the tops - Cork Chamber of Commerce

the topsCompany of the Year AwardsFEBRUARY 2013. ISSUE 2Chamber Linkpolicy training events promotion internationalworks for your businessIN THIS ISSUE:Annual Dinner 2013Get China ReadyEU Presidency 2013 - Focus on TradeREGULAR FEATURES:Upcoming EventsNew MembersMembers News

• Siobhán Bradley, Acting Policy & Research Managere: siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530132• Aislinn Stanton, Policy & Research Executivee: aislinn@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530143Chamber concerned for Brussels flightThe Chamber has expressed concern at Aer Lingus’s plans toreduce the number of flights operating between Cork andBrussels. At the moment, flights operate four days per week fromCork to Brussels. The airline plans to reduce this to two days perweek (Monday & Friday) from the end of March until the end ofOctober.This is a concern as the Chamber’s biennial business-air travelsurvey, undertaken in association with Cork Airport, foundthat the route is one of the top ten most used air-services bybusinesses in the Cork region. The business community havebeen very supportive of the route since its introduction and thewithdrawal of flights eliminates the value of the route for manybusinesses for six months of the year. The continued provision ofconsistent, reliable, business-friendly air services is fundamentalto ensure a healthy business uptake of air-services to/fromCork and it is imperative that the needs of businesses are notrelegated.The Chamber will continue to monitor this matter and invitesany members with views to contact the Siobhan Bradley, Policy &Research Manager, e: siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie‘Competition in the Irish Ports Sector’SubmissionAs an island economy that is heavily dependent on ports fortrade, the Port of Cork, the second largest multi-modal port in theRepublic, is a vital link in the supply chain of industry in the Southof Ireland. Following a request by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise& Innovation, the Competition Authority is currently engagedin a consultation process to analyse the effectiveness of existingcompetition in the ports sector and to identify any issues or areaswhich require further exploration.The Chamber has prepared a submission which identifies specificrecommendations and requirements that must be addressedto support the improved competitiveness of the Irish ports andfirmly position the Port of Cork as a leading competitor and keyglobal player in supply chain logistics.Key recommendations in our submission:• Ports must be equipped to respond to expected increases intraffic volumes through appropriate infrastructure for largerand deeper vessels• Ability to compete is influenced by capacity to fundrequired investment. The Government must facilitate portsin attracting private financial investment to part fund newinfrastructure• Government support must be given to Port of Cork’sStrategic Development Plan so that the Port can remainglobally competitive• Good quality access for all of the major ports is integralto competitiveness. Failure to complete the N28 createspotential access difficulties and has distorted competitionwhen considered in the context of the ‘free’ provision of thePort Access Tunnel to Dublin Port• As the planning system is key to the future development ofports, there is a requirement for ‘joined up thinking’ betweenGovernment, Local Authorities, transport providers and portoperatorsFurther details on our submission can be found onwww.corkchamber.ieHave your SayCork City Centre Movement StrategyThe Chamber alongside the Cork Business Association, VintnersFederation of Ireland and the North Main Street TradersAssociation were invited to a meeting on January 28 th as partof the final phase of the consultation process on the draft citycentre movement strategy which aims to support more efficientmovement of all transport modes between Kent Station, the CityCentre and UCC. During this meeting we raised concerns over thetiming and short duration of the consultation process. Retailersand businesses in the city centre feel that they have been giveninsufficient time to consider the implications of the new strategyfor businesses in the city and to prepare a submission.Cork City Council have now agreed to extend the submissiondeadline to February 28 th . Should you be interested in providingcomments or feedback for the Chamber’s submission, pleasecontact the Policy Department before Wednesday 20 th February.Further information on the strategy is available at www.corkchamber.ieCork County Development PlanThe County Development Plan sets out the overall strategy for theproper planning and sustainable development of the County. Inorder to ensure that new County Development Plan 2015 – 2021is reflective of and appropriate to the social, demographic andeconomic requirements of the County, the County Council hascommenced a formal statutory review and consultation process.Further details including the Council’s consultation document‘Planning for Cork County’s Future’ – Section 11 are available atwww.corkcoco.ieThe Chamber is currently preparing a submission and welcomesinput from its members. Should you be interested in providingcomments or feedback for this submission, please contactthe Policy and Research Manager (Acting) (siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie) by Monday 25th February at 4pm.works for your business5

connecting• Patrick Doyle, Membership Development Managere: patrick@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530145We welcome the following New MembersArchitects/Town PlannersCatherine Troy Interior DesignInterior design consultancy, sourcing &specifying bespoke interior furniture andfittings from across Europe and beyondContact: Catherine TroyT: (087) 2103727E: catherine@catherinetroydesign.ieW: www.catherinetroydesign.ieThe Hyde Partnership Architects andPlanning ConsultantsThe Hyde Partnership Architects + Plannersprovides high quality design, architecturalplanning service in the regionContact: Paul HydeT: (021) 4918260E: paul@hyde.ieW: www.hyde.ieBusiness Continuity ServicesLighthouse Investigations & ResearchLighthouse Investigations & Research is anewly established investigations agency inCorkContact: Orla DeasyT: (021) 7319722E: orla.deasy@lighthouseinvestigations.ieChemical/PharmaceuticalBioMarin Ireland LtdProviding treatment and support servicesto patients around the world suffering fromrare inherited metabolic diseasesContact: Michael O'DonnellT: (021) 5007900W: www.bmrn.comEntertainment/Leisure/TourismFunmanwayFunmanway offers Europes only corneredZorbing track. Also includes 9 acres ofpaintballing, tubing & kayakingContact: James DugganT: (085) 8060020E: funmanway@gmail.comW: www.funnmanway.ieEvent ManagementTS EventsTS Events is a premier party hire servicededicated to the highest standards of qualityContact: Deirdre O DriscollT: (021) 4323100E: deirdre@tsevents.ieW: www.tsevents.ieFinancial Services/Pensions/InvestmentAugmentisAugmentis is an investment advisory &business consulting serviceContact: John MullinsT: (086) 1708547E: jmullins@augmentis.ieW: www.augmentis.ieBroadlake CapitalBroadlake Capital invests €2m-€10m ofcapital along with strategic support toestablished and growing companiesContact: Kevin MacSweenyT: (01) 6631690E: kmac@broadlakecapital.comW: www.broadlakecapital.comIT ServicesXanadu Consultancy LimitedBased in Cork with a branch office in London,we launched in June 2011 with a staff of 10,we now have 39 staff in CorkContact: Mark BrosnanT: (021) 4551795E: mbrosnan@xanaduconsultancy.comW: www.xanaduconsultancy.comManagement ConsultantsA3 Business ConsultingPart-time Finance Director, StrategicPlanning Services, Financial Modelling,Scenario Planning & Mentoring Services.Contact: Eamonn ReardonT: (087) 1954134E: ereardon@a3businessconsulting.comW: www.A3Businessconsulting.comManufacturersInform NutritionWe produce nutritional products for animalsi.e. premixes,electrolytes, pastesContact: William TwomeyT: (021) 4394770E: william@informnutrition.comW: www.mervuelab.comRetailSimply SuitsSimply Suits is Cork's newest menswear store,stocking suits, shirts, ties, shoes, belts, casualshirts, coats, socks, scarves and jumpersContact: Andrew ReaT: (021) 4649023E: info@simplysuits.ieW: www.simplysuits.ieThe Half Door Sweet CompanyWe are a sweet shop that sells every type ofsweet. We also have a kids party area thatcaters for birthday parties and kids club.(Drama, Singing,Dancing etc.)Contact: Frank NixonT: (021) 4949657E: info@thehalfdoorsweetcompany.ieW: www.thehalfdoorsweetcompany.ieServices ContractorsTeam Serve Cleaning + Facility ServicesTeam Serve Ireland is providing a totalapproach to cleaning services. We providea tailor made service including contractcleaning and security services.Contact: Kieran O DriscollT: (021) 4323100E: kieran@teamserve.ieW: www.teamserve.ieThe Cork Balloon CompanyRetail Balloon & Party CompanyContact: Keith CruiseT: (086) 3941851E: keith@corkbc.comW: www.corkbc.comworks for your business7

Chamber LinkeventsBusiness After Hours in Flemings RestaurantCork Chamber and Flemings Restaurant partnered up in Februaryto host a Business After Hours Networking Event. Almost 100Cork Chamber members gathered in Flemings Restaurant fora night of networking, delicious food and wine provided byMichael and Eileen Fleming.As always, Cork Chamber hosted a 30 minute formal networkingpiece on the night, giving members an opportunity to meet atleast 10 contacts on the night, so there was a great buzz in theroom and lots of business being done.Michael talked about the variety of events that Flemings can hostin their multi-functional space, which now includes a downstairsbar and function area as well as the restaurant and evenovernight accommodation in the rooms upstairs.Three Chamber businesses did a one minute “Soapbox” whichincluded Ivan Lavelle, from Forza Direct Marketing, Nora Callananfrom Alliance Francaise de Cork and Louise O’Sullivan from theCork Association for Autism.Michael and Eileen Fleming, Flemings Restaurant with Peter Roberts, Roberts Nathan; BrendanKeating, Port of Cork; Emer O'Mahoney; Dermot O'Mahoney, Port of Cork and Vivian Nathan,Nathan Roberts. (Photographs: John Sheehan Photography)Deirdre O'Driscoll, TS Events, Keiran O'Driscoll, Team Serve and KathleenHarrington, Hopkins Communications.Michael Fleming addressing members at the Business After Hours Networking event at Flemings Restaurant.Frank Nixon, The Half Door Sweet Co. & CatherineCorkery, SMILE Resource.Yvonne Fitzgerald and Sinead Foley, PM Group,A taste to savour.Robert Kennedy, Sky Windows; Nicola Carroll, Bodega; Ken Buckley, The GalleryKinsale and Aidan Kennedy, Sky Windows.8

• Leigh Gillen, Events Managere: leigh@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530133Upcoming Events - Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/eventsBusiness After Hours at Noel Deasy CarsCork Chamber is delighted to partner with Noel Deasy Cars for the March Business AfterHours Networking Event.Noel Deasy Cars has been in business for nearly 33 years and are a wholly owned and familyrun operation. In March of this year they will launch the all new Skoda Octavia in theirshowroom on the Mallow Road Blackpool.5.30pm – 7.00pmWednesday 27 th MarchNoel Deasy Cars, Mallow RoadFREE for Cork Chamber membersThe new Skoda Octavia, a simple clean-lined design of the current Octavia has stood the testof time and is being used by Skoda to represent unrivalled packaging at the price point.Join with your fellow Cork Chamber members for this “dedicated” networking event at NoelDeasy Cars, where there will be a 30 minute formal networking piece, giving Cork Chambermembers plenty of opportunity to meet new business contacts and strengthen establishedconnections.Places for events are limited, please quote Purchase Order if required. Events Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted up to 72hrsbefore each event. After this all places will be charged. This policy applies to all events.Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy BusinessWe all know the expression ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ but have you thought about the direct consequences this canhave on your business?Cork Chamber is delighted to offer a ‘Business Bootcamp’, in association with Aviva, a series of educational forumsfocussing on key life skills to optimise the quality of your career & personal development.The series will be run across 4 sessions and cover topics in diverse areas of Self Mgt, Communications, Lifestyle issuesof Food and Sleep and Setting Goals for you and your business.Further details to be announced in the coming weeks!works for your business9

Chamber LinkeventsOver 1000 in City Hall for Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2013The biggest event on the business calendar in Cork took placeon Friday 1 st February at City Hall with almost 1000 peopleattending for the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner.VMware were named Company of the Year at the largestcorporate event outside Dublin. The Annual Dinner also sawContracting Plus named as best SME Company and KeelvarSystems named as Emerging Company of the Year.Dr. Pearse Lyons was the guest speaker who described hispath to becoming an entrepreneur and discussed a numberof Alltech Gathering initiatives taking place over the comingyear.Hosted by Chamber President, John Mullins, guests includedAnne O’Leary, Vodafone and Company of the Year Awardsponsors, along with various representatives of government,media, multinational companies and overseas Embassies.As always the Dinner provides great oppurtuinity fornetworking and there was no shortage of business beingdone in City hall later into the night. Many thanks to oursponsors without whom this event would not be possible,Bord Gais, Ballygowan, H+A Marketing + PR, IBM, KBC Bank,Keary’s Motors, Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Snap Printing, VhiHealthcare and Vodafone.Cllr John Buttimer, Lord Mayor of Cork invites Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech to sign the Visitorsbook in City Hall on the ocassion of his address to the Cork Chamber's Annual Dinner. BackRow: Deirdre Lyons, Alltech; John Mullins, President Cork Chamber and Gillian Keating, VicePresident Cork Chamber. (Photographs: John Sheehan Photography)Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber withRichie Coveney, IBM Ireland.Denis Collins, Chairman it@cork with Gearoid Gilley and John O'Dwyer,Vhi Healthcare.Bill Keary, Keary's with Noel Keeley, MusgraveGroup.Rose Hynes, Bord Gáis; Brian McCarthy, Fexco Consultants; Martin Shanahan andEoin O'Driscoll, Forfás.Martin Fitzgerald and Dara Deering from KBC Bank with Eoin Hickey, Chairman CorkSociety of Chartered Accountants and Susan Stanley, President Insurance Institute of Cork.10

Anne Marie O'Sullivan and Brian Healy from H+A Marketing + PR with Paula Cogan, ChairAnnual Dinner Task Force and David A. Power, Honorary Secretary Cork Chamber.Jerry Buttimer T.D. with Michael O'Flynn, O'Flynn Construction; Patrick Coveney, PresidentDublin Chamber of Commerce and Sean O'Driscoll, Glen Dimplex.Angela Walsh, Corporate Travel Management with PaschalMcCarthy, GE Healthcare.H.E. Luo Linquan, Ambassador of China to Ireland andRichard Lee, Chinese Embassy.Miriam and Daniel Bradfield, Airdryer Systems, (shortlisted).Dan and Linda Kiely from Voxpro.Attendees from shortlisted company Hayfield Manor Hotel included MarkScally, Ettienne van Vrede and Paul O'Connell.Hannah Rose Farrington, Inchydoney IslandLodge & Spa with Niamh O'Sullivan, HopkinsCommunications.works for your business11

Chamber LinkeventsKevin Cullinane and Lilibeth Horne, Cork Airport.Attendees from Trend Mirco included Norma O'Callaghan, Derek Goggin,Jacqueline Sandner, Nathan Clarke and Dervla Mannion.Eimhin Russell and Niamh O'Driscoll fromFastnet Recruitment.Edel Clancy with Michelle Fennell, Musgrave Group. All seated for Chamber Annual Dinner 2013.The Marketing Institute 2013 Red Carpet Ball“Celebrating The Best” sponsored by ToyotaSaturday 23 rd March 2013, Silver Springs Moran Hotel.Drinks Reception: 7pm (thanks to Barry & Fitzwilliam)MC:Alan ShorttEntertainment: Amanda Neri & the South MastersGifts/Prizes: Each Couple will receive a Giftkindly provided by Stephen PearceGoody Bag: valued at €200 and a Promotional giftfrom Planet Embroidery.Charity Raffle:Dress:Tickets:To Book:In aid of Bru Columbanus withover 100 prizes to be won.Black Tie€75 per person for MII guests & members.€100 non-membersgo to www.mii.ie or email Cecilia@mii.ie12

mediaWhat the media coveredCork Chamber featured in various media channels on a numberof issues. The topics covered included reductions in the numberof Cork-Brussels flights, the Cork Chamber Q4 2012 EconomicSurvey results; the Cork Company of the Year; the Cork ChamberAnnual Dinner 2013; the ITLG Conference.Press Releases1 st Feb Cork Chamber Annual Dinner: Company of the YearAward Announced1 st Feb Cork Chamber President likens Ireland’s Economy toRising Phoenix at 2013 Annual Dinner29 th Jan Chamber welcomes announcement of 87 jobs in Cork25 th Jan Get Chinese Ready with the Business School @ CorkChamber21 st Jan Cork Chamber survey shows increasing confidenceamongst the region’s business community16 th Jan Cork Chamber concerned at reduction in Cork/Brusselsflights between March & OctoberPress Releases and News Stories are posted on Twitter & LinkedInand are also available on www.corkchamber.ieworks for your business13

Chamber Linkcover storyCork Company of the Year AwardsCork Chamber in association with Vodafone, announced VMwareas the overall winner of the Cork Chamber/Vodafone CorkCompany of the Year Award.Other category winners include:• Emerging Cork Company was awarded to Keelvar Systems:bringing cost efficiencies to public procurement throughsoftware optimisation.• Cork SME Company Award was won by Contracting PLUS:the Accounting, Administration and Taxation Solution forProfessional Contractors• Large Company Award was also won by VMware: the globalleader in Cloud & Virtualisation software servicesSpeaking about this year’s winners, John Mullins, President ofCork Chamber said, “The Cork Company of the Year Awards havegone from strength to strength and 2013 has seen the highestlevel of entrants across all categories, both in terms of qualityand quantity. It has been a great experience to see first-hand thehigh levels of achievement that companies in the region havebeen reaching, offering excellent products and services to theircustomer base which in turn deliver economic growth locally andto Irelands reputation internationally. Together with our partnersVodafone we are pleased to recognise and reward the successesof the three winning companies who have shown the knowledge,skills, commitment and passion to drive their business over thepast year and into the future."Presenting the awards at this evening’s Cork Chamber AnnualDinner in City Hall, Anne O’Leary, Business and EnterpriseDirector, Vodafone Ireland said, “The standard of entries this year14

John Mullins, President Cork Chamber with Michael Dineen, Contracting PLUS, SME company of the year; John Dolan,VMware, Overall winner of Cork Chamber/Vodafone Cork Company of the Year award; Alan Holland, Keelvar Systems,emerging company of the year and Anne O'Leary, Vodafone Ireland and at the Cork Chamber annual dinner in City Hall.(Photograph: John Sheehan Photography)was incredibly high. Something I’m particularly excited about ishow much the winning businesses are utilising technology toforge ahead in the market place. Once again, the awards havedemonstrated the wealth and depth of talent in this country andhave reassured me how much Irish businesses are out there goinghead to head with the best in the international market-place.”Accepting the Cork Company of the Year Award on behalf ofVMware, John Dolan, Senior Director said, " I’m delighted toreceive this award from the Cork Chamber on behalf of all myhard working colleagues in VMware. The award gives publicrecognition to the superb quality and can do attitudes of the700 employees within our organisation and highlights the talentavailable to prospective employers in our region.”Commenting on the best SME Company Award, Michael Dineen,Founder and Chairman said: “We are delighted to be recognisedby Cork Chamber and Vodafone, particularly in a year that hasseen real growth in contracting and the flexible workforce ingeneral. This is good news for Ireland Inc. as the flexibility ofour skilled workforce is a pull factor for further FDI. Our roleis to provide tax efficient and compliant solutions for theseprofessional contractors. I would like to thank our team, not onlyin our Cork and Dublin office but also internationally and we lookforward to continued success together.”"This award is a wonderful endorsement of our newe-procurement software. When a university spinout companysuch as Keelvar is bringing a key innovation to a mature sectorsuch as procurement, this award gives more weight to ourclaims that we're doing something very different here to drivecost efficiencies through improved bid data gathering andoptimisation via smart algorithms”, commented Alan Holland,Managing Director of Keelvar Systems.works for your business15

Chamber LinkinternationalExperts for Horizon 2020 Advisory Groups: Call for expressions of interestHorizon 2020, the European Union's new funding programmefor research and innovation for the period 2014-2020 reflectsthe ambition to deliver ideas, growth and jobs for the future. Itrepresents a clear break from the past as it brings together allexisting Union research and innovation funding, including theFramework Programme for Research, the innovation relatedactivities of the Competitiveness and Innovation FrameworkProgramme and the European Institute of Innovation andTechnology (EIT), into one single framework programme.The European Commission is in search of expert individualsfrom the SME sector to participate in one of its different advisorygroups on Horizon 2020, and to contribute to setting theResearch and Innovation agenda on topics of major concern forEuropean citizens, such as climate change, making renewableenergy more affordable, ensuring safe food or coping with thechallenges of ageing.In the field of innovation and in SMEs in particular, a dedicatedgroup of experts is intended to promote and accompany thespecific measures for SMEs under the Programme. This groupwill consist of experts from SMEs, SME representative bodiesor associations, and highly-qualified individuals with extensiveexperience with working with or for SMEs. Their joint expertisewill cover all aspects of successful innovative SME management,including IPR, R&D, business management and technologytransfer.DG Research and Innovation aims to reach especially thoseSME experts who have operational experience with managinginnovation and translating innovation into new services, productsor business processes that have proven their success on themarket. These experts should be familiar with opportunitiesand barriers to innovation in SMEs, and with the structuring ofinnovation projects in an SME settling. In addition, they preferablyhave a proven track-record in working with SMEs undergoingrapid expansion brought about by innovation activity.The mandate of the selected experts will be for a period of 2 yearswith the possibility of renewal for a final period of maximum 2years. In general, each group will meet at least twice a year todiscuss the general proposals and documents put forward bythe Commission, as well as specific questions put forward. EachAdvisory Group group shall consist of 20-30 experts that willbe representative of the broad constituency of stakeholders,including industry and research actors as well as representativesof civil society, for each of the Horizon 2020 challenges/objectivesthat are listed below:• 'Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)';• 'Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions on skills, training and careerdevelopment';• 'Research infrastructures (including e-Infrastructures)';• 'Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies' withinthe following areas:- 'Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)';-'Nanotechnologies';-'Advanced materials';-'Biotechnology';-'Advanced manufacturing and processing';-'Space';• 'Access to risk finance (debt or equity financing)';• 'Innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)';• 'Health, demographic change and wellbeing';• 'Food security, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritimeresearch and the bioeconomy';• 'Secure, clean and efficient energy';• 'Smart, green and integrated transport';• 'Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials';• 'Inclusive, innovative and secure societies'.Expertise will also be required on cross cutting issues suchas innovation, responsible research and innovation, andinternational cooperation.Individuals and actors wishing to be considered for the firstadvisory groups have until the 6 th March 2013 to fill out theExpression of Interest form. For further information on therequired criteria, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie.International Women's Day ConferenceOn Friday 8 th March, Network Ireland are organising a NationalConference at the River Lee Hotel in Cork, to celebrateInternational Women’s Day with some of the leading women inbusiness. Supported by the European Parliament InformationOffice, Cork City Council and Irish Tatler the half day conference,titled “Growing Momentum” will feature a wide range of speakerswho will inspire, motivate and energise with a theme of positivitywith no boundaries. Keynote speaker will be Jane Maas, authorof international best seller “Mad Women". The speakers will rangefrom entrepreneurs, women working for large multinationals,women in political life, to women working in the public sector.Tickets to the Conference are limited: €45 for members and €65for non-members and includes lunch at 1pm. To book or for moreinformation go to www.networkcork.comRegional Supports for FemaleEntrepreneurshipThe Enterprise Europe Network will be participating in a crossborderworking group on female entrepreneurship and as part ofthis initiative we are compiling a regional overview of supportsfor female entrepreneurs. If you are involved in providingbusiness supports, programmes or mentoring specifically aimedat female entrepreneurs in the region, we would be delighted toinclude your initiatives in our regional summary.Please email the details to Katherine@corkchamber.ie16

• Katherine Fitzpatrick, EU Trade & Innovation Services Managere: katherine@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530137• Eimear O'Mullcane, EU Trade & Innovation Services Executivee: eimear@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530138• Imelda Mulcahy, Export Documentation Managere: imelda@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530130Focus on TradeEU Presidency 2013 – Trade is a PriorityThe Irish Presidency is committed to building momentum in theEU’s trade negotiations with other countries. President Barrosopointed out that “grasping the opportunities afforded by externalsources of growth will be critical for the future dynamism andsustainability of our economy”.How is the Irish Presidency driving this?The Minister for Jobs, Employment and Innovation, Mr. RichardBruton, will host an informal meeting of EU Trade Ministerson 17-18 April in Dublin to discuss how to advance free tradeagreements with the EU’s strategic partners. (This will be followedby an EU-US Business Roundtable).Why does the Irish Presidency attach such importanceto trade?The EU needs thriving trade in goods, services and investment, tocreate new opportunities for enterprise and generate more jobsand growth.• An ambitious trade agenda in the medium term can lead toan overall increase of 2% in growth and the creation of over 2million new jobs across the EU (1% of the EU’s total workforce),at a time when there are 26 million unemployed across the EU.• If we were to complete all our current free trade talks tomorrow,we'd be adding 2.2% to the EU’s GDP, or €275 billion. This is morethan the individual GDPs of many member states includingIreland.• In the future, 90% of world growth will be generated outside theEU.• Developing and emerging countries are likely to account fornearly 60% of world GDP by 2030• Less than a quarter of EU trade was covered by Free TradeAgreements before 2006. Concluding all on-going negotiationswould bring this figure up to half of the EU’s trade.The Presidency’s aims on tradeKey markets that are being pursued in negotiations on tradeagreements are the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, India and otherstrategic partners. There is also a concerted effort to take forwardthe EU-China relationship with a focus on investment protectionand market access.For more information go to www.eu2013.ie(Source: http://eu2013.ie/news/news-items/20130207tradepiece/)Trade Mission to Mexico and ColombiaThe EEN is seeking companies interested in joining a trademission to Mexico and then on to Colombia, to be led by theEuropean Commission’s Enterprise and Industry Director-General,Daniel Calleja Crespo. The event will take place between the15th and 19th April and a delegation of around 30 entrepreneurswill have the opportunity to discuss with Mexican andColombian politicians and entrepreneurs how to foster industrialcooperation. The event intends to promote European businesspolicies and develop ties between Mexican, Colombian and EUcompanies through match-making events and discussions withinvestment agencies etc. For further details contact Eimear@corkchamber.ieAre you China Ready?The Enterprise Europe Network is looking for expressions ofinterest from companies who would like to attend a practicalinformation seminar on China, including tips on how to assesswhether your business is China ready, knowing your partners inChina and specific opportunities by industry sector. To registeryour interest, email Katherine@corkchamber.ieworks for your business17

Chamber LinktrainingCommunication Skills - Book Now!Learn how to communicate professionally, effectively and efficiently with the Business School @ Cork ChamberThe art of communicating in business now occurs in many forms and styles – phone, e-mail, presentations, reports, letters etc. It hasnow become an integral and crucial part of everyday business to be able to manage all these styles of communicating competentlyand proficiently. The Business School @ Cork Chamber is here to help! We have a wide and comprehensive range of courses designedto cover all aspects of communicating; both internally within your own organisation and externally to the wider business world. Belowyou will find some information about our upcoming courses in this area.E-Mail & Business WritingCourse Date: 1 st March, 2013Member Rate: €120.00This one day course is designed to give the participants anunderstanding of the importance of written communication indelivering the core message of the company brand. Specifically, itwill present the techniques to create e-mails and documents witha clear, logical structure to organise their ideas and key points.Having completed this training the participants will:• Understand the importance of active management ofthe written communication process as an essential skill ingetting the information from others, setting clear direction,building trust and creating and maintaining customerrelationships;• Understand that writing clearly is a professional businessskill;• Have logical structure to create effective e-mails• Realise that the content and tone of their e-mails caninfluence the reactions of the readers;• Know how to properly structure e-mails;• Avoid common grammar and punctuation errors;• Practice the techniques and tips to create professionale-mails and create an action plan to apply them;• Recognise that professional writing is a career skill whichenhances employability.Introduction to Technical WritingCourse Date: 7 th March, 2013Member Rate: €130.00“Any scientist who cannot explain what he is doing to areasonably intelligent 14-year old is either incompetent ora charlatan” - Einstein. Unfortunately, most business people,scientists and engineers have real difficulty with communicatingtheir ideas to each other - not to mention a 14-year old. That`swhere technical writing comes in. Good technical writers excel atexplaining difficult concepts for readers who will have no time toread twice.Great technical writing can make a poor product usable -poor technical writing can make a great product useless. OurIntroduction to Technical Writing Course is designed to help youbecome that great technical writer! This one day course aims toensure that participants can make their technical documentationaccurate, brief, clear, complete and, above all, useful. Theemphasis is on writing to impart complex technical informationto a specific target audience. Participants should be committed todelivering reports, manuals and routine communications that areaccurate, concise, clear and focussed on the needs of the targetaudience.Finance for Non-Financial ManagersCourse Dates: 20 th & 27 th March, 2013Member Rate: €250.00This highly participative two-day workshop provides practicaland enduring knowledge of financial statements, how they areused to assess business performance and how they are shaped byeveryday business decisions and events. Put simply, participantswill be able to understand “accountant-speak”. If you understandthe language, you can provide an input to the process. If youdon’t – you may find yourself outside the decision-makingprocess. This course is ideal for anyone working in businesswho wishes to gain a sound overall understanding of finance,those who have limited existing financial skills and advisers andmanagers in specialist disciplines who want to understand howbusiness and finance works.The course is highly interactive and uses blended learning todeliver enjoyable effective learning situations. Participants ‘learnby doing’ so as to embed the knowledge for the long term.Book Now on www.corkchamber.ie/trainingMore courses will be added in the coming weeks. Please visitwww.corkchamber.ie/training for details of all scheduled trainingor contact us to discuss your company’s training needs. LimitedFREE places for unemployed on all coursesBiznetcork Skillnet and Munster Finuas Networks are funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme and Finuas Networks Programmerespectively, initiatives of Skillnets Ltd. funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills”18

• Norma Lynch, Training Services Managere: norma@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530142• Aoife Dunne, Training Administratore: aoife@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530141GET CHINA READYLaunching Chinese Language, Culture & Etiquette for Business Coursewere Aoife Dunne, Bernadette O'Sullivan, Norma Lynch andDeborah Barrett. (Photography: John Sheehan Photograph)The Business School @ Cork Chamber are delighted to announce the launch of our newChinese Language, Culture & Etiquette for Business CourseTo communicate in a Chinese business environment, it isessential not only to have language skills, but also knowledgeof Chinese business culture and economic information. Thegoal of this course is to ensure that participants developpractical Chinese communication skills, an understandingof Chinese culture and knowledge of the essentials of doingbusiness in China. Norma Lynch, head of the Business School,emphasised that “given the importance and growth of theChinese markets this course will get businesses China Ready”.The course will cover everything from greetings, job titles,pronunciation, presenting your business card and typing inChinese to introducing your company and products in Chinese.All sessions will provide ample opportunities to practice andparticipants will be encouraged to use every opportunity tofully utilise the Chinese language.The course, which will run over 8 weeks, will start on the 7 thMarch next and will be provided by Bernadette O’Sullivan,who has spent almost a decade living, teaching and workingamong the Chinese community. The course will be limited to10 places to maximise your learning potential and is priced ata very reasonable €240.00 for Chamber members, includingcourse material. The goal is to ensure that participants developpractical Chinese communication skills, an understandingof Chinese culture and knowledge of the essentials of doingbusiness in China or with Chinese.To book a place on this course or for more information pleasecontact Aoife Dunne, Training Administrator on 021-4530141or at aoife@corkchamber.ieworks for your business19

Chamber LinkpromotionTransition Year Awards 2013 LaunchedCork Chamber and University College Cork’s College of Business & Lawhave launched the annual Transition Year Business Awards for 2013.This year’s awards, kindly sponsored by Bank of New York Mellon, willfocus on ‘Innovation in Action.’Projects must demonstrate ‘Innovation in Action’ by showing creativeand original ideas, telling the story of how their business developedand showing how their business impacts on job creation.To apply for the awards, Transition Year students must submit a 1,500word project based on their experience with their Mini Company/Enterprise or School Bank. The prize for this year’s winning team is€1,000 for their school and €500 and €250 for those schools in secondand third place.Last year’s competition was won by the Maria Immaculata CommunitySchool, Co. Cork for their project ‘Spic and Span’. The winners weresubsequently invited to perform a ‘live demonstration sales pitch’ oftheir project direct from the IBM technology truck into the conferenceroom during the Chamber’s Annual Conference.Ongoing supports and initiatives from businesses in education iskey to instilling a greater interest and awareness of a future career inentrepreneurship amongst our young people and the TY Awards aim toplay a key role in encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs inIreland.The closing date for entries is 22nd March 2013 with the prize givingceremony taking place in UCC on Tuesday 23rd April.Further information is available at www.corkchamber.ieMix Your ModeThe Cork Environmental Forum has been granted funding by the European Commission to runa ‘Mix Your Mode’ campaign promoting the use of more sustainable modes of transport. CorkChamber is a partner organisation to this initiative which aims to encourage travel by moresustainable and healthier methods such as walking, cycling, using public transport and theuse of Go Cars in the city centre. Due to take place during the first three weeks of March, thecampaign will target different areas as follows:• Schools & Colleges: 4 th – 10 th March• Workplaces: 11 th – 17 th March• Shopping & Leisure Activities: 18 th – 24 th MarchIt is hoped that by engaging in this initiative people will become more aware of the differentservices available to them for the journeys they make e.g. integrated rail and bus ticketing andthe tax incentives these provide. By encouraging a change in behaviour patterns, emissionsand traffic congestion can be reduced and improve the environment in the city centre.20

• Barbara-Anne Richardson, Marketing & Commercial Services Managere: barbara-anne@corkchamber.ie or t: 021-4530140Members NewsCastle Hotel & Leisure Centre 2013travellers' choice awardThe boutique 4 * Castle Hotel in Macroom, Co. Cork beat off stiffcompetition and was voted best ‘customer service’ hotel by TripAdvisor in its annual Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. TheCastle Hotel was ranked 12th within the top twenty five hotels inIreland by Trip Advisor. The hotel is no stranger to Tripadvisor andwas awarded a Certificate of Excellence for 2011 and secured best“bargain” and “family” hotel in 2012. The prestigious awards arerun on an annual basis by Trip Advisor, which is the world’s largesttravel community, where millions of travellers seek informationon all items travel related.Joanne McCarthy, Cork ARC; Seamus O'Reilly, Chairman, Cork ARC; Simon Zebo, MunsterRugby; Paul Montgomery, Trustee - Cork ARC and Hilary Sullivan, Cork ARC.Zebo Signs for Cork ArcCork ARC Cancer Support House have revealed Munster andIreland International Rugby star Simon Zebo as their first Patronas they celebrate their tenth anniversary. Simon stated, “I amhonoured to join Cork ARC Cancer Support House as its patron fortheir 10 th Year celebration of cancer support. The support serviceCork ARC has provided to thousands of people in the Cork andgreater Munster area has made an enormous difference to allthose it has supported. I am proud to wear the Munster, Irelandand now ARC jersey”. Pledging his support for Cork ARC, Simonwants people all over Cork and Munster to support Cork ARCthrough volunteering and fundraising activity to help to continueto offer their services to patients living with cancer and thosecaring for them. For more visit www.corkcancersupport.ieDr Edmond Harty, Dairymaster and Colette Twomey, Clonakilty Blackpudding with FrankO'Keeffe, Ernst & Young.Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2013Ernst & Young has announced details of its 2013 Entrepreneur ofthe Year competition, which is to culminate in the announcementof the winner on October 31 st .The closing date for entries to thecompetition is March 31 st , a list of 24 finalists will be announcedin early May. Entries can be made in any one of three categories- Emerging, Industry, & International. Nominees must own aminimum of five percent of the company to be eligible, with theexception of publicly listed companies. The nominee’s companymust be at least two years old. For more go to www.eoy.tvGuest speakers Lucy Hyland, Food for Living; and Joe Carey, musician and owner, WhiteHorse, Ballincollig; with Aodan Enright, Smarter Egg.Smarter Eggs kick start 2013Clients and friends of Smarter Egg gathered at The White Horserecently for an evening of stimulation and connection to kickstart 2013. Guest speakers included Hugh O'Donovan, a CoachingPsychologist at UCC who spoke on the benefits of mindfulnessto our working lives, Joe Carey, Owner of the White Horse andMusician, addressed the power of music in therapy and learningand Dr Rónán O'Dubhghaill, Founder of the Ignite Programmeat UCC outlined the lessons learned about innovation andentrepreneurship from establishing the Ignite programme. Theevening included a live interview with Lucy Hyland of Food forLiving and Paul O'Mahony of ChangeAgents on the timely topicof changing our eating habits and how lessons learned herecan positively impact our working habits and rituals. SmarterEgg provides transformational development programmes forambitious business owners and for large organisations, whichchallenge existing ways of thinking, resulting in significantimprovements in performance. The programmes use the latestbusiness thinking in a supportive, yet challenging, environmentand have proven popular with a wide range of successful localbusinesses as well as the large multi-national organisations.works for your business21

Chamber LinkpromotionMembers NewsTwins Leonie & Dee Ward are two and so is The Bowery.The Bowery Celebrates two yearsThe Bowery is synonymous with great nights out in Cork.Celebrating their second birthday and two years of good timescalled for a big party and the Bowery celebrated in style! Over thepast two years the Bowery has taken inspiration from night clubsin New York, South America, London and Europe, bringing worldclass trends to Cork. The club has been somewhat of a trailblazerand was the first nightclub in the country to open a roof topgarden. It has created a late night, social space that caters forevery taste with four rooms and four DJs, each showcasing theirvery individual styles.New website aimed at Chinese TouristsThe River Lee Hotel has extended a ‘Huān Yíng’ or ‘Céad mílefáilte’ with an Asian twist, by launching a new Chinese versionof its website. The new website, cn.doylecollection.com aims toincrease guest numbers to the Hotel from the rapidly expandingChinese tourism market. The River Lee Hotel, a member of TheDoyle Collection, is one of the first hotels in Ireland to develop aChinese version of its website, in response to increasing demandfrom this market. Reservations with the Hotel from China roseby 800% in 2012 when compared to 2011 and web analyticsshow increasing interest in the Hotel from China. Chinese gueststo the Hotel have to date travelled mainly with leisure groupsvisiting Ireland as part of an organised tour. The new websiteaims to provide content suitable for the travel trade in China, whoorganise such groups, rather than individual travellers. The newwebsite includes information on The River Lee Hotel includingits location, accommodation, restaurant and bar, local activities,meetings and events details.Mark Whittaker, CEO, Johnson & Perrott Group with Larry Dunne, MD, Walden Leasing &Fleet Management and Gerry Madden, General Manager, Johnson & Perrott Fleet.Johnson & Perrott acquires WaldenLeasing & Fleet ManagementOne of Cork’s longest established companies, Johnson & PerrottMotor Group has announced the purchase of the business andassets of one of Ireland’s most respected contract hire companies,Walden Leasing & Fleet Management Ltd. The acquisition is partof the on-going investment into the fleet management divisionof the group. Larry Dunne, Managing Director of Walden Leasing& Fleet Management will be joining Johnson & Perrott Fleet asSales Director. Speaking of the investment Mark Whitaker, GroupChief Executive of Johnson & Perrott Motor Group stated “Weare delighted to welcome Walden Leasing & Fleet Managementinto our organisation. The company has such a strong pedigreewithin the industry, headed up by one of the most respectedpersonalities in the Industry. Together we will be the fastestgrowing Fleet Management business in the country.”Members of the Chinese Pharmceutical & Life Sciences companies with Simon Coveney T.D.,Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine and Brendan O'Regan, CEO Zenith Technologies.Zenith hosts Chinese DelegationZenith Technologies hosted a high level Chinese delegationrepresenting the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and lifesciencessectors. The visitors were in Cork to familiarise themselves withthe application of Zenith Technologies automation, processcontrol and manufacturing execution systems (MES) withinglobal multinationals, with facilities in Ireland. Headquartered inRingaskiddy in County Cork but with offices in India, Singapore,China, U.S.A, Germany, Belgium and the UK, Zenith Technologiesemploys over 375 people worldwide. Chief Executive andfounder of Zenith Technologies, Brendan O’Regan, said the visitillustrated the potential of the Irish technology sector to servicean increasingly sophisticated Chinese market. The visit alsoafforded an opportunity to showcase the pharmaceutical sectorand investment -friendly environment in Ireland and particularlyin Cork.22

• To submit articles for Members News to e: imelda@corkchamber.ieRuth Gould, MBA Trust and comedian Oliver Callan (both centre) with event sponsors GerMoloney, BAM Construction and Gerard Keane, Keane's Jewellers.Black-Tie Charity BallA new charitable trust to offer free advice to charities and socialenterprises is being launched by graduates of the UCC ExecutiveMBA. The trust will be officially launched at a Blacktie Ball,sponsored by BAM and Keane's Jewellers in the Radisson BluHotel on February 23 rd at 7pm, featuring guest speaker FegusFinlay, CEO Barndardos. The proceeds will go to Good ShepherdServices and Cope Foundation. Contacts: Ger O’Leary at T: 0862434770 or E: goleary@cork.winthrop.ie or Darragh Martin at T:086 2634378 or E: dmartingti@gmail.com Tickets are €75 and canbe purchased at www.mbatrust.orgAvril Ronan, Senior Operations Manager and Internet Safety Programme Coordinator at TrendMicro EMEA with Mateusz Bury (Bishopstown Community School), Niamh Lordan (ColaisteNa Toirbhirte, Bandon) and Julie Ann Ramsell, it@cork."What's Your Story"“The “What’s Your Story” competition gives school children andyoung adults a voice to express their views and feelings aboutthe internet”, explained Avril Ronan, Senior Operations Managerand Internet Safety Programme Co-ordinator at Trend Micro.“By creating a video or poster and by encouraging fellow peersto view it on our competition website is actually an awarenessraising exercise in itself. Our experience has shown that this openpeer-led approach to education when it comes to internet safetyhas proven effective. We are very excited about our competitiontheme this year, it keeps it wide open encouraging creativity andit also compliments the theme of Safer Internet Day this year“Connect with Respect”, she added. For more information and toenter, please visit www.trendmicro.ie/whatsyourstoryCharlie Dolan, Vice Chairman and Liam Linehan, Chairman CIPD Southern Region withNiamh O'Driscoll, Fastnet Recruitment and guest speaker Gerry Walsh.Briefing on Performance Management forStrategic AdvantageThe Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development SouthernRegion briefing, sponsored by Fastnet Recruitment, attractedover 100 HR & Business professionals to an event on performancemanagement this week. The keynote speaker, Gerry Walsh,Director of Spruce Consulting Ltd gave an insightful presentationon leadership and management performance in companies.Walsh discussed the greatest management challenge of all, howto get all your people ‘rowing in the same direction’. He spokeabout highly successful and about dysfunctional teams andultimately about the importance of the senior leadership team’srole in delivering on organisational strategy. ‘We can tend to focusa lot on teams within the organisation but do we put enoughemphasis on the effectiveness of the Senior Executive Team? – weneed to confront the issues, encourage conflict and diversity andin some instances show vulnerability’ said Walsh.Enda Keane, CEO Treemetrics and Sean Sherlock TD, Minister of StateTreemetrics to lead EU Research ProjectSean Sherlock TD, Minister for Research and Innovationannounced that Treemetrics, an Irish based innovator in forestry,data analytics and measurement solutions, has secured asignificant €800,000 contract, with the European Space Agency(ESA). The contract was secured with the help of EnterpriseIreland, the co-ordinating body for ESA in Ireland. The funding willsupport the global roll-out of the company's innovative webbasedsatellite mapping application for the forestry industry. TheEnterprise Ireland-backed company also plans to recruit a furtherten software engineers over the next twelve months to expandits workforce at its Cork facility to 30. The company is receivingsignificant interest from multinational timber growers to developits proprietory system.works for your business23

Chamber LinkpromotionMembers NewsDara O’Donovan, Social Media Marketing Manager & head of the department (centre), withCommunity Managers Cian O'Regan and Sean Lucey.Social Media jobs plan unveiledLeading communications agency H+A Marketing + PR announcedthat it will create six new jobs in its expanded social mediadivision this year on the back of an explosion of interest andbusiness from clients. The expansion will see investment of morethan €250,000 into the company’s growing social media servicesin 2013 and 2014. The investment will go towards hiring newpeople with an additional six new roles to be recruited this year,as well as further investment in monitoring and training tools toenhance H+A’s services in this fast moving space. Experiencedmarketeer and social media specialist, Dara O’Donovan will headup H+A’s newly expanded social media division.SMILE Resource Exchange Scoops BestEco-Friendly Initiative 2013SMILE Resource Exchange is the delighted recipient of the LocalAuthority Members Association Award for 'Best Eco-FriendlyInitiative' having best met the award criteria of encouragingenvironmental improvement, awareness and positive promotionwithin the community. SMILE was recognised for making thebusiness community more aware of eco-friendly procedures, suchas the exchanging of resources in order to reduce waste going tolandfill which enhances the resource efficiency of the businesscommunity.FOD Solicitors secures funding for clientCork based security technology firm OneLook Systems Ltd havesuccessfully secured a large investment as part of the EnterpriseIreland High Potential Startup Fund for their electronic permitto work software product. The firm raised this venture capitalinvestment through a deal managed by solicitor Jonathan Lynamof the Cork office of Commercial Solicitor firm FOD Solicitors.OneLook Systems Ltd was founded just less than five yearsago. As the company moved from strength to strength theyreceived funding in 2011 as part of the Competitive Start Fundfrom Enterprise Ireland. Mr. Lynam is quoted as saying “Theconcept is clearly a commercially bankable idea as evidencedby the multiple sources and funding. OneLook Systems Ltd isa fine example of a new technology sector business with greatexpansion potential.”Jenny Murphy with her entry titled "Under the Sea" at Float.Floating to SuccessCork business woman Jenny Murphy who owns Red Balloonbased in Ballincollig is one of 2,000 people worldwide to beawarded a Certificate in Balloon Artistry. Making balloon historyshe is also the first Irish person to be invited to participate at“Float”, a balloon convention in St Louis, Missouri, USA. Speakingafter her return from the convention Jenny said, “Furtherdeveloping my balloon craft is very important to me and thisqualification gives me great confidence to make new creativeballoon designs. I have worked towards achieving this since Iopened Red Balloon in late 2009 so I am thrilled”.This 5 day event included lots of networking and meeting othersin the balloon trade as well as participating in workshops.Cork Hurling star Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Katriona O Mahony, Miss Universe Cork with EddieNicholson, Mardyke Entertainment Complex.First cask open in Porterhouse Cork!With over 17 years in business The Porterhouse Brewing Companyhas kicked off yet another year on a very positive note byintroducing the latest addition to The Porterhouse family - ThePorterhouse Cork, which is located at The Mardyke EntertainmentComplex on Sheare's Street in Cork’s City Centre. Cork Hurling starSeán Óg Ó hAilpín helped welcome The Porterhouse BrewingCompany to Cork as he cracked open the first cask with the helpof Miss Universe Cork Katriona O'Mahony. As a joint ventureproject, the bar will serve an array of Porterhouse beers andother craft beers from the various breweries in Ireland such asFranciscan Well, Galway Hooker, Carlow Brewing Company aswell as International craft breweries from USA, Canada, Belgium,Germany and Scandinavia amongst others.24

• To submit articles for Members News to e: imelda@corkchamber.ieNewly AppointedAppointments at Cork ARC Cancer Support HouseRichard Martin, Ronan Daly Jermyn.Richard takes the helmRichard Martin has been appointedManaging Partner at Cork and Galwaybased law firm, Ronan Daly Jermyn.Richard, a BComm graduate of UCC,qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and hasheaded the firm’s commercial litigationdepartment for the past ten years.Commenting he stated, “I am honoured tohave been appointed Managing Partner atRDJ. My primary focus is to ensure that, aslegal advisers to an extensive and variedrange of businesses and institutionalclients, we will always deliver legal advicethat is relevant, of high quality, costeffective and timely.”Joanne McCarthy, Cork Arc CancerSupport House.Hilary Sullivan, Cork Arc CancerSupport House.Joanne McCarthy has been appointed Marketing Manager at the Cork charity, CorkARC Cancer Support House. Qualifying with an MA History from University of Limerick(2006), and working across the Arts sector in Ireland and the UK, she served as Directorof the New Ashgate Gallery Trust an educational charity in Surrey, and returned toIreland in 2011, completing consultancy work and feasibility projects.Hilary Sullivan has been appointed Head of Fundraising / Corporate Affairs at CorkARC Cancer Support House. Hilary holds a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy.She has practiced as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Sports Massage in KinsaleChiropractic Clinic since 1998. Hilary began working with Cork ARC in 2003 as aVolunteer before joining their Fundraising Department in 2007.David Taylor, Comyn Kelleher Tobin.Sinead Fitzgerald, Comyn Kelleher TobinBrendan Hayes, President JCI Cork.Appointments at Comyn Kelleher TobinComyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT) is delighted to announce the appointment oftwo solicitors to the firm. Sinead Fitzgerald and David Taylor, both fromCork City, have just been appointed to full time positions at the firm.Sinead Fitzgerald qualified as a solicitor in 2001, having graduated with a BAfrom UCC. Her role at CKT will see her dealing with all areas of litigation, andspecialising in family law.David Taylor, a fellow graduate of UCC, with a BCL, qualified as a solicitor in2008, and his focus will be largely with family law and healthcare law.New President for JCIJCI Cork is pleased to announce that Brendan Hayeshas been appointed as its President for the comingyear. Brendan is a graduate of UCC and works withRonan Daly Jermyn Solicitors. He was also involvedwith two local start up businesses in 2011-12. JCICork offers training, networking and volunteeringopportunities for individuals across Cork cityand information on upcoming events/projects isavailable on www.jcicork.ie.works for your business25

Vodafone to provide digital mentoring at first NationalBusiness Expo to help Irish start-ups and expanding businessesFriday 8 th March & Saturday 9 th March 2013 in the RDSThe National Business Expo, has been specifically designed tosupport Irish entrepreneurs in accelerating their businesses andwill feature practical advice with a strong emphasis on start-ups,small to medium businesses and those looking to export.Vodafone will run a series of Smart Start-Up NetworkingSessions on the Saturday on key topics such as social media,business productivity, e-commerce and marketing, and get firsthandtips and advice on making your business work for you.Encouraging start-ups to take advantage of the opportunity,Claire Reynolds, Small Business Manager said, “We’ve beenlistening to start-ups who have said they want to build businessknowledge, particularly around how technology can enablegrowth and so we have set up the Vodafone Smart StartUpnetwork in direct response. We hope that the sessions on theday will help give small businesses and start-ups unique accessto expert advice, enable them to gain additional skills in areassuch as ecommerce and social media and as a result, encouragebusiness development and growth.”

Proud to have builtCitygate Park“Well done BAM for your diligence and expertise indelivering this fast track project, which has been completedahead of time and with zero variations to budget”John Cleary, Developer“We are very pleased with the quality of workmanship,levels of safety and the total commitment of BAM staff toconstruct a building which has genuinely exceeded ourexpectations”DELL / Quest Software“It was a pleasure to work with John Cleary and theDell / Quest team, where everyone worked together in truepartnership to deliver the project on time and within budget”Theo Cullinane, CEO BAM Contractorswww.bamcontractors.ieCall Mike Jones on 00 353 87 629 7738