Contracting PLUS is delighted to announce the appointment of Francis Farrell as Tax Director to lead their national and international tax teams. Francis is a leading tax practitioner, specialising in employment tax, international mobility and social security. Having worked in this area for over 18 years, Francis joins Contracting PLUS from Deloitte, where he was a Director on their Global Employer Services Group, previous to which he was a leading member of PricewaterhouseCoopers employment tax team.

Ted joins National Business Machines

Ted Sheehan has joined managed print specialists, National Business Machines Ltd., who are a Xerox Premier Partner, as Senior Account Manager based in Cork. He has worked with Copyquip for the last 15 years as Account Manager supplying document solutions to clients in Cork and Kerry. He brings a wealth of skill and experience to NBM who have been a Xerox Partner for the last 29 years.

Christine & Jane join the Travelfox team

Travelfox, Little Island Cork are pleased to announce the appointment of Christine O'Sullivan and Jane McMahon. Prior to this Christine was Manager with Falcon Travel and Jane was a Senior Sales Consultant.

Ted Sheehan, National Business Machines

Christine O'Sullivan and Jane McMahon, Travelfox.ie

works for your business

21

connecting
We welcome the following new members
Accountants/Auditors
O'Connor Pyne & Co. Ltd Dynamic and innovative firm of Chartered Accountants,Taxation and Business Advisers with offices in Cork and Kerry. Contact: Conor Pyne T: (021) 4810080 E: info@oconnorpyne.com W: www.oconnorpyne.ie

Patrick Doyle, Membership Development Manager e: patrick@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530145

Entertainment/Leisure/Tourism
Borrach Investments Limited This company comprises of a caravan park, retail premises and apartment accommodation all based in Youghal. Contact: Dan Dorrian T: (024) 91234 E: pjdorrian@gmail.com

Media/Publishing/Video Production
Walton Magazine Walton is Irelands science communications specialist with publications aimed at research and innovation, a website specialising in science news and a childrens science magazine with experiments to do at home. Contact: John O'Donoghue T: (089) 4690124 E: editor@waltonmagazine.com W: www.walton.ie

Education/Training/Languages
Cork English World A school accredited by the Dept. of Education dedicated to the teaching of general, exam and business English Contact: Paul Sheehan T: (021) 4320005 E: paul@cew.ie W: www.cew.ie

Food/Drink

Veronica's Snacks Veronica's Snacks produce healthy gluten free crisps in a range of different flavours. Contact: Veronica Kenneally T: (086) 2587497 E: veronica@veronicassnack.ie W: www.veronicassnacks.ie

Printing/Packaging

Hotel/Guesthouse

Screenflex Ireland Ltd Screenflex Ireland Ltd are supplying furniture & technology products to the educational market since 2000. Screenflex Ireland Ltd are exclusive distributors for three major US companies - Midwest Folding Products & Screenflex in Chicago and ArcoBell Corpora Contact: Hugh Shields T: (021) 4887851 E: hs.screenflex@gmail.com W: www.screenflexireland.ie

Barnabrow House Barnabrow House is set on a private estate in a stunning location just 15 minutes from Cork ideal for Corporate meetings. Contact: Mary Russell T: (021) 4652534 E: weddings@barnabrowhouse.ie W: www.barnabrowhouse.ie

Digital Documents Limited Digital Documents Ltd is an Irish company with its head office and 35000SqFt document storage facility in Youghal. Contact: Gerard Morgan T: (024) 93908 E: gmorgan@digital-docs.com W: www.digitaldocuments.ie

IT Services

Enterprise/Trade Development

SELR8R SELR8R is a mentor driven accelerator programme to help take market disrupting products to the global marketplace. Contact: Wayne Murphy T: (087) 0918466 E: wayne@selr8r.com W: www.selr8r.com

Business Software Solutions We provide companies with practical solutions to business challenges through innovative use of technology. Contact: Michael Kelsey T: (021) 4979817 E: michael@businesssoftware.ie W: www.businesssoftware.ie

Recruitment/Executive Search Oxford International We recruit and place freelance contractors on temporary roles throughout Europe. Contact: Michelle Kenneally T: (021) 4857200 E: michelle_kenneally@oxfordcorp.com W: www.oxfordcorp.eu

NEW

CORKS NEWEST, VIBRANT & MOST EXCITING BAR & RESTAURANT

OPENING OCTOBER 25TH

T H E M A RY B O R O U G H H OT E L A N D S PA M A RY B O R O U G H H I L L D O U G L A S CO R K I R E L A N D T E L + 3 5 3 2 1 4 3 6 5 5 5 5 FA X + 3 5 3 2 1 4 3 6 5 6 6 2 E M A I L : I N F O @ M A RY B O R O U G H . I E

W W W. M A RY B O R O U G H . CO M