InBusiness Yearbook 2014

InBusiness Only

€2.70

www.creditreview.ie

!

Connecting irish business YEARBOOK 2014

InBusiness YearBook 2014

Ask The Credit Review Office to take a closer look at the decision.

A Personal

Best

Zurich Chief Ken Norgrove on the importance of service excellence

If your business has had credit facilities refused, reduced or withdrawn by a NAMA bank, we’re here to help. If you’re a small business, sole trader or farm owner who has had difficulty getting credit or loan facilities of up to €3,000,000, or has had an unfavourable change to your existing credit terms and conditions, get in touch with us for an independent review. Our process is independent, easy to complete and covers all applicants for new loans or restructured credit facilities.

resolute Approach

Chambers Ireland CEO on how we can sustain a viable recovery

Global Network

ISSN 20093934

€2.70

@ChambersIreland

The work of the International Chamber of Commerce

Technically Write IT

Hooked Kitesurfing

24-8-2012

16-8-2010

Secret Fashion Fixes

Dungarvan Brewing Company

4-10-2012

9-4-2010

Go Gym Ltd

The Vanilla Pod Eatery

28-4-2011

7-3-2013 John M Lacy & Co Accountants

Heat Doc Ltd

The Mystic Celt

1-1-2010

31-1-2011

PolytunnelsIreland.ie

Drive Service Stations Ltd 26-10-2012

12-2-2009

7-10-2010

Your Start-up day makes our day.

The day you start your own business is a day you’ll never forget.

At AIB we want to be there to support you before, during and after.

That’s why we’ve launched an online Start-up Hub. Here, you can view customer Start-up day stories, learn from their tips and advice and upload your own Start-up day story.

Drop into any branch • 1890 47 88 33 • www.aib.ie/startup

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Contents INTRODUCTION 08

10

BUSINESS

Continuing a Collaborative Approach: Chambers Ireland

21

The Year in Pictures

CEO Ian Talbot explains why a resolute commitment to a number of key policy areas must continue to guarantee an economically viable recovery.

27

Chambers Ireland Turns Ninety:

The Network of Chambers around the country continues to develop ninety years on.

Driving Development:

28

Creating the best possible environment for innovation and smarter business is at the cornerstone of Chambers Ireland's activities.

11

Chamber Membership:

30

12

Board Members

15

Sponsors

16

Policy Councils and External Representation

18

More confidence, less fear:

2014 promises to be a much more positive year than we have experienced in recent times, writes Seán Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Chamber Ireland.

Decade of Delivering on CSR: Last year President Michael D Higgins marked Chambers Ireland's tenth year of hosting the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards.

31

32

36

CSR Guide for SMEs: A new guide aims to encourage SMEs to make CSR a core part of their business ethos.

A Global Network: InBusiness examines the ICC's key areas of work and how the global body is helping to strengthen commercial ties among nations.

Preparing to Cheque Out: e-Day will see an end to the issuing or acceptance of cheques when dealing with Public Sector bodies.

Cover Story - Giving His Personal Best: Ken Norgrove of Zurich Insurance speaks to Joseph O'Connor about the company’s new innovative products and the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

Cost-Effective Human Resources: As companies strive to cut unnecessary overheads in how they operate, Chambers Ireland provides top tips for managing HR costs in 2014.

Draw on the Chamber Network to access key benefits that will have a real effect on your bottom line.

35

Chamber Update: 56

Chamber Week

58

Corporate Social Responsibility Awards

64

Excellence in Local Government Awards

DIRECTORY: 98

Members Directory

105

Corporate Partners

106

Corporate Patrons

110

Useful Contacts

Editor (Ashville Media Group): Joseph O’Connor Managing Editor: Mary Connaughton Deputy Editor (Chambers Ireland): Amy Woods Commercial Editor: Conor Forrest Design and Layout: Leon Hayden, Antoinette Sinclair Advert Design: Alan McArthur Photography: Thinkstock.com Production Manager: Mary Connaughton Production Executive: Nicole Ennis Sales Director: Paul Clemenson Managing Director: Diarmaid Lennon Published by: Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7 Tel: +353 1 432 2200, Fax: +353 1 676 7100, Email: info@ashville.com, Web: www.ashville.com On behalf of: Chambers Ireland, 3rd Floor, Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 400 4300, Email: info@Chambers.ie, Web: www.Chambers.ie All articles © Ashville Media Group 2013/2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville Media or Chambers Ireland.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 1

Promoting Ireland Everyone in Ireland is a potential ambassador in helping secure inward investment. Whether you are in business, government or academia, you have opportunities to sell the benefits of investing in Ireland to your contacts at home and abroad.

Make sure you have all the information you need by downloading your copy of Investing in Ireland at kpmg.ie

© 2014 KPMG, an Irish partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Chamber LOCATIONS

North Kildare

FOREWORD CHAMBERS IRELAND | chamber week

Continuing a Collaborative Approach

W

hen I was writing the foreword for this magazine last year, I chose to begin with the line, “2012 has been a difficult year for business with the Euro crisis continuing and many problems domestically.”

One year on and it seems reasonable to suggest that last year was less difficult 8 InBusiness Yearbook 2013

for many. Consumer confidence has improved, the Live Register implies that more people are getting back into work and our members throughout the country are telling us that broader business conditions are improving.

However, as the old saying goes, the more things change the more things stay

the same, and while overall economic conditions have changed, the same resolute commitment to a number of key policy areas is required to guarantee an economically viable recovery.

More needs to be done by all actors, including business and Government, and all levels, from local to international,

©Thinkstockphotos.com/Sergey Nivens

Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot explains why a resolute commitment to a number of key policy areas must continue to guarantee an economically viable recovery.

FOREWORD CHAMBERS IRELAND | chamber week “We recognise the work the Government has done in this area. A full suite of new initiatives and bodies has been introduced or reformed to get people the skills they need and employers demand.” to produce the conditions that will ensure this recovery is sustainable.

So what is the contribution of Chambers Ireland? The work we do has real and meaningful benefits for businesses at a local, regional and national level.

Chambers Ireland is unique among business organisations because of our reach throughout the country. We have a member Chamber in every major town and city in Ireland and as a result we have a unique relationship with Local Government, local business and local communities.

2013 was an important year for Local Government with the enactment of the Local Government Reform Bill.

We monitored the process of this Bill through the Oireachtas and advocated on behalf of our members at key moments.

On commencement, there will be many changes to the entire system of Local Government in Ireland and we will continue to profile issues important to our members; the vitality of town centres, fair car parking rates, appropriate business taxes, Local Enterprise Offices and business support services and the efficiencies that can be obtained from the introduction of Municipal districts.

At a national level, 2013 saw numerous significant achievements for Chambers Ireland, our members and the businesses they represent.

Budget 2014 included a range of measures that we have been campaigning for in recent years. Most

satisfying was recognition of our proposal to introduce a tax rebate incentive for home repair, maintenance and improvement. Such a scheme was announced in the budget, with tax credits now being available for homeowners making improvements up to a certain value. We believe this will result in a significant boost for many in the construction and related sectors who have suffered greatly since the crash in 2008.

Other changes and initiatives we called for included the retention of the nine per cent VAT rate for the hospitality sector, the increase in the threshold for cash accounting for VAT, improvements in the Seed Capital Scheme and the introduction of additional Capital Gains Tax Relief.

With the beginning of the budgetary cycle moving ever closer to the start of the year, we are already considering and consulting on our demands for Budget 2015.

With regards to how improvements in the economy trickle down to the ‘real economy’ there is no greater issue than jobs. Getting people back into employment produces many benefits that transcend the immediate boost for the individual involved. The more people we can get into work, the more people will no longer be dependent on the State and will begin to contribute through taxation. This has a significant impact on what remains our greatest challenge; getting the deficit under control and reducing the gap between what we spend and what we raise in taxes as a country.

We recognise the work the Government has done in this area. A full suite of new initiatives and bodies has been introduced or reformed to get people the skills they need and employers demand. What needs to happen in 2014 is that these bodies work together, in a coordinated way, to get the desired outcomes. This is an area we will actively monitor.

At an international level, it’s all too easy to say that economic conditions are out of our control. So much commentary is dominated by a narrative that suggests Ireland’s recovery is dependent on conditions in the EU, or the UK or the USA. While this may be true, it does not absolve us of a responsibility

to work towards improving trading conditions with these and other countries or working at an international level to improve the legislative and regulatory environment for business.

That is precisely what we do through our work with Eurochambres and the International Chamber of Commerce.

We give, and will continue to give, Irish business a strong voice at international level.

So, while things may be changing for the better on a macro level, the hard work must continue; by Government, business and individuals to make sure that that the recovery is sustained and I can begin next year’s foreword with, “It has been a great year for Ireland and for business in Ireland.”

“Chambers Ireland is unique among business organisations because of our reach throughout the country. We have a member Chamber in every major town and city in Ireland.”

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland InBusiness Yearbook 2014 9

aboutIRELAND Chambers irelandweek CHAMBERS | chamber

Driving Development Creating the best possible environment for innovation and encouraging smarter business practices is the cornerstone of Chambers Ireland’s activities.

A

s the largest business network in Ireland, Chambers Ireland works to create the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally. Chambers Ireland acts as one voice for business in Ireland while also promoting the social and economic development of local communities.

One of the key functions of Chambers Ireland is to represent the views of Irish business to Government. This is achieved through effective research and lobbying along with representation on a range of policy-making boards and councils that inform and influence Government.

At its core, Chambers Ireland’s mission is to represent the interests of member companies, promote business competitiveness in Ireland and enable the development of the Chamber movement in Ireland. As illustrated by the diagram below, Chambers Ireland is a bottom up organisation with a wide regional spread across the country. It is made up of local affiliated Chambers and regional Chambers, governed by a board of directors. It is complemented by a number of elements including; policy councils, a public affairs forum, a chief executives forum, the national

advisory board and corporate partners and patrons.

Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s representative in the global Chamber Network and is a member of Eurochambres, the association of European Chambers, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the largest business representative organisation in the world. It acts as the Irish national committee of the ICC which allows it to communicate its views on international trade on behalf of its members to the international organisations that legislate on international trade.

National advisory board corporate partners corporate patrons

ceo Forum pa forum policy councils



Chambers Ireland board



regional Chambers Local Affiliated Affiliated Chambers Chambers 10 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Chamber membership

A Network That Works Chamber membership has key benefits that can have a real effect on your bottom line.

C

hambers Ireland is the country’s largest business representative organisation, promoting the economic and social development of local communities in order to make them a better place to live, work and do business. Business is a series of challenges and your Chamber understands those challenges. Local Chambers play an active role in community and business development within their local area. The health of the local economy is crucial to the health of your business. Local economic development is at the core of Chambers’ mission and membership to these organisations has many visible benefits that can produce tangible results.

The key areas in which a Chamber can benefit your business are:

Networking and Events A survey of Chamber members showed that 60 per cent of members do business at Chamber events. The capacity for networking, making new contacts and getting new business as a Chamber member is significant.

Business Advisor For all businesses, whether early stage start-ups or established enterprises, the Chamber is the first port of call for business advice. Chambers provide support and guidance for all industry sectors on a range of issues. Be part of a business friendly environment, locally, nationally and internationally.

Why should you join your local Chamber?            

etworking 60 per cent of members do business at events.

N Find new sales targets Chambers believe that people do business with

people they know. Join your Chamber and make new contacts you can trust.

Business Advisor Chamber seminars, workshops and conferences feature

experts presenting stimulating ideas and the latest thinking on business development.

Discounted business services From member to member.

Free Promotion You can use the Chamber website to announce special

offers or other business announcements.

Membership Directory Listing and access.

Periodic Bulletins Keep you up-to-date on what we are doing.

National Chamber movement Our influence can be local, regional,

national or international as appropriate.

A Trusted Third Party We’re an enabler of business.

Social Networking You can participate in our members only groups for

updates.

Lobbying To reduce your costs including rate charges from Local

Government, keep employment costs and taxes down and support local infrastructural development.

Represent Your Business Interests Promote the competitiveness of business

with Government.

Lobbying and Representation Chambers lobby on a number of key business issues on a local and national level. For example, rates paid by businesses to Local

Authorities have been reduced in many areas due to active engagements between Chambers and Local Authorities. This has given businesses the opportunity to not only survive but to grow and develop.

Products and Services Chambers offer a number of unique products and services, including access to exclusive deals and offers. Exclusive services which members have access to include Chamber HR – a service offering HR and health and safety advice, and Chamber Translations - a service which offers the translation of documents into hundreds of different languages.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 11

Board members

Chambers IRELAND BOARD MEMBERS

Dónall Curtin (President), Partner Byrne, Curtin, Kelly

Kevin Murray, (Deputy President) Chartered Engineer and Principal, Kevin J Murray & Co.

Clive Bellows, Country Head, Northern Trust

Niall Feely, Managing Director, G4S Secure Solutions

Maria Kelly, Chief Executive, Limerick Chamber

Tony Lambert, Chief Executive, Fingal Dublin Chamber

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

12 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Seán Murphy, Company Secretary, Chambers Ireland

Helen Downes, Chief Executive, Shannon Chamber

Rickard Mills, Head of Corporate Affairs, KBC Bank Ireland

Continuing to invest in Ireland Building in Ireland for 57 years and working to build for our children’s future

OUR Recent Activity includes: 95 FDI Hi Tech Projects 10 Major Swimming Pools 5 PPP Investments 27 Major Road Schemes 327 kms Road 305 Bridge Structures 82 Marine Projects 47 Water/ Wastewater Facilities 22 Energy Projects

www.bamcontractors.ie

sponsors

sponsors Chambers Ireland wishes to thank its sponsors for their continued support.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 15

policy councils

Chambers Ireland Policy Councils Chambers Ireland's four Policy Councils are essential in keeping staff at Chambers Ireland fully informed on a wide range of issues affecting our members and in assisting in the formation of policy.

C

hambers Ireland’s strength as an organisation that advocates on behalf of its members and the businesses they represent is a direct consequence of the support structures which assist the public affairs staff.

An important part of this structure is the group of Policy Councils. They make a vital contribution to our public affairs work. We gain much from the experience and expertise the members bring to them, while the members are given an opportunity to contribute to the work of a successful lobbying organisation.

Chambers Ireland currently has four policy councils, which have recently been reformed to be more closely aligned with the organisation’s policy priorities.

The Policy Councils have two main functions. Firstly, they update Chambers Ireland staff on issues relevant to their area of expertise.

This is vital in keeping staff at Chambers Ireland fully informed and up to date on a wide range of issues affecting our members and Ireland’s business community. Secondly, they assist in the formation of policy by contributing to working groups on specific policy outputs.

Members of the Council are nominated by a Chamber affiliated to Chambers Ireland. Partners and patrons of Chambers Ireland may also be asked to nominate members. The position of Chair of the Councils is by invitation from Chambers Ireland. Chairs are reviewed on an annual basis, with no individual serving for more than two years.

The Policy Councils meet at least

16 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

three times a year, with other meetings arranged on an ad hoc basis. They make a vital contribution to our public affairs work. We gain much from the experience and expertise the members bring to them, while the members gain from the opportunity to contribute to the work of a successful lobbying organisation.

The Economic Development Policy Council This is another new Policy Council for 2014. It will look at economic development in general as well as specific issues arising in the areas of infrastructure, transport and tourism.

All of these issues are vital to the continued success of businesses throughout Ireland and the Council will observe developments in this area, analyse developments in policy and suggest the most appropriate responses for our members and the business community.

Chambers Ireland has a strong tradition in the area of transport and we will continue to make use of the members of the Transport Users Policy Council when specific issues arise in this area.

The Workplace, Employment and Skills Policy Council This is a new council for 2014, replacing the HR Policy Council. This reflects the needs of businesses in this area.

Issues from the cost of employment and workplace disputes to accessing the right skills and the training needs of business

will be addressed by the Council.

The Council will inform Chambers Ireland’s policy positions on these issues and contribute to the formation of our policy priorities in subsequent years.

The Ratepayers and Local Government Policy Council Chambers Ireland is unique among business representative organisations as we have a wide geographic reach.

We are a body that represents member Chambers in every major town and city in Ireland.

We understand the essential relationship between local government, local business and local communities and work with our local Chambers, local Government and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to help produce a strong business environment right across Ireland.

The Ratepayers and Local Government Policy Council is vital in helping us carry out this role.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Policy Council CSR is a crucial part of what we do at Chambers Ireland. Our CSR Awards not only recognise the best efforts of business in this area, they also encourage new businesses to get involved.

We also promote CSR through our policy council. A strong mix of Chamber representatives and subject matter specialists observe developments in this field and advise Chambers Ireland staff on the most appropriate responses.

external representation

Title of Forum/Working Group­

Co-ordinating Body

Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Advisory Group on Small Business

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Ageing Well Network

Ageing Well Network

Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Business in the Community Board

Business in the Community

Communications Regulator Consumer Advisory Panel

ComReg

Crisis Pregnancy Agency Consultative Committee

Department of Health

CROLink

Companies Registration Office Users Group

Customs Consultative Committee

The Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Customs Expert Group

Eurochambres

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Employment Appeals Tribunal

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Eurochambres Conseil d’Administration

Eurochambres

Eurochambres Delegates Meeting

Eurochambres

European Economic and Social Committee

European Union

Finance for Growth Study

InterTradeIreland

Higher Level Group on Business Regulation

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

National Competitiveness Council

Forfás / Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

National Development Plan (2007 - 2013) Central Monitoring Committee

Department of Finance

National Payments Plan

Business Cheque Reduction Working Group - Central Bank of Ireland

National Economic and Social Council

Department of An Taoiseach

National Expert Group on ISO 26000

National Standards Authority of Ireland

National Focal Point for Ireland Network - European Agency for Safety & Health at Work

Health and Safety Authority

National Waste Prevention Committee

Environmental Protection Agency

Permanent Head of ICC National Committee

International Chamber of Commerce

Seanad Éireann

Seanad Éireann

Shannon Foynes Port Company

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Skillnets Certification Committee

Skillnets

SME Funding Consultation Committee

Department of Finance

Southern and Eastern Region Operational Programme

South East Regional Authority

Monitoring Committee Trade Facilitation Ireland

Irish Exporters Association

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 17

CHAMBERS IRELAND | chamber week Policy

2014 promises to be a much more positive year than we have experienced in recent years, writes SeĂĄn Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland.

18 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

A

t Chambers Ireland we and our members around Ireland trust that activity levels will continue to increase. At time of writing there is more confidence in the wider economy and less fear. This in turn should lead to an increase in the velocity of money as businesses and consumers start to spend more on items and products that they need. Enhanced activity levels will also help Government tax receipts while supporting businesses and jobs.

Those Irish businesses that survived the downturn had to grapple with a peak to trough decline in activity levels of 20 per cent. They survived by relentlessly focussing on costs and also by minding their existing customers. Thankfully these businesses, together with their employees, are now poised to grow again.

Chambers Ireland will be working to further improve the business environment for our members.

ŠIStockPhoto.com/ buchachon

More confidence, less fear

Policy CHAMBERS IRELAND | chamber week

Five Policy Priorities ollowing extensive consultation with the Chamber Network, F we will be focussing on five core thematic areas over the course of this year: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Job creation and training S upporting SMEs L ocal government reform E conomic development and capital investment P ublic sector reform

W

e really believe that 2014 will be a crucial year for Ireland’s recovery and this will only be supported if the Government commits to continue with the capital investment needed to ensure Ireland’s infrastructure is ready to make the most of an economic upturn. Infrastructure includes many facets and developments in areas such as water, electricity and broadband, as well as transport and the successful roll out (finally) of a post code system, will all be major concerns for the business community this year.

Some commentators have recently been writing about a ‘jobless recovery’ and while this might be good for business it does little for the people who felt the full force of the economic downturn. While we share the Government’s view that it is not their responsibility to create jobs, they can play a major role in producing the conditions necessary to facilitate job creation.

Last year the Government put in place the structures necessary to address the training needs of young people and the skills needs of business. SOLAS, Intreo, Job Path and new Education and Training Boards will all play a role in this vital area. This year these structures must begin to work in a coordinated fashion to ensure people get the skills and jobs they want and business gets the employees they need. Implementation Deficit Disorder has been a problem in Ireland for many decades, given the depth of the downturn that we have just come through, we must ensure that plans are fully delivered upon.

Labour costs also remain a concern for

many in the business community and it’s vital that Government, primarily through tax policy, remains mindful of this. We all know that a flexible labour market and manageable labour costs are not only good for business but also lead to long-term employment security for many workers. Marginal tax rates and Capital Gains taxes—especially for active investors in business—are too high; this will be another core focus for the network over this year.

The political year ahead will be dominated by the local and European elections. Following the major restructuring of the system and local government in Ireland and the enactment of the Local Government Reform Act 2013, this year will be a major test of the changes: Will they lead to increased efficiencies? Will the money raised by the Local Property Tax be fairly distributed? Will business rates reflect this new income stream for local authorities? Will new business supports such as Local Enterprise Offices really benefit the business community?

This year we will publish an election manifesto, which will set out the needs of the business community and ensure all candidates know the importance of Local Government working with local business to benefit local communities.

At Chambers Ireland, our support for business in Ireland is resolute. We know and recognise the vital contribution business makes to the economy in general and job creation in particular.

In recent years the flow of credit to SMEs has been an area of considerable concern. We would like 2014 to be the

year where a multiplicity of credible options are open to business seeking working capital, which will enable them to simply remain in business or, given the right conditions, grow and develop.

Public procurement is also high on our agenda. The Government is clearly aware that this is a major issue as it has created a new Office of Government Procurement and appointed a Chief Procurement Officer. We will be working to ensure that OGP works to include rather than exclude possible suppliers from new procedures. They must be given realistic opportunities to tender for contracts without incurring a cost of sale that is too high for them.

Finally, we remain concerned that a sustainable recovery must be accompanied with public sector reform. Now that the Haddington Road agreement has been put into place and received widespread backing, the country can move towards reducing the deficit and closing the gap between the money we raise and the money we spend. An efficient and ever more productive public service, focussed on front line services, will benefit everyone in delivering a more sustainable economic future.

Seán Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland InBusiness Yearbook 2014 19

Value through Innovation

Even after a century of experience, we remain intensely curious.

For the sake of future generations.

Boehringer Ingelheim has always remained true to its character as an independent family-owned company.

Our vision drives us forward. It helps to foster value through innovation in our company and to look to the future with constantly renewed commitment and ambition. Today, we operate globally with 142 affiliated companies in 50 countries. With more than 41,500 employees worldwide and a track record developed over 125 years, we are dedicated to improving the outlook for healthier lives. www.boehringer-ingelheim.ie

abcd

Chamber Pictures

The Year in Pictures 2013 was a busy year for the Chamber Network.

InBusiness highlights some of the great events that took place around the country.

Crowds enjoying the Food and Craft Fair on Mallow’s Main Street during the Racing Homefor Easter Festival

President Michael D Higgins receives the Galway Chamber Lifetime Achievement award from Galway Chamber President Jim Fennell at the Galway Chamber Gala Dinner

Clonmel Chamber's Gathering of Chambers event with members from Clonmel, Greater Kitchener (Canada) and Cambridge (Canada) Chambers

Shannon Chamber president Kevin Thompstone (2nd left) pictured at Dromoland Castle, Co Clare for the annual President's lunch with (from left) Eoin McManus, business and wholesale director, Three; Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber and Barry O'Leary, CEO, IDA Ireland

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 21

Chamber Pictures

The Year in Pictures

David Finlay, Director of Cavan Chamber of Commerce promoting Shop Local at The Taste of Cavan in August 2013

The annual clean up of the approach roads into Tralee organised by Tralee Chamber Alliance in conjunction with Kerry Waste Disposal, where 16 volunteers collected 82 bags of rubbish on the day

Pictured at the launch of the revamped Fingal Dublin Chamber website were Chamber President, Siobhan O’Donnell, Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. , Chamber Chief Executive Tony Lambert and Louise Phelan, VP Global Operations EMEA, PayPal

Dundalk Chamber organised a night on a tall ship as part of The Gathering 2013 celebrations

22 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Pictured at Limerick Chamber’s President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards were; (front row) David Jeffreys, MD, Action Point Technology, Dr Fergal Barry, President of Limerick Chamber, Rose Hynes, Chair of Shannon Airport, Maria Kelly, CEO of Limerick Chamber; (Back row) Pat Cox, Chair of Limerick City of Culture, John Moran, Secretary General of Department of Finance, Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of LIT and Tom Enright, Economic Director, Limerick Authority

Chamber Pictures

The Year in Pictures

Pictured at the Waterford Chamber Annual Dinner in the Tower Hotel (l-r): guest speaker John Teeling, Founder and former Chairman of Cooley Distillery and current Director of the Irish Whiskey Company; Mayor of Waterford City, Cllr John Cummins; Nora Widger, Waterford Chamber President; Nick Donnelly, CEO, Waterford Chamber

Wexford Chamber’s second annual Love Fashion Love Wexford event in September 2013 saw four of the county’s biggest GAA stars take to the catwalk with top Irish models to showcase new season looks from 11 of County Wexford’s wonderful boutiques

Pictured at The Entrepreneur Exchange event in November 2013 were Tommy Higgins, Entrepreneur; Trevor McDaid, President, Sligo Chamber of Commerce; John Perry TD, Minister for Small Business; Michael Dawson, One4All

Con McNamara, Chamber Vice-President and MC, David Hall, Tax Expert, and Sasha Kerins of Grant Thornton at the Q&A session at Newbridge Chamber's sell-out Annual Budget Breakfast at The Silver Restaurant in Newbridge

Ronan Cooper, Bibby Financial, Eoin McGee, Prosperous Financial Services and Adrian Mooney, The K Club pictured at the North Kildare Chamber Annual Conference

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 23

Chamber Pictures

The Year in Pictures

Pictured at the Dublin Chamber Annual Dinner were Bernard Byrne, Director of Personal, Business & Corporate Banking at AIB, Liam Kavanagh, President of Dublin Chamber for 2013, Dan Doctoroff, CEO of Bloomberg, and Gina Quin, CEO of Dublin Chamber

Mr Gerry Faughnan, President of Carrick on Shannon Chamber of Commerce welcoming President D. Higgins to the official opening of the Carrick400 Festival in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim in February 2013

Businesses celebrate success at the Drogheda Chamber Business Excellence Awards 2013

Pictured at the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber Environmental Awards were Eimear Cahalin, Chief Financial Officer for Mainstream Renewable Power; Eamon Gilmore TD, An Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Dr Josephine Browne, Chamber President; Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice and Defense discussing environmental programmes at the EnviroCom Awards 2013 Now in their eighth year the awards recognise businesses for their efforts to protect and preserve the environment

24 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Ennis Chamber celebrates with local officials, Gardai, and businesses on becoming the first town in Ireland to receive a Purple Flag in recognition for quality in Ennis’s evening and night time economy

New Ireland Assurance is a leading life assurance company in the Irish Market providing over 500,000 customers with solutions for:

• Pensions • Savings • Investment • Protection

newireland.ie

New Ireland Assurance Company plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

A member of Bank of Ireland Group.

Chambers Anniversary

Chambers Ireland Turns Ninety The Network of Chambers around the country continues to develop ninety years on.

2

013 marked the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Chambers Ireland. To mark the occasion, a reception for Chambers Ireland, stakeholders and supporters was held in The Italian Room, Government Buildings with special guest An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. An Taoiseach spoke at length on the importance of local Chambers to Ireland.

For his part, Chambers Ireland

Chief Executive Ian Talbot spoke on the history of Chambers Ireland and how we got to be where we are today.

He mentioned how closely aligned our progress was with that of the State. “The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland was established at a time of great change and uncertainty. The fledgling State still existed in the shadow of its dominant neighbour and while the struggle for political independence had

been won, great challenges remained...

Throughout the 20th Century our development reflected that of the State. Despite difficult times, what was a small organisation hosted by Dublin Chamber with strong support from a small number of large town Chambers, particularly Cork, grew to become a representative body for the wide Network of Chambers around the country.”

Chambers Ireland President Dónall Curtin and Chief Executive Ian Talbot chatting to An Taoiseach before the event InBusiness Yearbook 2014 27

ŠIStockPhoto.com/ Wavebreak Media

Chamber HR

28 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Chamber HR

Cost-Effective Human Resources As companies strive to cut unnecessary overheads in how they operate, Chambers Ireland provides top tips for managing HR costs in 2014.

I

s 2014 the year of opportunity and positivity? We all hope that it is and with our recent exit from the bail out and with positive economic growth we are all looking into the New Year with a renewed optimism. However, with a New Year comes a new plan and if there is an improvement in our economy then the best way to take advantage of this is for employers to continue to control, manage and plan costs. It is important to proactively plan for the future needs of the business and in this piece we look at the top tips for managing HR costs in 2014.

Temporary Workers Employers need to be able to anticipate staffing needs and actively be able to manage and match supply and demand.

The increased use of temporary or specific purpose contracts can help business through busy periods where they know they will only need that role for a certain period of time. In the event that you have a permanent role popping up in a particular department down the line, you will also have a pool of staff who have had experience in the business and in the department to seek out. This can ultimately reduce the costs associated with recruiting and training in permanent staff.

Managing Expenses Employee expenses (e.g. travel, food etc.) can be costly for employers if not managed correctly. Employers are encouraged to have a clear policy which sets out the circumstances in which a claim can be made. In addition, is there a cheaper alternative? For example, can that driver take a route that does not involve two tolls? Is there a cheaper flight alternative?

Managing Annual Leave The vast majority of employers are operating workloads with minimum staffing levels and a major headache can arise when several employees request leave at the same time or, more disruptively, when several employees have excessive leave days remaining at the end of the year. Employers are advised to take control of annual leave through a clear annual leave policy which will in turn ensure that the business is effectively staffed throughout the year. One useful tip is to require employees to take a minimum number of days leave per quarter and, if they fail to apply, then the employer can apportion leave to that employee by giving them one month’s notice. This will ensure an even spread of leave days from January to December.

Managing Absenteeism Absenteeism can have a significant cost for businesses in terms of lost days and reduced productivity. A survey on workplace absence in Ireland carried out

by Graphite in 2011 showed that onethird of employers had changed their absence management practices in order to reign in the associated costs.

This is not surprising when you consider that reports show that absenteeism costs the Irish economy as much as €560 million per annum. Some simple tips for managing absenteeism and reducing costs include tightened policies, improved monitoring, and

return-to-work interviews.

Managing Overtime Several employers have contacted Chamber HR to outline that they have difficulties with their overtime bill.

Employers can effectively reign in these costs by specifically instructing staff that only ‘manager approved overtime’ can be worked. Employers are encouraged to have an express policy on this and implement it strictly across the board.

Effective Policies An employer cannot underestimate the importance of having effective policies to deal with all eventualities. We have considered annual leave, absenteeism and overtime above but have you got a policy to cover scenarios where you can’t provide work due to inclement weather?

What about a flexible working policy or a lay-off/reduced working hours policy to deal with temporary shortages of work? With effective policies in place an employer can look to effectively manage costs with minimal risk and without having to take the dreaded step of implementing redundancies.

There are many options that can be tailored to suit your business needs. If you feel any of the above measures could help your organisation, then please do not hesitate to contact Chamber HR on 1890 252 923 and we will guide you through any changes you need to implement.

“Employers need to be able to anticipate staffing needs and actively be able to manage and match supply and demand.”

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 29

CSR Anniversary

Decade of Delivering on CSR Last year President Michael D Higgins marked Chambers Ireland's tenth year of hosting the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards.

I

n 2013 Chambers Ireland hosted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards for the tenth year running. While they still hold the same values at their core, they looked remarkably different from 2004. They were organised by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, as Chambers Ireland was then known. They were sponsored by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, but that responsibility has now moved to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The first awards had just seven categories compared with twelve last

year which is a testament to how much CSR has grown over the past ten years.

To celebrate this milestone, President Michael D H iggins kindly hosted us and our guests for a special reception at Áras an Uachtaráin. President Michael D Higgins speaking on the importance of CSR in Ireland Attendees were made up of key stakeholders and those development of CSR in Ireland. The companies that had consistently engaged President spoke positively of today’s with the awards over the last number CSR landscape and its importance in of years and supported the growth and Irish society.

Attendees at the event celebrate 10 years of the CSR Awards with President Michael D Higgins 30 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

CSR Guide

CSR Guide for SMEs Launched Saving Money by ‘Going Green’ It’s clear that there are many benefits from CSR but the most immediate, and possibly the most welcome, is the fact that it can save your business money.

1. Cut your electricity and energy bill This tends to be the single biggest cost for SMEs after wages and an area where behavioural change can have a big impact.

John Forde, Director, South West Regional Authority; Karina Howley, Chair, Chambers Ireland’s CSR Policy Council and Dónall Curtin, President, Chambers Ireland at the launch of The Sustainability Factor, a new guide to corporate social responsibility for SMEs

A new guide aims to encourage SMEs to make CSR a core part of their business ethos.

C

hambers Ireland has launched a new guide to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for SMEs, 'The Sustainability Factor'.

Speaking at the launch, Dónall Curtin, Chambers Ireland President said: “CSR embraces responsibility for a company’s actions and encourages awareness of a company’s impact on the environment and local community. While it is often seen as the realm of large multinationals, more and more SMEs are realising the benefits CSR can have on their business.

This guide highlights the number of simple ways that SMEs engage with CSR, many of which can have a positive effect on their bottom line.”

Karina Howley, Chair, Chambers Ireland’s CSR Policy Council, continued: “Despite current economic constraints, CSR continues to grow in Ireland.

There is no doubt that implementing

responsible business practices and becoming more sustainable has a positive impact on your business and those you engage with. We hope that this guide will encourage more SMEs to embrace these ideas and make CSR a core part of their business ethos.”

John Forde, Director, South West Regional Authority, added: “Throughout Europe SMEs are engaging in CSR activities to help improve the sustainability of their business, which, in turn improves the sustainability of the regions in which they operate. This guide will help Irish SMEs to understand and obtain the benefits offered by introducing accessible CSR activities into their day to day operations.”

This guide was co-financed by the South West Regional Authority through the INTERREG IVC DESUR project and is available online.

2. Reduce the amount of waste you produce The 3 Rs: Reduce waste by only printing when necessary. Reuse paper by printing on both sides.

Recycle all possible materials.

3. Try to cut down on your water bill Use a dual flush toilet or simply place a brick in the cistern. Identify and fix any leaks. If you’re a major water user, investing in a rainwater harvesting system will pay for itself in 4-5 years.

4. Buy products made from recycled materials.

Energy saving light bulbs can produce major savings. Look into whether you can get a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland.

5. Limit unnecessary travel Use teleconferencing whenever possible. Encourage staff to switch to public transport or cycling to work.

6. Think about your office layout Position photocopiers, printers and similar equipment somewhere with good natural ventilation to minimise the heat they build up and the air conditioning needed for cooling.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 31

ICC

A Global Network

InBusiness examines the International Chamber of Commerce's key areas of work and how the global body is helping to strengthen commercial ties among nations.

T

he International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a global organisation based in Paris of which Chambers Ireland is a member.

It provides a forum for businesses and other organisations to examine and better comprehend the nature and significance of the major shifts taking place in the world economy. They also offer an influential and respected channel for supplying business leadership to help governments manage those shifts in a collaborative manner for the benefit of the world economy as a whole. The ICC’s key areas of work include policy advocacy, promoting international trade and investment and working to fight corruption and piracy throughout the world economy. The ICC is a steadfast rallying point for

32 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

those who believe that strengthening commercial ties among nations is not only good for business but good for global living standards and good for peace.

As the umbrella body for Chambers of Commerce in Ireland, Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish National Committee of the ICC, or ICC Ireland. The ICC provides us with valuable information throughout the year including the results of the quarterly World Economic Survey which measures economic outlook and expectations globally.

In 2013, ICC led an international business delegation to the World Trade Organisation's 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali. Through ICC's World Trade Agenda initiative, the ICC global network rallied to help secure

agreements including the historic agreement on trade facilitation which, according to an ICC-commissioned study, could inject up to $US 1 trillion into the global economy and create 21 million new jobs. The agreement was hailed as a success from all sides and is expected to reduce cross-border transaction costs for companies by 10-15 per cent and is significant for businesses in all sectors and of all sizes around the world.

In June 2013, the ICC issued the Open Markets Index which ranks countries by their openness to trade. The results were positive for Ireland which was ranked 8th out of 75 countries assessed worldwide, coming 5th in Europe behind Luxembourg, Belgium, Malta and the Netherlands.

ICC The 8th World Chambers Congress – Doha Held for the first time in the Middle East, the 8th World Chambers Congress brought together chambers of commerce and their leaders from around the world to share, learn and build new networks of opportunity. Close to 2,000 participants from 109 countries took part in the 8th World Chambers Congress, organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Ian Talbot, Secretary General of ICC Ireland, gave a presentation to participants on the success of Chamber Week in Ireland.

Under its theme 'opportunities for all', the Congress began with ICC’s World Trade Agenda summit, providing an opportunity for business leaders and policymakers to exchange with participants the business priorities for effective 21st century trade and investment policy.

At present, ICC Ireland is actively involved in six areas it has identified as being of importance to Irish businesses and the wider Irish economy; these are arbitration, customs and trade, taxation, digital economy, environment and energy, and corporate responsibility and anti-corruption.

Commission on Customs and Trade Regulations The central objective of the Committee on Customs and Trade Regulations is to overcome practical obstacles to the free flow of goods, services and investment across borders - in particular those related to customs policies and procedures.

ICC Ireland is involved to ensure that the liberalisation of global trade and investment has a positive impact at the level of the Irish companies engaged in import and export.

The Committee's work focuses on customs reform and modernisation and the implementation of transparent, simplified and harmonised customs policies and procedures.

The current work programme includes:

• To provide input into the work of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on customs valuation and classification including through the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group.

• To encourage convergence between tax and customs authorities on transfer pricing and customs valuation.

• To revisit the impact of customs duties on trade in intellectual property and services.

• To integrate transport and logistics policy issues from a global and multimodal perspective into ICC's work on trade facilitation.

Commission on Taxation The Commission on Taxation promotes an international tax system that eliminates tax obstacles to cross-border trade and investment. Its primary goal is to promote transparent and nondiscriminatory treatment of foreign investment and earnings that eliminate tax obstacles to cross-border trade and investment.

Current policy working areas include: • Lead global business input into the work of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, including on the UN Model Convention and the UN Practical Manual on Transfer Pricing for developing countries.

• Contribute business views to the work of the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) on topics of a global reach including on the transfer pricing of intangibles for income tax purposes, in cooperation with the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD. • Produce business recommendations on tax transparency and exit taxes.

Commission on Environment and Energy This Commission acts as a voice for global business, representing the interests of ICC members in global dialogues related to these issues. The Environment and Energy Commission makes recommendations for business on significant regulatory and market issues concerning energy and environment.

Since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the need for sustainable use of resources and respect for the environment has become increasingly apparent.

The Commission helps ICC act as business’s primary interlocutor and partner in key intergovernmental negotiations and dialogue, including at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, and the UN Environment Programme.

Commission on Corporate Responsibility and Anti-Corruption A growing number of companies across the world increasingly recognise that doing business with integrity is the only right way of doing business. The ICC has been a pioneer in the business fight against corruption, issuing in 1977 its first version of the ICC Rules of Conduct to combat Extortion and Bribery.

The ICC is on the forefront in the development of ethics, anti-corruption and corporate responsibility advocacy codes and guidelines, providing a lead voice for the business community in this rapidly changing field.

The Commission on Corporate Responsibility and Anti-corruption works closely with other ICC Commissions to combine expertise on a number of current issues, including: • anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (Banking Law and Practice) • public procurement and anti-

corruption clauses in model contracts (Commercial Law and Policy) • The work of this Commission complements the work of Chambers Ireland in CSR, in particular its Annual CSR Awards.

Commission on Digital Economy The Commission on the Digital Economy seeks to realise the full potential of e-commerce by developing policy and practical tools that encourage competition, growth, predictability, compliance and the secured, free flow of information in cross-border trade, via the internet and information and InBusiness Yearbook 2014 33

ICC communication technologies.

The principle objectives to date include: • Advocating ICC positions on international initiatives, including the removal of regulatory barriers to the deployment of new technologies, the liberalisation of telecommunications, and the ability to transmit secure message.

• Conveying business priorities, regarding in particular management of the domain name system.

• The Commission also works on important topics such as data protection and digital security.

Commission on Arbitration and ADR The Commission on Arbitration and ADR is ICC's rule-making body and unique think tank in the field of international dispute resolution. The commission drafts and revises the various ICC rules for dispute resolution, including the ICC Rules of Arbitration, the ICC ADR Rules, the ICC Dispute Board Rules, and the ICC Rules for Expertise. In its research capacity, it proposes new policies in the interest of efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution and provides useful tools for the conduct of dispute resolution. It also produces reports and guidelines on legal, procedural and practical aspects of dispute resolution.

Working closely with the Commission, the ICC Court of Arbitration’s primary role is to administer ICC Arbitrations.

The Court performs the functions entrusted to it under the ICC Rules of Arbitration and continually strives to assist parties and arbitrators to overcome any procedural obstacles that arise. In performing its functions, the Court is mindful of its duty to make every effort to ensure that awards are enforceable at law.

Importantly, the Court is not a court in the judicial sense of the term. It does not itself resolve disputes or decide who wins or who loses an arbitration. It does not award damages or even costs.

Those are all functions reserved for independent arbitral tribunals appointed in accordance with the Rules.

The Court's specific functions under the Rules include: • Fixing the place of arbitration 34 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber and Ian Talbot, Secretary General, ICC Ireland at the 8th World Chambers Congress in Doha

• Assessing whether there is a prima facie ICC Arbitration agreement • Taking certain necessary decisions in complex multi-party or multi-contract arbitrations • Confirming, appointing and replacing arbitrators • Deciding on any challenges filed against arbitrators • Monitoring the arbitral process from the filing of the request for arbitration to the notification of the final award to ensure that it proceeds in accordance with the Rules and with the required commitment to diligence and efficiency • Scrutinising and approving all arbitral awards, in the interests of improving their quality and enforceability • Setting, managing and, if necessary, adjusting costs of the arbitration, including the ICC administrative expenses and the arbitrators’ fees and expenses • Overseeing emergency arbitrator proceedings This Commission is ICC Ireland’s most active and has a number of members from the Bar Council of Ireland, the Law Society, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Irish Branch.

Commission on Marketing and Advertising The ICC Commission on Marketing and Advertising examines major marketing and advertising related policy issues of interest to world business via issuespecific task forces and working groups.

One issue of particular relevance to the Irish economy is the development of a framework for the responsible marketing of alcohol. Heeding the call of industry to ensure robust rules are well understood and coherently applied across markets, the ICC Commission on Marketing and Advertising is developing a new global framework for responsible marketing communications of alcohol.

An experts' group will convene at the upcoming commission meetings and identify existing principles from the Consolidated ICC Code which will offer interpretation and guidance to help marketers and self-regulatory authorities.

Development of an ICC framework was initially proposed by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) with strong support of the World Federation of Advertisers. The base draft was developed against the background of the ICAP guiding principles. These represent a consensus built and globally committed to by CEOs of 13 major companies representing beer, wine and spirits producers.

In 2014, ICC Ireland hopes to expand its range of activities to include banking, commercial law, and intellectual property. If you would like to get involved in the work of these commissions, contact Mark O’Mahoney, Product Manager at Chambers Ireland.

©IStockPhoto.com/ LUNAMARINA

e-Day

Preparing to Cheque Out -Day – September 19th 2014.

From this date, the Public Sector will no longer issue or accept cheques in their dealings with businesses in an effort to reduce cost and improve cash-flow for Irish businesses. With cheque volumes dropping, businesses – particularly small businesses – are being encouraged to make payments electronically.

The particular focus of e-Day is to encourage SMEs to migrate from cheque usage as they are either issuers or receivers of more than 60 per cent of all cheques in Ireland. Cheques are expensive for businesses with bank charges, stamp duty, postage and unpaid cheques adding to the overall cost.

Switching to electronic payments can lower costs and improve cash-flow for businesses as well as reduce the risk of fraud. It is hoped that with the State leading by example, and with many businesses already using electronic payments rather than cheques, other businesses will follow suit and switch to electronic payments. e-Day is a key recommendation in the National Payments Plan (NPP) which estimates that if Ireland were to match best European practices, savings of up

to €1 billion per annum could be made across the economy. The plan seeks to double the number of electronic payments by 2015.

Launched last year by Minister of State Brian Hayes, e-Day, set for September 19th 2014, is the date from which Government departments and offices, local authorities and State agencies will no longer issue or accept cheques in their dealings with businesses. A year’s notice of its implementation was given in order to ensure a smooth transition and to give both the various public sector bodies and the affected businesses plenty of time to make arrangements for paying electronically.

Businesses will need to prepare for e-Day. If a public sector body currently pays by cheque, this will no longer be the case for businesses from e-Day so businesses should ensure that 140 the paying public sector body has 130 full bank account details (BIC and 120 IBAN). Businesses that previously 110 made payments by cheque will 100 need to confirm what alternative 90 arrangements are being put in 80 place. These are likely to include 70 EFT (electronic funds transfer), direct debit and card payment ANNUAL VOLUME IN MILLIONS

e

e-Day will see an end to the issuing or acceptance of cheques when dealing with Public Sector bodies. options and, while it is expected that these will be well communicated, businesses are advised to check with their own banks to ensure that they have access to these alternatives.

Cheque usage has been reducing at about ten per cent per annum in Ireland for some time. The NPP targets a doubling of electronic payments in Ireland between 2011 and 2015. This should result in a drop in the use of cheques to about 30 million per annum and would see Ireland improve its position relative to its European peers, with businesses benefiting from quicker transactions, improved cash-flow and lower costs while enjoying an everincreasing choice of payment products, services, providers and channels to cater for their changing needs.

VOLUME OF CHEQUES AND OTHER PAPER DEBITS (SOURCE: WWW.IPSO.IE) 128.8

129.9

131.5

127.0

124.6 117.2

101.8 91.8 84.2 76.1

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

IRELAND - CHEQUES

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 35

Cover Story | Zurich IRELAND

Giving His Personal Best Ken Norgrove, CEO of Zurich Insurance, speaks to Joseph O'Connor about the company’s new innovative products, Zurich’s commitment to Ireland and the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

R

unning a marathon is no mean feat. It requires dedication, stamina and resilience; attributes which Ken Norgrove, a seasoned runner and CEO of Zurich Insurance in Ireland, clearly applies to his work life.

Approaching three years in his position this April, Norgrove has certainly put his stamp on operations since taking the reins at the General Insurance arm of Zurich. An industry veteran having entered the sector at seventeen, he has spent 25 years working in the insurance market both here and in London, and when Zurich came knocking in 2011, he says it was an offer he “couldn't refuse”.

Zurich itself has deep Irish roots and its presence in Ireland is a significant one. The group employs over one thousand people at locations in Dublin and Wexford. Its general insurance interests cover everything from car and home insurance, to SMEs and major corporate clients. Zurich's businesses in Ireland also include a very successful Life operation, based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. The capital is also the location of choice for its European, Middle East and Africa head office which is based at the IFSC and in March 2013, Zurich Insurance Group announced the creation of 112 new high-value jobs in two new IT hubs in Dublin. Globally, Zurich has in excess of 60,000 employees 36 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

and a significant and growing presence in Ireland.

Innovative Products The insurance industry remains a challenging one, having reduced by almost one third in the recession, but Zurich has remained resilient and managed to gain market share in Ireland for three consecutive years. Results for the first nine months of 2013 show Zurich increased its business operating profit globally by two per cent to $3.6 billion so the company is in a healthy position. Norgrove and Co are not resting on their laurels however. New product innovation is something high on Zurich's agenda, and last year it made a move into the agri sector for the first time with the launch of a new farm product. The move not only broadened the company’s portfolio, but enabled it to strengthen its leadership position in the broker market. Norgrove reflects on a successful year. “2013 was a great year for us,” he says. “Our focus was, and continues to be, on the service excellence route that we've been on for the last four or five years, even prior to my arrival, and growing in our underwriting capability and new product innovation in particular.”

There was clearly room in the agri insurance market for another player and

Zurich took full advantage. “There were really only two players in that sector up until last year,” explains Norgrove.

“So we've gone in through the broker channel and we've well exceeded our plan in 2013. We believe we've captured about 15 per cent of the broker market in our first year and by the end of this year, if we continue on our current run, we hope to have captured five per cent of the total agri sector.”

Other new services introduced by Zurich include a successful mini fleet product – an online insurance service which makes placing business for fleets with 3 to 15 vehicles fast and easy.

The SME backbone In order for the insurance industry to get the kick-start it needs, it depends very much on an economic recovery in Ireland. And according to Norgrove, the SME sector plays a major role in generating wealth and helping it spread across society. Figures show that there are in the region of 250,000 enterprises of varying scale within the category of SME enterprises in Ireland which, between them, employ some 650,000 people. “I think SMEs are critical,” he says. “They dominate the employment sector and they dominate the flow of cash in local economies. In towns and

Cover Story | Zurich IRELAND “The brand in our business is everything because we're selling a promise and its future and we're effectively banking that money until people really need it.”

Ken Norgrove, CEO of Zurich Insurance

cities around the country, if SMEs aren't doing well it means people aren't spending money. It's that confidence issue; SMEs are absolutely critical for the economic recovery and will enable it to be a fair one. Foreign direct investment tends to be very heavily concentrated in Dublin and some of the major cities like Cork, Limerick and Galway, but we want a much fairer distribution across the economy and I think that is where SMEs can help.”

Zurich works closely with SMEs on a day-to-day basis and sees the value that they create through their entrepreneurship and innovation. The company also recognises the tough environment that smaller firms are facing and, to that end, the team works hard to ensure damage limitation to these SMEs when the insurer is called in. Norgrove points to a number of successfully handled cases where familiar Irish indigenous companies such as Pamela Scott, the Lough Erne Resort and Elverys Sports found themselves in crisis situations, be it through flooding, a fire or other unforeseen circumstances.

“We've had some great examples around helping businesses recover from fairly dramatic events so that they don't lose their customers. During the flooding

in Dundrum, with one of our clients, Pamela Scott, we turned up the day it happened and immediately made funds available because you know it's going to be a big claim and what people need is reassurance and confidence that everything is going to be looked after.”

Helping clients faced with adversity get back on their feet as soon as possible is where Norgrove's job satisfaction lies.

“In such cases, where everything works efficiently, for me that's where it starts to come alive,” he says. “If something happens they need to be back up and running to serve their customers. That, for us, is always going to be what we call 'the moment of truth' which is a fairly common phrase in business but for us it is when the claim is fast, fair and efficient. We want our customers to feel that we delivered on our promise. We also work closely with our customers to ensure that they have the correct risk mitigation protocols and procedures in place to limit the damage to their business if disaster does strike.”

Reputation The reputation of a business, whether an SME or large corporation, is critical to its survival. The trust and confidence of the customer can have a direct and

profound effect on a firm's bottom line.

A reputation depends on a number of factors, including ensuring that the business delivers on its promises to customers and vendors. Speaking with Norgrove, it is clear that company reputation is imperative to him and Zurich. “It's huge,” he says. “We're a blue chip company, a double A-rated company with S&P (Standard & Poor's) so the brand and the reputation are critical. The brand in our business is everything because we're selling a promise and its future and we're effectively banking that money until people really need it. Keeping this promise will ensure that our reputation is protected and that we can continue to build on it.”

In terms of reputation of another kind, Zurich's ongoing commitment to Ireland displays the trust and belief it holds in the country. The company's global leadership team meeting was held in Dublin last November, the second time in three years that it took place here. CEO of Zurich Insurance Group, Martin Senn, along with about 130 of the company's top brass were in attendance, not to mention Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The decision to stage the meeting here for the second time in such InBusiness Yearbook 2014 37

Cover Story | Zurich IRELAND quick succession reflects Ireland's strong position within the Zurich group. “We've a brilliant position with Zurich globally,” says Norgrove. “It's highly unusual for it to be held in the one place so close together. There were people from as far away as Australia, South America, the US, South Africa; a massive global gathering. It is only when you see them all in a room you realise how truly global you are as a business.”

Balancing Act As well as being at the helm of Zurich's Irish operation, Norgrove acts as President of the Insurance Institute of Ireland, a one-year term which will come to an end in April. Founded in 1885, the Institute is the national body for insurance professionals in Ireland with 14,000 active members. Norgrove says the industry has been good to him and offered him great support as a youngster. He sees his presidency as an opportunity to return the favour.

“Part of the presidency was about giving something back,” he says. “When I was asked I was delighted because I believe in the education system and I believe in professionalism across the sector. I think as a sector we probably haven't promoted ourselves enough as to how professionally qualified we are.” So how has Norgrove found delivering in this dual role and, at the same time, maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

“It's important that you have de-stressers

CV: Ken NORGROVE ROLE: CEO of Zurich Insurance LIVES: Milltown, Dublin CURRENTLY READING: Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi Favourite Film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest HOBBIES: Running and Cycling

“The main message for us is to continue as we are, with growth in the SME sector and to make sure we keep our customer service standards as high as possible.” when you work hard,” he asserts. “My de-stresser is spending time with the kids and running is definitely a good de-stresser.”

In the year ahead, there remains a

lot of work to be done for Zurich in Ireland. The company wants to build on its new products and gain market share in areas such as agribusiness and mini fleets. It also aims to sustain a successful underwriting excellence programme and continue to deliver on products through its broker network which is where 90 per cent of its business comes from.

The overriding strategy is more of the same, according to Norgrove. “The main message for us is to continue as we are, with growth in the SME sector and to make sure we keep our customer service standards as high as possible, delivering on our claims promise. I think those goals shouldn't change intrinsically yearon-year. That's at the core of what we do.

It's what we are set up as and if we stick to that, we'll continue to deliver best in class. That is our target all the time, to be the best. I'm a fairly competitive person by nature from the running and that just flows through to business.” As for his personal goals, Norgrove plans to beat his Personal Best (PB) at the 2014 London Marathon. No pressure then!

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 39

PROFILE | CBRE

Outlook for the Irish Commercial Property Market in 2014

Irish Investment Spend 2013.

Source: CBRE Research

As financial institutions and NAMA continued the process of deleveraging, sentiment improved and transaction volumes increased significantly across all sectors of the Irish commercial property market. Marie Hunt, Executive Director, CBRE, explains what we could see in 2014.

B

y mid-year 2013, most sectors of the Irish commercial real estate market had experienced more transactional activity than in the entire 12 months previous and fuelled by a further surge in transactional activity in the autumn, year-end tallies for all sectors were up considerably compared to 2012. As the country slowly emerged from recession, all sectors of the occupier markets (office, industrial and retail) experienced a resurgence in activity during 2013 and with no speculative development having occurred for several years now, supply shortages of prime stock began to emerge in some locations last year. This resulted in prime rents stabilising and rental growth being 40 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

experienced in the Dublin office market in the second half of 2013.

Growth Against a backdrop of healthy occupier activity in prime locations and improving economic prospects, investor demand for Irish real estate heightened over the course of 2013 to the extent that prime yields contracted by more than 100 basis points in some sectors during the 12 month period due to the weight of Irish and overseas capital chasing investment opportunities. Demand was further strengthened during 2013 with the establishment of two Irish REIT vehicles following the publication of Irish REIT legislation in the Finance

Act earlier in the year. The Irish IPD index showed its first positive capital growth reading in six years in Q3 2013, marking another important milestone for a year which looks like having been the stepping stone to the next phase of growth in the Irish commercial real estate market.

Although there are several legacy issues still to be tackled and our economy remains susceptible to macroeconomic developments, 2014 is now shaping up to be an even busier year for the Irish commercial property market than last year, fuelled to a large extent by improving domestic economic indicators and by some improvement in the availability of debt funding. A

PROFILE | CBRE “Demand was further strengthened during 2013 with the establishment of two Irish REIT Key Predictions for 2014 vehicles.”  2014 will see the return of the crane summary of our key predictions for the year ahead is contained below.



















to the Dublin landscape as the next wave of office development in the capital commences.

Prime office rents in Dublin 2/4 are set to increase by a further 15 per cent during 2014 to reach approximately €435 per square metre or €40 per square foot by year-end.

In addition to some new development we expect to see an increase in the number of refurbishment and retrofitting projects being undertaken.

As we enter 2014, retailers are more confident than they have been for several years and we expect to see stronger volumes of activity in the Irish retail property market over the course of the next 12 months.

In addition to existing retailers expanding and relocating, we expect to see several new retailers making their Irish debut this year as international retailers increasingly focus attention on Ireland.

While prime high streets and major shopping centres accounted for the greatest proportion of activity in the retail property market last year, we expect to see this momentum filtering down to secondary streets and provincial locations to some degree during 2014.

We expect to see rental growth reemerging in the Irish retail market for the first time in more than six years during 2014, albeit limited to certain prime high streets and shopping centres for the foreseeable future.

Following several years of no new development, this year will see some selective retail development coming on stream around the country, primarily in the form of additional phases in existing schemes.

We are likely to match, if not exceed, the record level of transactional activity that occurred in the Dublin industrial and logistics sector in 2013 over the course of the next 12 months considering the volume of demand to purchase and rent prime buildings in this sector.

Over the last few years, investors











have been risk averse and focussed on investing in core assets in prime locations. They have focussed on safe dry investments that offered bondlike qualities because of economic and property market uncertainties.

Now that we are entering a phase of stronger economic growth, some investors are expected to selectively move up the risk curve from core real estate to secondary properties in an effort to boost returns.

We expect that an increasing number of global investors who lack local market knowledge and don’t have the management resources to manage Irish assets directly will look for alternatives to direct sole ownership such as partnerships and joint ventures as well as indirect investment through REITs and property funds.

Following the establishment of two Irish REITs last year, we expect to see other Irish REIT vehicles emerging in 2014, although the Irish market is too small to sustain a large number. In addition to new REIT vehicles being established, we could also see some existing Irish funds converting to REIT structures and the existing Irish REITs undertaking additional rounds of fundraising this year.

We expect to see some significant land parcels being offered for sale during 2014, some of which will form part of larger mixed-use portfolios.

We also expect to see some land that originally formed part of loan sales during 2012 and 2013 being offered for sale this year.

There is no doubt that 2014 will see a notable increase in the volume of house building in the Dublin market, albeit from a very low base. This in turn will boost demand for small residential-zoned sites, particularly those with planning for between 50 and 100 housing units. There is also likely to be strong demand for office sites in the capital.

Although the majority of land sales over the last 12 months have been acquired by cash purchasers, there





will now be pressure on banks to provide development finance to support the beginning of the next development cycle. We also expect to see even stronger demand from private equity houses to fund or partner with local developers on development projects.

Outside of Dublin, we expect to see a significant amount of provincial land being traded again in 2014 although buyers are likely to comprise local purchasers in the main. Only lands that are appropriately priced will attract buyers however with little or no premium payable for the benefit of zoning or planning permission.

A number of Dublin city centre hotel properties are likely to be offered for sale during 2014 as well as some good quality provincial hotels. We expect that demand will continue to be dominated by overseas purchasers. Many of the buyers that purchased Irish hotel properties over the last number of years are likely to transact again in order to increase their exposure to the Irish market while a number of new entrants from jurisdictions that have not yet invested in Ireland are expected to emerge.

Marie Hunt, Executive Director - Head of Research, CBRE Ireland InBusiness Yearbook 2014 41

profile | AIB

Your Start-up Day

Makes Our Day

Ken Burke, Head of Business Banking with AIB, tells InBusiness why business start-ups are playing a key role in Ireland's economic recovery and how AIB is banking more start-ups than any other Irish bank. embarking on their exciting start-up journey. Yes, the questions are many and the prospect of going it alone can be daunting, but there are a myriad of great support networks throughout Ireland to provide expert assistance to entrepreneurs every step of the way.

Questions to ask

Ken Burke, Head of Business Banking at AIB Bank

S

mall and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Irish economy, accounting for some 99 per cent of active Irish enterprises and creating employment for 69 per cent of our working population.

This clearly reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit and drive that exists within the Irish culture. Start-ups are at the heart of a healthy growing 42 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

SME business environment, with some 19,000 people starting new businesses in Ireland in 2012 creating a significant boost to our economy.

Two thirds of all new jobs in Ireland come from start-ups in their first five years of existence so it’s a clear case that start-ups are essential to fuel Ireland’s economic recovery.

Frequently I talk with customers

You should consider the most popular content on AIB’s start-up website (www.aib.ie/startup) which poses a series of key questions if you are thinking about starting your own business: Have you kept your idea to yourself? Are you an inventor or an entrepreneur? What are your weak points? Have you got the right advisers? Can you afford to live during the start-up phase? What’s your end game? Are your finances in order? As you can see, there are many important considerations if you are seriously considering making the leap into business start-up and ownership and happily, there are many local and national supports available for you which are well worth seeking out.

The new Local Enterprise Offices across the country are to provide ‘firststop shop’ services to all micro and small enterprises, including encouraging and supporting the establishment of start-ups. Here you will find local experts who will act as vibrant partners providing start-ups with access to vital information, guidance, training and general advice to help you get your business off to a strong start.

Enterprise Ireland, as the national centre of excellence, provides specific support for High Potential Start-ups through management development programmes and a wide variety

profile | AIB

of tailored services for identified businesses. Innovative start-ups come from a wide range of sectors targeting growth in international markets. In 2013, Enterprise Ireland invested in 103 new high potential start-up companies and also provided critical funding to 85 early stage entrepreneurs under its Competitive Start Funds. We in AIB work very closely with Enterprise Ireland in nurturing and supporting many of these companies.

The AIB Seed Capital Fund and AIB Start-up Accelerator Fund make equity investments in innovative start-ups and early stage businesses with high potential for growth. AIB is the largest banking provider of seed capital funding in Ireland.

Entrepreneurial Appetite The entrepreneurs we meet in AIB looking to start their own business, or those who have already done so, have demonstrated a very strong appetite for learning as they encounter the variety of challenges that managing their own business entails. In the past two years, AIB has partnered with ActionCoach, Ireland's largest business coaching organisation, to provide a series of 230 business planning workshops to 5,700 business start-up and micro-business customers around the country. These sessions enabled new business owners to share experiences and challenges as well as learn new approaches to growing their businesses in a safe environment.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive with many expressing strong support for the opportunity to network with other business start up owners. They all have a common objective of seeking to learn and improve their business management skills. Within three months of attending these workshops, over 200 business owners who participated reported a significant uplift in activities, 59 per cent increased sales, 51 per cent increased profits and 26 per cent created new jobs.

Clearly these are powerful results.

Our experience of providing relevant support to a broad range of start-up business owners has proven the value for entrepreneurs of taking time out to

consider how their business is doing, enabling them to clearly understand the financial and operational dynamics of daily activities and developing and adjusting strategy and goals along the way.

Engaging with such a variety of business owners and listening to their needs to develop and grow their business provides vital insight for us at AIB to tailor our services and products specifically towards the needs of startups.

A Tailored Service While a variety of AIB banking services have been available - specifically designed for start-ups - for many years, last November the bank launched a more focused and streamlined programme to provide timely and relevant support in today’s challenging economic environment. Specifically tailored banking arrangements are available to start-up businesses who are in operation for less than three years and who are opening an AIB Business Startup Current Account for the first time.

Through our Business Start-up Hub (www.aib.ie/startup), you will also find business planning templates, a cashflow planner as well as a comprehensive ‘Practical Guide to Starting Your Own Business’.

We are all very much aware of the impact of new technologies on our everyday lives, be it from a personal or business perspective. For startups, as for any other business, digital communication systems such as email, websites, blogs and social media are invaluable marketing tools, enabling a small business to stay connected with customers and suppliers. Small business technology can be complex or simple, depending on your comfort level and the potential benefits that technology can offer to your particular business. Seeking out valuable advice and expertise to make your business offering more accessible and attractive to your target customers is imperative in today’s social media environment.

I have been continually inspired by our featured business interviews (www.aib.ie/business) – where our SME customers share their very practical experiences about building

and growing their brands during challenging times. Here you will also find our customers sharing their start-up business experiences and the challenges they had to overcome in their early days of business.

In AIB we have award winning online banking solutions for customers. In our state-of-the-art LAB (Learn About Banking) in Dundrum Shopping Centre, we showcase the present and future banking technologies that personal and business customers can experience by trying them out for themselves. We also have free dedicated meeting room space that start-ups and entrepreneurs can avail of, to host business meetings in a great environment with the latest communications and multi-media technology.

AIB’s Outlook sector reports (www. aib.ie/outlook) examine and analyse the key issues affecting particular sectors within the Irish economy, whilst our monthly SME newsletter (www.aib.ie/businessbrief) has quickly established itself as a valuable resource for start-up and established business owners. AIB has a dedicated team of sectoral specialists supporting our relationship managers and the needs of our SME customers.

Clearly, it is very difficult for any business to succeed by itself, whether it is a start-up or indeed if it is well established and mature. Businesses come to rely on their suppliers to keep products flowing, customers to keep revenues flowing and their bank to support their financial needs. It is important to understand that a strong network of relevant experts, service providers and advisers is needed. I strongly recommend that businesses link in with their local Chamber of Commerce and any local business network as well as availing of the many support areas I have mentioned already.

At AIB, we welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone thinking about starting their own business. Dropping into one of our branches around the country is a great first step where our expert staff will be delighted to talk to you about your business idea and help you start your journey to building a successful business.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 43

Are you worried about your ageing loved one?

41% tax relief is available off the cost of our professional service

If you’re juggling a busy work life with taking care of your own family you may start to feel stressed or guilty about not being there for your senior loved one.

Home Instead Senior Care can help. Enjoy a better a quality of life for you and your loved one.

Call us TODAY for a FREE Care Consultation: Home Instead Senior Care

|

1890 930 013

|

homeinstead.ie

PROFILE | ESB

Lighting the way for Ireland’s Future Jerry O’Sullivan, Managing Director of ESB Networks, outlines how we can increase levels of renewable electricity and improve the overall performance of the electricity system under the ESB Networks 2027 strategy.

I

n 2027, ESB Networks will celebrate 100 years of providing Ireland’s electricity infrastructure. In January this year, ESB Networks published its 2027 strategy which defines the way forward for the Irish electricity network.

The strategy lays down the roadmap for Ireland to become a global leader in smart grids, enabling increased levels of renewable electricity and improving the overall performance of the electricity system.

The strategy is ambitious, which reflects the equally forward-thinking programmes undertaken by ESB since its inception. The sweeping rural electrification that peaked in the late 1950s is engrained in the collective Irish memory as a once-in-a-lifetime transformational moment. Back then, bringing electricity to rural Ireland meant more than the convenience of lights and appliances for rural residents, it signalled a new age of economic opportunity for the country as a whole. Now Ireland is going through another dramatic period of change as it struggles to recover from one of the hardest hitting recessions in history.

An important part of that recovery is attracting new companies to set up here.

Many of these are high tech companies with sophisticated energy needs. The ability of the Irish electricity network to facilitate those needs often plays a critical role in their decision to choose Ireland. ESB Networks works hand in hand with Irish business organisations to deliver on those energy needs.

The Irish Government also has significant sustainable energy targets including 40 per cent of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2020 and ensuring that electric vehicles account for at least one in ten cars on Irish roads. The electricity network has to be able to facilitate these targets. Recent advances in technology have also opened up exciting opportunities for the electricity industry. ESB Networks wants to grasp these opportunities which will empower our customers and lead to greater efficiencies. This is the new environment that ESB Networks is operating in and the 2027 strategy aims to rise to those challenges and make the most of the opportunities to meet the future needs of customers, the economy and ensure an energy-secure future.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 45

PROFILE | ESB The Five Ring Model ESB Networks 2027 strategy defines how this will be delivered. It builds on the Smart Networks vision that has been adopted by ESB Networks since 2008. The 2027 vision is encapsulated in a five rings model: see figure 1.

The first ring is Renewable and Clean Generation. This involves facilitating new wind farms and other technologies which will allow Ireland to meet its renewable energy target. The second ring is the Smart Network. In this area ESB Networks is combining automation and intelligence to optimise efficiency, predict problems, and greatly reduce outages. The third is Distributed Generation and Electricity which is the facilitation of new end use technologies such as micro generation, photovoltaic cells, electric cars and other emerging technologies. The fourth is Smart Metering. This is the deployment of new meters which will enable a two-way interaction with customers and allow for billing to reflect the individual’s consumption profile rather than the current flat rate tariffs. The fifth ring is the Connected Home. In the not too distant future, smart meters will communicate with smart devices in the home empowering customers to become much more energy aware.

This integrated model is very different from the traditional passive electricity network, where centralised power stations fed out to customers across radial electricity networks. For example, it will allow electricity

Figure 1: ESB Networks 2027 Vision Five Rings Model 46 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

customers to capture electricity they might generate themselves and gives them the option of either selling it on or releasing it slowly though advanced storage heating systems.

A Recognised Transformation The journey for change has already started. During the Celtic Tiger years, ESB Networks was already making strategic investments in the long-term sustainability of the network. Older parts have been upgraded, resulting in increased capacity, reliability and efficiency. The next stage of development is to make the network smarter. This kind of innovation goes beyond laying lines and cables and involves the integration of traditional electricity networks with Information Technology and communications systems. It is a revolutionary process which involves working with all our stakeholders across industry, academia and most importantly, our customers.

The transformation that ESB Networks is achieving in the Irish electricity network is already being recognised around the world. In 2010 an international study of global electricity utilities ranked ESB Networks as having the third most advanced network worldwide. In February 2013, ESB Networks won an international award for its Smart Networks projects. This was awarded by the Electricity Power Research Institute in the U.S. which is a world-vrenowned authority in research and innovation. The latest recognition of ESB Network’s world class standing came last December when IBM Worldwide chose ESB Networks as the exemplar international utility for 2013. This status helps to build Ireland’s reputation in the international energy community.

We are also working to secure investment for further innovative projects. In October last year, a submission led by ESB Networks in conjunction with Northern Ireland Electricity, EirGrid and SONI secured significant EU

Jerry O’Sullivan, Managing Director of ESB Networks

funding to build a mature Smart Networks infrastructure in the North Atlantic Green Zone. This Zone includes Donegal, Fermanagh and Tyrone and parts of north Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan. The infrastructure will facilitate renewable energy and improve network efficiency across the region. ESB Networks and NIE expect to be granted €106 million to deliver this cutting edge project.

While there is a long journey ahead, much has been achieved already. Over 18 per cent of electricity power in Ireland now comes from renewable resources with wind farms being the dominant technology. This has led to significant reductions in carbon emissions and has also reduced our dependency on imported fuels. The dividends of the smart electricity network are already paying off. The duration of the average time a customer is without power every year has fallen by 72 per cent.

The electricity system of the future will be almost unrecognisable from the system which lit up the nation in the 1950s, but the pioneering spirit of the ESB and the part that is now ESB Networks remains. Strategy 2027 will deliver an exciting future for the Irish electricity industry, and bring benefits for both customers and for Irish society as a whole.

DUBLIN INSPIRES: BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Google, Intel, IBM, Emirates, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, KPMG and Teradata are some of the most dynamic giants of today’s business world.

this professionalism has won us no less than 25 industry awards.

They all share a relentless commitment to innovation, service and excellence. So it’s not surprising that they’ve hosted events somewhere with an identical attitude: The Convention Centre Dublin.

Located in Dublin’s rejuvenated docklands – home to many of the capital’s most progressive companies – The CCD has 18,500 hotel rooms nearby, Dublin Airport only 15 minutes away and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities on its doorstep.

The CCD distils all the forward-thinking attitudes that now make Dublin so attractive to world-class businesses like Facebook, Kellogg’s, Pfizer plus many others. And since we opened our doors in 2010,

So if you want a world-class venue for your next event, visit www.theccd.ie today. You’ll soon see why we’ve inspired such confidence in some very inspiring companies.

Contact our Sales Team on: T: +353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

Make sure your online address is a .ie

A postal address tells people who you be with .ie

needn’t

A .ie web address not only tells customers in Ireland searching for information about your organisation and services where .ie that information is too because .ie search engine rating than websites using .com, .org and .net.

.ie can help to ensure that your customers know exactly who they are dealing with.

• Safety – you and your customers benefit from .ie being consistently ranked in the top five safest domain names in the world* with fewer incidences of cyber crime, identity theft or fraud.

Registration is easy Visit www.why.ie/registrars for a complete list of .ie Registrars who can assist with your registration.

So what will a .ie do for my business?

• Guaranteed Irish – to have a .ie domain name you must prove a real and substantive connection to Ireland.

IE Domain Registry, Harbour Square, Block 2, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Tel +353 1 236 5400 Email registrations@iedr.ie www.iedr.ie

* McAfee Mapping the Mal Web Report.

PROFILE | GloHealth

Health Insurance Innovation At a time when businesses are under more financial pressure than ever, GloHealth brings a very welcome injection of innovation and value to an employee benefit deemed important by so many employers in Ireland.

W

hen it comes to responding to the needs of their customers, GloHealth understands that no two businesses are the same, and that no two employees have the same health insurance needs. Responding to this, the company has broken new ground in its approach to health insurance by providing its customers with the ability to personalise their health insurance cover.

GloHealth’s simple to understand range of plans and the ability for GloHealth customers to tailor their cover to meet their own particular needs, while also availing of a range of new benefits, is attracting customers in their tens of thousands, with over 80,000 people having already switched to GloHealth by January 2014.

competitors and delivers real value to GloHealth customers.

GloHealth also recognises the importance of top quality service and is leading the market in this area. For example, GloHealth’s unique Scan & Send claims service allows customers to claim as they go and receive their cash back in just a few days, which is a far cry from the typical practice that requires customers to wait until the end of their policy year to claim.

Jim Dowdall, GloHealth CEO, puts the remarkable performance of the company since its launch down to a focus on value for money, innovative products and great customer service.

“Quite simply, customers were crying out for a real alternative and individual and corporate customers alike have recognised GloHealth’s unique approach to respond to their needs and ensure they get the best value from their health insurance spend,” he says.

Tailored Cover

Success

GloHealth customers can choose the level of hospital cover they want and can then further tailor their cover by selecting up to five of GloHealth’s Personalised Packages at no additional cost. These Personalised Packages include a wide variety of additional benefits such as free annual worldwide multi-trip travel insurance for all members on the policy, free family life cover, money back on kids’ sports club fees and cash back on a wide range of alternative therapies. All of this distinguishes GloHealth from its

GloHealth’s success is very evident in the corporate world, attracting successful international companies such as Dell, Facebook, Boston Scientific and Kleinwort Benson Investors along with a number of companies more recently established in Ireland such as Squarespace and TripAdvisor. “All of these companies recognise the value that GloHealth has brought to the market,” Dowdall says.

“On a daily basis they are focused on innovation and customer value and they recognise that GloHealth is similar

and is a very strong cultural fit for them.”

Dowdall believes that the appeal of GloHealth in the corporate space is also due to the strength of the company, both outwardly and behind the scenes.

“Our investment partner is Irish Life and our underwriter is Munich Re - two of the strongest financial services companies around,” he says.

“Our management team in GloHealth has in-depth experience in the health insurance market and all of these factors give our corporate clients the satisfaction and comfort that with GloHealth they have a health insurance partner who can best meet their needs today and for the future.”

Employee Wellbeing GloHealth works with its customers to develop a Wellness programme which is tailored to respond to the specific needs of employees. The Wellness programme is designed in consultation with the HR team in each company and can include a range of onsite talks, workshops and demonstrations relevant to the wellbeing objectives of each company.

With such a dedicated focus on innovation and quality, GloHealth can expect to continue to grow its market share in 2014 and beyond.

“On average 1,000 people have joined GloHealth every single week since we launched,” says Dowdall. “We expect that momentum to continue and it is our intent that GloHealth will continue to be recognised as the benchmark for the best quality and best value health insurance in Ireland,” he concludes.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 49

PROFILE | Shell Ireland

The Town that Avoided the Recession The Corrib Natural Gas Project has been making a significant contribution to the Mayo town of Belmullet as well as surrounding areas.

Tommy and Orla Talbot with members of staff, Doreen Mangan and Rachel Gunning outside the Talbot Hotel “The Corrib Gas project provided the confidence for people to invest” – Tommy

W

hile the rest of the country has been struggling to offset the worst effects of the recession, particularly in the construction industry, the Erris area of North Mayo has been enjoying something of a boom because of the ongoing Corrib Natural Gas project.

Since 2008 when the country’s construction industry nosedived, the Corrib project has employed an average of more than 1,000 people on its various construction sites at Bellanaboy, Glengad (the landfall site), Aughoose, the site of Ireland’s longest tunnel, and Killybegs (supporting the offshore works).

Employment peaked at a high of 1,500 in 2009 when a large scale offshore 50 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

operation, which included the laying of the 83km pipeline from the landfall to the Corrib field, coincided with a major phase of construction of the Bellanaboy Bridge gas processing plant. Numbers reduced under 1,000 in 2010 while permission for the onshore pipeline was under consideration by An Bord Pleanála, but ramped up again in 2012

and 2013 when there were up to 1,450 employed during the peak summer operations.

With a huge emphasis on local content, Shell has managed to maintain a split of roughly 50/50 local people (Erris and Mayo) and out-of-county employees on the Corrib development. And the incoming employees have provided a major boost to to accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants, shops, filling stations and sports and social amenities, in the town of Belmullet.

Iorras Domhnann is the local Rural Tourism Co-op and committee member Veronica Reilly, who runs a B&B business is in the town, is in no doubt about the business generated for accommodation providers.

“Overall the project has been great for the accommodation sector. This benefit is felt more keenly in the winter months.

We would not normally have a strong winter business but because of the project we have a solid business all year around,” said Veronica.

In 2010 economics consultants Goodbody estimated that the Corrib Gas Project will contribute €4.4billion to Ireland’s GDP. It has already resulted in eight Mayo towns being added to the national gas network (involving an investment by GridWest of more than €40m) and enhancing Mayo and adjoining counties as a location for industry.

“Everyone can see the benefits of the project in terms of jobs and the money that is in circulation in the area. What is not so obvious is the tremendous commitment Shell has made in the area of community development.”

PROFILE | Shell Ireland “The presence of up to 1,000 jobs in the area has meant there has been money in the local economy and that gave people the confidence to invest and expand.”

jobs in the area has meant there has been money in the local economy and that gave people the confidence to invest and expand,” he said.

Apart from the direct investment in jobs and in the procurement of local services, Shell has contributed handsomely to the local infrastructure and has supported the enhancement of social, sporting and community amenities and infrastructure. The company has invested €19 million in roads in the area, enabling the local authority to maintain employment levels; contributing €8.5 million to the Community Gain Investment Fund – again sustaining jobs in the area; has invested up to €5 million in the Erris Development Fund, €1 million in a Local Small Grants programme and a similar sum in funding 77 scholarships to third level education. A further 16 scholarships will be added later this year.

John Gallagher is Chairman of Belmullet GAA club. The club has been one of many beneficiaries of the Corrib Gas community investment initiatives.

“Everyone can see the benefits of the project in terms of jobs and the money that is in circulation in the area. What is not so obvious is the tremendous commitment Shell has made in the area of community development. This has been immense and will have long lasting impacts,” he said.

The Corrib project is nearing completion, with first gas expected to flow in 2015. But before then, Shell and partners, Statoil (36.5 per cent) and Vermilion Energy (18.5 per cent) Inc, will invest a further €340 million in the project during 2014 and more again in 2015. This investment is required to complete the Corrib pipleline tunnel under Sruhwaddacon Bay, the commissioning of the Bellanaboy terminal, using back-feed gas (from the BGE network), as well as the installation of flexible flowlines and ongoing maintenance work on the Corrib field.

As a young man Enda Brogan remembers delivering two twelve foot gates and some concrete posts, from his late father’s hardware store, down to the Bellanaboy site in 1999 at a time when there was “some mention” of a gas terminal.

“That was in the Enterprise Oil days.

Things have changed very much since then,” said Enda. He and his wife Sandra have taken on the challenge of a major leisure complex and restaurant development.

“Our business has benefitted both directly and indirectly from the project.

Directly we have been given a lot of business by the project. We provide the space for training courses, presentations, functions and various events. All of these generate income and also bring business through meals and refreshment.

“We are a family orientated business and a huge number of families in the area are connected in some way to the project. They have money in their pockets and they spend some of it with us. We started here in April 2009 and we have grown the business by 46 per cent over the years. We knew it would be a difficult journey but it has been made far easier because of the gas,” Enda added.

four people employed full time and have invested over €5m in their businesses over the past five years.

“The reality is that without the Corrib Project we could not have invested in this area,” says Orla. “We built our hotel during the worst of the recession when many people around the country would have thought it was mad to do so. But the business has been here and we built on that. It has been hard work but we remain confident about the area.”

Tommy Talbot says the first year after opening the Talbot Hotel, 80 per cent of their business was corporate, almost all of which was a result of the Corrib Gas project. “Now our business is about 50 per cent corporate. We have been able to build up other business which will be important down the road. I do not anticipate an abrupt end to the benefits from the gas project.

“While construction work will come to an end, I anticipate there will be continuing business from the project and there will be up to 170 jobs on the terminal which is very big, in employment terms, in Erris.” Tommy has no doubt the Corrib gas project has helped many other businesses in Erris to develop. “The presence of up to 1,000

A business aimed at families

Investing in the future Tommy and Orla Talbot started their pub and restaurant business on Barrack St, Belmullet ten years ago with two full time employees. They now have twenty

Enda and Sandra Brogan outside the Gateway Leisureplex “We’ve grown the business by 46 per cent over the years” – Enda InBusiness Yearbook 2014 51

profile | An Post

The e-Fulfilment Experts An Post is providing a range of expertise and solutions to established online retailers and those new to the world of selling online.

C

onsumer movement towards online shopping has shown nothing but exponential growth with Retail Ireland predicting online sales to grow to €21 billion by 2017*.

The good news for businesses who want to retail online is that it has never been easier to build a website and begin trading on the internet. For An Post this means being there for businesses so that they can keep their delivery promises to their customers.

The natural choice for parcel deliveries in Ireland has always been An Post. With unrivalled local knowledge, An Post collects from any address in the Republic of Ireland and delivers nationwide or anywhere worldwide.

By combining online and offline activities, An Post provides unique solutions to online retailers. These solutions include integrated returns, a free listing on An Post’s online directory www.iloveshopping.ie, a range of parcel products to suit every business and budget, and cost effective international services for businesses wanting to export overseas. Businesses can even build their own website for free using www.gettingbusinessonline.ie, an initiative developed between An Post, Google, Blacknight and County

Enterprise Boards, helping Irish businesses to instantly expand their customer base.

Being on top of technological developments is fundamental to providing the best possible delivery service. This is why An Post was the first national postal operator worldwide to equip its entire postal delivery workforce with handheld scanners for tracking deliveries. This means that retailers can confirm and track deliveries in real time so that they can provide the best possible service to their customers.

PostAlerts In addition to real time tracking online and an iPhone app, An Post have rolled out a service called PostAlerts. PostAlerts allow customers to be updated on the status of their item via text message or email.

Kate King from vavavoom.ie has been using PostAlerts by email for almost a year now and she explains how PostAlerts has added value to vavavoom.ie. “PostAlerts have allowed us to develop a new part of our business.

Our customers know where their items are and when they can expect delivery.

The service has enabled customers to feel connected to the service and feel

“PostAlerts have reduced the level of tracking enquiries we receive from customers as they’re now updated at every step of their parcel’s journey.”

52 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

involved with their purchase from order to delivery.”

Initial setup is provided by An Post and the functionality of the system is straightforward. King explains: “All of the setup was managed by An Post. They provided us with email templates that we could customise to suit our needs. The template is linked to our database which generates email updates automatically. It’s as simple as that.”

One of the biggest challenges to online businesses is the management of stock and cash flow. “PostAlerts have reduced the level of tracking enquiries we receive from customers as they’re now updated at every step of their parcel’s journey,” says King. “This had allowed us to use our resources in other more productive ways. And because we know the status of every item we send we can manage

Profile | An Post

sure businesses are working with experts “As an online they can trust. clothing retailer, it For many years now An Post has been leading the way in partnering with is paramount that retailers who wish to branch out into the international market. One such our suppliers are retailer is iClothing.ie, an Irish owned reliable, flexible and company dedicated to providing the high street women’s fashion for cost effective. We use latest less. iClothing began using An Post’s An Post to deliver our International Priority Parcel service to fulfil international orders. This proving parcels nationally successful, iClothing expanded their offering to include next day deliveries and internationally in the Republic of Ireland for online orders made before 3pm using An because we have full Post’s Express with Signature Service. confidence in them iClothing are now proud to be known as one of Ireland’s fastest growing fashion as a supplier. etailers and with the help of An Post An Post has been able their customers know their orders are in good hands. to offer parcel Adding Value solutions within Whether large or small, An Post is continuously looking to add value for its Ireland and customers. iloveshopping.ie is an online internationally, shopping platform where etailers can get free listing for their business in order to enabling us to expand abring their goods to the attention of the wider online marketplace. This has been our business and particularly helpful to smaller online reach new customers.” businesses who might struggle to seen and heard above the - Abbas Bari, iClothing be major international our refunds and returns much more efficiently.”

King also explains why she’d encourage other online retailers to use PostAlerts.

“PostAlerts make sense. It’s free, it means a better service for our customers, which means it’s better for our business!”

Access to Wider Markets An Post works directly with international postal operators worldwide so for international parcel deliveries, businesses can feel confident they are working with the parcel specialists. An Post can provide businesses with expert advice to simplify and meet the requirements for customs documentation required for non-EU destinations and can help grow that business.

Getting into the international market can be daunting so it’s important to be

have confidence in their parcel carrier and most of all ensure they have happy customers who will shop with them again.

From established online retailers to those new to the world of selling online, An Post has a range of expertise and solutions.

See www.anpost.ie/parcels for more information on e-fulfilment solutions from An Post. * rte.ie/news/business/2013/0523/ 452051-retail-ireland-online-survey/

online players.

Etailing trends are changing at an unprecedented speed and providing next day parcel delivery to customers based in Ireland is fast becoming an expected level of service.

In addition to next day parcel delivery, An Post is enabling business customers to do more by getting them online, helping them promote their business and adding value through integrated returns solutions, direct customer updates through PostAlerts and dedicated account managers. This can help online retailers increase efficiencies, reduce customer queries, InBusiness Yearbook 2014 53

PROFILE | arvato IRELAND

Local Knowledge, International Experience arvato has been operating in Ireland for almost 20 years and is committed to the provision of world class process solutions to its clients.

54 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

a

rvato is a subsidiary of the Bertelsmann Group, which is one of the world’s largest media companies. arvato has a long and proud history in Ireland, having set up operations in Ireland almost 20 years ago, it now employs more than 1,600 people in centres across Dublin, Limerick, Sligo and Dundalk. arvato has been supporting clients with world class process solutions for more than 50 years, setting the highest standards for service quality every day. The company’s commitment to customers and the respective markets it operates in is demonstrated through the significant corporate backing and financial strength of its parent company,

Bertelsmann - one of the largest media companies in the world. arvato partners with some of the largest businesses operating in Ireland including Microsoft, Dell, Eircom and Bord Gais among others. Locally, arvato provides both Finance and Accounting BPO and Supply Chain solutions.

The country is now a pivotal hub for arvato’s international operations with a renowned centre for innovation and operational excellence located here.

Finance and Accounting BPO arvato’s finance business is spearheaded by a highly experienced team, headed up by Mr. Rainer Majcen, formerly

PROFILE | arvato IRELAND responsible for public sector solutions in the UK, and now CEO of arvato’s Global Finance and Accounting business.

Commenting on arvato’s business performance, Mr Rainer Majcen said: “We are very proud of our business performance in Ireland in recent years, where we have seen significant growth as the company continues to evolve.

This growth has been organic through business wins, but also as a result of acquisitions such as that of Gothia Group in 2013, which included BCW Group in Ireland, which added strength to our existing business.”

In 2013, arvato acquired Gothia Financial Group headquartered in Norway, which included the acquisition of BCW group, which provides BPO services for many major banks, utility companies and mobile telecommunications firms in Ireland. The deal created a global business information and financial services company, now the third-largest in Europe.

BCW Group has operated in Ireland for 13 years, starting with the acquisition of Experian’s debt collection business, together with a small commercial collections operation called Guardian Collections, possessing a headcount of six. Over the past ten years the company has grown to a headcount of more than 200 with locations in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo and Dundalk, servicing key sectors such as Banking, Utilities, Telco’s, Mail order and Sub-prime lending with key local clients including eircom and Electric Ireland. BCW Group, now under the arvato umbrella, employs 900 people across its nine sites in the UK and Ireland, including 160 in its Blanchardstown offices.

Public sector Another key area of growth for arvato in Ireland is its provision of business process outsourcing to the public sector.

Outsourcing allows Irish businesses the time and space to focus on their core business - particularly in the case of financial services, where there are unprecedented challenges to bring balance sheets back in order.

Commenting on growth plans, Mr. Majcen said: “We understand that the Irish economic downturn has put increased pressure on businesses to maximise competitiveness while

managing their cost base. As a company we have an established record of delivering cost savings and value innovations for our clients, which we recognise as a key strength in growing the business in Ireland.” arvato has significant experience in working with the public sector, as it is already a leading supplier of services to the public sector in the UK, where the company provides services to over 800,000 citizens and over 120 public bodies. arvato is now looking to replicate this success in Ireland, by providing solutions for public sector clients here.

This has already got off to a strong start in 2013 with arvato being awarded a contract to provide support services to the HSE. Some key facts about arvato’s public services business include:  Significant experience in the provision of back office support services  Awarded the solution design, implementation and running of the first of the UK governments next generation shared services centres in 2013  Processing and payment of social welfare payments on behalf of local authorities  Provision of HR shared services to the East Cheshire NHS  Provision of emergency contact call handling services to local government in Spain for the provinces of Andalucía and Catalonia and for the City of Madrid  Collection of over €900 million each year on behalf of public sector clients 18 customer service centres and three contact centres  Over three million citizen contacts each year.

Supply Chain Management Another area of growth for arvato in Ireland is Supply Chain Management, where the company has developed sector-specific solutions including supply chain management, distribution and logistics services, trade and compliance assistance, and Ecommerce /online marketing, for a wide-ranging customer base including high tech sector, telecommunications sector, banking, insurancee and healthcare.

arvato has been providing supply chain solutions in Ireland for 20 years and offers – to both local and global customers – a variety of services including media replication; turnkey and launch management services; multi-vendor management; hardware integration and customisation; repair and refurbishment services; inventory management and fulfilment; direct ship services; storage and distribution; and forward and reverse logistics. arvato's Irish supply chain customers include top bluechip companies such as Microsoft, Autodesk, Websense, Dell, Cisco and Hutchison 3G (‘3’).

Rainer Majcen, CEO of Global Finance and Accounting, arvato

“We are very proud of our business performance in Ireland in recent years, where we have seen significant growth as the company continues to evolve. This growth has been organic through business wins, but also as a result of acquisitions.”

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 55

ChAMBER week

Chamber Week An action-packed week of nationwide business events proved to be a great success.

T

he third annual Chamber Week took place between Monday 16th and Friday 20th September with Chambers across the country running events showcasing the benefit of joining a network of businesses with over 650,000 employees - who receive over €23 billion in salaries annually. The events that took place included seminars, site visits and expos showing how new members can find new customers, access better training opportunities and work to improve their local business environment, while discovering how Chambers support business locally, regionally and nationally.

Businesses, regardless of whether they are Chamber members or not, had the opportunity to attend these events,

seminars and information evenings, gaining a better understanding of how being part of the Chamber Network is ’Better for your Business’.

Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “Chamber Week is the perfect way for businesses and their staff to see what their local Chamber can do for them. There are great events running all over Ireland allowing people to get a taste of the benefits of membership before joining. Member businesses are succeeding because they become more productive by learning from and selling to each other and create critical mass to effectively lobby to develop more successful, thriving local communities and business environments.”

Below are some of the events which took place as part of Chamber Week.

Business After Hours

C

ork Chamber held the September Business After Hours event at the Port of Cork building on Custom House Quay on Tues 17 September as part of Chamber Week.

The Port of Cork is the key seaport on the south of Ireland and acts as a major facilitator of both imports and export. The Port of Cork also attracts on average 100,000 cruise passengers and crew to the region every year, which in turn contributes significantly to the local

Port of Cork Event 56 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

economy. Since 2000, the Port of Cork has invested €72 million in improving port infrastructure and facilities, and currently has proposed plans for further development in Ringaskiddy as part of their Strategic Development Plan Review.

This event provided a unique opportunity to see the historical Port of Cork building and an opportunity to attendees to network, meet potential clients and grow their business.

Sustainable Manufacturing Conference

A

national conference on sustainable manufacturing took place on Thursday September 19 at The Tower Hotel, Waterford as part of Chamber Week. The conference was hosted by Waterford Chamber and focused on the manufacturing industry, sustainability and driving cost improvements into the future.

Among those on the conference programme was Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD. Ten key experts in the manufacturing field each spoke and focused on various aspects of the industry. The keynote speakers included Christy Kenneally, a management training consultant, Dr. Ramesh Raghavendra and Eoghan O’Donoghue from SEAM Research Centre, Mike Fennessy from Renishaw Ireland and Gerry Higgins from University of Limerick.

Speaking at the conference, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said, “I want to say how pleased I am to address this conference and congratulate the Chamber on this initiative because I believe that manufacturing has been undervalued in Irish public policy in recent years. Back in the '90s we were employing over 300,000 people in the industry compared with just above 200,000 now. That has been a huge loss. But as we address our problems it is becoming increasingly clear that we must recognise that manufacturing has a critical role to play in the development of Ireland as a strong open economy.”

chamber week

Winning Business at Home and Abroad L

imerick Chamber held a conference on 'Winning Business at Home and Abroad' at the Radisson Hotel in Limerick on Thursday 19 as part of Chamber Week.

This conference was aimed at any company who wants to increase sales or has started to target new markets – at home and abroad – to strengthen their business.

There has been a lot of talk about the importance of exploring new markets, but this conference and expo offered the practicalities that companies need. The conference speakers addressed some of the key questions and challenges companies face in this area and offered an insight into how others have identified opportunities, overcome challenges and been successful.

The speaker line-up included Dr Briga Hynes, University of Limerick, Ray Clarke, Shaping Business, Liam Ryan, BMS Ireland, Colm O’Brien, Carambola Kidz, Ed Field, Digino Marketing, David Byrne, Enterprise Ireland and Tom Fuller, Bank of Ireland.

Limerick Chamber launches 'Winning Business at Home and Abroad' conference

Competitive Advantage in a Digital World

A

s part of Chamber Week, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber held a network evening at the Microsoft offices in Sandyford with presentations by Richard Moore, Director of Marketing and Operations for Microsoft Ireland on the subject of 'Creating Competitive Advantage In Today’s Digital World'.

The evening began with Peter Fry, Chamber CEO, welcoming Josephine Browne, the President of the Chamber and all present. He thanked in particular Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland and Yvonne Mc

Garry, SME Marketing Manager of Microsoft Ireland, for taking the time to attend the event. He went on to say that the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber are very proud of the fact that Microsoft are one of their members and grateful for their active participation in the Chamber.

Fry said that Microsoft’s presence in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is a global stamp of approval, not only for Ireland, but for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. He paid tribute to the company for what they have achieved and continue to achieve and also to their founder Bill Gates and his

wonderful acts of charity.

Sean Murphy, Deputy CEO of Chambers Ireland, then took to the podium and outlined details of the events taking place throughout Ireland during Chamber Week and the impact Chambers were having in our country.

Murphy went on to inform attendees about the strong message Chambers Ireland gave to Government in their pre-budget submission which was not to increase costs to business.

President Josephine Browne concluded the evening by thanking Microsoft and all attendees for making the night such an enjoyable one.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 57

CSR AWARDS 2013 shortlist

Complete

3 1 0 2 Shortlist * Winners in gold

LIC: Large Indigenous Company | MNC: Multinational Company

Partnership with Charity – LIC 4 Cornmarket Group Financial

Services Ltd – Global Schoolroom 4 Eircom – An Unprecedented CSR

Partnership with Special Olympics 4 Eversheds – The Eversheds/Barretstown

School Sports Day Big Picnic 4 Sun Life Information Services Ireland

Limited – BRIDGE Community Relations Committee partnership with SOLAS 4 Transdev Dublin – Dublin’s Transport Links, Racism Divides

Partnership with Charity – MNC 4 BNY Mellon – Shine Sensory Garden 4 Covidien – 1 Day for Rehab 4 Dell – Irish Cancer Society

Partnership for Daffodil Day 4 IBM – Socialcomputing.ie 4 KPMG – KPMG sets up Enactus Ireland 4 Nestlé Ireland – Jack & Jill Children’s

Foundation ‘Bringing Home’ Campaign 4 TK Maxx Ireland – Enable Ireland’s

Give Up Clothes For Good’

CSR Awards 2013 MC, Anne Cassin

Community Programme – LIC

Community Programme – MNC

4 A&L Goodbody – Supporting Suas’

4 Accenture – Skills to Succeed 4 Coca–Cola HBC Ireland

Literacy Support Programme 4 Croke Park Stadium – Community Programme 4 IPB Insurance – IPB Gathering Ireland Fund 4 Sun Life Information Services Ireland Ltd – BRIDGE Community Relations Committee 4 Ulster Bank – Rugby Force & GAA Force 58 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

– Thank You Fund 4 Dell – Young People and Education:

A Multi–faceted Approach 4 Intel Ireland – Mini Scientist Programme 4 Janssen Supply Chain Ireland

– Message in a Bottle 4 Microsoft – YouthSpark 4 Oracle – Volunteer Programme

Volunteering – LIC 4 ARAMARK – Building Community Day 4 Arthur Cox – Special Olympics

Ireland Volunteering 4 KBC Bank – Volunteering at KBC 4 UPC Ireland – Safer Internet Day 2013

Volunteering – MNC 4 Abbott Ireland – Croí an Óir 4 Accenture – Time to Volunteer 4 BT Ireland – Better Future Volunteers 4 Dell – Employees go ‘Dafft’ for

Daffodil Day

CSR AWARDS 2013 shortlist 4 Heineken Ireland – V-Day 4 KPMG – St. Michael’s House

Multi–Sensory Stories 4 Oracle – Sales Masterclass 4 Trend Micro – Internet Safety for Kids and Families

SME

4 Kerry Group – RAIN and 1000 Days 4 PM Group – Pro Bono services to Gorta

Workplace 4 Abbott Ireland –

LiveLifeWell

Marketplace 4 A&L Goodbody – Pro Bono Practice 4 Irish Life – Pink Power 4 Marks & Spencer Ireland – Plan A 4 Ulster Bank – BusinessWomenCan

4 Citi – Diversity Employee Networks 4 Intel Ireland – Health for Life 4 Microsoft – One Microsoft 4 Oracle – Language Exchange

Program

4 DHR Communications

– CSR Programme 4 Maritime Hotel –

Towards a Greener Hotel 4 Pavilions Shopping Centre – Road to Rio 4 The River Lee Hotel – Greening the River Lee Hotel 4 Three Q Recruitment – Making what we do WORK for others

Communication 4 Dublin Airport Authority

– CSR Communication Strategy 4 Fuzion Communications – Safebook 4 O2 – Think Big Marketing Campaign 4 Ulster Bank – Sustainability Initiative

Environment– LIC 4 Cork Airport – Carbon Footprint

Reduction

Judging Panel The independent judging panel is made up of respected individuals working in various fields. The panel act independently at all times. Judges do not participate in votes for categories affecting companies with which they are linked.

Preliminary Panel 4 Dr. Shane Colgan, ERC Coordinator, Environmental Protection Agency 4 Gerry Davis, Chief Executive, Public Relations Institute of Ireland 4 Yvonne McKenna, CEO, Volunteer Ireland 4 Seán McLoughlin, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government 4 Angela Smith, Corporate Social Responsibility Executive, Diageo

Main Panel 4 Cormac Clancy, Principal Officer,

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government 4 John Cunningham, Chair, Immigrant Council of Ireland 4 Cathal Divilly, Managing Director, Great Place to Work 4 Martin Tobin, CEO, European Recycling Platform 4 John Trethowan, Director, Business in the Community Ireland 4 Hans Zomer, Director, Dóchas

4 Croke Park Stadium – Greener. On

and off the pitch 4 Dawn Meats – Sustainability

Programme 2012 4 Dublin Airport Authority – Travelling

Towards Sustainability 4 Servier (Ireland) Industries Ltd.

– Nil to Landfill 4 University College Cork

– Green Campus Programme

Environment– MNC 4 Intel Ireland – The Remarkable Rye Water 4 KPMG – Trees for Schools 4 McDonald’s Restaurants Ireland – Planet

Champions Employee Engagement Programme

International CSR 4 Arthur Cox – Mwandi Project 4 Country Crest – Christine Model

Farm Programme 4 ESB/EirGrid – Providing a renewable

energy solution for families in Central Eritrea through fuel–efficient stoves

KPMG, CSR Award Winner for Outstanding Achievement, 2013

The Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2013 12th September, DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin – Burlington Road.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 59

CSR AWARDS 2013

The Winning projects Outstanding Achievement in CSR Award KPMG Following a ten year engagement with the CSR Awards, KPMG took home the 2013 award for outstanding achievement in CSR. KPMG’s commitment to CSR was demonstrated this year by projects ranging from supporting The Native Woodland Trusts’ Trees for Schools Week to developing Multi-Sensory Stories for children with intellectual disabilities in St. Michael’s House to establishing a new charity called Enactus Ireland which encourages university students to tackle social issues. These projects, which encapsulate a number of areas within CSR, highlight how deeply embedded KPMG’s CSR strategy in both the company and the local community.

Partnership with Charity – Large Indigenous Company Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd Cornmarket's 'Global Schoolroom' is designed to help Irish teachers share their educational experience with their counterparts in the developing world. This in turn shows existing and potential customers the real interest in improving the wellbeing of communities on a global scale.

The ultimate aim of the programme is to improve educational standards, help eradicate poverty, promote economic development and build sustainable communities in Northeast India. This initiative has directly responded to the needs of these communities. Thanks to this initiative, 250,000 Indian children have already benefited from a higher quality education, 292 schools have benefited from higher teaching standards, and 1,129 Indian teachers have participated, thus improving their teaching skills.

Partnership with Charity – Multinational Company TK Maxx Ireland TK Maxx Ireland's 'Give Up Clothes for Good', Ireland’s biggest charity clothes collection campaign, asks the public to drop bags of quality unwanted clothing and household items into any TK Maxx store to raise funds for Enable Ireland’s vital services for children with disabilities nationwide. The campaign was launched in 2008 and has raised over €1 million to date..

60 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

CSR Awards 2013

The Winning projects Community Programme – Large Indigenous Company A&L Goodbody ALG is the leading sponsor of Suas’s, Literacy Support Programme, Step Up. This programme provides direct support to school children aged between 8 - 14 years old, in designated disadvantaged schools in Ireland, to improve their literacy levels.

Over the course of the partnership, through funding, volunteering and pro bono counsel, ALG will support 3,000 young people to achieve better literacy, both directly in the immediate community in Dublin and in the broader community in projects across Ireland.

Community Programme – Multinational Company Janssen Supply Chain Ireland Janssen Supply Chain's 'Message in a Bottle' is a scheme that targets the most vulnerable people in a community; older people, those living alone or people with life threatening condition or allergies, but it is open to anyone in the community who feels they would benefit from it. It provides essential information for paramedics, Gardaí, fire-fighters, hospital accident and emergency and social services in the event of an accident in the home.

Volunteering – Large Indigenous Company Arthur Cox The Arthur Cox Special Olympics Volunteering initiative promotes and supports employees in planning, organising and volunteering at training events for Special Olympics athletes every year. The aim of the initiative is to provide structured and focussed volunteering opportunities for staff that allows them to comprehensively contribute to the community.

Volunteering – Multinational Company KPMG KPMG volunteers developed Multi-Sensory Stories for children with intellectual disabilities. This is a new and innovative product in Ireland stemming out of the need to improve the quality of story time for children in St. Michael’s House and is making a real difference to these children and their families.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 61

CSR Awards 2013

The Winning projects Environment – Large Indigenous Company Servier (Ireland) Industries Ltd (Joint Winner) Servier (Ireland) Industries Ltd. began a re-organisation of waste management in 2005. In the years that followed, Servier, through the involvement of employees, achieved a reduction in landfill waste from 38 per cent to 0 per cent.

With continual assessment of re-use and recycling opportunities the target of ‘Nil to Landfill’ has been achieved.

Environment – Large Indigenous Company University College Cork (Joint Winner) University College Cork’s Green Campus initiative aims to make environmental awareness and action an integral part of the philosophy of university life. The Green Campus initiative endeavors to promote environmental learning within all lecture theaters, while working to develop responsible attitudes throughout the wider community.

Environment – Multinational Company Intel Ireland The Rye River is an important and beautiful natural feature of Intel’s campus and the company is strongly committed to its preservation and enhancement. By commissioning the special publication, 'The Remarkable Rye Water', Intel has created a timeless and unique resource to be shared by many. The publication also highlights the years of detailed monitoring and assessment which have helped to understand this unique amenity.

Excellence in Communication Fuzion Communications In response to the issue of cyber bullying in social media, Fuzion has created a simple info graphic called 'safebook' which promotes the safe use of social media and provides tips to those who are facing abusive behaviour online.

By using a combination of design, PR and social media skills, Fuzion has successfully reached a wide target audience; reaching 500,000 people globally within the first 48 hours. The company has made this info graphic easy to share and it has been adopted as a resource by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals and has been used in all schools since September 2013.

62 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

CSR Awards 2013

The Winning projects International CSR ESB/EirGrid This initiative enhances the lives of 500 poor female-headed families in Central Eritrea. By providing a renewable energy solution for families through fuelefficient stoves, their health and livelihoods are improved, young girls can go to school, and deforestation and resulting climate change damage can be halted.

Excellence in Marketplace Ulster Bank As part of its Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture and Accenture Foundations support Concern to provide Skills to Succeed in Conservation Agriculture to 6,400 farmers in Zambia and Malawi. The project is involved in training poor farmers in conservation agriculture techniques to achieve food security and produce surplus that can be marketed. As part of its commitment to the programme, Accenture is supporting Concern Worldwide to carry out a Conservation Agriculture (CA) project in Malawi and Zambia.

Accenture has also awarded Concern a $1.5 million grant for a three year project which commenced in July 2010.

Excellence in CSR by an SME Maritime Hotel Through its 'Towards a Greener Hotel' programme, the Maritime Hotel has undertaken a Green Policy where we are leaders in the community with a proactive approach to protecting the environment. This is implemented throughout the hotel’s policies while inviting guests and customers alike to join in on this project.

Excellence in Workplace Microsoft One Microsoft is an initiative aimed at creating a connected, agile community for employees. The emphasis is on inspiring new, better ways of working and thinking.

It is an employee-centric approach that takes staff feedback into account to create a workplace which brings out the best in Microsoft’s staff.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 63

Local

Leaders

Excellence in Local Government

Awards

2013

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS 2013

Dublin City Council scoops top award at the 2013 Excellence in Local Government Awards.

D

ublin City Council was named City Council of the year at the 10th Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards which took place last November. Meanwhile, Ennis Town Council was named Town/Borough Council of the year at the event held in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive said: “While next year’s elections herald a new era for Local Government in Ireland, we have no

doubt that the excellent work carried out by local authorities will continue to strengthen and grow during these times of change. We are honoured every year to host these awards and recognise best practice across the country. I’d like to give my congratulations to not only the winners on the night but to all those who made the shortlist.”

In presenting the awards, Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government commented: “Every year these awards showcase just how imaginative and innovative local authorities can be.

Whether it’s organising a festival, using new technology or dealing with a water supply issue, the quality of the projects and dedication of the people involved is always impressive. It is a pleasure for my Department to partner with Chambers Ireland in recognising these achievements.”

Individual awards were sponsored by: AIB; An Post; CBRE; EirGrid; ESB Networks; GloHealth; Optic Nerve; The Gathering Ireland 2013; Shell E&P Ireland and Zurich. Winners were presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Tipperary Crystal.

Patrick King, Policy and Communications Manager, Dublin Chamber of Commerce; Peter Finnegan, Director Office of Economy and International Relations; Maryann Harris, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, Parks and Landscape Services; Edel Kelly, Senior Executive Planner, Roads & Traffic Department; Paul Clegg, Executive Manager, Culture, Recreation and Amenity; Margaret Hayes, Dublin City Librarian, Dublin City Public Libraries; Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government; Cllr Henry Upton, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin; Colm Moroney, PASS Co-ordinator, Dublin Region Homeless Executive; Eoin Ward, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, Parks & Landscape Services and Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland.

64 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS 2013

The Winners City Council of the Year Dublin City Council

Joint Local Authority Initiative Sponsored by ESB Networks

Outstanding Customer Service Sponsored by Zurich

Cork City and County Councils – Cork

South Dublin County Council – Taking steps to be a literacyfriendly Local Authority

Town/Borough Council of the Year Innovates Ennis Town Council

Sustaining the Arts Sponsored by Tipperary Crystal

Innovation in Technology Sponsored by Shell E&P Ireland

Cavan Town Council – Trans-art Cavan 2012

Dublin City Council – Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS)

Supporting Active Communities Sponsored by GloHealth

Smarter Travel Sponsored by Shell E&P Ireland

Kerry County Council – Building Community Resilience

Cavan Town Council – Smarter Travel Scheme

Festival of the Year Sponsored by An Post

Sports Development Sponsored by Eirgrid

Cavan Town Council – Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Carlow Local Authorities – McGrath Park Integrated Community Sports Facility

Best Library Service Sponsored by Optic Nerve Wexford County Council – Discover, Imagine, Grow!

Parks & Recreation Sponsored by Zurich

Local Authority Economic Efficiencies Sponsored by CBRE Laois County Council – Road Recycling for the Restoration of Local and Regional Roads

The Gathering Ireland 2013 – Community Gathering of the Year Sponsored by The Gathering Ireland 2013 Clare County Council – Celebrate Scattery Island

Sustainable Environment Sponsored by ESB Networks

The Gathering Ireland 2013 – County Gathering of the Year Sponsored by The Gathering Ireland 2013

Dublin City Council – Tolka Valley Greenway

New Ross Town Council – JFK50 – The Homecoming

Dublin City Council – Fairview Park Improvement Project

Strategic Water Initiative Sponsored by Tipperary Crystal Limerick County Council – Kilmallock Water Supply

Supporting Tourism Sponsored by Eirgrid Enniscorthy Town Council – Rebellion @ The National 1798 Rebellion Centre

Partnership with Business Sponsored by AIB Galway County Council – Made in Galway

Awards MC Mary Kennedy

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 65

Local Government Awards 2013 | The Winners

City Council of the Year Dublin City Council Dublin City Council were awarded City Council of the Year at the 2013 Excellence in Local Government Awards for their continued commitment to delivering the best possible services in an efficient manner and for their support of the local community. Their Hike it!

Bike it! Like it! Drimnagh project is an excellent example of how they have worked together with the local community and stakeholders to achieve positive changes in travel behaviour in the area. The Fairview Park Improvement Project, for which they won an individual award, the Tall Ships Festival and their commitment to promoting science in local libraries all exemplify the outstanding work undertaken by the Council in 2013.

Town/Borough Council of the Year Ennis Town Council At the 2013 Excellence in Local Government Awards, Ennis Town Council were named Town Council of the Year. 2013 also marked the year in which Ennis received their Purple Flag accreditation, the first location along with Dublin City to receive the prestigious accolade in Ireland. This designation is an accreditation system for town centre management, which combines a unique offering to customers that embraces aspects of urban culture, entertainment, retail, tourism and restaurants etc, with particular emphasis on the development of the night time economy in the town. The hard of work of the Town Council along with a range of stakeholders helped make Ennis a vibrant and safe place to socialise and do business.

Sustaining the Arts Cavan Town Council and Cavan Arts Office – Trans-art Cavan 2012 Trans-art Cavan 2012 was an exhibition of contemporary art. It was an extensive series of performances, workshops, talks, installations, film, graffiti art and exhibitions. Trans-art Cavan was a project-based initiative established to support and promote contemporary art in Cavan, using strategic partnerships involving business, civil society and local authorities working together for the arts provision in Cavan.

Trans-art Cavan was the biggest contemporary art event in Cavan, involving 40 volunteers and drawing huge crowds. trans-art.cavan

Artist: Michael Mayhew

66 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Local Government Awards 2013 | The Winners

Supporting Active Communities Kerry Local Authorities – Building Community Resilience This project involves an undertaking between the Community and Enterprise Department of Kerry County Council and the Community and Voluntary Forum in Kerry. The project was established in response to the severe weather and the ensuing difficulties encountered during the winter of 2009 into 2010, wherein for quite a period of time in December through to January extensive snow and ice caused difficulties for communities throughout the county.

The aims of the project are to ensure that those most in need receive vital information and assistance during severe weather and to ensure that communities are resilient in the face of difficult weather conditions. The objective of the project is to ensure that the community spirit, which has always been a significant part of community life in Kerry, is maintained and that the community resources are harnessed in a way that ensures that the community, with the assistance of the emergency services, is able to help itself in these situations. Collaborative action is key to this programme.

Festival of the Year Cavan Town Council – Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2012 Let Cavan Surprise You! 2012 saw the last of three successive Fleadhanna hosted in Cavan. The All Ireland Fleadh held in Cavan in 2012 was a great attraction. Cavan hosted a ten-day fleadh – the longest ever – and attracted over 300,000 visitors.

The fleadh was green, responsible and inclusive. All visitors, regardless of ability, could participate and enjoy all of the events on offer. The event created massive positive publicity for Cavan and Ireland and gave visitors an experience they will never forget.

The local authority, chamber of commerce and people of Cavan collectively and voluntarily delivered an event to be proud of.

Best Library Service Wexford County Council – Wexford County Library: Discover, Imagine, Grow!

Wexford’s new County Library has become a central meeting place in Wexford City. Forming part of the Town’s new Culture Spine, the new library is a stunning piece of architecture nestled in historical heart of Wexford.

The Library is a research and discovery zone, which has something interesting for people of all ages. It can be explored alone or in a group for support and entertainment. Engaging activities can be found every day and all offered for free.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 67

Local Government Awards | The Winners

Parks & Recreation Dublin City Council – Fairview Park Improvements Project The land occupied by Fairview Park was originally a tidal mudflat which was used for landfill in the early 1900s.

It was then developed in the late 1920s as a public park.

Fairview Park now features a wide range of improvements combining active features such as a children’s playground that will keep even the most demanding child entertained for hours. It possesses Dublin city’s fourth skateboard park, a woodland walkway, a public performance area and passive features such as seasonal bedding and a social inclusion garden. Fairview Park also has an ‘I-Play’ area, the first of its kind in the city, an active play and fitness area designed to attract those more used to playing computer games. These new facilities improve the park for children, young people and adults in Fairview, East Wall, Marino and the north inner city.

Strategic Water Initiative Limerick County Council – Kilmallock Water Supply Limerick County Council has become the first Irish recipient of a prestigious internationally recognised quality standard for the delivery of drinking water. The Council has achieved ISO 24512:2007 certification for its management of the Kilmallock Water Treatment Scheme, which serves 2,500 customers in South County Limerick.

The standard is awarded by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) member body for the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland as a trading nation must compete on the international stage. Businesses competing against international competition must be supported by public services which are equally capable of matching best international practices. Limerick County Council, by being the first local authority to receive certification to ISO 24512, has underlined their commitment to quality services for individuals and businesses and is leading by example.

Supporting Tourism Enniscorthy Town Council – ‘Rebellion’ @ The National 1798 Rebellion Centre Fanned by flames of revolution in America and France, the events of 1798 in Ireland are forever etched in blood on Irish history. Vividly re-told in an exciting interpretation of events, The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is an experience not to be missed.

68 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Local Government Awards | The Winners

Partnership with Business Galway County Council – Made in Galway The Made in Galway initiative promotes the range and quality of produce that is made in Galway and encourages consumers to purchase from these producers in order to generate and sustain employment in the region. It offers a marketing avenue for producers based in the county at no cost and enables them to engage in a level of online marketing that they would not normally be able to undertake working on their own. By organising a collective marketing approach, it is possible to engage with a greater range of consumers. The initiative involves online marketing, demonstration at trade events/ expos, tourism promotion, presence at festivals and events. The initiative is focused on having local producers to the fore, showcasing their talent and promoting products that are made in Galway. The objective of this initiative is to generate more sales for local producers in order to sustain/create employment in the Galway region. It also highlights the attractiveness of the Galway region as a food and craft tourism destination.

Joint Local Authority Initiative Cork City Council and Cork County Council – Cork Innovates Cork Innovates is a unique, collaborative initiative which aims to actively support job creation, the promotion of an entrepreneurial eco-system and the support of innovative business practices. By promoting entrepreneurship Cork innovates aims to position the Cork region as the very best place to locate entrepreneurial business in all its forms, from a local, regional, national and international perspective.

Innovation in Technology Dublin City Council – Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) PASS is an exciting and innovative project which provides Local Government, State agencies and the non-governmental sector with a shared client database which facilitates client assessment, support planning and interagency case management of people experiencing homelessness. Additional to facilitating multi-agency case management and support planning approach, the 24/7 management aspect of emergency homeless accommodation has allowed the DRHE to increase efficiency of bed occupancy to a rate of 99 per cent of capacity, through the sharing of information between all statutory and voluntary homeless services. Over 97,000 placements into emergency accommodation took place in Dublin during 2011 and 2012, between more than 30 organisations. The introduction of PASS allows Local Government to effectively manage, co-ordinate and monitor the provision of homeless services in the four Dublin local authorities, and having established its efficacy will now be rolled out as a National Client Shared Database pursuant to Government policy as set out in Ireland's National Adult Homeless Strategy, The Way Home.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 69

Local Government Awards | The Winners

Smarter Travel Cavan Town Council – Cavan Town Smarter Travel Scheme Cavan local authorities are currently implementing the Cavan Town Smarter Travel Scheme which involves the provision of a series of independent Smarter Travel projects borne out of the Cavan Town and Environs Walking and Cycling Strategy. The aim of the strategy is to reduce the current dominance of car based travel within the town and its environs and to encourage the use of more sustainable transport modes.

To date the project has included the implementation of 2.5km of footpath, 6km of cycle lanes and an additional 13km of cycle lanes currently under construction, on various approaches to Cavan Town. These facilities are implemented in conjunction with traffic calming measures and the provision of bicycle shelters at strategic locations throughout the town.

This scheme will provide significant benefits to the wider community and specifically to the major employers and educational facilities in the town where the greatest impacts can be achieved.

Sports Development Carlow Local Authorities – McGrath Park Integrated Community Sports Facility McGrath Park Integrated Community Sports Facility provides a unique opportunity for 'cross pollination' of sporting activities including GAA, soccer, tennis, pitch and putt and cricket.

The team works together to ensure that the people of Muinebheag and County Carlow, enjoy a wide range of diverse sporting activities in a modern state of the art facility. Participants of one particular discipline have been actively exposed to others and now many participate in a suite of sporting activities. All clubs work in partnership to ensure that the McGrath Park Integrated Community Sports Facility continues to carry out the wishes of the original benefactor Daniel McGrath and guarantee the people of Muinebheag continue to have a safe space in which to continue their strong tradition of sport.

Sustainable

Environment

Dublin City Council – Tolka Valley Greenway The project is a complete turnaround in taking the Tolka, a previously polluted urban river in Dublin with an existing landfill but a long cultural heritage, and re-imagining it as a new spine of green infrastructure which connects people and habitats. Extended parklands of a total of nearly 20 hectares have been restored with a variety of native habitats and linked throughout by a 4 km cycle route with the potential to go further inland and towards the coast. The project provides sustainable management of the river, allowing flooding while protecting habitats, controlling quality of water entering the river and developing salmonid fisheries potential. A new bridge connects existing and recent developments to promote social inclusion and improve access. The river is the heart of the area once more.

70 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Local Government Awards | The Winners

Outstanding Customer Service South Dublin County Council – Taking steps to be a Literacy-Friendly Local Authority South Dublin County Council is committed to providing high quality accessible and inclusive services to its customers. With this in mind, the Social Inclusion Unit has initiated a raft of procedures to ensure that SDCC is the first literacy-friendly local authority in the country. All websites, application forms, leaflets, signage and public information have been plain-English proofed, while literacy awareness training has been arranged for staff, particularly frontline staff. This initiative has been developed with the co-operation and support of the National Adult Literacy Agency and is now embedded within the council’s customer service policy. The entire project is overseen by a steering committee, which ensures that all the action plans are implemented.

Local Authority Economic Efficiencies Laois County Council – Road Recycling for the Restoration of Local & Regional Roads This project aimed to evaluate and prove the effectiveness of in-situ cold recycling for the restoration of local and regional roads. From 2010 to 2012 Laois County Council Western Area examined and tested this road restoration process against the existing methods of wet mix macadam and hot macadam overlays. Following this evaluation period which included trials and testing, Laois County Council developed a user/client tender specification based on functional requirements and desired outcomes which leaves room for supplier innovation.

The Gathering Ireland 2013 – Community Gathering of the Year Clare County Council – Celebrate Scattery Island The event took place over the weekend from 5-7th July 2013 and was the idea of the Scattery Island Heritage and Tourism Forum which is a voluntary group founded to promote the history and heritage of Scattery Island. The island is now uninhabited with the last of the families of the river pilots who settled there in the nineteenth century leaving in 1978. The Gathering was an opportunity to invite their descendants and relatives to visit the island and explore the 19th century village where their ancestors lived. It was also a celebration of the older heritage of the island which includes a 6th century monastic settlement, a lighthouse and Napoleonic battery and remains of an Elizabethan castle.

The Gathering Ireland 2013 – County Gathering of the Year New Ross Town Council – JFK50 - The Homecoming The JFK50 Homecoming Event on June 22nd 2013 celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the visit of President Kennedy to the town of his forefathers. New Ross Town Council lightened the Kennedy Torch at Arlington Cemetery and transferred it to the new Emigrant Flame at the quayside in New Ross. The event produced a four-hour show on the main stage in New Ross. The event was embraced by the late President’s family who arrived in great numbers and participated in the whole event.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 71

enterprise europe network

Enjoy real success Internationally T

he international marketplace is waiting for you and your business can benefit in a big way! Explore its many profitable opportunities by taking the first step – talk to the Enterprise Europe Network.

What the Network can do for you:  Connect with international partners.  Develop your business in new

markets.  Source or licence new technologies.  Provide comprehensive innovation

support and business advice.  Advise on IP Management.  Access EU funding and finance.

If you need assistance in any of these areas, or if you have specific enquiries relating to any aspect of doing business in Europe, you should contact your local Enterprise Europe Network centre in Ireland on: www.een-ireland.ie.

The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is a partnership between Enterprise Ireland and five regional Chambers of Commerce: Cork Chamber; Dublin Chamber; Galway Chamber; Sligo Chamber; and Waterford Chamber.

Visit our inter-active website

www.een-ireland.ie

72 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

KPMG | IB Survey

Opportunity to Enterprise Fostering entrepreneurship presents Government, business and society with a number of challenges, writes Shaun Murphy of KPMG.

I

reland has been heralded as the best country in the world for business – an accolade of huge relevance for those employed as a result of foreign direct investment. However it’s generally accepted that economic sustainability requires a mix of both inward investment and domestic enterprise. The economic benefits of having healthy domestically owned Irish companies are clear. If they grow in scale and begin exporting and providing further employment, such benefits are even greater. Inevitably, our attitudes to enterprise and risk taking play an important role in helping create a climate in which such entrepreneurs can thrive.

In recent decades, and in particular during the Great Recession, there has been a fundamental shift in attitudes towards entrepreneurship.

The development of technical and management skills and an overall sense that Ireland can compete on a world stage has delivered real change in Irish attitudes. We have what has been described as a highly positive ‘perception of opportunity’. In other words, early stage entrepreneurs are increasingly confident of their own abilities, often based on technical skills or commercial insights gained in larger organisations, many of whom are in the FDI sector.

In this context, Enterprise Ireland has reported that 19,000 people started new businesses in Ireland in 2012. The most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report highlights that new business start-ups in Ireland are increasingly innovative and that most expect to find customers in export

markets. However, research also shows that there is a more pronounced fear of failure amongst Irish entrepreneurs than their OECD counterparts. This is true even when compared with countries with lower overall levels of entrepreneurship.

Indeed a comparative analysis of the GEM Report over the past decade highlights that the 'fear of failure' amongst Irish entrepreneurs remains stubbornly high at 41 per cent in both 2003 and 2012 – the last year for which figures are currently available.

Perhaps this is not so surprising given the impact of the recession. However, it is potentially significant as fearful entrepreneurs are far less likely to employ others.

Inevitably, the perception of the risk/ reward ratio is critical. We need to encourage reward to help counter the fear of failure. On the reward side, we pay high rates of personal tax in Ireland at a relatively early stage regardless of status. Over 300,000 self employed people already pay a marginal tax rate of 55 per cent compared with 52 per cent for employees. This is an anomaly which makes little sense in terms of encouraging entrepreneurship and is a factor that must be addressed by Government.

To encourage entrepreneurs from an early stage our education system also needs constant review. Maybe you can’t ‘teach’ entrepreneurship. However, gaining a deeper understanding of risk taking, creativity and communication skills are key drivers to reinforcing attitudes to enterprise.

Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland

These challenges are not insurmountable and they should not hide that fact that there are many great reasons to start a business in Ireland. If overcome, they can play a key role in ensuring that we continue to build a sustainable economy. There is no panacea for reducing the fear of failure. However, we should continue to celebrate success and to highlight the achievements of those who have done well. We should continue to encourage entrepreneurs to share not just the ‘big wins’ but also the insights gained from when things did not work.

The business community already plays an important role in promoting many of these issues. The role of Chambers Ireland in helping lead this agenda is deserving of our continued support.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 73

Netwatch | IB Survey

Standing Guard Now in its 11th year of operation, Netwatch's reach has expanded far beyond Ireland's borders.

E

stablished in 2003, Netwatch, from its Carlow Communication Hub, monitors in excess of 30,000 security cameras across the globe.

The principle behind the Netwatch System is crime prevention and thus, as they detect intruders before a crime is committed, they are in a position to stop that crime from taking place.

Netwatch began from a personal experience; a friend of Niall Kelly and David Walsh was attacked when responding to a traditional burglar alarm and was lucky to escape with his life. They decided there had to be a better way than allowing someone to walk, unprotected, into a real life crime scenario and the idea for Netwatch was born.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of a crime retrospectively; however, they do not prevent the crime taking place. The Netwatch system deploys the most advanced video processing technologies to alert Intervention Specialists in its Communication Hub to unacceptable behaviour on a clients' property, live personalised audio warnings are then issued to intruders, preventing criminal activity.

Cost effective prevention The Netwatch Managed Service model provides a cost effective, accountable system, utilising the latest technology proven across thousands of Netwatch customer sites and designed, installed, serviced and monitored on a Managed Service basis, for a fixed daily fee.

Heavily invested in R&D, Netwatch is committed to remaining the leader in the field of remote visual surveillance and thanks to the vast advancements

Communications Hub, Carlow

in its proprietary software, Cratos, the system has prevented more than 40,000 crimes since its inception.

Netwatch’s focus on innovation has lead to the ‘CRATOS’ platform, a companywide software programme which allows the company to manage the flow of live incidents from thousands of Netwatch sites worldwide. ‘CRATOS' after the Greek God of strength, partnered with their external ‘VERITAS’ Detection System means Netwatch are the first organisation in the world to introduce an entire enterprise solution for visual security and they are passionate about utilising emerging technologies in order to maintain our competitive edge.

Worldwide Netwatch now operates in four continents with clients across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the USA. In 2013, Netwatch expanded its international operations in North America with the opening of its New York office in June 2013, the second office to be opened

in the United States alongside Boston.

Growth in the North American markets has also resulted in growth for the company’s Irish operations, as all monitoring is undertaken by intervention specialists based in Netwatch’s Carlow Communications Hub. When Niall Kelly and David Walsh started Netwatch back in 2003, it was with a goal to create a fearless environment for their customers, a purpose that they and every single member of the Netwatch team still stand for today.

Regardless of which sector they fall under, each and every client Netwatch deals with aspires for the same objective; the peace of mind that their assets, business, home or family are securely protected. This quality in service delivery also helped Netwatch to win numerous awards and accolades in 2013 such as Most Innovative Company in EMEA, Silver Stevie Award for Diversified Services as well as Ruban d’Honneur recipients for the European Business Award in Customer Focus.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 75

KSG | IB Survey

Buy Local, Cook Fresh KSG delivers contract catering at its best. Brian Hogan, CEO, explains.

K

SG, a 100 per cent Irish owned company, has a long standing history and tradition in the food business in Ireland. In 2004 the company launched a catering services division and this business has become the fastest growing contract catering and hospitality service provider in Ireland today with a 20 per cent market share in the catering services market, a market which is dominated by large multinational companies.

KSG provides exceptional contract catering services to a range of clients in the Healthcare, Education, Pharmaceutical, Technology, Professional Office and Travel sectors.

“KSG has designed a differentiated service model and the company has ambitious plans for the future,” says Hogan.

WHAT MAKES KSG DIFFERENT? Sourcing and supply chain KSG works with a team of local farmers, suppliers and producers to ensure the highest quality of ingredients and produce are delivered to their kitchens each day.

KSG does not use centralised distribution systems KSG works with their suppliers and hauliers to ensure that ingredients and produce are delivered fresh each morning. KSG does not use centralised consolidated logistics as they strongly believe that fresh produce, which is left for a number of days in a central distribution warehouse, ultimately and dramatically impacts the quality and nutritional value of the food.

Cooking from scratch KSG’s ethos is for chefs to cook today for consumption today. This principle enables them to deliver higher quality meals which look and taste better and have higher nutritional content. “Higher quality food and higher nutritional value meals substantially assist employee wellness and employee happiness in our clients' organisations,” Hogan explains.

SHINY EYES ARE THE SOUL OF OUR BUSINESS KSG sets high operating standards for its catering teams at each location.

These standards are implemented by a standardised mobilisation process and supported by an industry leading training academy system.

High Standards KSG monitors on-going standards with an innovative quality assurance assessment system which generates externally rated audit scores based upon food and service standards and this programme is the basis of their continuous improvement activities.

In 2011 Patrick Guilbaud, 2 Michelin star restaurateur, partnered with KSG

under its Two And You brand format.

Hogan explains: “this brand was specifically designed for the professional offices market for businesses with a significant element of hospitality as well as their ‘at work’ employee restaurant.”

differentiators “We believe these principal differentiators of our operating business model provide for the very best food and service in contract catering services in Ireland,” says Hogan. In 2013, KSG received external recognition with its CEO, Brian Hogan, being named winner of the Industry Category at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The judging panel were particularly impressed with the group’s ability to reinvent itself and how it had transformed to a multi-faceted catering services business. KSG’s team has created a customer focussed organisation that embraces change and their dynamic management team really delivers on attention to detail.

KSG serves ten million customers annually with a a50 million turnover, operating from 120 trading locations and employing 1,000 staff.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 77

360 TuRbines xxx | |IBchamber Survey week CHAMBERS IRELAND

Powering the World Operating from Mitchelstown, Co Cork, Irish company 360 Turbines is steadily extending its reach and influence across the globe.

Managing Director Denis McGrath speaks to InBusiness about his own background, growth and expansion at the company, and what 360 Turbine is all about.

Can you tell us about your educational and business background?

I spent 23 years working with SpS International in Shannon, a role which prepared me in many ways for life as a company director. I started there as a machine operator in March 1984 and in the following 23 years became a setup man, supervisor, lean coordinator, business unit manager and operations manager. With the support of SpS management I studied Continuous Improvement and Lean Principles in the US, supervisory management in the National College of Ireland, Mechanical Engineering in LIT and Lean Six Sigma black belt with the PCC Employee Development Programme.

I was lucky to work under and alongside some great people and mentors such as Jack Tangney, an old school foreman whose words of wisdom and coaching are as relevant now as they were back in 1984. Joining PAS Technologies in 2007 was my introduction to the power generation world. The positions held with that company – GM, MD and VP of Global Industrial Gas Turbines further prepared me for the day in 2011 I would incorporate my own company IGTSP Limited trading as 360 Turbines.

What is it that you offer as a company?

360 Turbines is primarily concerned with the provision of power generation 78 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Denis McGrath, Managing Director, 360 Turbines

solutions for its client base. We source pre-owned and new power plants and match them to our client’s requirements.

Whether our clients are looking for a 25KW generator or a 600MW Power station, 360 Turbines provides tailormade solutions to support their request.

From a ‘simple’ outright sale to a full turn-key project, we can materialise their requirements.

We can supply power generation packages covering the following fuel sources: diesel, natural gas, HFO & bio-mass. 360 Turbines is your ultimate

xxxx| IB Survey 360 TuRbines partner in Power Generation. Design, financing, procurement, rental, leasing, logistics, installation, commissioning, service, maintenance, upgrades, selling your equipment, de-commissioning and re-installation are all services we can provide.

Together with Euroturbine we supply a large portfolio of new hot section components including blades, vanes and combustion material for many types of turbines, allowing 360 Turbines to offer very competitive pricing on O&M and LTSA’s .My vision for the company is the same now as it was when I started the company; it is the vision of 360 Turbines to be the preferred provider of high quality services to the oil, gas and power generation industry. Our commitment to our customer is to deliver our services with enthusiasm, honesty and integrity while being mindful of legal, ethical and environmental considerations.

What kind of growth has the organisation experienced over the last number of years?

Do you think 2014 will be a positive year for the company, and why?

We have focused very heavily on growing our presence in the international market and most recently our latest sub office has been incorporated in Nigeria. With offices and representatives already in China, India, Venezuela, Canada, Jordan, UAE and the US we are growing our global footprint and will continue that mindset in 2014. I firmly believe that sustainable business is built on good relationships which can only be developed in face to face meetings.

Teleconference calls, email, text, skype and social media are all very valuable business communication tools but there is still no substitute for a face to face meetings and a business dinner where the client can become comfortable with the person and company with which they are going to enter into a very significant contract.

Explain the lean strategy employed at 360 Turbine, and why this is an important facet?

Coming from a manufacturing

background and understanding the cost and cash flow pressures on Irish businesses, I firmly believe that only the businesses who employ lean strategies will survive in the post-Celtic Tiger era.

Remaining competitive on the global stage means increasing output while maintaining or reducing current cost. I am in a unique position in this respect; I am a lean six sigma black belt and having studied lean manufacturing and employed lean strategies in facilities I managed. I have walked the walk and bring that experience to my own company and others.

In your opinion, what factor seperates 360 Turbine from any of its competitors?

In the industrial gas turbine power generation world, it is difficult to find a company that can supply new and used turbines and power plants. 360 Turbines will not only do that, but together with our associate companies we supply, install, commission and offer them with warranty and a long term service agreement. We can generally offer power solutions in a greatly reduced lead time due to our very flat managerial structure.

At different levels we have representation agreements with some very large companies such as Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe and supply service components to many large companies across the world.

countries where power generation requirements are growing; Nigeria, Libya, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Being an Irish company and holding an Irish passport certainly makes it easier to travel through these countries unhindered.

Even though we now have a strong international dimension to our company, we will continue to be an Irish company and Mitchelstown will continue to be 360 Turbines' head office.

There is a great sense of pride when you travel to one of these countries and upon entering the parking lot of the company you are visiting, the first thing you notice is the Irish tricolour flying proudly and, inside, your company name on the welcome board. I think Irish people are recognised as being open, friendly and hard working and for those reasons keeping my company Irish with a strong international focus is very important.

What is your vision for 360 Turbine, not just for 2014, but long term?

Our plans for 2014 are to continue on the path we have set for the company, continuing to develop relationships with existing and new clients. In the past we have focused on supplying turbines and power plants to our client base. Going forward we will continue to do this but also offer full turnkey solutions. We will also further develop our relationship with Mitsubishi diesel and gas generator sets focusing on the 400KVA to 15MW power range, including the new natural gas-powered Meganinja generation sets.

This is a new and exciting venture for 360 Turbines which focuses on a whole new market segment.

Your head office is in Mitchelstown, will this continue to be the case for the foreseeable future? Do you intend 360 Turbine to remain an Irish company with an international focus, and is this an important factor for If you had one message you, personally? for any potential customers, what would Mitchelstown is a good base for 360 that be?

Turbines. We spend a lot of time in the air travelling to business meetings and negotiating new contracts. Dublin airport is 2.5 hours, Cork is 45 minutes and Shannon is 1.5 hours. Office and warehouse space is relatively cheap and in less than five minutes you are on the M8 from the centre of town. We frequently travel to a lot of different

360 Turbines is a young and energetic company that prides itself on being responsive to our customers' requirements. We are very optimistic about the future and can assure our customers that they will receive a personal and professional service when dealing with 360 Turbine staff.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 79

Boehringer Ingelheim Ireland | IB Survey

Making a Difference Research, innovation and giving back to the community are the driving forces behind Boehringer Ingelheim Ireland, as General Manager Dr Colin Edwards explains.

O

ne of the world's top 20 leading pharmaceutical companies, Boehringer Ingelheim is also probably one of the more unusual, having been family-owned since the days of its foundation in 1885 by Albert Boehringer, in the small German town of Ingelheim. Today, the organisation is active in a litany of countries across several continents, including a small, 50-strong operation here in Ireland, where a small but capable and dedicated team operate from Carrickmines.

In troubling economic times, maintaining your position within a market, and continuing to deliver quality and innovation under pressure is something to be proud of in and of itself. “We've had a good business performance in 2013, we've made some good progress,” acknowledges Dr Colin Edwards, Head of National Medicine and General Manager Boehringer Ingelheim Ireland. “Towards the end of last year, we had some good news in that we've recieved our European licence for our very first oncology product, which is now launched. So we finished out in a good place.”

In Ireland, the company is heavily involved in researching, marketing and selling prescription products in the areas of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, HIV, diabetes, and thromboembolic disease, and conducts their own R&D in-house to develop their own products. “Our mission as a company is to improve patients' lives by delivering innovative medicines to them,” says Edwards. “We're heavily involved in clinical research around the world, including Ireland – we have 80 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

a clinical research team based here. We also have an active marketing and sales team, bringing these medicines along with patient education programmes and diagnostic tools to doctors.”

Making a difference to people's lives in terms of the medicines the company produces is part and parcel of everyday life, and so too are their partnerships with organisations which seek to change people's lives in less conventional ways.

The company recently announced a partnership with Ashoka Ireland to accelerate the Change Nation Health solutions and transform healthcare in Ireland substantially and sustainably. This BI Ashoka Change Nation partnership will now encompass all the Change Nation Health solutions including MyMind, Siel Bleu, Project Echo, The Eden Alternative and others, and the company will share their diverse expertise and networks to mobilise thousands of Irish people in the health sector to become changemakers.

“It's interesting for us, it's great to be partnering with a company which will improve healthcare for people in Ireland,” says Edwards. “There are also some good developmental opportunities for our people who are getting involved.”

BI Ireland has already worked closely with one of the Health solutions and Ashoka Fellow Krystian Fikert recent winner of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact Award 2013,to expand his organisation MyMind across Ireland.

Their collaboration has helped MyMind provide immediate, expert care to 9,000 patients annually The firm has also had a long-standing connection with children's charity Barnardos, a relationship which Edwards

Dr Colin Edwards, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Ireland

describes as having become 'second nature'. “It's something people have enjoyed being involved in, we have painted project houses, cycled from Malin Head to Mizen Head, climbed the Four Peaks,” he says.

A recipient of the recent InBusiness Editor's Choice Awards, Edwards is also pleased that his hard-working team have secured the recognition which they deserve. “We're delighted to be recognised,” he explains. “For us, as one of the smaller companies, it's a tremendous privilege, and it's fantastic to have won. It's a great confirmation of all the hard work that my colleagues have done to make us the strong company that we are. We're pleased to be here in Ireland – we've had a presence here for the past 50 years, and we're delighted that we're growing as a company,” Edwards concludes.

Robertson Low | IB Survey

Managing Your Insurance Risk Boasting a wealth of experience in the insurance sector as the only Irish Lloyd's incorporated broker in the country, Robertson Low offer a range of corporate services across insurance, risk analysis and management.

E

stablished in 1995, Robertson Low are a leading firm of Irish insurance brokers and the only Irish incorporated Lloyd's broker, with their head office located in Dublin, and a regional office based in Portlaoise. The organisation works with insurers located in Dublin and Dublin's International Financial Services Centre and, as a Lloyd's broker, interacts directly with insurers in the London and Lloyd's insurance markets, providing the firm's clients with unrivalled access to competitive insurance solutions, size or complexity notwithstanding. Alongside the provision of extensive personal, mortgage, life, pension and investment services for private clients, the company arranges risk solutions and insurance services for the corporate sector for clients with both domestic and international interests.

Lloyd's One of the key facets of Robertson Low's service is their status as the only Irish incorporated Lloyd's broker in the country. This affords clients access to Lloyd's, the world's leading specialist insurance market and home to over 80 syndicates which offer an unrivalled concentration of underwriting expertise and talent. The Lloyd's structure encourages innovation, speed and better value for risks of all size, which makes it attractive to policyholders and participants alike. The Lloyd's market structure also allows an insurance programme to be spread between a number of insurers or syndicates, addressing one of the key principals of risk management

applicable to larger risks, particularly with international exposure.

The direct access Robertson Low have to decision-makers within the Lloyd's market means that decisions on whether a risk can be placed and the terms available are made quickly, enabling Robertson Low to provide their clients with fast, cost-effective solutions.

Risk Management There are many risks unrelated to insurance to which an organisation is exposed, such as contractual, operational, employment, financial and reputation risk. This is why risk management has evolved into such a fundamental management practice to which many professional disciplines, in addition to insurance, must contribute. Risk management ensures that an organisation identifies and understands the risks to which it is exposed, and guarantees that the organisation creates and implements an effective plan to prevent or reduce the impact of risk on their business.

Robertson Low participates and contributes to an organisation's risk management function by: • Assisting with the development of a risk management function within the client company; • Attending regular management and claims review meetings; • Contributing to the identification of insurance risk within an organisation; • Undertaking a thorough evaluation of an organisation's insurance programme to ensure; adequacy of structure, insurer and contract wordings;

• Assisting with identification of emerging trends within insurance risk to which the organisation is exposed, and the development of suitable strategies to mitigate or eliminate such exposure; • Contributing to the general operation of an organisation's risk management function by appropriate introduction of additional professional disciplines.

Corporate Services Robertson Low's focus has always been on how they can add value in providing insurance services and solutions; not only during the evaluation, negotiation and arrangement of a corporate insurance programme, or in the provision of personal insurance and advisory services, but where it really matters in the event of a claim, where they actively represent clients as their insurance broker during claim presentation, negotiation and settlement.

The corporate insurance services the firm provides in relation to both domestic and international programmes include: • Risk analysis, contributing as insurance broker to a client’s risk management function • Design and development of suitable insurance programmes • Insurance broking • Insurance risk management consultancy • Claim management and administration Robertson Low Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 81

AIB | IB Survey

Delivering

on Digital

AIB is on a digital journey to becoming a stream-lined, technology-led bank that delivers consistently great service to customers.

A

IB’s vision is to reinvent the bank as a streamlined, technologyled organisation that delivers consistently great service to customers.

The bank also strives to be one of the best places to work – a place where the very best people want to come and develop their careers. Delivering on this vision, and in response to consumer demand for more and more varied channels for financial services, AIB is offering customers an increasingly sophisticated choice of remote interactions and traditional face-to-face connections through branches.

“Anywhere, any time technology is opening up new ways for AIB to reach customers and enhance their experience,” says Tomas O'Midheach, Head of Direct Channels and Analytics at AIB. “We’ve a big opportunity to engage with customers in new ways and that’s exciting. From a commercial perspective, AIB’s investment in digital technology is a cornerstone in the bank’s strategy to reduce cost, while improving customer service.”

The Convenience Factor O'Midheach believes that the main driving force behind increasing adoption by customers of AIB’s full range of digital services including internet, mobile, self service and phone is the convenience factor. All of the digital technologies and services AIB has introduced and plans on introducing in the future are built around customer convenience, and being useful as a bank.

AIB now has in place dedicated teams of remote relationship managers who are based in fully equipped contact centres. “This strategy is very much building on the excellent service and 82 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Tomas O'Midheach with the InBusiness Editor's Choice Award

out-bound sales capability that AIB currently provides through direct channels while enhancing it with the relationship management capability that we have nurtured in the branch channel for many years,” says O'Midheach.

AIB has also enhanced its online offering for businesses with the recent introduction of AIB Internet Banking for business, which provides functionality developed specifically for SMEs. Registered users also benefit from the tablet banking app and mobile banking app for added flexibility and convenience. Webchat has also been successfully piloted and will be available across aib.ie very soon.

Another digital innovation recently launched by AIB is an online personal financial management tool, called My Money Manager, on a new tablet banking app. The helpful My Money Manager tool allows customers to track income and expenditure on

their current, deposit and credit card accounts and to create budgets and savings goals on their Apple iPads and Android Tablets. The app picked up the 'Best Financial App' Award at the recent InBusiness Editor's Choice Awards.

“The new tablet banking app represents our newest mobile banking service from AIB of which there are more planned. It’s a further enhancement to the ways customers can choose to bank securely with AIB. Our investment in online and mobile services is another sign of AIB's commitment to providing choice, enhancing our customers' banking experience and remaining a technology leader in Irish banking,” says O'Midheach.

Along with this, the new Me2U app allows AIB customers to send money securely by smartphone to their friends, family and anyone with a mobile phone number, whether the recipient banks with AIB or not as long as they have a

AIB | IB Survey euro personal Visa card. According to O'Midheach, “We are delighted to be able to bring Me2U to our customers, it’s a really useful app that makes transferring money easy and we believe it will quickly become part of our customers’ everyday life. The really useful thing about the Me2U app is that you can send and receive money between smartphones as easily as texting.”

Lab Work In addition to these digital service developments, and in an attempt to gain a deeper insight into its customer needs, last year AIB launched the LAB, Ireland's first digital banking store located in Dundrum Town Centre. The LAB aims to provide a friendly and supportive environment for customers to learn about AIB's different self-service banking offerings and future services, and to help them to use their own technology to get the most from the bank. AIB was lauded recently for this new service when it emerged as a winner among more than 150 other banks from 54 countries at the inaugural Global Distribution and Marketing Innovation Awards for retail banking. At the event in Paris, AIB scooped the award in the ‘Physical Distribution' category.

“We are delighted with the endorsement of ‘The LAB’ which we launched to improve our availability to customers through technology and to give one-onone support and advice to customers as they become familiar with new banking technologies,” says O'Midheach. The LAB is also used by AIB for co-creation, to test and unveil the next phase of banking innovations, many of which are planned over the coming months, including secure messaging and more personalised offerings seamlessly delivered through mobile, online, social and their retail network.

Continuing a Traditional Service Despite AIB's dedicated focus on its digital channel, it is by no means abandoning its traditional one and the bank understands the importance of maintaining an excellent face-to-face customer service at its branches across the country. “We genuinely are not a digital bank,” says O'Midheach. “Our view is that we want to be the leading bank in digital but vast amounts of our customers

The LAB, AIB's digital banking store

are not online. Roughly one-third of our customers have effectively never engaged with us online. The other two-thirds are a mixture; they will be in the branch on occasion, they will be on the internet, they will be on the phone. But we can see that there is one-third of our customers who have not gone there and they're absolutely vital. We see that the service has to be maintained across all channels and in truth that demographic is not going to radically change, we don't think.”

AIB has already reduced its number of branches but O'Midheach believes the focus is now on improving the existing branches and enhancing the customer experience. “To us that customer base is vital,” he says. We have reduced our branch platform and we now propose that the focus of the branch is different.

We would like people to transact on the self-service machines. A lot of cash lodgements can be done in that manner and we'd like the branch to be more service-orientated and sales-orientated, a location where we seek to meet the more complicated needs.”

The Stats Add Up With more than 874,000 customers banking online and 430,000 choosing to use the bank's award-winning mobile banking app, AIB is delivering on its customer needs for convenience and providing an engaged banking experience with a more personalised service. It plans to continue to enhance and develop both online and mobile banking services in the near future. “We will continue to build on our products and make more available online. We'll be going where the customer is going,” O'Midheach says.

In terms of competition, O'Midheach believes AIB are the trail blazers in digital banking and the stats are proof of that. “Our penetration is far greater than our competitors in terms of having our customers online. It's something we actively pursue, and that's self-fulfilling; the more you get online, the more you have to deliver. I think from our perspective that overall commitment to online separates us from the Irish competitors.”

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 83

New Ireland Assurance | IB Survey

Retirement Planning

Eoin Sheahan, Retirement Marketing Manager at New Ireland Assurance, discusses the business of retirement planning.

T

he improving fortunes of the Irish economy, the cutting of the IMF-EU financial umbilical cord and the gradual increase in investor and consumer confidence are all positive signs for the future welfare of businesses in Ireland. However, irrespective of type, size, or economic backdrop, businesses face two common and constant challenges – their income and their outgoings. In general, the level of each and the balance between both, will determine the success of any business.

The amount of money coming into a business, its revenue, its cash flow and its profit, is the lifeblood it requires to remain viable. The level of income the business achieves is ultimately the owner’s responsibility. Decisions made today will directly influence income received tomorrow. Its outgoings, on the other hand, cannot be influenced to the same extent. Fixed and variable costs in the form of rent and rates, wages, local authority charges and so on are arguably much more difficult to negotiate or change.

Business owners face the challenge of getting the balance right between the business’s income and its outgoings.

For a business to be successful an owner must secure enough income to meet the costs of doing business today, while setting aside some of its income to invest for tomorrow.

Challenges We All Face Each one of us, whether we are male or female, an employer or an employee, faces the same challenge. We must get the balance right between our income and our outgoings. We must use our income to provide for today as well as for tomorrow.

The good news is that we are living longer. Today the average life expectancy 84 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

for someone aged 65 is 85 years of age.* We can all look forward to longer, healthier and more active retirement years – a suitable reward for a long and dedicated working life. However, this reward comes with a responsibility that many of us have yet to face up to.

We will need to fund for 20 years or more of retirement. Influencing our outgoings or cost of living in retirement will be difficult. Taxes and charges will still apply, while living costs and increased medical expenses will need to be met. But as in business, we have the opportunity now to significantly influence the income we achieve for our retirement years.

Retirement planning can appear complicated, but at its heart is the simple concept of putting aside some of today’s money to meet tomorrow’s needs. We need to take ownership and responsibility for our own financial futures. In order to be successful tomorrow, we must invest in our future today.

Retirement Planning Is Our Business New Ireland Assurance is one of the leading life assurance companies in Ireland, providing for the pension, investment and financial protection needs of over 500,000 customers. Our innovative pension products, extensive range of pension funds and our relentless drive for service excellence has led us to become the pension provider of choice for thousands of customers.

We have been voted the number one life company in the Professional Irish Brokers Association Awards for the last two years running and are particularly proud of our number one ranking for Excellence in Financial Products and Service Excellence.

Eoin Sheahan, Retirement Marketing Manager at New Ireland

Retirement planning is our business.

Whether you want to discuss the benefits of putting a group pension scheme in place for your employees or want to find out how to maximise your own retirement income, we can help you put plans in place. Ask your financial broker or advisor about a pension from New Ireland Assurance and start planning for tomorrow, today. *Central Statistics Office 2009 New Ireland Assurance Company plc is regulated by the Central Bank. A member of Bank of Ireland Group.

Action Focused Mentoring

Workshops

Business Impact

Regional Delivery

Drive Efficiency Strategic Networking High Performance

Arachas | IB Survey

Expert Advice Arachas Corporate Brokers offer a range of services across insurance brokerage, risk management and financial services.

Special Risks Director Martin Adams explains.

A

rachas Corporate Brokers is Ireland’s largest independently owned business and personal insurance and risk management brokerage. With offices located in Dublin, Cork and the South East, the group employs over 150 staff in the areas of insurance brokering, risk management and financial services.

Our business strategy centres on establishing niche insurance markets for the corporate and commercial sector, thus providing insurance solutions that offer a real and competitive alternative.

Developed over 30 years, our business relationships reflect our leading position both in the Irish and international insurance markets.

Among our comprehensive range of business insurance services, we have some very interesting products, such as TaxMaster. With approximately 566,000 assurance checks on Irish businesses by revenue last year of which 110,000 lead to further investigation.

TaxMaster ensures accountancy bills are paid if a business has a Revenue Audit, enquiry or investigation or a VAT or PAYE dispute. This policy will cover up to a10,000 of your accountants fees, expenses and other disbursements, less any policy excess that may apply,

reasonably incurred by the appointed consultant should you become involved in any of the following enquiries or disputes: • Revenue Commissioners enquiries and investigations • Employer compliance disputes • PAYE, PRSI and USC disputes • VAT disputes • Pre-emptive work

Advice Another helpful service we provide is Second Opinion.

Most people will purchase a wide range of insurance products every year including business, home, motor as well as pension and life insurance. We will advise you on purchasing the right insurance cover at the right price.

When you group your insurance policies together you may be amazed at the amount of money you’re spending.

Effectively, Arachas becomes a part of our client’s management team, for the duration of the review. We begin by listening, in order to gather an understanding of the issues facing the business – we don’t impose a ‘one size fits all’ approach. When we have identified what risk exists, we seek out affordable transfer mechanisms where

“Most people will purchase a wide range of insurance products every year including business, home, motor as well as pension and life insurance. We will advise you on purchasing the right insurance cover at the right price.”

Martin Adams, Special Risks Director Arachas

appropriate and put in place alternative risk transfer models when insurance doesn’t fit the bill.

If we find genuine flaws in the current offering or can find you a more comprehensive cover at a better price, we will propose alternatives.

After that it is up to you to decide what’s best for your business.

For more information on TaxMaster, Second Opinion or any other business or personal insurance service contact Martin Adams ACII, MIRM on 01 213 5000, 087 279 6677; email martin.adams@arachas.ie or visit www.arachas.ie To apply online visit www.TaxInsurance.ie InBusiness Yearbook 2014 87

Assured Confidence

What companies can benefit from Standards?...

Small and medium sized enterprises just like yours!

Standards can provide Irish businesses with many benefits that can increase the efficiency of your operations and help SMEs compete with bigger businesses for opportunities on the global market.

NSAI is engaged in promoting the awareness and the adoption of standards amongst SMEs. As part of this programme NSAI provides relevant information on the national and international standardization process through the following free services and resources that support SMEs; • NSAI SME Portal – an online resource providing relevant information on standardization; • Your Standards, Your Say – your chance to comment on the content of standards; • Standards Consultative Committees – participate with your industry peers on the development of standards.

NSAI invites you to participate in the standardization process.

To find out what NSAI can do for your business visit go to:

www.nsai.ie/Small-Business-Portal.aspx or call us on (01) 807 3800 NSAI and the NSAI Logo are registered trademarks of NSAI NSAI - 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9 | T +353 1 807 3800 | E info@nsai.ie

Home Instead Senior Care | IB Survey

Living at Home, Instead Home Instead Senior Care continually strives to deliver quality home care for their clients. We spoke with Ed Murphy, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care (HISC).

S

ince opening in 2005 Home Instead Senior Care, an organisation which assists in allowing older people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible, has achieved much to be proud of. In 2013 alone, HISC opened three new offices in Cork, Meath and Kilkenny, achieved ISO 9000, Q mark and Healthmark awards across their 20 offices, drove increased revenue growth, particularly amongst private clients, funded Trinity College with €265,000 for a major research project and provided free Dementia education workshops to over 1,000 family carers throughout the country, and plenty more besides.

“We’re absolutely delighted and grateful with the success we have achieved in all aspects of our business,” says Ed Murphy, Home Instead Senior Care’s CEO. “We very much appreciate the amazing and selfless work done every day by our 2,500 Professional CAREgivers. It gives us the encouragement and motivation to reach our goal of being among the most admired Irish companies by actively changing the face of ageing.”

As Murphy explains, core values of care, dignity and respect, continual encouraging and empowering growth and maintaining an intense focus in building a quality, valuable service to their clients combine in making HISC an award-winning organisation. “Our mission is enhancing the lives of older people, enabling them to live happy, healthy and independent lives in their home for longer than otherwise possible.

Our focus is on being a thought leader for solutions for successful ageing, an organisation leader in having the systems, processes and people to effectively and efficiently deliver the highest quality service, and being an

Senior Citizen Answers Ireland’s Call. Pictured is Kilkenny Senior, Elaine Bolger with Joe Schmidt at the launch of Home Instead’s 2014 Senior Citizen Guidebook.

employer of choice,” he says.

And there’s no doubting that the service which HISC provides makes the world of a difference in the lives of many older people across Ireland. Anywhere from two hours per day to round the clock care can be provided, ensuring that these older people can maintain their independence and dignity. “Over 90 per cent of older people want to remain living at home for the rest of their life, with quality of life, yet less than 60 per cent of people enjoy that privilege,” Murphy acknowledges.

“Home Instead Senior Care are focussed on helping almost 90 per cent of our clients stay at home until the end. It makes a huge difference to our clients and their families.”

Building on the success of Home Instead across the country, Murphy is positive about the 12 months to come.

“The future looks very bright for Home Instead Senior Care, as more and more older people and families become aware of the benefits of being a client, knowing

they can get 41 per cent tax relief off the cost of our professional service.” And with further development of home care re-ablement services, more new offices and new technologies, one thing is for sure – the quality of service at HISC can only increase. “Home Instead Senior Care is focussed on being an advocate for older people and providing solutions to issues around ageing,” said Joe Schmidt, Ireland Rugby coach.

“We recently launched the 2014 edition of Senior Citizen: The Essential Guidebook, a free survival guide for successful ageing in Ireland. It is supported by Age Action, the HSE, and Nursing Homes Ireland and is yet another free resource Home Instead offers to seniors and their families to help make Ireland the best country in the world to grow old,” Murphy concludes.

To find out more about services from Home Instead Senior Care call 1890 930 013 or log on to Homeinstead.ie InBusiness Yearbook 2014 89

Robertson Low

your preferred brokers & consultants Robertson Low act as Insurance broker and Lloyd’s broker to a wide and diverse portfolio of risks providing insurance services to both small and large businesses, with domestic and international interests within the business sector. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, with a genuine commitment to service. We are on hand to

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance

Private Clients

Commercial Insurance

offer advice when you need it through a dedicated point of contact, supported by a team of professionals with specific experience.

Dublin t: 01 461 1500 10/11 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22

Portlaoise t: (0)57 862 1128

Lismard Court, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

e: info@robertsonlow.ie w: www.robertsonlow.ie

the only Irish incorporated ‘Lloyd’s broker’ Robertson Low Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Iarnród Eíreann Irish Rail | IB Survey

Taxsaver Savings Though the Taxsaver scheme has been around for 14 years, many people are unsure about how it works and what the benefits are. We spoke to Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail's Gary Dunphy to discover more.

Could you tell us about how the Taxsaver scheme with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail works and how long it has been in operation?

The Taxsaver scheme was introduced in 1999 by the Government as an incentive to encourage the use of public transport. The scheme has seen huge growth with over 4,000 companies now purchasing monthly and annual tickets for their employees.

Employers can purchase Taxsaver tickets on behalf of their employees; the cost of the ticket is then deducted from the employees’ gross salary saving them from

Cut the cost of your commute

paying tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge or benefit in kind on this amount. It is an easy to use, innovative, practical and green initiative encouraging people to utilise clean, modern and reliable trains whilst leaving the car at home.

How do employees benefit from the scheme?

Employees can avail of a monthly or annual ticket through the scheme, the cost of the ticket is deducted from the employee’s gross salary giving them a fantastic saving of up to 52 per cent off the cost of their commute to work!

Employees can see exactly how much they can save by using the savings calculator on our website www.taxsaver. ie. Another great benefit of the scheme is the convenience of having a monthly or annual ticket delivered to your office, no more queuing at the station or looking for change on a Monday morning!

How do employers benefit from the scheme?

The Taxsaver scheme is a win-win for the employer and employee. The employee makes fantastic savings of up to 52 per cent off the cost of their ticket whilst the employer can also save up to 10.75 per cent through PRSI savings as the employee’s gross income is reduced. It’s an employee perk that doesn’t cost you money. No more parking problems and the staff will love you!

SAVE UP TO

See how much you can save

How can employers assist employees in receiving a Taxsaver ticket?

visit

Registering for the Taxsaver scheme is easy, 08947-TaxSaver-DL-4-PG-v02.indd 1

06/02/2014 14:13

employers can simply log on to taxsaver. ie, complete a quick online registration form and set up for the scheme. We offer guidance, assistance and advice for employers through our dedicated Taxsaver email and phone helpline and we can also arrange to visit companies and talk directly with staff, highlighting the benefits of the scheme, making them aware of the most economical way of travelling to work.

What has the take up been like in the past year?

In 2013 we have seen over 450 new companies registering for the Taxsaver scheme, proving how popular the scheme has become with commuters in Ireland. As more and more people look to cut costs and tighten their belts, the Taxsaver scheme can make a huge difference to the commuter.

What kinds of companies are availing of the service?

The Taxsaver scheme is open and available to all companies from SMEs up to the large multinationals. Our online registration and ordering process is quick and easy and our friendly and knowledgeable staff can guide new companies through the whole process with ease. We provide a complete information and support service to help you introduce the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket scheme in your company, including detailed information on all aspects of the programme, from ticket types to photo requirements.

Employers and employees are welcome to contact our Taxsaver team: Tel: 1850 211 777 Web: www.taxsaver.ie InBusiness Yearbook 2014 91

IE Domain Registry | IB Survey

Irish SMEs Need to Fulfil

Their Potential Online A .ie URL is a valuable asset for Ireland and its businesses, but Irish SMEs may not be tapping its full potential as Donal O'Nualláin of the IE Domain Registry explains.

R

ecent research by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce shows that only 23 per cent of small and medium enterprises in Ireland trade on the Internet. Irish consumers are currently spending €4 billion online so it is clear that Irish businesses need to make greater use of Internet technologies to build fully featured e-commerce websites in order to achieve greater competitive advantage online.

This research shows that Irish firms remain slow to capitalise on the opportunities afforded to them by the Internet and new technologies. Small firms need to take action, upgrade their websites and tap into the 24 hour sales and marketing channel that is the Internet. To highlight the issue the IEDR, the company who is responsible for the management and administration of Ireland’s official Internet address, .ie, launched the OPTIMISE Fund in 2011.

OPTIMISE is an e-Commerce Website Development Fund for Irish SMEs to develop or upgrade their web presence and the e-commerce functionality of their websites. The Fund has grown from ten winners in 2011, to 15 in 2012 and increased to offer support to 20 Irish SMEs or micro businesses in 2013. These 45 companies have been assisted by the fund in very practical, tangible ways such as adding shopping carts, online catalogues, facilitating online bookings, implementing social media campaigns and much more. The main goal of the OPTIMISE Fund is to help Irish SMEs grow their business using online methods.

Safe and Secure It also should be noted that Ireland has a terrific brand in the .ie domain name and 92 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

IEDR CEO David Curtin, FInance and Operations Manager Angel Butler (centre) and the winners of the IEDR OPTIMISE e-Commerce Website Development Fund

it is imperative that Irish businesses use it to fulfil their potential online. A .ie web address offers consumers and businesses the benefits of a secure e-business platform. The .ie namespace provides a solid and trusted foundation to afford Irish businesses the freedom to build the strongest possible online presence for their own brands, products and services.

The IEDR operate a managed registry which means that there are rules and procedures governing the registration of .ie domain names. New applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of registration, for example, IEDR will verify an applicant’s company registered number with the CRO, or its patent reference number with international databases. This contrasts with .com or .eu where there is no manual review, and the domain applied for will be automatically registered – once the name is available. This traceability provides consumers with the confidence to transact on a .ie website.

The IEDR also runs an online resource for Irish people who are looking to

find out more about .ie domain names.

The website www.why.ie serves as an informational resource which seeks to simplify the process of registering a .ie domain while also providing some tips and insights into developing a strong web presence for people that could be relatively unfamiliar with such an undertaking.

The Right Choice As an Irish SME choosing .ie for your business, you are guaranteeing that your website has a connection with Ireland, that you are who you say you are and that anybody who visits your site can do so safely and securely. The IEDR authenticates and verifies who is behind a .ie website, therefore consumers are safer using .ie websites. This is because there is less cyber squatting, spam, identity theft and credit card fraud in the .ie namespace, compared to .com and others. This aspect has been independently verified, and .ie has been consistently ranked in the top five safest domains in the world according to international security specialists McAfee.

• Creating a supportive environment for business • Developing a strong city leadership for Dublin • Developing Dublin as a Smart City • Developing Dublin as a competitive International City

Office of the Economy & International Relations, Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 222 0100 Email: edu@dublincity.ie Web: www.dublincity.ie

Mackin Consultancy is an Integrated Management Solution Company, helping clients of all sizes to achieve certification in their respective areas of expertise. Mackin Consultancy works with clients to give them every-day practical solutions to achieve their goals.

With over 16 years of professional experience in the area of Health & Safety, our dedicated consultants work with clients from all areas of business including Construction, Commercial, Industrial and Manufacturing sectors.

Services: At Mackin Consultancy we help our clients to implement ISO Quality Management Systems and Standards in their business. Specialising in ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004 and 18001:2007, Mackin Consultancy also offers a number of other standards.

In addition, Mackin Consultancy offers Cost-effective and practical business solutions for your business.

Phone: 021 462 8112 Unit 5, Mayfield Business Park, Old Youghal Road, Cork www.mackinconsultancy.com

Competition Authority | IB Survey

Keeping Competition Alive Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition Authority, speaks to InBusiness about the group's work and what we can expect from its merger with the National Consumer Agency.

T

he Competition Authority is an independent statutory body that enforces Irish and European competition law. The agency works to ensure that competition benefits all consumers, including businesses, who buy products and services in Ireland. These goals are achieved by taking action against anti-competitive practices, such as pricefixing; blocking anti-competitive business mergers; and informing Government, public authorities, businesses and the wider public about competition issues.

The work of the Competition Authority does not simply benefit businesses and consumers. It has a positive knockon-effect for the wider economy.

Competition helps to keep prices down, improves choice and quality, encourages innovation and supports economic growth, as Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition Authority, explains.

“If you have a lack of competition you tend to get stagnation, you tend to get firms that are already in the market not wanting anyone else to come in,” she says. “They get kind of slow and lazy.

It's like they say in economics - 'the best of all monopoly profits is a quiet life'.

But then that means you're not getting the growth, you're not getting new firms coming in and we're not getting the market for our exports. You lose innovation, prices go up. That leads to increased inflation and the economy as a whole loses its competitiveness. I think that's what happened to us back in the last decade and we're just regaining our competitiveness now but we really need to keep a sharp focus on a whole range of input costs for business. In 2014 the Competition Authority will be paying a lot of attention to input costs 94 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

for business; professional fees, utilities, etc , as well as continuing with our outreach programme to business. We are involved in a number of activities aimed at raising awareness among the business community of what competition law is, how to stay on the right side of the law, and, more importantly, how to make sure businesses don’t become victims of anticompetitive behaviour themselves.”

Where there is evidence of businesses engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, whether through price-fixing or abusing their dominant position, the Competition Authority can intervene through the enforcement of competition law. Recent examples of such illegal practices include those in the home heating oil sector and car dealerships where there was evidence of a number of firms fixing prices collectively. So what if a business believes it is a victim of unfair competition in the marketplace? “They should approach us,” says Goggin. “If they come forward to us they can make a complaint. We'll listen to them and we have investigative powers.

We can carry out dawn raids, we can require that people come before us and produce information. We can investigate and we can either resolve it informally or through a civil court proceeding or we can go to court on a criminal basis and prosecute, either ourselves or via the DPP.” As well as being Chairperson of the Competition Authority, Goggin is Chairperson Designate of the new Consumer and Competition Authority, which will be formed when the Competition Authority amalgamates with the National Consumer Agency (NCA). The legislation for the move is currently under review and the signs are that it is pretty close to fruition.

Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition Authority

This legislation will do three things: amalgamate the Competition Authority with the NCA; introduce new provisions for the control of mergers in the media sector (newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, etc.); and introduce a code of practice for the grocery sector. Goggin looks favourably on the merger and believes it will streamline the work of both agencies to give it greater effect.

“We would see a lot of synergies as part of having a Competition Authority and a Consumer Agency together,” she says.

“A lot of European countries do it that way. We think it will give us a lot more information about things that affect consumers, about the kind of practices that filter down to the consumer sector.

A lot of our complaints and contacts come from the business sector now but we would like to understand better what's affecting people on the ground in their day-to-day shopping.”

Personal Insolvency | IB Survey

Personal Insolvency:

A Practical Look at the New System An upcoming seminar will assess the true impact of a Bill designed to alleviate the insolvency burden affecting so many people in the Republic of Ireland.

E

nacted in 2012, the Personal Insolvency Act introduced three new insolvency measures for people in debt. The ‘Personal Insolvency in Practice’ Event, to be held on the 27th of March in the Law Society, will explore the practical effects of the legislation and its ramifications in 2014.

Over the course of this half day seminar, an expert panel of speakers will assess what aspects of the legislation are working, what aspects aren’t working as well as initially envisaged, and in what way the system is expected to evolve this year.

• Date - 27th March 2014 • Time - 9am - 1.30pm • Venue - Law Society • CPD - 4 points

Expert Panel • Lorcan O’Connor, Director, Insolvency Service of Ireland • Jim Stafford, Managing Partner, Friel Stafford • Charles Turner, Partner, FRP Advisory LLP • Barry O’Neill, Partner, Eugene F Collins • Stephen Hanaphy, Barrister-at-Law • Ross Maguire, Senior Counsel, Co-Founder at New Beginning

Topics to be discussed on the day • Review of the proposed protocols for the new personal insolvency regime.

• How IVA protocols helped streamline the IVA schemes in the UK. • Impact of Central Bank regulations regarding debt management advice on firms of solicitors and accountants.

• The psychology of debt.

• Circumstances in which the courts will consider the objections of creditors whose interests may be unfairly prejudiced within the meaning of section 120(e) of the new Personal Insolvency Act. • Who has purchased distressed debt and what are their strategies for collection/ enforcement?

• What does the 'loan to own' strategy actually mean?

• Why do certain purchasers of distressed debt not have to comply with the Central Bank's Codes of Conduct?

• The PIP's perspective of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012.

• Options for Irish clients in the UK: Bankruptcy vs Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

• Key issues for creditors in the new personal insolvency regime.

• Overview of UK personal insolvency procedures and bankruptcy tourism to the UK. To book your place at this seminar, please contact denise.maguire@ ashvillemediagroup.com

Lorcan O’Connor

Jim Stafford

Charles Turner InBusiness Yearbook 2014 95

Hertz Lease . . . Fleet Management at your fingertips . . .

www.hertzlease.ie

Hertz Lease Archer Sheridan House 39 Mespil Road Dublin 4 Tel: Fax:

353-1-6070300 353-1-6070301

Hertz Lease Dublin Hertz Lease Belfast Hertz Lease Prague Hertz Lease Bratislava

www.hertzlease.ie www.hertzlease-ni.co.uk www.hertzlease.cz www.hertzlease.sk

CALL US ON

(0)1 897 6400

draining chasing debt

resources your time, energy and

Chasing slow paying or non paying debts diverts energy and resources away from what you should be focusing on - namely growing your business.

Link Receivables Management is an established company, based in Dublin, who can effectively and efficiently collect these outstanding debts for you.

• Our service is professional and courteous, protecting your reputation • We can work on any size of debt book • We are responsive and flexible in the instructions we issue • If litigation is needed we will ensure that costs are minimised so your return is maximised For more information on how Link can help turn ‘Cash, No’ back to Cash Flow please email: sashcroft@linkfinancial.eu or mail.dublin@linkfinancial.eu, alternatively call (0)1 897 6400 to speak to one of the team.

ie.linkfinancial.eu/debt-collection-solutions-for-SMEs-in-ireland TRUST, PARTNERSHIP. THERE IS A LINK.

Chambers Ireland

directory 98

Members directory

105

CORPORATE PArtners

105

STRATEGIC PArtners

106

CORPORATE PAtrons

110

useful contacts

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 97

members directory Arklow & District Chamber Unit 9, Arklow Business Enterprise Centre, Kilbride Industrial Estate, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)402 26909 Fax: +353 (0)402 26969 Email: chamber@arklow.ie Web: www.arklow.ie President: Conor McCarthy

Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber Unit 13, Market Yard Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: +353 (0)71 962 2245 Email: info@carrickonshannon.ie Web: www.carrickonshannon.ie President: Gerry Faughnan Administrator: Monica Christie

Cork Chamber Fitzgerald House, Summerhill North, Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 450 9044 Fax: +353 (0)21 450 8568 Email: info@corkchamber.ie Web: www.corkchamber.ie President: Gillian Keating Chief Executive: Conor Healy

County Carlow Chamber Athlone Chamber

Castlebar Chamber

Magazine Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: +353 (0)906 498838 Fax: +353 (0)906 490264 Email: info@athlonechamber.ie Web: www.athlonechamber.ie President: John McGrath

Linenhall Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0)94 902 4845/ +353 (0)87 948 8660 Fax: +353 (0)94 902 4971 Email: chamber@castlebar.ie Web: www.castlebarchamber.ie President: Oliver Kelleher

Ballina Chamber 41 Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0)96 72800 Fax: +353 (0)96 72801 Email: info@ballinachamber.com Web: www.ballinachamber.com President: Kevin Connolly

Drogheda & District Chamber Cavan Chamber 7 Churchview, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: +353 (0)49 437 8104 Email: info@cavanchamber.ie Web: www.cavanchamber.ie President: Lyn Sharkey

Clonmel Chamber

members directory

Ballyhaunis Chamber The Enterprise Centre, Clare Road, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0)94 963 0311 Fax: +353 (0)94 963 0636 Email: ballyhaunischamber@eircom.net Web: www.ballyhaunischamber.ie President: Alison McDermott Chief Executive: Anne Cunnane

Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, Co. Carlow Tel: +353 (0)59 913 2337 Fax: +353 (0)59 913 0652 Email:info@carlowchamber.com Web: www.carlowchamber.com President: John Brophy Chief Executive: Turlough O'Brien

8 Sarsfield Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: +353 (0)52 612 6500 Fax: +353 (0)52 612 6378 Email: info@clonmelchamber.com Web: www.clonmelchamber.com President: Valerie O'Reilly Chief Executive: Brian Cleary

Broughton House, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: +353 (0)41 983 3544 Fax: +353 (0)41 984 1609 Email: enquiries@droghedachamber.com Web: www.droghedachamber.com President: Simon McCormack Business Services Manager: Patricia White

Dublin Chamber 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 644 7200 Fax: +353 (0)1 676 6043 Email: info@dublinchamber.ie Web: www.dubchamber.ie President: Martin Murphy Chief Executive: Gina Quin

Cobh & Harbour Chamber Bray and District Chamber ChamberHouse, 10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)1 282 8248 Fax: +353 (0)1 276 0272 Email: info@braychamber.ie Web: www.braychamber.ie President: Rory Benville Executive: Stephanie Curran

98 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

The Old Yacht Club, Cobh, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3612/481 3892 Fax: +353 (0)21 481 1018 Email: info@cobhharbourchamber.ie Web: www.cobhharbourchamber.ie President: Brian Curtis

Cootehill Chamber White Star Complex, Market Street, Cootehill, Co. Cavan Tel: +353 (0)49 555 2417 Email: office@mmcrystalpharmacy.com Web: www.cootehillchamber.ie President: Connie Whelan

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber Kilcullen House, 1 Haigh Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 284 5066 Fax: +353 (0)1 284 5034 Email: info@dlrchamber.ie Web: www.dlrchamber.ie President: Josephine Browne

Galway Chamber

Limerick Chamber

Hagan House, Ramparts Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: +353 (0)42 933 6343 Fax: +353 (0)42 933 2085 Email: info@dundalk.ie Web: www.dundalkchamber.ie President: Paddy Matthews

Commerce House, Merchants Road, Galway Tel: +353 (0)91 563536 Fax: +353 (0)91 561963 Email: info@galwaychamber.com Web: www.galwaychamber.com President: Jim Fennell

96 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: +353 (0)61 415180 Fax: +353 (0)61 415785 Email: info@limerickchamber.ie Web: www.limerickchamber.ie President: Cathal Treacy Chief Executive: Maria Kelly

Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber

Kells and District Chamber

Unit S 32, Block A, The Plaza, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel: +353 (0)58 45054 Fax: +353 (0)58 45622 Email: info@dungarvanchamber.ie Web: www.dungarvanchamber.ie President: Collette Bannon Development Manager: Jenny Beresford

Ennis Chamber 54 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0)65 684 2988 Fax: +353 (0)65 682 1544 Email: info@ennischamber.ie Web: www.ennischamber.ie President: Paddy Donnelly Chief Executive: Rita McInerney

Enniscorthy Chamber Ballinakill, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: +353 (0)53 923 3540 Email: info@eetc.ie Web: www.enniscorthychamber.ie President: Michael Bennett Secretary: Margot Banville

Fingal Dublin Chamber ChamberBuildings, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 890 0977 Fax: +353 (0)1 890 0990 Email: info@fingaldublinchamber.ie Web: www.fingaldublinchamber.ie President: Siobhan Kinsella Chief Executive: Tony Lambert

Castle Street, Kells, Co. Meath Tel: +353 (0)46 924 0055 Fax: +353 (0)46 924 0081 Email: info@kellschamber.ie Web: www.kellschamber.ie President: John Farrelly Administrator: Patricia O’Donnell

Longford Chamber

Kilkenny Chamber

Mallow Chamber

The Maltings, Tilbury Place, Kilkenny City Tel: +353 (0)56 775 2767 +353 (0)56 775 2261 Fax: +353 (0)56 775 6379 Email: info@kilkennychamber.ie Web: www.kilkennychamber.ie President: Donie Butler

160 West End, Mallow, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)22 55660 Email: info@mallowchamber.ie Web: www.mallowchamber.ie President: Kevin O'Keeffe Administrator: Sarah McMahon

Laois Chamber James Finton Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: +353 (0)57 862 1598 Fax: +353 (0)57 866 3452 Email: admin@laoischamber.ie Web: www.laoischamber.ie President: Conal Brady

Letterkenny Chamber Grand Central Complex, Canal Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: +353 (0)74 912 4866 Fax: +353 (0)74 912 6678 Email: info@letterkennychamber.com Web: www.letterkennychamber.com President: Gerard Grant Chief Executive: Toni Forrester

directory

Dundalk Chamber

Harbour House, Market Square, Longford Tel: +353 (0)43 47455 Fax: +353 (0)43 47292 Email: info@longfordchamber.ie Web: www.longfordchamber.ie President: Seamus Butler

Midleton and Area Chamber 2nd Floor, 61/62 Main Street Midleton, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 461 3483 Email: info@midletonchamber.com Web: www.midletonchamber.com President: Donal Kelleher Secretary: Peadar Hegarty

Mullingar Chamber 12 Mount Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: +353 (0)44 934 4044 Fax: +353 (0)44 934 4045 Email: info@mullingarchamber.ie Web: www.mullingarchamber.ie President: Pat Whelan

Navan Chamber Church Hill, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: +353 (0)46 902 3330 Fax: +353 (0)46 907 2873 Email: info@navanchamber.com Web: www.navanchamber.com President: Paul McGlynn

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 99

New Ross Chamber

Sligo Chamber

Waterford Chamber

Block 2, Unit 55, Priory Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford Tel: +353 (0)51 425077 Fax: +353 (0)51 420231 Email: info@newrosschamber.ie Web: www.newrosschamber.ie President: Mary Browne

16 Quay Street, Sligo Tel: +353 (0)71 916 1274 Fax: +353 (0)71 916 0912 Email: info@sligochamber.ie Web: www.sligochamber.com President: Trevor McDaid CEO: Paul Keyes

2 George’s Street, Waterford Tel: +353 (0)51 872639 Fax: +353 (0)51 876002 Email: info@waterfordchamber.ie Web: www.waterfordchamber.ie President: Nora Widger Chief Executive: Nick Donnelly

Newbridge Chamber

South Dublin Chamber

West Cork Chamber

The Avenue, Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0)45 438296 Fax: +353 (0)45 438296 Email: office@newbridgechamber.ie Web: www.newbridgechamber.ie President: David O'Reilly Administrator: Celia Quinn

Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: +353 (0)1 462 2107 Fax: +353 (0)1 459 9512 Email: business@sdchamber.ie Web: www.sdchamber.ie President: Michael McDermott Chief Executive: Peter Byrne

c/o ConocoPhillips, Bantry Bay Terminals Ltd, Reenrour, Bantry, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)27 53557 Fax: +353 (0)27 51065 Email: debbie.carroll@conocophillips.com President: Michael Hennebry Secretary: Debbie Carroll

Thurles Chamber

Westport Chamber

Thurless Community Enterprise Centre Building, Thurles LIT, Campus, Nenagh Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel: +353 (0)504 23407 Fax: +353 (0)504 20179 Email: info@thurleschamber.ie Web: www.thurleschamber.ie President: John O'Shaughnessy

The Fairgreen, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0)98 27375 Fax: +353 (0)98 27916 Email: info@westportireland.com Web: www.westportireland.com President: Neil O'Neil Chief Executive: Stephanie Colombani

Tralee Chamber

Wexford Chamber

18 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel: +353 (0)66 712 1472 Fax: +353 (0)66 712 8608 Email: tralcham@iol.ie Web: www.traleechamber.ie President: Padraig McGillicuddy CEO: Keiran Ruttledge

Chamber Offices, Hill Street, Wexford Tel: +353 (0)53 912 2226 Fax: +353 (0)53 912 1478 Email: info@wexfordchamber.ie Web: www.wexfordchamber.ie President: Fleur Creed Chief Executive: Madeleine Quirke

North Kildare Chamber Osprey Business Campus, Devoy Quarter, Naas Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0)45 894074 Fax: +353 (0)45 901904 Email: info@northkildarechamber.ie Web: www.northkildarechamber.ie President: Niall Browne Chief Executive: Allan Shine

members directory

Roscrea Chamber c/o Roscrea Credit Union, Main Street, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Tel: +353 (0)505 23601 Fax: +353 (0)505 21806 Email: bking@roscreacu.ie Web: www.roscreaonline.com President: John Guilfoyle Secretary: Brian King

Shannon and District Chamber Unit B9, SkyCourt, Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0)61 360611 Fax: +353 (0)61 360440 Email: admin@shannonchamber.ie Web: www.shannonchamber.ie President: Kevin Thompstone Chief Executive: Helen Downes

100 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Tullamore & District Chamber Market Square Suites, Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel: +353 (0)57 932 3698 Email: info@tullamorechamber.com Web: www.tullamorechamber.com President: Ann Starling Executive Officer: Gretty O’Dea

Wicklow Town & District Chamber Wicklow Enterprise Centre, The Murrough, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)404 66610 +353 (0)404 66433 Fax: +353 (0)404 66464 Email: info@wicklowchamber.ie Web: www.wicklowchamber.ie President: John Sinnott Administrator: Susana Costello

Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 400 4322 Email: info@britishirishchamber.ie Web: www.britishirishchamber.ie

Czech Republic

Germany

Economic Chamberof the Czech Republic, Freyova, 27, 190 00 Praha 9, Czech Republic Tel: +420 (0)266 721 300 Fax: +420 (0)266 721 690 Email: office@komora.cz Web: www.hkcr.cz

Deutscher Industrie und Handelskammerstag (DIHT), Breite Strasse, 29, 10178 Berlin, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 302 0308-0 Fax: +49 (0) 302 0308-1000 Email: infocenter@berlin.dihk.de Web: www.dihk.de

Austria Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 63, Posfach 150, 1045 Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 (0) 590900 Fax: +43 (0) 590 900 250 Email: office@wko.at Web: www.wko.at

Denmark The Danish Chamber of Commerce, Borsen (Royal Exchange), 1217 Copenhagen, Denmark Tel: +45 (0)33 746 000 Fax: +45 (0)33 746 080 Email: info@danskerhverv.dk Web: www.danskerhverv.com

Austria (Brussels Office) Avenue de Cortenbergh, 30, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 286 5880 Fax: +32 (0)2 286 5899 Email: eu@eu.austria.be

Belgium Fédération des Chambres de Commerce et d’Industrie de Belgique, Avenue Louise 500, 5th floor, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 209 0550 Fax: +32 (0)2 209 0568 Email: info@belgiumChambers.be Web: www.cci.be

Bulgaria Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1058 Sofia, 9 Iskar Street, Bulgaria Tel: +359 (0)2 811 7400 Fax: +359 (0)2 987 3209 Email: bcci@bcci.bg Web: www.bcci.bg

Cyprus Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 21455, Chamber Building, 38, Grivas Dhigenis Ave & 3, Deligiorgis Street, 1509 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: +357 (0)22 889 800 Fax: +357 (0)22 669 048 Email: chamber@ccci.org.cy Web: www.ccci.org.cy

directory

British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Estonia Estonian Chamberof Commerce and Industry, Toom-Kooli 17, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia Tel: +372 (0)604 0060 Fax: +372 (0)604 0061 Email: koda@koda.ee Web: www.koda.ee

Finland The Central Chamber of Commerce of Finland, Aleksanterinkatu, 17, PO Box 1000, 00101 Helsinki, Finland Tel: +358 (0)9 424 262 00 Fax: +358 (0)9 650 303 Email: Keskuskauppakamari@wtc.fi Web: www.chamber.fi

France Assemblée des Chambres Françaises de Commerce et d’Industrie, (ACFCI), 33-43 avenue du Président Wilson 75116 Paris, France Tel: +33 (0) 1 49 53 28 28 Fax: + 33 (0) 1 49 53 28 59 icc@iccwbo.org www.iccwbo.org

France (Brussels office) Avenue des Arts, 1-2, bte 9, 1210 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 221 0411 Fax: +32 (0)2 217 6987 Email: h.malosse@acfci.cci.fr

Germany (Brussels office) Boulevard Clovis, 49A 1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 286 1611 Fax: +32 (0)2 286 1605 Email: diht@brussel.diht.de

Greece Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce, Academias 6 str 10671 Athens, Greece Tel: +30 (0)210 337 8104-106 Fax: +30 (0)210 362 2320 Email: keeuhcci@otenet.gr Web: www.uhc.gr

Greece (Brussels office) Av. de Cortenbergh 66, B1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 735 9956 / 732 4399 Fax: +32 (0)2 735 6458 Email: uhcci@skynet.be

Hungary Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, Kossuth ter 6-8, 1055 Budapest, Hungary Tel: +36 (0)1 474 5141 Fax: +36 (0)1 474 5105 Email: webservice@unioncamere.it (International Department: intdept@mkik.hu) Web: www.unioncamere.net

Italy Unione Italiana delle Camere di Commercio Industria, Artigianato e Agricoltura, (UNIONCAMERE), Piazza Sallustio 21, 00187 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 (0)6 47041 Fax: +39 (0)6 470 4240 Email: unioncamere@unioncamere.it Web: www.chamberofcommerce.it

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 101

Latvia

Northern Ireland

Slovenia

The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, K. Valdemara 35, LV1010, Riga, Latvia Tel: +371 (0)67 830 811 Fax: +371 (0)67 820 092 Email: info@chamber.lv Web: www.chamber.lv

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 22 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BJ, Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 4113 Fax: +44 (0)28 9024 7024 Email:mail@northernirelandchamber.com Web: www.nicci.co.uk

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Dimiceva 13, 1504 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel: +386 (0)1 589 8000 Fax: +386 (0)1 589 8100 Email: info@gzs.si Web: www.gzs.si

Lithuania

Poland

Slovenia (Brussels office)

Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, J. Tumo-Vaizganto Street, g. 9/1-63a, Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: +370 (0)5 261 2102 Fax: +370 (0)5 261 2112 Email: info@Chambers.lt Web: www.Chambers.lt

Polish Chamber of Commerce, Ul. 4 Trebacka Street, 00-074 Warsaw, Poland Tel: +48 (0)22 630 96 13 Fax: +48 22 630 96 70 Email: kig@kig.pl Web: www.kig.pl

Slovenian Business & Research Association, Avenue Lloyd George, B 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 645 1910 Fax: +32 (0)2 645 1917 Email: info@sbra.be

Luxembourg Chambre de Commerce du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg 7, Rue Alcide de Gasperi, L-2981, Luxembourg Tel: +352 (0)423 939-1 Fax: +352 (0)438 326 Email: chamcom@cc.lu Web: www.cc.lu

members directory

Malta The Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, Exchange Building, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1117, Malta Tel: +356 (0)21 233 873 Fax: +356 (0)21 245 223 Email: info@maltachamber.org.mt Web: www.maltachamber.org.mt

Malta (Brussels office) Avenue d’Auderghem, 289, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 0032 485981124 Fax: +32 (0)2 736 0855 Email: infobrussels@mbb.org.mt Web: www.mbb.org.mt

Netherlands Koningskade, 30 – Postbus 171, NL-2501 CD Den HAAG Tel: +31 (0)70 314 3403 Fax: +31 (0)70 314 3490 Email: site@vvk.kvk.nl Web: www.kvk.nl

102 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Portugal

Spain

Associacao Comercial de Lisboa, Camara de Comércio e Indústria Portuguesa, Rua Portas de Santo Antao, 89, 1169-022 Lisboa, Portugal Tel: +351 (0)21 322 4050 Fax: +351 (0)21 322 4051 Web: www.port-Chambers.com

Consejo Superior de Cámaras Oficiales de Comercio, Industria y Navegación de Espana, Ribera del Loira 12, 28042 Madrid, Spain Tel: +34 (0)91 590 6900 Fax: +34 (0)91 538 3677 Email: csc@cscamaras.es Web: www.camaras.org

Romania Chamberof Commerce and Industry of Romania, 2 Octavian Goga Bvld, 3rd District, Bucharest 030982, Romania Tel: +40 (0)1 322 9535 Email: ccir@ccir.ro Web: www.ccir.ro

Spain (Brussels Office)

Romania (Brussels Office)

Sweden

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, 51 rue d’Arlon, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 2280 6441 Fax: +32 2280 6441 Email: mihai.cismaru@cciromania.eu Web: http://cciromania.eu/

Svenska Handelskammarförbundet, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 9, Box 16050, SE – 103 21, Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46 855 100 00 Fax: +46 (0)85 663 1600 Email: info@chamber.se Web: www.chamber.se

Slovakia Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gorkeho str. 9, 81603 Bratislava, Slovakia Tel: +421 (0)2 541 31228 Fax: +421 (0)2 541 31159 Email: sopkurad@scci.sk Web: www.scci.sk

Rue du Luxembourg, 19-21, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 705 6750 Fax: +32 (0)2 705 6640 Email: delegacion.bruselas@cscamaras.es

Bilateral Chambers

international Chambers

The British Chambers of Commerce, 1st Floor, 65 Petty France, St James Park, London SW1H 9EU, UK Tel: +44 (0)207 654 5800 Fax: 足+44 (0)207 654 5819 Email: info@britishChambers.org.uk Web: www.britishChambers.org.uk

American Chamber of Commerce Ireland

Eurochambres

6 Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 661 6201 Fax: +353 (0)1 661 6217 Email: info@amcham.ie Web: www.amcham.ie

Avenue des Arts, 19 A/D, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 282 2850 Fax: +32 (0)2 230 0038 Email: eurochambres@eurochambres.eu Web: www.eurochambres.be

United Kingdom (Coventry Office)

German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

ICC International Chamber of Commerce

Greyfriars Court, Queen Victoria Road, Coventry CV1 3PJ, Coventry, CV4 8HS Tel: +44 (0)24 7669 4484 Fax: +44 (0)24 7669 5844 Email: info@britishChambers.org.uk Web: www.britishChambers.org.uk

46 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 642 4300 Fax: +353 (0)1 642 4399 Email: info@german-irish.ie Web: www.german-irish.ie

38 Cours Albert 1er, 75008 Paris, France Tel: +33 (0)1 4953 2828 Fax: +33 (0)1 4953 2859 Email: webmaster@iccwbo.org Web: www.iccwbo.org

Useful International Links DJEI http://www.djei.ie/trade/marketaccess/

DFA http://www.dfa.ie/

DG Taxation and Customs http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/ index_en.htm

HMRC http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

Revenue Commissioners http://www.revenue.ie/

directory

United Kingdom (London Office)

Ireland France Chamber of Commerce 44 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 644 9760 Fax: +353 (0)1 644 9743 Email: info@irelandfrance.com Web: www.irelandfrance.com

Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. The Ireland Chamber - United States 556 Central Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974 Tel: +1 (0)908 286 1300 Fax: +1 (0)908 286 1200 Email: info@iccusa.org Web: www.iccusa.org

TARIC http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/ en/home.htm

VAT NUMBERCHECK http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/ en/vieshome.htm

Joint Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce 60 Merrion Square Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 662 4451 Fax: +353 (0)1 662 4729 Email: arabirish@aicc.ie Web: www.jaicc.ie

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 103

Creative, Interactive, High Energy Learning and Development Interventions “Michelle’s Emotional Intelligence Workshop is one of the better personal development programmes I have participated in.”

“Michelle is extremely professional and her personable style makes it very easy to work with her.”

“Michelle has huge energy and enthusiasm with a professional and positive outlook.”

“Michelle turned potentially heavy subject matter into an interactive and enjoyable workshop.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

“Michelle’s ability to promote active participation is a real talent.”

“When someone enjoys their work they become incredibly effective at delivering their message.

Michelle enjoys her work & it shows.”

Choose from the following: • Emotional & social intelligence in the workplace • team development • coaching fundamentals • coaching strategies • present & express with confidence • becoming an effective trainer • time, assess, assert

• communication skills • pace (a personal development programme focusing on self-awareness) • Interview skills • one to one coaching • psychometric assessments • bespoke programme design

Customis ation available on all programm es

Recent bespoke projects include: ‘Living the Values’, ‘Quality & Compliance Education and Awareness’, ‘Induction revamp’, ‘Onboarding’, ‘The ‘I’ in Team’, ‘Change Advocate Training’, ‘Gap Analysis Workshops’, ‘Effective Trainer Guidelines’.

Michelle Dinneen holds a Masters in Human Resource Leadership, is a Master Trainer and has over 17 years experience in Learning and Development/Operations Training.

Contact Michelle: 087 828 5782 Email: michelle@ardincareerdevelopment.ie www. ardincareerdevelopment.ie I look forward to working with you to find the best solution for your organisation.

AIB Bank, Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 660 0311 Email: info@aib.ie Web: www.aib.ie

An Post General Post Office, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 Tel: +353 (0)1 705 8562 Email: info@anpost.ie Web: www.anpost.ie

directory

AIB

CORPORATE PArtners

CB Richard Ellis Ireland Connaught House, 1 Burlington Road, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 618 5500 Web: www.cbre.ie

ESB 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 676 5831 Email: info@esb.ie Web: www.esb.ie

GLOHEALTH Maple House, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 Tel: 1890 744 744 Email: happytohelp@glohealth.ie Web: www.glohealth.ie

Shell E&P Ireland Corrib House, 52 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 669 4100 Email: info@corribgas.com Web: www.shell.ie

Zurich Zurich House, Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 667 0666 Email: customerhelp@zurich.ie Web: www.zurichinsurance.ie

STRATEGIC PARTNERs

arvato Finance The arvato Building, Eastpoint Business Park, Fairview, Dublin 3 Tel: +353 (0) 1 704 9000 Fax: +353 (0) 1 704 9356 Email: noel.kelly@arvato.com Web: www.arvato.ie

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY IRELAND 32 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 Tel: +353 (0)1 874 7232 Email: info@bitc.ie Web: www.bitc.ie

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 105

Abbott Ireland 4051 Kingswood Drive, Citywest Business Park, Dublin 24 Tel: +353 (0)1 469 1500 Web: www.abbott.ie Found from webiste recreated PMS

BANK OF IRELANd 40 Mespil Rd, Dublin 4 Tel: + 353 1 661 5933 Website: www.bankofireland.com

British Irish Chamber of Commerce Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 400 4322 Email: info@britishirishchamber.ie Web: www.britishirishchamber.ie

Business and training solutions international 1A Woodlands Office Park, Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)1 276 0420 Email: info@businessandtrainingsolutions.com Web: www.businessandtrainingsolutions.com

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Irish Branch Merchant’s House, 27-30 Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8 Tel: 353 (0)1 707 9739 Fax: 353 (0)1 707 9751 Email: info@ciarb.ie Web: www.arbitration.ie

Coastline Solutions

CORPORATE PAtrons

Clara House, Glenageary Park, Glenageary, Co. Dublin Tel: + 353 (0)1 235 2166 Fax: +353 (0)1 235 2227 Email: info@coastlinesolutions.com Web: www.coastlinesolutions.com

106 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

CRH plc Belgard Castle, Belgard Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Tel: +353 (0)1 404 1000 Email: mail@crh.com Web: www.crh.ie

DHL Unit 3, Elm Road, Dublin Airport Logistics Park, St. Margarets Road, St. Margarets, Dublin Tel: 18 700 790 Contact Centre: www.dhl.ie/en/contact_center.html Web: www.dhl.ie

Diageo Ireland St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8 Tel: +353 (0)1 453 6700 Email: consumerinfo@diageoirl-info.com Web: www.diageo.ie

Head Office, Old Central Terminal Building, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 814 1111 Email: customerrelations@dublinairport.com Web: www.dublinairportauthority.com

EBS Building Society The EBS Building, 2 Burlington Road, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 665 9000 Email: info@ebs.ie Web: www.ebs.ie

directory

Dublin Airport Authority plc

Eircom 112-114 St. Stephens Green West, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 671 4444 Web: www.eircom.ie

EirGrid The Oval, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 677 1700 Email: info@eirgrid.com Web: www.eirgrid.com

Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Ltd. Hyde House, 65 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 661 4377 Fax: +353 (0) 1 855 4792 Web: www.lilly.ie

CORPORATE PAtrons

Enterprise Ireland The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3 Tel: +353 (0)1 727 2000 Email: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com Web: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Grant Thornton 24-26 City Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 680 5805 Email: info@ie.gt.com Web: www.grantthornton.ie

KPMG 1 Stokes Place, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 410 1000 Email: webmaster@kpmg.ie Web: www.kpmg.ie

Mason Hayes & Curran South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 614 5000 Email: mail@mhc..ie Web: www.mhc.ie

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 107

02 Telefónica Ireland 28-29 Sir John Rogersons Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 609 5000 Email: customer.care@o2.ie Web: www.o2.ie

Peninsula Business Services Unit 3, Block S, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3 Tel: +353 (0)1 855 4861 Web: www.peninsula-ie.com

RTÉ Donnybrook, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 208 3111 Email: info@rte.ie Web: www.rte.ie

The Bar Council of Ireland Administration Office, Four Courts, Dublin 7 Tel: +353 (0)1 817 5000 Fax: +353 (0)1 872 0455 Email: barcouncil@lawlibrary.ie Web: www.lawlibrary.ie

The Law Society of Ireland Blackhall Place, Dublin 7 Tel + 353 (0)1 672 4800 Fax + 353 (0)1 672 4801 Email: general@lawsociety.ie Web: www.lawsociety.ie

CORPORATE PAtrons

Thomas McDonogh & Sons Ltd

108 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

Dockgate Building, Dock Road, Galway Tel: +353 (0)91 560700 Email: thomasmcdonogh@mcdonogh.ie Web: www.mcdonagh.ie

Tipperary Crystal Unit A7, Calmount Park, Calmount Road, Dublin 12 Tel: +353 0(1) 419 1810 Email: sales@tipperarycrystal.com Web: www.tipperarycrystal.com

Scottish and Southern Electricity Red Oak South, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 Tel: 1850 81 22 20 Email: customerservice@aitricity.com Web: www.sse.com/Ireland

n ENTERPRISE BOARDS n Carlow Carlow County Enterprise Board Enterprise House, O’Brien Road, Carlow Tel: (0)59 913 0880 Fax: (0)59 913 0717 Web: www.carlow-ceb.com n Cavan Cavan County Enterprise Board Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre, Dublin Road, Cavan Tel: (0)49 437 7200 Fax: (0)49 437 7250 Email: info@cceb.ie Web: www.cavanenterprise.ie n Clare Clare County Enterprise Board Enterprise House, Mill Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: (0)65 684 1922 Fax: (0)65 684 1887 Email: clareceb@clareceb.ie Web: www.clareceb.ie

useful contacts

n Cork City Cork City Enterprise Board 1/2, Bruach na Laoi, Union Quay, Cork Tel: (0)21 496 1828 Fax: (0)21 496 1869 Email: info@corkceb.ie Web: www.corkceb.ie

n Cork West West Cork County Enterprise Board 8 Kent Street, Clonakilty, Co. Cork Tel: (0)23 883 4700 Fax: (0)23 883 4702 Email: enterprise@wceb.ie Web: www.wceb.ie n Donegal Donegal County Enterprise Board, The Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: (0)74 916 0735 Fax: (0)74 916 0783 Email: info@donegalenterprise.ie Web: www.donegalenterprise.ie

n Kerry Kerry County Enterprise Board County Buildings, Manor West Centre, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel: (0)66 718 3522 Fax: (0)66 712 6712 Email: kerryceb@kerrycoco.ie Web: www.kerryenterprise.ie

n Dublin City Dublin City Enterprise Board 5th Floor, O’Connell Bridge House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 635 1144 Fax: (0)1 635 1811 Web: www.dceb.ie

n Kildare Kildare County Enterprise Board The Woods, Clane, Co. Kildare Tel: (0)45 861707 Fax: (0)45 861712 Email: info@kildareceb.ie Web: www.kildareceb.ie

n Fingal Fingal County Enterprise Board Upper Floor Suite, Mainscourt, 23 Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin Tel: (0)1 890 0800 Fax: (0)1 813 9991 Email: info@fingalceb.ie Web: www.fingalceb.ie

n Kilkenny Kilkenny County Enterprise Board 42, Parliament Street, Kilkenny Tel: (0)56 775 2662 Fax: (0)56 775 1649 Email: enquiries@kceb.ie Web: www.kceb.ie

n Cork North North Cork Enterprise Board, Ground Floor, Blackwater House, Mallow Business Park, Gouldshill, Mallow, Cork Tel : (0)22 43235 Fax : (0)22 43247 Email : enterprise@nceb.ie Web: www.nceb.ie

n South Dublin County Hall, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: (0)1 405 7073 Fax: (0)1 451 7477 Email: info@sdenterprise.ie Web: www.sdenterprise.ie

n Cork South South Cork County Enterprise Board Unit 6a, South Ring Business Park Kinsale Road, Cork Tel: (0)21 497 5281 Fax: (0)21 497 5287 Email: enterprise@sceb.ie Web: www.sceb.ie

n Dun Laoghaire Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise Board Nutgrove Enterprise Park, Nutgrove Way, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 Tel: (0)1 494 8400 Fax: (0)1 494 8410 Email: info@dlrceb.ie Web: www.dlrceb.ie

110 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

n Galway Galway County/City Enterprise Board Woodquay Court, Woodquay, Galway Tel: (0)91 565269 Fax: (0)91 565384 Email: enquiry@galwayenterprise.ie Web: www.galwayenterprise.ie

n Laois Unit 1, ‘Portlaoise Enterprise Centre’, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (0)57 866 1800 Fax: (0)57 866 6989 Email: admin@laoisenterprise.com Web: www.laoisenterprise.com n Leitrim Leitrim County Enterprise Board Carrick-on-Shannon Business Park, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: (0)71 962 0450 Fax: (0)71 962 1491 Email: info@leitrimenterprise.ie Web: www.leitrimenterprise.ie

n Limerick City Limerick City Enterprise Board, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick Tel: (0)61 312 611 Fax: (0)61 311 889 Email: info@limceb.ie Web: www.limceb.ie n Limerick Limerick County Enterprise Board Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick Tel: (0)61 496520 Fax: (0)61 583954 Email: info@lcoeb.ie Web: www.lcoeb.ie n Longford Longford County Enterprise Board Templemichael, Ballinalee Road, Longford Tel: (0)43 334 2757 Fax: (0)43 334 0968 Email: info@longfordceb.ie Web: www.longfordceb.ie

useful contacts

n Louth Louth County Enterprise Board Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: (0)42 932 7099 Fax: (0)42 932 7101 Email: info@lceb.ie Web: www.lceb.ie n Mayo Mayo County Enterprise Board Top Floor, Cedar Building, Moneen, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: (0)94 904 7587 Fax: (0)94 902 4416 Email: ffullard@mayococo.ie Web: www.mayoceb.com n Meath Meath County Enterprise Board Navan Enterprise Centre, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath Tel: (0)46 907 8400 Fax: (0)46 902 7356 Web: www.meath.com

n Monaghan Monaghan County Enterprise Board Unit 9, M. TEK I Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan Tel: (0)47 71818 Fax: (0)47 84786 Email: info@mceb.ie Web: www.mceb.ie

n Waterford Waterford City Enterprise Board Enterprise House, New Street Court, Waterford Tel: (0)51 852883 Fax: (0)51 877494 Email: info@waterfordceb.com Web: www.waterfordceb.com

n Offaly Offaly County Enterprise Board Cormac Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel: (0)57 935 2971 Fax: (0)57 935 2973 Email: info@offalyceb.ie Web: www.offalyceb.ie

n Waterford Waterford County Enterprise Board The Courthouse, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel: (0)58 44811 Fax: (0)58 44817 Email: waterfordceb@cablesurf.com Web: www.enterpriseboard.ie

n Roscommon Roscommon County Enterprise Board Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel: (0)90 662 6263 Fax: (0)90 662 5474 Email: ceb@roscommon.ie Web: www.roscommon.ie n Sligo Sligo County Enterprise Board Sligo Development Centre, Cleveragh Road, Sligo Tel: (0)71 914 4779 Fax: (0)71 914 6793 Email: info@sligoenterprise.ie Web: www.sligoenterprise.ie n Tipperary (NR) Tipperary (NR) County Enterprise Board Connolly Street, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Tel: (0)67 33086 Fax: (0)67 33605 Email: info@tnceb.ie Web: www.tnceb.ie n Tipperary (SR) Tipperary (SR) County Enterprise Board 1 Gladstone Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: (0)52 612 9466 Fax: (0)52 612 6512 Email: ceb@southtippcoco.ie Web: www.southtippceb.ie

n Westmeath Westmeath County Enterprise Board Enterprise Centre, Church Avenue, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: (0)44 934 9222 Fax: (0)44 934 9009 Email: info@westmeath-enterprise.ie Web: www.westmeath-enterprise.ie n Wexford Unit 1, Ardcavan Business Park, Wexford Tel: (0)53 912 2965 Fax: (0)53 912 4944 Email: info@wexfordceb.ie Web: www.wexfordceb.ie n Wicklow Wicklow County Enterprise Board Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow足 Tel: (0)404 30800 Fax: (0)404 30899 Email: enterprise@wicklowceb.ie Web: www.wicklowceb.ie

InBusiness Yearbook 2014 111

n Government departments n Agriculture, Food and Marine An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 607 2000 LoCall: 1890 20 05 10 Fax: (0)1 661 6263 Email: info@agriculture.gov.ie Web: www.agriculture.gov.ie n Office of the Attorney General Oifiig an Ard-Aighne Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 631 4000 Fax: (0)1 676 1806 Email: info@ag.irlgov.ie Web: www.attorneygeneral.ie n Communications, Energy and

Natural Resources

useful contacts

Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 678 2000 LoCall: 1890 44 99 00 Fax: (0)1 678 2449 Email: customer.service@dcenr.gov.ie Web: www.dcenr.gov.ie n Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht An Roinn Elaion, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 631 3800 LoCall: 1890 38 30 00 Fax: (0)1 667 0826 Email: customer.service@ahg.gov.ie Web: www.pobail.ie n Defence An Roinn Cosanta, Station Road Newbridge, Co Kildare Tel: (0)45 492000 LoCall: 1890 25 18 90 Email: info@defence.irlgov.ie Web: www.defence.ie

112 InBusiness Yearbook 2014

n Education and Skills An Roinn Oideachais Agus Scileanna Malborough Steet, Dublin 1 Tel: (0)1 889 6400 LoCall: 1890 40 20 40 Email: info@education.gov.ie Web: www.education.ie

n Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation An Roinn Post, Fiontar agus Nualaiochta 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 631 2121 LoCall: 1890 22 02 22 Fax: (0)1 631 2827 Email: info@djei.ie Web: www.deti.ie

n Environment, Community and

Government Camhshaol, Pobal agus Rialtais Áitiúll Custom House, Dublin 1 Tel: (0)1 888 2000 Fax: (0)1 888 2888 LoCall: 1890 20 20 21 Email: press-office@environ.ie Web: www.environ.ie n Finance An Roinn Airgeadais Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 676 7571 LoCall: 1890 66 10 10 Fax: (0)1 678 9936 Email: webmaster@finance.irlgov.ie Web: www.finance.gov.ie n Foreign Affairs and Trade An Roinn Gnothai Eachtracha agus Tradala 80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 478 0822 LoCall: 1890 42 67 00 Web: www.dfa.ie n Health An Roinn Sláinte Hawkins House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 635 4000 Fax: (0)1 635 4001 Email: info@health.ie Web: www.dohc.ie n Justice and Equality An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais 94 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 602 8202 Fax: (0)1 661 5461 LoCall: 1890 22 12 27 Email: info@justice.ie Web: www.justice.ie

n Office of the Revenue

Commissioners Oifig na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim Apollo House, Tara Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 633 0600 LoCall: 1890 33 34 25 Email: dublinregoff@revenue.ie Web: www.revenue.ie n Department of Public Expenditure

and Reform An Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.

Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Stteet, Dublin 2, Tel: +353 1 676 7571 Email:webmasterper@per.gov.iee n Social Protection An Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1 Tel: (0)1 704 3000 LoCall: 1890 66 22 44 Email: info@welfare.ie Web: www.welfare.ie n An Taoiseach An Roinn an Taoisigh Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 619 4000 LoCall: 1890 22 72 27 Fax: (0)1 619 4297 Email: webmaster@taoiseach.gov.ie Web: www.taoiseach.ie n Transport, Tourism and Sport An Roinn Iompair, Turasoireachta agus Spoirt 44, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (0)1 670 ­­7444 LoCall: 1890 44 33 11 Email: info@dttas.ie Web: www.transport.ie­­

Technically Write IT

Hooked Kitesurfing

24-8-2012

16-8-2010

Secret Fashion Fixes

Dungarvan Brewing Company

4-10-2012

9-4-2010

Go Gym Ltd

The Vanilla Pod Eatery

28-4-2011

7-3-2013 John M Lacy & Co Accountants

Heat Doc Ltd

The Mystic Celt

1-1-2010

31-1-2011

PolytunnelsIreland.ie

Drive Service Stations Ltd 26-10-2012

12-2-2009

7-10-2010

Your Start-up day makes our day.

The day you start your own business is a day you’ll never forget.

At AIB we want to be there to support you before, during and after.

That’s why we’ve launched an online Start-up Hub. Here, you can view customer Start-up day stories, learn from their tips and advice and upload your own Start-up day story.

Drop into any branch • 1890 47 88 33 • www.aib.ie/startup

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

InBusiness Only

€2.70

www.creditreview.ie

!

Connecting irish business YEARBOOK 2014

InBusiness YearBook 2014

Ask The Credit Review Office to take a closer look at the decision.

A Personal

Best

Zurich Chief Ken Norgrove on the importance of service excellence

If your business has had credit facilities refused, reduced or withdrawn by a NAMA bank, we’re here to help. If you’re a small business, sole trader or farm owner who has had difficulty getting credit or loan facilities of up to €3,000,000, or has had an unfavourable change to your existing credit terms and conditions, get in touch with us for an independent review. Our process is independent, easy to complete and covers all applicants for new loans or restructured credit facilities.

resolute Approach

Chambers Ireland CEO on how we can sustain a viable recovery

Global Network

ISSN 20093934

€2.70

@ChambersIreland

The work of the International Chamber of Commerce