Cork Chamber's monthly magazine. November 2013 Issue 10 featuring:
Science: Ignite your Curiosity - Cork Chamber School Science Awards in association with Boston Scientific; Strategic Messaging of Cork; Cork innovates wins Prestigious Award; Jobseeker Support Programme 2013 as wells as Upcoming Events and Members News.
Cork Chamber's monthly magazine. November 2013 Issue 10 featuring:
Science: Ignite your Curiosity - Cork Chamber School Science Awards in association with Boston Scientific; Strategic Messaging of Cork; Cork innovates wins Prestigious Award; Jobseeker Support Programme 2013 as wells as Upcoming Events and Members News.
Cork Chamber's monthly magazine. November 2013 Issue 10 featuring:
Science: Ignite your Curiosity - Cork Chamber School Science Awards in association with Boston Scientific; Strategic Messaging of Cork; Cork innovates wins Prestigious Award; Jobseeker Support Programme 2013 as wells as Upcoming Events and Members News.
CHAMBERLINK REGULAR FEATURES: Upcoming Events New Members Members News IN THIS ISSUE: Strategic Messaging of Cork Celebratation of Cork's Sporting Heroes Jobseeker Support Programme 20123 NOVEMBER 2013. ISSUE 10 Chamber School Science Awards in association with Boston Scientific igniting curiosity Promote Your Business As a member of Cork Chamber you have the opportunity to promote your business through our wide range of established promotion and communication tools, from speaking opportunities, advertising, sponsorship, networking and social media. Its up to YOU how much you want to get out of your membership and above is a summary of some of the ways to become involved. Please contact Deborah who can advise on how to maximise your profle through the Chamber and prepare a personalised plan for your business Sponsorship LinkedIn Events Membership Directory Networking Website eBulletin Chamberlink e: deborah@corkchamberl.ie or t: 021- 4530149 policy training events promotion international policy 4 Strategic Marketing of Cork 5 Chamber Inuences Policy partnered projects 6 Cork innovates & Cork Convention Bureau cover story 7 Chamber Ignites Students' Curiosity training 8 Jobseeker Support Programme 9 Upcoming Courses international 10 Access to Finance Series Part 4 - State Agency Funding 11 Calls for Proposals & Recent Embassy Trade Briengs events 12 A Celebration of Cork's Sporting Heroes 13 Upcoming Events 14 Breakfast Briengs with eircom & Bank of Ireland 15 All Aboard - The Startup Express promotion 16 On th Move 17 Members News 21 Members Business 2 Business connecting 22 New Members Follow us on Chamberlink is Sponsored by CHAMBERLINK contents 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. 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 Join us on w o r k s fo r y o u r b u s in e s s Dear Chamber Member
Last month saw the Chamber work with members across a number of projects including 10 jobseekers being ofer employment through the JSSP Programme being run by the Business School@Cork Chamber and a team of students from St. Patricks College winning the School Science Awards, kindly sponsored by Boston Scientifc. Congratulations to Cork innovates who picked up the award for best Joint Local Authority project at the recent Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards, run by Chambers Ireland. Cork Chamber has long recognised the importance of developing an environment which is conducive to entrepreneurship and was a founding member of Cork innovates to fulfll this need. We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate both Cork City and Cork County Councils for having the foresight to fund this initiative through the Economic Development Fund. The branding work continues with the aim to develop an over-arching strategic messaging campaign that could be used by all stakeholders to grow Corks global reputation, we would like to thank our members for their feedback to the survey and those that have taken part in interviews. The key fndings have been reported to Regional Strategic Messaging Group and a summary can be found on page 4. The Chambers Policy department have recently participated in a number of high-level meetings with senior fgures across various governmental departments, including Minister of State for Public Sector Reform & the Ofce of Public Works, Mr. Brian Hayes, T.D., highlighting the key issues and challenges facing businesses in the Cork region. Looking ahead to the last few weeks of 2013 we will see the fnal event in our Access to Finance series examining State Agency Funding, on Wednesday 4 th December. Our fnal business breakfast of 2013 will feature Tony O Reilly, founder and CEO of Providence Resources on Wednesday 11 th December and our Christmas Lunch will be held on Friday 13 th December in the Radison Little Island with speakers Rob Hefernan and Steve Redmond set to inspire us for 2014! These combined with our two networking events on the 26 th November in St Lukes Home and 17 th December in the Kiln, Heineken will ensure a busy run to Christmas! Best regards, Conor Conor Healy Chief Executive conor@corkchamber.ie CHAMBER LINK 4 policy The Chamber is a partner in the Regional Strategic Messaging Group (RSMG) which is chaired by the City Manager and includes representation from Cork County Council, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, UCC, CIT, Failte Ireland, SWRA, the Port and the Airport. 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. The group is currently over- seeing a regional consultation which is focused on accessing the diferent stakeholder perspectives across a wide range of sectors in Cork (e.g. tourism/education/business) to explore the feasibility of developing an over-arching strategic messaging campaign that could be used by all stakeholders to grow Corks global reputation. Cork Chamber is responsible for the collection of data from the business community to support the RSMG in clearly defning the benefts that Cork has to ofer as a business location. To capture the business perspective as comprehensively as possible, we have administered a survey to all our members on their perspectives of Corks branding. The key fndings of these reports have now been communicated to the RSMG and a summary of key fndings follow. Membership Branding Survey: Key Findings Profle of Survey Respondents: Figure 1 shows the size of companies participating in the survey. Micro-enterprises accounted for the largest business cohort (30%), followed by companies employing 501+ employees (19%), 26 100 employees (18%) and 11 25 employees (16%). The vast majority of companies (72%) had operated in Cork for more than 10 years, while 14% had been in operated in Cork for less than 2 years and the remaining 17% had operated in Cork for between three and ten years. The Strengths: Pluses of Doing Business in Cork The majority of businesses (85%) felt that their Cork location was an advantage for their business. Businesses were asked to identify what they loved most about doing business in Cork. The most frequently cited responses included: The People & talent: honest, friendly and good-natured; welcoming approach; available talent profles and personnel, strong work ethic and can-do attitude which is biased towards action, change, progression and a love of their place The Scale: compact nature and ease of getting around the city; small and friendly, yet professional; proximity to client base, big city benefts, but less crowded; powerful connections with major companies but with ease of doing business locally; key players within reach scale is conducive to faster decision-making Infrastructure: improved road infrastructure has made surrounding regions/cities more accessible; relatively well connected via airport, train station, harbours and ports and bus routes; Supportive, professional networks: ease at which professional relationships are built and maintained; cluster structures support accessing required talent; vibrant market with good industry mix; good support networks that are pro- industry; active Chamber Education: quality of educational attainment in the region; two quality HEIs; the Tyndall Institute Work/life balance: cultural infrastructure and nightlife; great surroundings; good for entertaining guests (food, history, access to West Cork); natural amenities and country side Images of Cork In developing and implementing a strategic messaging campaign, the images that the region portrays are vital in creating associations between city and place. Businesses highlighted the following key images, when asked to picture Cork: The sea/coast English Market West Cork Jazz Green felds Food Quirky little streets City centre/Patrick Street St. Finbarrs Cathedral The River Lee Shandon The Port of Cork Night time view of the city A busy City Hall UCC Campus Fitzgerald Park Cork is a sleeping giant. It has achieved so much and is a great place to live but could offer so much more. We should promote ourselves as a can do city, able to take on any opportunity and bring it to a highly successful outcome. The best little city in the world to do business Cork should have a global image and yet be a small city I would like Cork to be known as a hub for entrepreneurs, research and a broad gamut of sectors attracting some of the largest companies in the world to put their base here Update on Policy Research Projects: Strategic Messaging of Cork works for your business 5 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 The Challenge: 86% of businesses engage with clients/businesses outside of Ireland but only 58% of businesses refer to Cork in their marketing materials Businesses described external client/business awareness of Cork [outside of Ireland] as: o Minimal 51% reported that they usually have to explain and inform clients about Cork in their introductory meetings o Sufcient 49% reported that external clients have a general level of awareness of Cork as a business location but would not have in-depth awareness/ familiarity with the reigon o High awareness critically, no businesses reported a high level of awareness/familiarity with Cork amongst external clients prior to their engaging with them Next Steps This survey completed by members has been supported and further augmented though in-depth interviews between the Chamber and a number of leading businesses from a cross- spectrum of industries (e.g. pharma, ICT, agrifood, BPO, fnancial services) in the Cork region. The fndings of the Chambers survey and the results of our in- depth interviews have now been communicated to the Regional Strategic Messaging Group and Cork Chamber will continue to input into the strategic messaging development work on behalf of Corks business community. We will continue to update you on this work and the progress of the Regional Strategic Messaging Group. Many thanks to all those businesses who took the time to complete our survey and input into our strategic messaging work. Cork Chamber recently met with the Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Ofce of Public Works, Mr. Brian Hayes T.D., at Cork Chamber ofces. The Chamber outlined their concern around the uncertainty in relation to future food prevention in Cork and the serious impact this is having on business with regard to insurance cover and on future investment and development decisions, in addition to the essential involvement of SMEs in public sector contracts. The Chambers frustration, prevalent amongst businesses in Cork regarding the project timelines for the Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme was communicated to the Minister. It was highlighted that we are approaching the four year anniversary of the severe 2009 fooding event and are now facing into another 4-year timeframe project timeline (2013 2017) before Cork City is protected from potential future fooding. The Minister and his department were urged to do everything possible to ensure that this timeframe is not elongated due to delays in design and construction funding approvals or any other ministerial steps. Cork Chamber will continue to engage with the OPW to ensure the views of our membership are communicated through the public consultation process. The Chamber also raised the issue of procurement with the Minister and the fact that it is critical that local SMEs form part of the framework of the newly established Ofce of Government Procurement given that public sector contracts represent a lifeline for many Irish SMEs. It was stated that while Cork Chamber supports cost containment and efciencies by Government, this cannot be at the cost of our SME community. The business generated by the public sector at a regional level plays a vital role in terms of job creation and economic sustainability and an efective and efcient service which delivers a tendering and procurement process which is transparent and inclusive of all sizes of businesses is essential. The Chamber will continue to advocate on these key issues in the months ahead on behalf of our membership with both Minister Hayes, the OPW, the Ofce of Government Procurement and other relevant decision-makers. Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber with Minister of State for Public Service Reform & the Ofce of Public Works, Brian Hayes T.D. (Photograph: Diane Cusack Photogaphy) Chamber Inuences Policy partnered projects 6 CHAMBER LINK Siobhn Finn, Cork innovates e: siobhan.fnn@corkinnovates.com Cork innovates recently scoped the 'Joint Local Authority' Award under the Chambers Ireland 10 th Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards. The Excellence in Local Government Awards showcase best practice in local government and highlight some of the great projects that local authorities are undertaking. The Awards are judged by a panel of expert judges working in the feld of Local Government and have been taking place since 2004. The 'Join Local Authority Award' is sponsored by ESB Networks. Commenting at the Awards Dinner Siobhn Finn of Cork innovates said 'I am thrilled that the work of Cork innovates and the commitment and support of the local authorities to the initiative had been recognised by Chambers Ireland. Cork innovates is a unique project and to have made such a positive impression on the judges certainly makes all the hard work worthwhile'. Mr. Healy said, "Cork Chamber has long recognised the importance of developing an environment which is conducive to entrepreneurship in the Cork region and as a founding member of Cork innovates to fulfll this need, we would like to take the opportunity to congratulate both Cork City and Cork County Councils for having the foresight to fund this initiative through the Economic Development Fund". Cork innovates is funded by the Cork County Council and Cork City Council by the Economic Development Fund under the CASP Framework and is hosted by Cork Chamber. For more go to www.corkinnovates.com Follow up on Twitter @corkinnovates Join us on LinkedIn Like us on Facebook
Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) welcomes the recent announcement of a large scale dedicated conference and events centre for Cork with the government pledging 10 million towards the development in the recent budget.
Evelyn OSullivan, General Manager of the CCB states The recent announcement will have a hugely positive impact on the hospitality sector and businesses in general in the region. Over 8,000 conference visitors came to Cork in 2012. Each international visitor has an average spend of 1,400 across a wide range of sectors from retail, to transport, hospitality to entertainment and leisure. If we can grow these visitor numbers by ofering a large scale conference and events centre, the whole region will beneft. Cork Convention Bureau is a public-private partnership that promotes the Cork region as a destination for business tourism (i.e. for meetings, incentives, conferences and events) and generates opportunities for major infuencers to come to Cork and experience the wealth of facilities on ofer. Cork Convention Bureau has the advantage of having both of the local authorities as key stakeholders as well as IHF Cork Branch, Cork Airport, Cork Chamber and Filte Ireland so we are well placed to support and work with the developers and operators of the centre at all stages and remaining at the forefront of driving new conference and meetings business into the Cork region. Government Funding for Large Scale Conference & Event Centre Conor Healy, Cork Chamber; Siobhan Finn, Cork innovates; Gerry O'Sullivan, ESB Networks; Phil HoganT.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government; Catherine Clancy, Lord Mayor of Cork; Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland; Noel O'Connor, Mayor of Cork County; Tim Lucey, City Manager and Martin Riordan, County Manager. Cork innovates wins Prestigious Award works for your business 7 cover story Cork Chamber Ignites Students Curiosity Third Prize winners Peadar Cronin (13) and Timmy Hennessy (14) from Colaiste Mhuire Buttevant. Mark Shorten (13) and Kellie Keohane (14) from St. Brogan's College Bandon who collected second prize for their project. CEO of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, congratulated participants of the Cork Chamber 2nd Year School Science Awards that took place in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). The competition, which is in its sixth year, has been sponsored annually by Boston Scientifc and this years projects were entered under the theme Science: Ignite your Curiosity. A team from St. Patricks College on Gardiners Hill won frst prize in the competition with their project entitled Our Solar System, while second and third prizes went to St. Brogans College in Bandon (The Big Colourful Bang Theory) and Coliste Mhuire in Buttevant (Slurry Safety) respectively. The presentations were judged by representatives of Boston Scientifc, Phillips 66 and CIT. Commenting on the Awards, Dave Austin of Phillips 66 said, This science awards scheme was launched in 2008 in response to the widely-recognised problem of the declining numbers of science and engineering graduates in Ireland. The aim of the competition, which is open to applications from a number of schools in the Cork region, is to generate an interest in science among pre- Junior Certifcate students.
CIT has a strong commitment to education and social inclusion and through its Access Service Programmes, it works in partnership with all key stakeholders to deliver a range of support programmes for the various education groups. CITs Science for Life Ofcer, Dr Sharon Lawton, stated that The Awards are key to generating an interest in science among young people; allowing them to explore and enjoy future career options in the feld of Science. Speaking at the event Miriam OSullivan, HR Director of Boston Scientifc, said, Boston Scientifc is proud to sponsor the Cork Chamber School Science Award. Every year we see an improvement in the creativity and the quality of the projects that are entered. In many cases the students are actively applying the knowledge gained in class and using it as the basis for demonstrating solutions to everyday problems. Cork has a strong cluster of world-class, science-based industries operating locally and we hope that initiatives such as this awards scheme will encourage students to continue studying science at higher level and ultimately pursue careers in science. Cork Chambers Conor Healy continued by saying that the sciences ofer challenging and fulflling career opportunities and Cork Chamber are committed to supporting the teaching and study of science in Cork. Dave Austin, Phillips 66; Brendan O'Connell , Head of Biological Sciences CIT; Aileen Courtney, St Patrick's College with winning students Chantel Lee (14), Michaela Broe (13), Helen Quill (14) and Ciara McAulife (14); Miriam O'Sullivan, Boston Scientifc and Conor Healy, Cork Chamber. Entrants in the "Science: Ignite your Curiosity" - 6 th Cork Chamber School Science Awards in association with Boston Scientifc min Cork Institute of Technology. (Photographs & Cover; Diane Cusack Photography) training 8 CHAMBER LINK 88 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 Jobseeker Support Programme 2013 The Business School @ Cork Chamber ran our very frst Jobseeker Support Programme (JSSP) this year, which is 100% funded by Skillnets Ltd. The JSSP Programme facilitates a one-month bootcamp training followed by a one-month work placement. Intercall, Irelands most innovative outsourcing specialists, partnered with us in providing work placements, as it is currently in the process of expanding and recruiting sales associates. The one-month bootcamp training, delivered by the College of Progressive Education, included a Certifcate in Consultative Selling (FETAC Level 6) course, I.T. training, Personal Efectiveness and also training on Intercalls in-bound and out-bound sales campaigns. Immediately following the training, the jobseekers commenced their one-month work placement. We ran two consecutive Jobseeker Support Programmes, one starting in September and another in October and from these two programmes, 16 jobseekers completed and received a qualifcation in Sales and 10 were ofered employment, a fantastic achievement for all involved! Last Course for 2013 Last course for 2013 is Project Management Professional on 4th, 5th, 6th December 2013 Book now as only few places remaining. Niall Kelleher, Intercall MD with Norma Lynch, Training Services Manager, Business School @ Cork Chamber. Centre of operations at Intercall. works for your business 9 works for your business 9 works for your business 99 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 Biznetcork Skillnet, the Business School @ Cork Chamber, is delighted to announce that our application for funding for training in 2014 to Skillnets Limited has been approved, with an increase on 2013. This is a signifcant endorsement that the evolving portfolio of training courses provided by the Business School is not only closely aligned to enterprise needs but is of exceptionally high standard providing participants with the skills and business knowledge across a range of subject areas. Another key aspect of the training provided is the outstanding value for money due to the funding subsidy applied via Skillnets Ltd, ensuring our courses are competitively priced and allowing businesses to up-skill their workforce in a cost-efective way. All our trainers are selected through a rigorous procurement process which will commence shortly for 2014. We pride ourselves on the fact that all our trainers are leaders within their respective felds and all utilise their experiences to provide contemporary course content in an engaging learning environment. Courses are held in local prestigious city hotels and we ensure that class sizes are small, so that individual attention is guaranteed. We look forward to continuing helping you to maximise the value you get from your training budget in 2014. Jonathan Murphy, Director of the College of Progressive Education; Claire Coultis, Intercall Sales Agent; Norma Lynch, Training Services Manager, Business School @ Cork Chamber; Charlie Mernagh, Director of the School of Business at the College of Progressive Education; Elaine Carmon, Intercall Sales Agent; Paul Murphy, Intercall Sales Agent and Niall Kelleher, Intercall MD. Here is Paul Murphys story, one of our successful jobseekers: Paul was over two years unemployed, having previously worked in the construction industry. He heard about our programme through his friend and decided to give it a go. This was a complete change for Paul, as he was used to the outdoor life and manual work. Paul and his friend started the one-month bootcamp training together. He said the training really boosted his confdence, as well as equipping him with new skills. He learnt how there are four basic personality types and how you build rapport with your client by matching your style with theirs. Even within the class, he could identify the diferent personalities. He had never done anything like this before and found it fascinating. After the initial months training, he was selected for work placement on an in-bound sales campaign. He said, he liked this as the callers were already half-way over the line and he just had to convince them to go all the way. After the one-month work placement, he was ofered the job. He is thrilled and he says he really enjoys the challenge of converting callers into clients. As to missing the outdoors, he says he always goes for a walk at lunchtime and also in the evening with his daughter. As Paul was classed as long term unemployed, he qualifes for JobsPlus, a new government initiative. This initiative essentially means that Pauls employer will receive 400+ per month for the frst 24 months of Pauls employment. The JobsPlus scheme (see www.jobsplus.ie) is a brand new initiative of the Department of Social Protection, designed to incentivise all employers to hire long term unemployed. Paul's Story Great 10 international CHAMBER LINK John Bowman, Dave Sheane and Bryan Hyland at the Enterprise Europe Network seminar Venture Capital and Private Investment. Gavin Burke, Nebula Ventures and Ernest Cantillon, Cork Entrepreneur both speakers at the October Access to Finance for SMEs seminar and Liz McAvoy, Acting Manager, Enterprise Europe Network. (Photographs: John Sheehan Photography) IIBA Christmas Lunch The Ireland India Business Association (IIBA)-Cork Chapter, has announced details of their Christmas lunch which takes place on Friday 6 th December in the River Lee Hotel, Cork. The event will kick of with a mulled wine reception at 1.30pm and a special Indian Christmas lunch will commence at 2.30pm. Former RTE personality Bibi Baskin will share stories from her business and life in India and her return to Ireland. This years lunch is sponsored by Euler Hermes. Tickets are 20 each, email corkchapter@IIBA.ie to book. For further information contact Liz@corkchamber.ie Reections on Forty Years of Irish Membership of the EU A major two day multi-disciplinary event exploring the evolution of Irelands 40 year relationship with the EU will take place 28- 29 November in the North Wing Council room of University College Cork (UCC), in association with the Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies (IACES). The conference will bring together leading fgures from the worlds of academia, politics, civil society, business and the media. For further information, contact liz@corkchamber.ie First International Forum of the European Youth Parliament Ireland Next autumn, the European Youth Parliament (EYP) Ireland will host its 1st International Forum in Cork, gathering over 200 bright, young Europeans to discuss pressing European issues under the theme: Green Light for Technology and Innovation. The EYP is the largest youth organisation in Europe and home to some of Europes most promising citizens. In order to achieve its goal, it is seeking corporate sponsors. For more information contact eimear@corkchamber.ie or take a look at www.cork2014 Wednesday 4 th December, Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island , 08:00 10:30 Access to Finance for SMEs - Part 4 - State Agency Funding Seminar The fourth and fnal part of the Enterprise Europe Networks Access to Finance for SMEs series will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Wednesday, December 4th, 8am. State Agency Funding and Revenue Incentives to support business startups and business growth will be identifed by a broad cross section of agencies including Cork Enterprise Boards, LEADER Development Companies, Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland, MicroFinance Ireland, and the Revenue Commissioners. Business supports from these agencies range from training and mentoring programmes, feasibility grants, microfnance loans, advice, support and fnance to develop export markets, job expansion funds, etc. This seminar will be of interest to those considering starting their own business, those committed to developing a new business as well as business expansions in the domestic and exports markets. Book a place online at www.corkchamber.ie/events/upcoming. For further information, contact liz@corkchamber.ie works for your business 11 11 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 Labour market skills The EU Programme for Employment & Social Solidarity (PROGRESS) opened a call for proposals on 22 October with the objective of addressing persistent labour market skills shortages and mismatches in order to help fll the gap between supply and demand through new forms of collaborative partnership between public and private actors. This could involve organisations such as employment services, business including SMEs, chambers of commerce, training and education providers and social partners. The call refects 4 priority areas for job creation to include identifying efective implementation measures, good practices and innovative approaches: Joint initiatives aimed at anticipating green skills needs and supporting structural and sectorial adaptation through improving worker adaptability and mobility in three key sectors: construction; recycling; and electricity, gas and air conditioning supply. ICTs and the Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs. Personal and household services. Supporting the consolidation of European Sector Skills Councils Activities to be fnanced under this call should be concrete, action-oriented and ofer obvious added value. Some of the options to be envisaged could cover: Implementation and delivery of sustainable placement and job insertion initiatives Labour market intelligence gathering Training measures Establishment of networks and the development and exchange of best practice through targeted events. Deadline: 15 January 2014 Social Innovation for Employment On 24 October, the European Social Innovation Competition 2014 was launched as part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP). Its scope is to seek new solutions to reduce unemployment and minimize its damaging efects on the economy and society by raising awareness of social innovations potential to foster growth, entrepreneurship and solutions to help people move towards work or create new types of employment activities. In order to help the best ideas to reach the stage of prototyping, a strong mentoring component is included, which aims at turning a 30-strong short-list of the best ideas submitted into tangible and sustainable projects with detailed implementation plans. This will involve training via the assistance of international companies, communication and fnancial professionals, and social entrepreneurs. Applications will be assessed on a combined set of criteria covering their degree of innovation, extent of potential impact and potential for sustainability and scale. 3 projects will ultimately be supported to the tune of 30,000 each. Deadline: 11 December For further information about these calls for proposals, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie On Friday 1 st November, Cork Chamber strengthened its overseas ties and met with Ambassadors and Embassy representatives from the Ethiopian, Kenyan, Lesotho, Moroccan, Nigerian, South African and US Embassies. Each of the delegations spoke about the economic opportunities which their respective countries ofer to Ireland. Opportunities exist in a wide range of sectors and include the ICT, Infrastructure, Education and Energy. For more information about these opportunities, contact Liz@corkchamber. ie United States & African Embassy Trade Briengs Immaculate N Wambua, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Kenya; Hailu Neri Beza, Counsellor, Embassy of Ethiopia; H.E. Felix Y. Pwol, Ambassador of Nigeria; H.E. Lela-Alem Gebreyohanes, Ambassador of Ethiopia; Conor Healy, Cork Chamber; H.E. Anas Khales, Ambassador of Morocco & Dean of African Group of Ambassdors in Ireland; Cosmas Kimutai, Secondary Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Kenya and Liz McAvoy, Enterprise Europe Network. Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber and Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber with Stuart Dwyer, Charg dAfaires, US Embassy. Call for Proposals 12 CHAMBER LINK events Cork Chamber is kicking of the Christmas period in style with two of Corks greatest sporting heroes to inspire and motivate you for 2014. Steve Redmond is a world class open water swimmer and became the frst person in the world to conquer the Oceans 7 challenge last year. Rob Hefernan is a champion race walker and winner of the 2013 World Championships in Moscow 50km race. Both are proud Cork men and leaders in their chosen feld, fying the fag for Ireland on the international stage. We look forward to an interactive session where they share their motivational secrets and determination to succeed that we can all apply to our business lives. This event will kick of with a Christmas Drinks Reception, sponsored by Brightwater Recruitment Specialists and is ideal for entertaining staf or corporate clients as it uniquely combines inspiring speakers, active networking, lots of great prizes with Christmas merriment! So book now and join with your fellow Cork Chamber and Marketing Institute of Ireland members for one of the most popular events in the Chamber calendar. A Celebration of Corks Sporting Heroes in association with
Friday 13 th December 12.30pm 3.30pm Radisson Hotel, Little Island 50 Cork Chamber & MII members / 75 non members Drinks Reception, sponsored by works for your business 13 Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133 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. Upcoming Events - Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/upcoming/events 7.30am 9.00am Wednesday 11 th December Venue TBC 20 members / 35 non members Cork Chamber is proud to bring you the fnal Business Breakfast of 2013 and this December event will feature Tony OReilly, founder and CEO of Providence Resources. Providence Resources is an Irish based upstream oil and gas company active in the exploration and development of hydrocabon assets ofshore Ireland and the United Kingdom, who has received a signifcant amount of international industry interest in its Barryroe Assets. Providence Resources has recently reported profts of 1.3m Tony has been CEO of the Wedgewood Group and Chairman of ARCON International Resources P.l.c. where he spent 13 years from 1992 2005 and served as Chairman from 2001 2005 and is currently serving as a Trustee of the OReilly Foundation and a Trustee of the Industrial Relations Research Trust. As the fnal Business Breakfast in 2013, take this opportunity to hear from an infuential and successful Irish businessman, as well as joining with your fellow members for some pre- Christmas networking! Business Breakfast in association with The fourth and fnal part of the Enterprise Europe Networks Access to Finance for SMEs series will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on Wednesday, December 4th, 8am. State Agency Funding and Revenue Incentives to support business startups and business growth will be identifed by a broad cross section of agencies including Cork Enterprise Boards, LEADER Development Companies, Enterprise Ireland, MicroFinance Ireland, and the Revenue Commissioners. Business supports from these agencies range from training and mentoring programmes, feasibility grants, microfnance loans, advice, support and fnance to develop export markets, job expansion funds, etc. This seminar will be of interest to those considering starting their own business, those committed to developing a new business as well as business expansions in the domestic and exports markets. Access to Finance for SMEs Part 4 - State Agency Funding Seminar 8:00am 10:30am Wednesday 4 th December, Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island , FREE for Cork Chamber members One of the most popular events in the Cork Chamber calendar. Heineken will once again host this festive after hours evening in their hospitality suite "The Kiln". Drinks, Food, Prizes and plenty of Networking Opportunities all provided on the night with lots of Christmas party spirit. A great way to network with fellow Chamber members in a relaxed and festive atmosphere, so bring along some colleagues and/or clients and make a night of it. Festive Cheer at The Kiln, Heineken 5.30pm 7.00pm Tues 17 th December The Kiln Hospitality Suite, Heineken FREE for Cork Chamber members events 14 CHAMBER LINK Recent Business Breakfasts Terry Clune, Connect Ireland with John Mullins, President Cork Chamber. (Photograph: Denis Scannell) events 14 CHAMBER LINK events 14 CHAMBER LINK events 14 CHAMBER LINK Business Breakfasts in association with the Irish Examiner Cork Chamber was 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 Ofcer 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. Addressing the 250 attendees he said that he believes in the branch network, the bank is investing in it and is committed to maintaining a branch presence at every centre of commerce. He stressed that the bank has no shortage of capital. The bank has restructured and is well on the way to sustainable profts, it needs to deploy that capital and needs a return on that capital in order to be successful. The bank has received 10 billion private capital funding since 2009, reduced its operating costs by 25% and reduced staf by 6000 over that period. Mr Boucher paid tribute to the taxpayer who he said gave the bank a huge dig out. He said that repaying that loan has been at the core of his management of the bank since he took over in 2009. We got massive help from the taxpayer. When I came into the job I felt that this was one of the most important things we had to achieve and my colleagues are tired of me repeating the three Rs. Before every board meeting it is the three Rs reduce the risk, reward the risk, repay the risk, he said. He ended by stating let us work with you to achieve your ambitions and that will allow us to achiever ours. The soapboxes on the morning were AB Sales, City Life Wealth Advisors and Sky Windows. Cork Chamber was delighted to welcome eircom Chief Executive Herb Hribar to speak at the October Business Breakfast at the Cork International Airport Hotel. Herb outlined how eircom continues to be at the heart of economic activity in Ireland. 2012 saw eircom go through the largest examinership process in Europe and following this process, they have emerged as a much stronger company. eircom plan on investing 1.5 billion in the coming years on improving their infrastructure, their systems, IT and people to make their service better. They have recently rolled out their new 4G product and by June 2015, hope to have this technology available to 1.5 million homes across Ireland. They are the frst provider to deliver this 4G network which will allow for internet access with 10 times more than the current download speed, approximately 10-15 megabytes per second. eircom are also working on the launch of their IPTV network and once this is of the ground, will be able to ofer customers a TV led bundle wherein they will ofer all products on the one bill and help make eircom a value leader in the market. eircom are also currently investing in cloud computing and have partnered up with Amazon Web Services to deliver this. Herb concluded by saying that eircom are committed to delivering great customer service and they are well on their way to fulflling their promise of investing 1.5 billion in their products and services. eircom ofers the total solution for their customers, at work, on the move and on the pause. The soapboxes on the morning were Munster Rugby, Cork Film Festival, VHI Swiftcare Clinic and Smile Resource Exchange. Conor Healy, Cork Chamber; Herb Hribar, eircom; Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber; and Aidan Forde, Irish Examiner. (Photograph: Dan Linehan) Conor Healy, Cork Chamber; Richie Boucher, Bank of Ireland; Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber; and Aidan Forde, Irish Examiner. . (Photographs: DENIS SCANNELL Recovery Requires Investment Eircom planning to combine TV with phone and broadband bundles works for your business 15 Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133 works for your business 15 Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133 Laya healthcare MD Donal Clancy with Cork Chamber President, Gillian Keating. Barry Hanrahan, Laya healthcare chatting with Paul Dennehy, Arachas. Carmel O'Keefe, Dress For Success and Claire Liston, Weddings and Events by Franc. Anne O'Dwyer, Alpha Wealth Ltd, having her blood pressure checked by nurse Eimear Cofey of Laya healthcare. Neil McSorley, Top Security and Mick O'Regan, Absolute Business Continuity Solutions. Dermot O'Hara, Kenneth Kling and Declan O'Hara, all of MSL Mercedes Benz Cork, attending the Cork Chamber business after hours event. Michelle Ryan, Ronan Daly Jermyn; Carla Manning, CACM Accountants; Catherine Kearney, Celtic Interiors and Karl O'Flanagan, Brand Magic. works for your business 15 Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133 works for your business 15 Leigh Gillen, Events Manager e: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133 THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT A FLEMINGS VOUCHER Flemings Georgian House & Restaurant Dine in our award-winning restaurant. Delicious seasonal dishes, open fires, flickering candlelight, comfort and service. At Flemings We Offer You: Restaurant seating up to 90 persons Private rooms available Corporate dining Traditional Christmas Evening. Saturday Nov 30th Silvergrange House, Tivoli, Cork T: 021 482 1621 | E: info@flemingsrestaurant.ie For more information visit www.flemingsrestaurant.ie for your Festive Celebration Classic Location Pat Phelan & Chris Kennedy, Trustev; Clare Dillon, Microsoft Ireland; Gillian Keating, Cork Chamber; Michael Meagher & Niall Moran, Microsoft Ireland boarding the Startup Express. Nearly 180 entrepreneurs, businesspeople, technologists, students and general startup junkies from the region were transported to Dublin to facilitate them taking part in the Web Summit. Once on board they were given the opportunity to take part in a host of networking and activities in three specially designated carriages. Best of all, it was completely free with all costs being covered by three of Corks technology companies - VoxPro, PCH International and Trustev. Cork Chamber was delighted to support this initiative and to have President Gillian Keating on board! Peter Dufy, Daniel Rosehill and Brendan Finucane, Vconnecta; on board the Startup Express from Cork to the Dublin Web Summit. (Photograph: Neil Danton Photography) All Aboard - the Startup Express 16 promotion CHAMBER LINK VERDE LED adds to its team As a result of recently securing a number of international contracts, VERDE LED, has appointed Salvador Valdivia as Applications Engineer. Salvador will be responsible for development, testing and introduction of new products to market. Salvador studied Electrical Engineering in the Universidad Politcnica de Madrid, Spain; and wrote his fnal thesis in Finland, whilst in the Tampere University of Applied Sciences. He worked as intern in Elecnor, the biggest electrical installer in Spain; followed by two years in Slovakia in the photometric laboratory of the R&D department of a luminaire manufacturer. New at Fastnet Recruitment Fastnet Recruitment is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer OBrien as Recruitment Consultant. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in management and marketing from University College Cork and has more than 6 years experience in customer services and relationship managment. Jennifer will support Fastnets clients seeking highly educated candidates with customer service and multi-lingual skills to support signifcant growth in the Pharma, Shared Services and ICT sectors. Edel Cox, Fuzion Communications. On the Move Edel Cox joins Fuzion Edel Cox has been appointed as a PR Consultant at Fuzion Communications in the Cork Ofce. Edel holds a Masters in Public Relations and a Business and Management Degree from Dublin Institute of Technology. Edel worked as a PR Account Manager in a Dublin Agency, Market Match, working on a number of leading national brands including 11850, Littlewoods Ireland, Vichy, La Roche Posay and Roger & Gallet. Prior to Edel joining Fuzion, she worked as in-house PR & Marketing Manager in The Mardyke Entertainment Complex Cork and was responsible for the roll out of new positions in the complex. Hilary now Audit Senior Business advisory and fnancial services frm, Westboro Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Hilary French as Audit Senior in the Business Advisory Services department. A Business Graduate of CIT, Hilary is a chartered accountant with more than 16 years experience in industry and joins the expanding team at an exciting time for Westboro Partners. Hilary qualifed as a Certifed Chartered Accountant in 2006, and has extensive experience with start-ups and small to medium size businesses. Jennifer O'Brien, Fastnet Recruitment. Hilary French, Westboro Partners. Salvador Valdivia, VERDE LED. works for your business 17 Barbara-Anne Richardson, Director of Membership Development & Services e: barbara-anne@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530140 Cork English College and UCC sign MOU Cork English College (CEC) and University College Cork (UCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning CECs University Pathways Programmes. This academic year programme prepares international students for entry into undergraduate and Masters programmes in UCC. UCC attracts a large number of international students with more than 2,800 students from over 100 countries and all fve continents currently registered. CEC was founded in 1978 and welcomes over 3,000 students a year to Cork. CEC is also an ofcial Cambridge and IELTS testing centre. CEC is currently accepting students on its University Pathways Programme. European Award for Recordati Based in Ringaskiddy, Recordati Ireland, a subsidiary of Italian company Recordati, set out in 2007 on a project to reduce its energy usage and carbon footprint by at least 10%. It began with the idea that sustainability was important not just for fnancial gain but was an important ethical concern of all employees. By 2012 the company had achieved a 19% drop in energy demand whilst simultaneously increasing output by 37%. In July 2013, Recordati Ireland submitted the project for both the National and European Responsible Care Awards. CEFIC (the European Chemical Industry Council) announced Recordati Ireland as the joint winner, with fellow Irish-based Italian company Rottapharm, of the European Responsible Care Awards on October 4 th in Munich. Subsequently, Pharmachemical Ireland (the National Representative body of the Pharma sector in Ireland) also awarded Recordati Ireland frst prize in this category on 11 th
October. Forza shortlisted for marketing awards The CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Marketing Excellence Awards is Irelands premier showcase for best practice within the sales & marketing sector. The competition recognises outstanding creativity and originality, combined with demonstrable results in successful marketing campaigns. This year, Forza Direct Marketing have been nominated for no less than 3 separate category awards: Best Business Services campaign, Best Engineering Sector campaign and Best Arts & Heritage Sector campaign. We focus primarily on working with start-ups and SMEs, enabling them to punch above their weight, which is what these accolades recognise I think says Forza MD Ivan Lavelle. Canadian deal for Leading Edge Leading Edge Group, a global leader in the provision of Lean education and consultancy, will collaborate with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to ofer online and instructor-led education and training programmes to organisations and individuals across Canada. The deal, which is said to be worth in excess of half a million Canadian dollars initially, clearly demonstrates the world-class solution currently ofered by Leading Edge. Since entering the Canadian market in 2008, the Leading Edge Group have achieved double-digit growth year over year. Best Value Hotel in Cork The Cork International Airport Hotel took home the award for Best Value Hotel at the 2013 National Hospitality Awards. We are absolutely delighted to be awarded Best Value Hotel in Ireland; we have a dedicated team of staf who all work together to bring our customers the best possible service at the best possible value, said Aaron Mansworth, General Manager of Cork International Airport Hotel. The award comes following a signifcant redevelopment at the hotel, and the launch of the New Yorker Bar and Restaurant as well as the Aviators Club, the early learning and activity centre for children staying at and visiting The Cork International Airport Hotel. Carbery Group expands in the US Carbery Group has announced a signifcant investment in their Synergy Flavours division with the opening of a new state of the art manufacturing and R&D facility in Wauconda, Illinois. Synergy Flavours has a signifcant presence in the USA and the UK, and also has facilities in Brazil and in Thailand to serve the growing opportunity in these regions. Donal Tobin, Chairman of Carbery Group, performed the ofcial opening of the new facility together with Roderick W. Sowders, President and CEO of Synergy Flavors Inc. Commenting on the new facility, Donal Tobin, said This is an exciting milestone for Synergy and Carbery Group. The new facility is a key investment in the business - in favour creation laboratories, state of the art manufacturing and customer service - and one that will secure the futures of our shareholders and employees." Members News Plant Manager Dr. Michael Kilkelly & Production Manager Davide Botta (both centre) naccepting the European Responsible Care Award for SMEs on behalf of Recordati Ireland. Hannah Wrixon of The Last Minute Minders Team and Aaron Mansworth, General Manager of Cork International Airport Hotel pictured at the launch of the hotels 'Aviators Club'. Black-Tie Charity Ball A new charitable trust to ofer free advice to chari Winter Schedule takes of Cork Airport has unveiled its exciting winter schedule with 1,000,000 seats available from Cork for winter 2013. Passengers can fy to more than 32 destinations across the UK and Europe with Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional operated by Aer Arann, Ryanair, Jet2.com and Irelands leading Tour Operators. Aer Lingus Regional is to increase its seats by 10% from Cork this winter and ofer up to three fights a day on services to key UK business and leisure destinations, Manchester and Birmingham. Ryanair will launch its new, three times weekly service from Cork to East Midlands, serving Nottingham, Derby and Leicester in early November. CAVA Service going West The Chartered Accountants Cork Society has announced that the Chartered Accountants Voluntary Advice service (CAVA) is to extend its free business advisory service to West Cork. Originally set up in the Leinster area in 2007, CAVA is a free, confdential, independent organisation that provides advice to business people who cannot aford to pay for an accountant. CAVAs volunteers come from a range of backgrounds including major accountancy practices, smaller regional practices and retired members. Volunteers give practical advice in a face-to-face consultation clinic, helping people to address their immediate problems and manage them into the future. Anyone wishing to contact CAVA for a consultation or if you are a Chartered Accountant who wishes to volunteer for the service, please contact Fiona Collins, fona.collins@charteredaccountants.ie) VERDE LED enters the US market VERDE LED, a leading Irish manufacturer of energy saving LED lighting solutions, located in Cork, has recently entered the lucrative US market. The lighting industry in the US is a difcult industry for non-US suppliers to break into due to diferent electrical protocols and a very exacting certifcation system; however VERDE LED, who specialises in the design, supply and installation of LED efcient lighting solutions for commercial and industrial applications, has created a full range of products specifcally for the demanding US market. The frst contract for VERDE LED through a Boston distributor was for a large car park in Boston. VERDE LED has also won the contract for the lighting in an Innovation Design Centre for PCH. VERDE LED is now set to appoint a distributor for the New York area. News from Michael Powell Solicitors Michael Powell Solicitors has announced the appointment of two well-known business people to its Board of Management; Harry Lorton (Chairman) and David Hyland (Finance Director). The frm also announced achievement of ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. Lorton and Hyland join the three existing Partners; solicitors Michael Powell, Finbarr OLeary and Sean Durcan. Harry Lorton is former CEO of Cork & Limerick Savings Bank, TSB Bank and Permanent TSB, Chairman of marketing frm H & A Marketing & PR, and of the Johnson & Perrott Motor Group. David Hyland is an experienced and well-known Chartered Accountant and Financial Consultant and previously worked with Ernst & Young. MSL Cork Business People of the year An Tnaiste and Minister for Foreign Afairs & Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, was in Cork to attend the MSL Cork Business Person of the Year Awards 2013 and announced Dan and Linda Kiely as the overall winners of the prestigious award. Dan and Linda Kiely started in business 15 years ago and, in that time, Voxpro has grown to become Irelands largest exporter of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) with international business now representing more than 80% of the companys overall turnover. Voxpro plans to double its workforce to 1,000 employees by the end of 2015 and to expand its global workforce to 4,000 by 2018 with the majority of these positions will be based in Cork. promotion 18 CHAMBER LINK Members News Susan O'Sullivan, PWC; Margaret O'Neill, Cork Mabs; Owen Hickey, President Chartered Accountants Cork Society and Fiona Collins, Chartered Accountants Cork Society. Front: Harry Lorton and David Hyland newly appointed Chairman and Finance Director of Michael Powell Solicitors pictured at City Hall with (back row from left) Sean Durcan, Partner; Finbarr OLeary, Managing Partner and Michael Powell, Partner. Dan and Linda Kiely of Voxpro receiving the award from An Tnaiste Minister for Foreign Afairs & Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD and Declan O'Hara, GM MSL. works for your business 19 To submit articles for Members News e: imelda@corkchamber.ie Readers' Choice Award for Hayeld Manor The staf & owners of Hayfeld Manor hotel have been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the travel industry. The readers of Cond Nast Traveler magazine, a collection of some of the most discerning travellers across the globe, voted for Hayfeld Manor in the magazines famous Readers Choice Awards and the hotel was awarded 4 th place in the Top 10 Hotels in Ireland category. Hayfeld Manors owner, Joe Scally, received the news with great pride, This award is particularly welcome as it comes, not from a panel of industry judges, but from guests who have actually stayed with us and who voted for us because of the experience that they enjoyed while they were here. Another cracking event with Smarter Egg The latest in the series of Smarter Egg events recently took place Upstairs at The White Horse in Ballincollig. Drawn from all walks of life people gathered to hear a live interview with Bob Savage, Vice President & General Manager of EMC Ireland Centre of Excellence as he shared his personal perspectives on EMC's 25 years in Cork. The evening also featured three stimulating Egg Talks from special guests Donagh Kiernan, Tenego Partnering, Ann-Marie O'Sullivan, H&A Marketing+PR, and Donal Cahalane, Trustev. Smarter Egg is a growing business based in Cork providing programmes and events that build connective tissue between people and ideas, all in the context of building stronger businesses. The programmes use the latest business thinking in a supportive, yet challenging, environment and have proven popular with a wide range of successful businesses as well as large multi-national organisations. Keary's can't lose! Long term rugby rivals came head to head with Dolphin RFC hosting Cork Constitution FC in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League. As proud sponsor of both sides, leading Munster motor group, Kearys, are confdent of a win. Rugby is well known for passionate rivalry in good spirit and it seems that this also extends to the motor industry! The competition between the 2 dealerships was evident when Brendan Keary, Kearys Hyundai expressed confdence that his team had come rapidly up the table in 2013 and that there are even bigger plans in 2014, whilst Con OLeary, Kearys Nissan responded that his team are well- positioned on the table, are confdent of a strong end to 2013 and are the ones to watch in 2014. KSG Wins Award Brian Hogan, CEO of contract catering, restaurant and hospitality service provider KSG (Kylemore Service Group), has been named the winner of the Industry Category at the 2013 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. KSG has created a customer focussed organisation and their dynamic management team really delivers on attention to detail. That is why they are the fastest growing catering service provider in Ireland, with 50% growth since 2008. The group now operates restaurants and hospitality services in the retail and commercial catering sectors and has grown to achieve an annual turnover of 50m. Con O'Leary, Kearys Nissan and Christy Condon, Captain of Dolphin with Jerry Hurley, Caption of Cork Constitution and Brendan Keary, Kearys Hyundai. Brian Hogan, CEO of KSG accepting the Industry Category Award at the recent EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The Cond Nast Award Winning Team at Hayfeld Manor; Algis Petrauskas, Barbara O'Donovan, Kaila Dixon, Kate Cotter, Dimo Dimov and Michael O'Driscoll. Bob Savage, Vice President & General Manager of EMC Ireland with Aodan Enright, Smarter Egg. (Photo: Neil Danton Photography) Black-Tie Charity Ball A new charitable trust to ofer free advice to chari Kernel Capital announce new fund Kernel Capital has announced the 25m Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund (NI). This Fund is one of two venture capital funds to which Invest NI has committed up to 15m each and together they have the potential to invest 48m in Northern Ireland SMEs over the next fve years. The new fund, managed by Kernel Capital with cornerstone investors Bank of Ireland and Invest NI, will focus on investing in Northern Ireland SMEs. Dr. Daniel McCaughan, Partner, Kernel Capital said: "The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund (NI) will ofer new opportunities for dynamic Northern Ireland companies and we look forward to working closely with Northern Ireland's entrepreneurial and business community." Mercy Foundation benets from sale Hayfeld Manor hosted a charity sale on the grounds of UCC Campus with the aim of raising much needed funds for the Mercy Hospital Foundations outreach programme, for children with leukaemia. The event was a huge success and was generously supported by the staf and students of UCC who came out in force to support the charity and to sample Hayfeld Manors famous dark chocolate brownies and creamy hot chocolate. All proceeds raised on the day went directly to the Mercy Foundation. The Mercy University Hospital Foundation fundraises to provide better quality home care, via their Mobile Nursing Outreach Service, to children sufering from leukaemia and to their families within their homes. The aim of the outreach programme is to shorten hospital stays and to enhance quality of life for all the family. promotion 20 CHAMBER LINK Members News continued Dr. Daniel McCaughan, Partner, Kernel Capital; Jayne Brady, Partner, Kernel Capital; Julie- Ann O'Hare, Director of Business Banking, Bank of Ireland UK & William McCulla, Director of Corporate Finance, Invest NI. MSD Brinny hosted a family fun & open day to mark 30 years being in operation. Pictured are Noel OConnor, Mayor of Cork County and Matt Corcoran, Site Manager MSD Brinny. The Ernst & Young annual alumni gathering took place in Hayfeld Manor recently with guest speaker gold medalist Rob Hefernan. Pictured are Rob Hefernan with John Higgins, Ernst & Young. The Bodega at St Peters Market hosted a gastronomic evening to ofcially launch three new menus, food & superfood, cocktails & wine. Kellie Lewis and Lilac O'Connor pictured at the Trilogy Menu Launch. Member Events Photogallery Micheal Sheridan, Mercy Hospital Foundation; Josie O'Kelly and Michael O'Driscoll from Hayfeld Manor and Eimear Keohane, Mercy Hospital Foundation. works for your business 21 To submit adverts for this section e: deborah@corkchamber.ie Julia Lynes and Enrico Zoppi from EazyCity. EazyCity makes the nal Cork company EazyCity has made it through to the top 8 fnalists in the National Enterprise Awards. Run by co-founders Julia Lynes and Enrico Zoppi, EazyCity was set up in 2004 to provide services for people moving to Cork. The company now acts as a local point of reference for people arriving into a new city providing short- term lets, translation services, au pair placements and assistance in fnding employment. EazyCity has ofces in Cork, Dublin and London with further international expansion planned for 2014. SMILE hits 1000 th member SMILE Exchange recently welcome its 1000 th member. Irema, a manufacturer of surgical masks based in Kilmallock, Co Limerick, became the latest member of the resource exchange organisation that encourages Irish businesses to make fnancial savings, reduce waste going to landfll and develop new business opportunities. Founded in 2010, SMILE Exchange (an acronym for Saving Money through Industry Links & Exchanges), began in Cork but has grown nationally with its 1000 members spread throughout the country. Mary O'Brien, Irema; Michelle Greene, SMILE Resourse Exchange; Mary Slack, Cork County Council and Mary Walsh. Complete Legal Business Protection for just 65 Complete Legal Business Protection' for just 65. New and existing commercial customers to MIG are being ofered an enhanced legal protection cover to supplement basic legal protection cover they may have from their current provider. Brochures are available in any of our 11 ofces or by contacting us at info@mig.ie. For just 65 per annum, you basically have 'a solicitor in your pocket', 24/7/365 and more Freephone 1800 50 11 11 Business 2 Business Step Back in Time This Christmas Treat your clients, family & friends to a wonderful Christmas experience with our Traditional Christmas evening on Saturday Nov 30th Enjoy wine tasting, traditional Christmas fare & storytelling For more information visit www.flemingsrestaurant.ie Reservations 021 4821621 connecting Agribusiness Agrifood Business Partners Agrifood Business Partners Ltd is a newly formed consultancy company in the agrifood sector with ofces in Dublin and Brussells. Contact: Michael Cronin T: (087) 2248462 E: mcronin@agrifoodbusiness.com W: www.agrifoodbusiness.com Chemical/Pharmaceutical Glantreo Material Science company providing a range of tehnologies,products and services to MedTech,Pharma and Chemical companies. Contact: John Hogan T: (021) 4901965 E: j.hogan@glantreo.com W: www.glantreo.com Consulting Engineers Eirqual Eirqual provides solutions for upstream oil & gas projects and helps to identify key suppliers in order to ensure that the capabilities of suppliers are optimally leveraged to meet code compliance. Contact: Damien O'Brien T: (086) 2260236 E: dobrien@gmail.com W: www.eirqual.com Education/Training/Languages Royalty Consulting International Training Services Contact: Hilda Ekpo T: 089 4342259 E: actionforthewomen@gmail.com
Enterprise/Trade development Bayne International Limited The Bayne Law Group is an American Legal Consultancy formed in Princeton New Jersey and now has opened a base in Cork looking ot advise Irish exporters on how to export to the USA. Contact: Andrew Bayne T: (021) 7319600 E: abayne@baynelaw.com W: www.baynelaw.com Event Management Active Sports Events Limited We have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing and timing a wide range of events, Nationally and Internationally. Contact: Dean Watson T: (087) 2774145 E: dean@sportstiming.ie W: www.sportstiming.ie Management Consultants High Potential International Sales consultancy and Training Leadership,Training business and Executive Coaching,Inside Sales/Telesales expertise. Contact: Ryan O'Reilly T: (087) 2535711 E: ryanoreilly247@gmail.com
Venlake Coaching Services We provide growth funding and business strategy advice for small businesses typically seeking their frst investment. Contact: Bruce Clibborn T: (083) 1100168 E: bruce.clibborn@venlake.com W: www.venlake.com Restaurant/Bar/Catering Kylemore Services Group Kylemore Services Group is the leading and fastest growing wholly owned restaurant and hospitality service provider. Contact: Simon Povall T: (01) 8140600 E: simon.povall@ksg.ie W: www.ksg.ie Security Services Shadow Security Services Private investigations, document serving, surveillance,tracing, enquiries-all details private and confdential. Contact: Liam O'Brien T: (021) 4509076 E: shadowliam.obrien@gmail.com
Software/Software Services FireEye Ireland FireEye is a leader in stopping the new generation of cyber attacks, such as advanced malware, that easily bypass traditional signature-based defenses and compromise over 95 percent of enterprise networks. Contact: Sean O'Keefe E: sean.okeefe@freeye.com W: www.freeye.com Telecommunications Nova Broadband We are a group of professionals who are dedicated to providing great internet services in Cork. Contact: Dave McDonald T: (021) 2429560 E: dave.mcdonald@novabroadband.ie W: www.novabroadband.ie Transport Fedex Express Fedex Express is the worlds largest express transportation company ofering frms a global delivery service. Contact: Una Hegarty T: 1800 535 800 E: uhegarty@fedex.com W: www.fedex.com/ie We welcome the following new members Patrick Doyle, Membership Development Manager e: patrick@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530145 Our courses are available in Dublin and Cork and are designed for Business and Systems Analysts, Internal & External Consultants, Advisors, Managers, Team Leaders and members of improvement teams to apply business analysis techniques in their roles. - Lectures run two days per month across slx months, 9am-5pm - |ndlvldual fee ls -3,250, payable at tlme of booklng - |ncludes slx months post-completlon emall support for course graduates - Leads to a HLTAC Level 8 certlcatlon ln 8uslness Analysls Who Leads the Leaders? Business Analysts: Understanding the strategy of big decisions Do you play a leading role in improving enterprise performance in your organisation? 8uslness Analysts Assoclatlon of |reland 87-89 Pembroke Poad, 8allsbrldge, Dublln 4 The next course runs in the National College of Ireland, Dublin. 26 th September 20l3. To book your place call: 0l 775 3008 To learn more about the programme vlslt: www.lcs-skllls.le/ba The Business Analysts Association of Ireland in partnership the Natlonal College of |reland brlng you the Certlcate Course ln Business analysis. Its main focus is to improve enterprise performance through the use of proven business analysis techniques. Business Analysts Association of Ireland Our courses are available in Dublin and Cork and are designed for Business and Systems Analysts, Internal & External Consultants, Advisors, Managers, Team Leaders and members of improvement teams to apply business analysis techniques in their roles. - Lectures run two days per month across slx months, 9am-5pm - |ndlvldual fee ls -3,250, payable at tlme of booklng - |ncludes slx months post-completlon emall support for course graduates - Leads to a HLTAC Level 8 certlcatlon ln 8uslness Analysls Who Leads the Leaders? Business Analysts: Understanding the strategy of big decisions Do you play a leading role in improving enterprise performance in your organisation? Business Analysts Association of Ireland To learn more vlslt: www.lcs-skllls.le/ba Next courses: Clarlon Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork, 1anuary l6th 20l4. To book your place please emall - onaQlcs.le The 8uslness Analysts Assoclatlon of |reland ln partnershlp wlth the Natlonal College of |reland brlng you the Certlcate Course ln 8uslness Analysls. |ts maln focus ls to lmprove enterprlse performance through the use of proven business analysis techniques.