Business Limerick Magazine February 2010 by Business Limerick

February 2010 ` 3.50

NAMA is vital to recovery — Brian McEnery

Inside: • Limerick Tunnel Ahead of Schedule • 50 New Jobs at Chorus • Limerick Person of the Year

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........................................................................................ BL | EDITORIAL & CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

February 2010

CONTENTS 04 08 16 29

BL COVER STORY NAMA is vital to recovery — Brian McEnery

BL NEWS Element Six has rehired workers BL GALLERY Out and About with BL

BL CHAMBER A Room Full of Positivity

Business Limerick

BL NEWS 2 Million Euros invested in Limerick zinc find BL NEWS Limerick is focus of new IDA strategy BL ARTS Chamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum BL DIRECTORY A-Z OF Mid West businesses

Editor Frank Collins frank@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 086 245 1153

Patrons

Advertising Manager Marguerite Finnan mags@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 087 245 1153 Advertising Sales Yvonne Sheehan yvonne@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 087 8578764 Business Journalists Rachael Finucane David Raleigh

FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

Photographic Contributors Press 22 Kieran Clancy - PicSure Dave Gaynor Michael Cowhey Brendan Gleeson Contributors Mal Keaveney Mick Galwey Kevin Meaney Published by Business Limerick Publications Ltd Directors Frank Collins Marguerite Finnan

Good news is back in fashion for 2010 after the constant pessimism and uncertainty endured in 2009. One of the main challenges for Irish businesses this year is rebuilding brand values and reintroducing our services to our clients. Last year, businesses tended to take a step back, circle the wagons and keep their heads down. Communication with ones customers is paramount to the success and continued business of that company.

Business Limerick Magazine is a full participating member of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Office of the Press Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear on our pages. To contact the Office of the Press Ombudsman go to www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie.

Business Limerick

Communication is Vital

Business Limerick 48 O'Connell Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 46 75 18 (061) 21 47 38 Fax: (061) 46 85 60 Email: info@businesslimerick.ie Web: www.businesslimerick.ie

This year, we need to re-evaluate our relationships with our customers and communicate with them. We must rebuild a confidence back into our companies and how they are perceived by our customers, showing a cautious yet optimistic approach to future business. How? Raise our business profiles through pr campaigns and effective advertising, identifying your market and communicating directly to them. It is no longer acceptable to give the poor mouth and stay below the radar. It isn’t much use if your company offers the best product or service in the Region if your customer doesn’t know it! Economists and indicators tell us that we will see changes for the better in 2010 and it is essential that our businesses are strong, ready to take advantage of any up-turn in the economy.

Photography Keith Wiseman

Business Limerick Magazine is published monthly by Business Limerick Publications Limited. © 2008 Business Limerick. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in the magazine is believed to be accurate and authorative, however it is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Business Limerick. No responsibility can be assumed for any unsolicited materials and submission is construed as permission to publish without any further correspondence and the fee payable (if any) at our usual rates. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.

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Frank Collins Editor frank@businesslimerick.ie

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“NAMA is Vital to Economic Recovery” – Brian McEnery

Brian McEnery (right) with Brian Lucey, Associate Professor in Finance at Trinity College, at the ACCA Ireland Financial Services Network Breakfast on 4 November.

The controversial National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) is both necessary and vital to economic recovery, according to one of nine board members—prominent Limerick accountant, Brian McEnery.

the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). He was appointed to NAMA by the Minister for Finance before Christmas for a term of four years and while he was ‘thrilled’, the hard work began in earnest.

to NAMA in a month or so. It’s going to be awfully important for the economy and getting credit back into the banks. Once the loans are transferred to NAMA, banks can concentrate on providing credit to help businesses,” he explained.

Three is a truly magic number for the Rathkeale native as he is combining his work on NAMA with two other important roles as Corporate Finance Partner at the Limerick office of Horwath, Bastow, Charleton and as the Irish president of

“We’ve started with board meetings already; the process will take a considerable amount of time. An awful lot of work is being done and there was quite a bit of enabling work before that. The first tranche of loans are expected to be transferred

“It’s a complex process but it can be fundamentally brought down to any other business. NAMA will take over assets and their management to try to make a profit for the exchequer over a number of years. A strategy of some form was necessary

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to ensure that credit could start flowing and the problems with the banks were addressed.”

Brian receiving the ACCA Ireland Presidential Medal of Office from outgoing president Brendan Foster at the ACCA AGM.

Brian is in esteemed company with fellow NAMA board members including: former Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Frank Daly and Chairman of the Dublin Transportation Office, Willie Soffe. Steven Seelig will be appointed to the board in May 2010, when he retires from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With fears being expressed over whether or not credit will be made available, Brian said that “banks are in the business of making money out of lending so there is no reason why they would not do that”. “The Minister for Finance will have some influence on the banks; the Government is already a shareholder. The economy needs sensible cash-flow lending. It has been all asset-backed lending in the last few years. There is a realisation that businesses may not have huge assets but can generate money and are inherently profitable. That is a more attractive proposition going forward. Businesses need working capital, not big buildings. They need money for research and development and investment. It has been very hard to get that kind of money.” He added that Ireland may be a small island but it is also in the Global Village, with a “very open-type economy” and it is a case of “trying to ensure Ireland is well placed when there is an upsurge in global economy so it will have an effect on the economy”. “International commentators have noted the proactive approach being taken in our Budgets. It’s reassuring that the Minister has cut spending and this is seen very positively. The view is that we have started down the road of taking the pain to bring our competitiveness back into check. This ‘tough love’ approach is necessary.” Brian may be heavily involved in rescuing the banking sector, but he is also used to assisting in corporate recovery on a smaller, localised scale. He helped to set up the local branch of Horwath, Bastow, Charleton (HBC) in 2003 and the firm— which also has offices in Dublin and Belfast—now has a staff of over 70 in the beautiful restored Red Church on Henry www.businesslimerick.ie

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Street. Its extensive services include auditing and accounting, tax compliance and planning, investments and pension and corporate finance and corporate recovery—which is experiencing a “busy time” and HBC Limerick has a team of 14 working in the area, “the biggest in the city by a long way”. “We’re always focused more on rescue than on liquidation. I’ve worked on a lot

of turnarounds of businesses and have acted as an examiner a number of times. Very few practitioners in Limerick have held that position and I’m very proud of that. If you can restructure a company about to go into liquidation, it’s very rewarding. The first time I worked on anything like that, 200 jobs were saved and in another case, 400 were saved,” he explained.

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Brian McEnery speaking at the HBC-Cahir & Co business seminar in Ennis in September 09.

“I also do a lot of restructuring on an informal basis. The court process can be complicated. Companies realise that if they take remedial action early, they have a better chance of stepping back from the brink. In many cases, you can talk to creditors and everyone will work together toward a resolution. In some instances, cash is very tight and if you offer a reduced sum at the moment and the rest at a later date, it’s better than nothing. Creditors are often amenable as long as they believe it’s an honest process.” He added that he is very proud of HBC’s Business Expansion Scheme, which raised €4m in 2009 to invest in qualifying companies over the next 12 months. The funds will be invested into five or six different companies and investors get tax relief on the investment. In the past, the BES has built advance factories in Rathkeale, Charleville and Kilmallock—creating sustainable, local employment. Brian trained in Limerick and spent time in Cardiff. He qualified as an accountant in 1992 and worked in the industry for two years and in another practice from early 1995 to 2003. Drawing on his vast experience, he was appointed as the first Limerick president of the ACCA in a decade this year, which he described as ‘a great honour’. ACCA is the largest global accounting body with 500,000 students and members around the world. “ACCA has a presence in 170 countries 6

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and continues to build on that, particularly in countries like China where there has been phenomenal growth in membership over the last few years. Students really value a global qualification. We have branches from China to South America, Canada to Australia. Ireland is seen as a very important market within the global context. I’m lucky to be one of 36 on the worldwide ACCA council. I was elected in March with around 5,000 votes. It’s great to see how the global organisation works and it sits in London around six times a year,” he outlined.

community in Rathkeale for many years. I was on the community council. I’m very proud of the town. It has its own unique circumstances and year after year, fine people have been helping the town to develop. There’s a very strong community spirit and a lot of organisations, from Meals on Wheels to the local credit union and many more that make everything possible,” he said.

“The Irish executive meets five or six times a year too and I have to attend a lot of functions but it’s very enjoyable. I get to meet a lot of new people. I’m actually sorry half the year is over.There’s a great tradition in Ireland and we nearly have enough members to fill Thomond Park. With that in mind, I’m bringing my president’s dinner to Thomond Park on February 19 and I’m hoping for a big attendance. John Bruton will be the guest speaker.”

“I think Limerick is a good town for commerce. We’ve had setbacks. I went to CBS Sexton Street and travelled in from Rathkeale every day. Every few years you would hear people saying that their father or uncle had lost his job from a company like Krupps. The city has always rebounded and it will again. Limerick people are very resilient and there are plenty of good companies here,” he reflected.

Originally from the bustling town of Rathkeale, where his mother still lives, Brian has two brothers; is married to Patricia and lives in Crecora. The lifelong Fine Gael supporter has also applied his number-crunching skills as a tallyman and acted as director of elections for Limerick West in 1997.

Despite the challenges brought by recession, Brian is optimistic about Limerick’s future in business and beyond.

“2009 was about cost control and that’s the good side of recession. It knocks a bit of sense into all of us. We all step back and ask ‘how could we be so stupid?’ We can only hope that lessons will be learned out of this and quickly. If businesses are tighter and better managed, keeping costs down they will be ready for the upswing when it happens.”

“I have been very much involved in the www.businesslimerick.ie

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BL | NEWS

Limerick Tunnel Ahead of Schedule

New Appointment

Limerick based Slema Harrington

Mairead Beehan, Tom King, Direct Route, Gerry White, Cleshia Clancy, St Patrick’s House SVP, Dierdre Cronin, Thomond House and Rob Lowth, Limerick City Council at a presentation of checques for 7,000 Euro’s from Direct Route to shelters for the Homeless in Limerick City.

Thousands of motorists will have to pay around €2 if they want to ride the new Limerick Tunnel and Southern Ring Road and avoid any traffic hold-ups in Limerick City Centre. However, the good news for motorists is that the project—spearheaded by contractors Direct Route—is a staggering four months ahead of schedule.

will also complete the final phase of the Southern Ring Road linking the Dublin Road to the Ennis Road. Construction work on the €500m fourth river crossing began in 2006 and is one of the largest engineering projects ever in Limerick. “The Limerick Tunnel project including the Southern Ring Road Final Phase is scheduled to open in May. I cannot tell you the exact date but speaking to the main contractors-Direct Route-is that it’s well ahead of schedule and the proprietary dates are sometime in May this year. The intention is to remove up to 40% of the ‘through-traffic’ in some places of the city,” said Traffic Engineer with Limerick City Council Rory McDermott.

A toll of €1.90 has been mooted for motorists when the Tunnel is expected to become operational in May this year, a staggering four months ahead of schedule. Originally due to open in September it’s expected to take up to 40,000 vehicles off the streets of Limerick City. The 675metre tunnel under the River Shannon

In what is widely acknowledged as one of the toughest times to ever face the Irish design and construction industry, there is finally some news designed to put a smile on the faces of the 70 or so architects based in Limerick. Slema Harrington, has been elected president of the Architects Council of Europe, the representative body for half a million architects across 27 countries in Europe. With high unemployment in the sector and range of ongoing issues affecting the building industry throughout Europe, Harrington wants Limerick architects to “review, resource and re-imagine” their role and look for new ways to train, practice and promote themselves in these difficult times. John Graby, RIAI Director said: “This appointment is extremely positive for architects in Limerick and throughout Ireland. ACE plays a key role in shaping environmental policy across Europe and it is wonderful that a small country like ours has the Presidency. Selma’s appointment is also a positive affirmation of the multiculturalism that exists in Ireland. As a Bosnian, who has worked across Europe and came to Ireland 12 years ago, Selma represents both the openness of Ireland and the universality of architecture. She has the RIAI’s full support in Europe and we congratulate and wish her well in her Presidency.”

Limerick’s Professional Eyecare & Hearing Aids Specialist Specsavers is located at: Cruises Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312 811

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Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 302 120

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BL | NEWS

Exhibition of childhood The opening of “SEEN BUT NOT HEARD”, and exhibition of childhood took place on January 21st, performed by Dr Hugh Maguire, Director of the Hunt Museum. The exhibition runs from 21st January 2010 to April 2010, Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2-15 to 5pm. “SEEN BUT NOT HEARD” is a travelling exhibition organised by the Local Authority Museums’ Network, and has already visited Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Louth and S. Tipperary. It consists of a series of panels about various aspects of childhood, and is supplemented with cases of objects on loan from local people and from the Kemmy Museum’s own collection. Entry is free. A booking system for schools will operate. Please Contact Brian Hodkinson, Assistant Curator, Jim Kemmy Museum, Nicholas Street, to make a booking for your school. Phone: 061-417826 email: bhodkinson@limerickcity.ie

ELEMENT Six in Shannon has rehired workers ELEMENT Six in Shannon has rehired some of the 200 staff it let go during 2009, but only on a short-term basis. Management here have denied claims by SIPTU that staff have been rehired through an employment agency on pay and conditions far less than those agreed between unions and the company. Element Six management have totally dismissed these claims stating that all workers reemployed on a temporary basis were on the same terms and conditions as existing employees as agreed with the Labour Court.

Boost for Shannon Airport Shannon Airport has today welcomed the announcement that Continental Airlines is to increase its presence at Shannon this summer by operating four additional services to Newark each week as a significant boost. Continental Airlines currently operate a daily year round service to its hub in Newark, which provides extensive connectivity throughout the US. The additional services, commencing 28th May until the 8th September, will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with a departure time of 13.15 hrs. All Continental Airlines services will use the airports Full US pre-clearance facility ensuring speedy processing on arrival in the US. Welcoming the news, Airport Director Martin Moroney said: “This is a significant boost for Shannon Airport and we are delighted to have this additional capacity in the transatlantic market this summer. In this challenging business environment

Minister Ryan welcomes cheaper gas The Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan today welcomed the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) confirmation of an 8% on average reduction in Bord Gáis Energy (BG Energy) natural gas unit rate tariffs, for all residential and smaller industrial and commercial customers with effect from 1 February 2010. This means that the consumer will now see a reduction in the average bill of over €230. This represents a Cumulative decrease of 25% over the year. This is good news for the consumer and good news for competitiveness in the country as a whole. The average bill at end 2008 was €916, but the average bill now will be €684. We all know that money saved is money earned and right now this is just what the consumer wants and needs. Minister Ryan stated “Now you can stay warmer for less”

Continental Airlines’ decision shows the continued appeal of Shannon and the West of Ireland for doing business”. “Continental Airlines has been a strong performer at Shannon since it commenced services here in 1998. It has successfully built a year-round customer base in the West of Ireland in the business and leisure sectors. This announcement is proof that Continental Airlines see further opportunities for growth at Shannon and we look forward to working closely with them on delivering those extra passengers.”

Ireland’s broadband subscriptions near 1.4 million Commenting on the publication of ComReg’s Quarterly Report, Minister Eamon Ryan said “we are continually making progress in our communications and broadband sectors.” The Report shows that in July- September this year, broadband subscriptions increased to 1,361,254, an increase of 17% on the same period last year. Total internet subscriptions stand at 1,517,449, with Ireland’s broadband per capita penetration rate at 30.5% “Continued investment in our communications networks is reaping rewards. Our National Broadband Scheme is working well, with further rural schemes due next year. We are bringing high-speeds of broadband into our schools and are making State infrastructure more easily accessible. This is undoubted progress in our broadband record, progress which we will increase in the year to come.” www.businesslimerick.ie

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A More Stable Jobs Market Top counties for jobs in Q4 are Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway The IrishJobs.ie jobs index, which measures jobs advertised across Ireland’s five leading online recruitment businesses, has released results for Q4 2009. The Q4 index reveals a 3% drop in jobs advertised since the last set of figures were issued in September 2009. However, analysis shows that figures from Q4 are in line with the index, which was initially benchmarked in April 2009, indicating a more stable market than that experienced 12 months ago. The sectors with the biggest increases in jobs advertised online in Q4, as compared to Q3, are Secretarial & Administration (+24%), Financial Services (+18%), Online and IT (+19%) and Marketing (+12%). The substantial increase in Marketing, primarily from large corporate businesses, is very promising as it suggests that organisa-

tions are more hopeful for the year ahead. This is opposite to the trend experienced in late 2007 and early 2008 when companies cut marketing spend along with their marketing roles. The sectors which saw the biggest decreases in Q4 were Hotel and Catering (-19%); Retail and Wholesale (-14%); Education, Childcare & Training (-23%); and Beauty, Hair Care, Leisure & Sport (20%). However, despite Hotel and Catering seeing a decrease in jobs advertised online, it remains one of the sectors with the greatest number of jobs advertised online overall in Q4, along with Sales, and IT. Figures show that recruitment for sales continued throughout 2009. This is not surprising as many companies focused on cost reduction and revenue generation during 2009. The top counties for jobs in Q4 were Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Small Claims Court to Include Business Claims New court rules have been introduced to extend the current remit of the Small Claims procedure to include certain business claims, the justice minister has announced. The new rules will facilitate claims from a business against another business in respect of goods or services not exceeding €2,000. Minister Dermot Ahern stated: “The extension of this successful procedure will provide a choice of legal routes to pursue a small claim as the current civil bill system will also remain available. This will allow a business choose whichever

route, small claims or civil bill procedure, it considers most economic and appropriate to its circumstances.” He added that “by limiting the new procedure to consumer and business to business claims, the fundamental pro-consumer ethos of the small claims process will be maintained. It is essential that consumers, especially in vulnerable economic circumstances, are protected.”

Call for submissions Issue 15 of Revival Revival Poetry Journal is calling for submissions from local, national and international poets for the next issue which will be published in Limerick, April 2010. The deadline for submissions is: The 28th Feb 2010. Send to: The Editor, Revival, Moravia, Glenmore Ave., Roxboro Rd., Limerick. Email: revival1@eircom.net

Limerick tango classes Limerick Tango’s long running Argentine tango classes are moving to the Limerick Strand Hotel from 2nd February. Class times are every Tuesday with beginners Tango @ 7.15pm (no experience required). Tango 8 30pm (experience required). Cost €10 per class. Each class starts from the basic Argentine Tango walk and builds on different elements in an 8 week cycle, showing that infinite variation comes from simple structures. www.limericktango.com call 085 1434479.

50 new jobs at Chorus CHORUS NTL is creating 50 new jobs at its national contact management centre in Limerick it has been revealed. Chorus NTL is part of the UPC Group and provides television, broadband and phone services.

Economic Forecast Predicts Return to Growth this Year

The company employs 300 staff at its Limerick call centre offices, which is situated at the Limerick Enterprise Development Park.

The economy will return to growth this year, according to the latest quarterly economic outlook from Bank of Ireland. In one of the most optimistic forecasts since the recession began, the bank expects

It is understood most of the positions with the company have already started while the remaining 12 will take up positions in the next six months.

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GDP to grow by one per cent in 2010. The bank says that an upturn in the world economy will pull Ireland out of recession faster than expected.

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BL | NEWS

Limerick Firm Signs Major License Agreement Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) and Limerick-based biotechnology firm, Stokes Bio Limited, announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement and R&D collaboration, which is expected to help accelerate the pace of new advancements in plant breeding. Under the agreement, which is a significant global win for Irish research, Monsanto has exclusive rights to Stokes Bio’s patented technology for use in agriculture. Mark Davies and Tara Dalton

In plant breeding, genotyping or gene analysis is used to identify the seeds or plants with the most desirable characteristics, such as better yield or disease resistance. Currently, gene analysis is limited by the number of samples that can be processed at one time and the turnaround time per sample. Stokes Bio’s system utilises microfluidic technology that can provide the same evaluations using much smaller sample sizes - as little as 1/1000th of what is currently required - which continually flow through the system in nanoliter-size droplets. The instrument can evaluate up to 100,000 data points per hour, making it more efficient than any currently-used methods of gene analysis. It is capable of generating more data in less time, using less sample and reagent, and at a lower cost than existing technologies. Stokes Bio will deliver a number of these

next-generation genotyping instruments to Monsanto this year. “Monsanto’s strength lies in our robust discovery engine which fuels our industry-leading R&D pipeline” said Bob Reiter, vice president of breeding technology for Monsanto. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with other companies and adopt new technologies that could help speed up the rate of scientific discovery. More efficient gene analysis means we can leverage this knowledge in our technology pipeline and be able to offer our farmer customers innovative products that boost productivity on the farm, faster than ever.” Stokes Bio was established in 2005 by Mark Davies and Tara Dalton, with financing from Kernel Capital, as a spin-off company from the Stokes Institute at University of Limerick. In addition to Kernel Capital, the University of Limerick and Enterprise Ire-

land also are shareholders in the company. “The new technology has applications in areas ranging from plant genetics through the entire spectrum of human healthcare,” said Mark Davies, co-founder of Stokes Bio. “These new instruments will allow identification of plants with the best gene pool at a much earlier stage. It is necessary to look beyond the technology to appreciate what a step forward this could be in terms of food production.” The agreement is an excellent validation of Stoke Bio’s core platform, said Daniel O’Mahony, a partner in Kernel Capital. “We believe Stokes Bio’s technology will revolutionise gene expression profiling in the future,” O’Mahony said. Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

European Commission launches the European Entrepreneurship Video Awards 2010 The search for Europe’s most creative film on what it takes to be an entrepreneur has started once again. For the second time, the European Commission’s DirectorateGeneral for Enterprise and Industry invites imaginative filmmakers to participate in the European Entrepreneurship Video Awards (EEVA 2010). Participants can register until 9 April 2010 at ec europa. eu/eeva2010.

of life”, “Entrepreneurship – Challenges and rewards” and “Entrepreneurship – The way into the future”. For each category a winner, a second place and a third place video will be awarded - € 3,333, € 2,222 and €1,111, respectively. In addition, five of the best contestants aged 25 or younger who have not qualified for one of the nine prizes in the above named categories, will be awarded € 555 each.

The European Entrepreneurship Video Award is divided into the following categories: “Entrepreneurship – A different way

The competition is open to all citizens or residents of a Member State of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein,

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Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Turkey and Israel. The European Entrepreneurship Video Awards are part of the European SME Week, an initiative aiming to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) about the support available for them at European, national, regional and local level.

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BL | NEWS

A First for Shannon Firm

Flowers Forever Where Creativity is the Secret to our Success Valentines Day

FEB 14TH Special offer this Valentines,

Maurice Buckley CEO NSAI and Ed Storey MD Chemifloc

Chemifloc – www.chemifloc.com has become the first chemical manufacturer on the island of Ireland to achieve the Irish Standard Mark in relation to three chemicals it supplies to local authorities for purifying drinking water. Mr. Maurice Buckley, CEO of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) presented the Company with their certificates at Chemifloc’s headquarters in Shannon recently. Chemifloc has achieved the Irish Standard Mark in relation to the processes it uses in the production of aluminium sulfate, iron sulfate and aluminium iron sulfate. These comply with the equivalent EN standards in each case and guarantee that Chemifloc produces these chemicals to the highest, internationallyrecognised standards. “At a time when the quality of drinking water is foremost in many people’s minds, following recent flooding incidents, we can provide drinking water producers – and ultimately the wider public – with complete confidence in the www.businesslimerick.ie

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quality of the water treatment chemicals we produce. As the largest supplier in the land, we can also guarantee a continuity of supply for many weeks, made possible by our independent production facility in Shannon and immediate availability of up to 25,000 tonnes of liquid and solid raw materials from our dedicated storage facility at the nearby port of Foynes,” said Ed Storey, Managing Director, Chemifloc. Speaking at the presentation, Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI said: “It is great, particularly in these difficult times, to see an Irish-owned company reach for and achieve such high standards. The fact that Chemifloc is the first company in Ireland to be awarded with the Irish Standard Mark for these chemicals is indicative of the company’s pioneering spirit since its establishment almost 30 years ago. Its commitment to continuing this spirit into the future is evidenced by its ongoing investment in the business, representing some €5m in recent years.”

Free Cuddly Bear

with every dozen roses ordered.

Contact us at Flowers Forever Raheen Roundabout, Raheen, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: www.flowersforever.ie

05/02/2010 17:01:28

BL | NEWS

European Regional Planning Project is launched in Limerick Over 30 Local Government and Academic figures from throughout Europe gathered at the University of Limerick (UL) today to launch a new initiative aimed at encouraging greater eco-design in regional planning policies. The Mid-West Regional Authority, in cooperation with the South-West Regional Authority and UL, are participating in the FRESH Project - Forwarding Regional Environmental Sustainable Hierarchies - in partnership with several other EU countries, namely Finland, Italy, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom. During the project duration, which commenced on November 5th 2009 and runs until the end of 2012, each partner region will test and implement a series of tools for dealing both with economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. Commenting on the Mid-West region’s focused theme over the next three years, Mr. Liam Conneally, Director of the MidWest Regional Authority (MWRA) said: “Our primary focus will be on Sustainable Urban Living, and to influence planning and energy policies through eco-design and eco-innovation.”

He added: “Through our participation in the FRESH project, we will be cooperating with our project partners in the region in seeking to disseminate good practice of regional development policies and instruments promoting environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. The eco-village project in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, and the E-Towns initiative in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare are prime examples of such an approach and we would hope to see similar projects developed in the Mid West Region over the coming years.” Mr. Conneally continued: “The overall objective of the FRESH Project is to strengthen Sustainable Value Creation based development at regional level and to contribute to the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) with special focus on eco-design and eco-innovation. The purpose of ETAP is to develop environmental technologies and contribute simultaneously to sustainability and competitiveness.” Meanwhile, an interregional seminar took place at UL today to mark the Irish launch of the FRESH Project. The seminar was opened by the Cathaoirleach of the Regional Authority, Cllr. Leo Walsh

Liam Conneally, Director Mid West Regional Authority

and attended by delegates from all the participating countries as well as dignitaries and interested parties from Ireland and abroad. Speakers included Mr. Antti Toivanen, Kainuun Etu, Finland/FRESH Lead Partner; Prof. Merritt Bucholz, School of Architecture, U.L.; and Mr. Liam Conneally, Director, MWRA. Further information on the FRESH Project is available from the MWRA website www. mwra.ie.

Dragons Den panelists launch the New Entrepreneur Show Leading Dragon’s Den panelists from the successful UK and Irish Dragon’s Den television shows got together in Dublin to launch the innovative New Entrepreneur’s Show which takes place in the RDS, Dublin, 23rd and 24th April, 2010. Theses include Rachel Elnaugh, one of the original Dragon’s Den panelists from the BBC’s first Dragon’s Den show. Rachel made her name and fortune from her Red Letter Days company. She was joined by two of the key Irish Dragon’s, Bobby Kerr, Director of Insomnia Coffee Group and leading entrepreneur and business man, Gavin Duffy. The Entrepreneur Show which is the first of its kind in Ireland aims to provide everything a “budding or existing entrepreneur” needs to know under one roof. There will 12

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be over 100 exhibitors providing information on all aspects of business including banking and finance, tax, accountancy and legal matters, marketing, advertising and PR, Brand and Product development as well companies which specialise in hospitality, recruitment, and environmental and farming organisations. There will be an opportunity to meet the Dragons including Rachel Elnaugh who will be joined by another BBC Dragon, Richard Farleigh as well as Bobby Kerr, Gavin Duffy and Sean Gallagher and many other high profile Entrepreneurs and Industry Experts speaking at the show. Over the two days people can get advice from them plus their top tips for setting up and running a successful business, and with Google as one of the main headline partners for the show you will get essen-

tial know-how, on the online marketing of your business, straight from the horses mouth. There also will be an opportunity to put your potential business through the “Invest Test” which will be judged by a panel of live business experts who will tell you whether your business idea is investable or not. Full information is on the website www. theentrepreneurshow.com. Tickets cost €20.00 per person, per day and they include an opportunity to book a “one to one” appointment with an exhibitor of interest to you. They can be bought on-line with special offers available to those who book early.

www.businesslimerick.ie

05/02/2010 15:11:51

BL | NEWS

Limerick Person of the Year Limerick legend, Munster Rugby captain and Irish Grand Slam winner Paul O’Connell has been announced as the 2009 Limerick Person of the Year. The announcement was made recently at a special awards lunch in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick. The 30 year old former British and Irish Lions captain beat off stiff competition from other nominees which included activist Steve Collins, champion jockey Brian O’Connell, fundraiser Julie-Anne Dineen and Third World photographer Liam Burke. Paul’s proud father, Mick O’Connell accepted the award from guest of honour President of Ireland, Mary McAleese as Paul was unable to attend the ceremony because of Munster training in Cork ahead of the Munster v Northampton Saints match in Thomond Park Stadium. “It’s a very great honour to accept this on behalf of Paul,” said Mick O’Connell. “Paul is always very honoured to represent Limerick whether it’s Munster, Ireland or the Lions, he loves the city. He’s extremely sorry he can’t be here today” Mr O’Connell added. Speaking at the awards, President McAleese said this afternoon’s celebration is about highlighting the very best of Limerick and the very best of Limerick is, of course, its people. President McAleese added: “They are each a source of pride, inspiration and confidence to their local communities and they make an immense contribution to the civic spirit of Limerick city and county. They are people who tackle challenges head-on, people who are leaders, who inspire others and who make Limerick a better place to work or study or live. Their lives create the warp and weft of community, making it strong, resilient ambitious and achieving. They make us proud and it is right that we should tell them, as we do today through these awards”. A special Judges Award was presented to Steve Collins, father of murder victim, Roy Collins by Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely. Steve Collins organised a protest march in the city last May not alone in memory of Roy, but in memory of all victims of gang-related violence. More than 5,000 Limerick people wore red as a symbol of their solidarity with the Collins family that day. Now in its 12th year, the Limerick Person of the Year Awards were set up to honour the achievements and success of local people. The awards are sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Southern Advertising and the Clarion Hotel.

Mick O’Connell proud father of Munster rugby player Paul O’Connell accepted the presentation of Limerick Person of the Year from President Mary McAlese and Alan English Limerick Leader.

Limerick Leader Editor and judge Alan English said the 144 nominees for the Limerick Person of the Year Award over the last 12 years have inspired so many others to follow their example. Southern Advertising Director, Kay McGuinness, added: “Now, more than ever in these difficult times, we need to take time out to honour these accomplishments. We’re often so busy talking about what’s wrong, it’s important to recognise the good work that is being carried out by so many wonderful people in Limerick and Paul and Steve are both worthy winners here today.” The Awards were judged by Alan English, Limerick Leader editor; Tom Mackey, Limerick City Manager and Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager.

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President Mary McAlese presents a special award to Steven Collins at the Person of the Year Awards. www.businesslimerick.ie

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09/02/2010 09 57 06

BL | NEWS

Ballyhoura Development Launch National Entrepreneur Programme Ballyhoura Development Ltd. has announced a new initiative to aid prospective entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to set up successful and sustainable enterprises in the Ballyhoura Region and gain seed capital from investors. The “Ballyhoura Dragons” programme also marks the 21st anniversary of Ballyhoura Development Ltd. “Ballyhoura Dragons” is open to entrepreneurs from all over the country who are interested in setting up a business in Ballyhoura or who have set up an enterprise with less than ten employees in the past 12 months. It will aim to give entrepreneurs access to experienced local and nationally recognised business people who will help them to develop their business. More than 90% of the programme cost will be subsidised by Ballyhoura Development Ltd. who are hoping to encourage entrepreneurs from across the country to set up their business in Ballyhoura. Ballyhoura Development Ltd. is based in Kilfinane and spans South East Limerick and North East Cork which has a population of approximately 80,000. Those interested in applying for the Ballyhoura Dragon programme must submit a business plan to outline their business idea. An independent panel will then choose the businesses with the most potential. Such a programme would usually cost businesses more than €10,000 but with Ballyhoura Development Ltd., is available for just €1,500 to successful candidates. It is hoped that the programme will attract budding entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to the region. The chosen entrepreneurs will be mentored over a

Belinda Spillane, Enterprise Officer Ballyhoura Development Ltd, John Walsh, Chairperson Ballyhoura Development Ltd, Padraig Casey, Economic Development Manager and Carmel Fox, Chief Executive Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

period of six months with six sessions of one-on-one mentoring covering the areas of the business which need assistance. Two of these workshops will be given by nationally and internationally prominent business people. The programme will culminate in a Dragons Den event where candidates will pitch their business to potential investors in front of locals, friends and family. Successful candidates will receive customised mentoring to the value of €10,000 throughout the six month period as well as the opportunity to showcase their busi-

ness at various trade fairs, and ultimately gain investment to secure the future of their business. Speaking of the initiative, John Walsh, Chair of Ballyhoura Development Ltd said “In the current economic climate, new enterprise can be dampened with the lack of support and funding available. With a large percentage of the population here involved in the struggling agriculture industry, the region has undergone a sustained period of change and migration in the past number of years and is in real need of a boost.” Belinda Spillane, Enterprise Officer with Ballyhoura Development Ltd concurred stating “The aim of Ballyhoura Dragons is to nurture, support and develop new business ideas to ensure a thriving economic environment in the future. The programme will provide a supported environment to stress test business ideas, products and services and also to create a strong, convincing investment proposition to potential investors.” Final date for submission to the programme is 26th February 2010. For further information contact Belinda Spillane bspillane@ballyhoura.org 063-91749. www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | NEWS

Aer Arann Sign Agreement with Aer Lingus

Aer Arann Chief Executive Mr. Paul Schütz welcomed the agreement.

Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have announced that agreement has been reached to establish a franchise arrangement between the two airlines. Under this franchise agreement Aer Arann will operate 12 routes from Dublin and Cork. The routes will include current Aer Lingus and Aer Arann routes as well as 3 new routes. These franchise services will be branded as “Aer Lingus Regional” and operated using Aer Arann ATR 72-500 aircraft and crew. All franchise flights will be sold and distributed through www.aerlingus.com. Aer Arann will assume full operational and commercial responsibility for the services covered by the franchise agreement with Aer Lingus receiving a franchise fee in recognition for providing its brand and product suite to Aer Arann. The new agreement significantly increases Aer Lingus presence in the Ireland-UK market with new services to Ireland from Bristol, Blackpool, Cardiff, Doncaster/Sheffield, Durham, Glasgow and Edinburgh in addition to new seasonal services from Cork to Jersey in the Channel Islands and La Rochelle in France. Welcoming the new agreement Aer Lingus Chief Executive Mr. Christoph Mueller said “This franchise agreement is good news for all stakeholders in Aer Lingus as it will allow us to serve key regional destinations, linking them with our Dublin transatlantic network as well as offering our business and leisure customers improved schedule and frequency options.” Aer Arann Chief Executive Mr. Paul Schütz also welcomed the agreement calling it “a major development for Irish aviation and the tourism industry. The combined strengths of both airlines, including brand power and market presence, will allow us to offer a quality customer product that meets the capacity requirements of existing and new routes.

Green Tax Incentive Benefits Irish Business Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced the extension of the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme. The Scheme, detailed in the Finance Bill, allows companies to buy energy efficient equipment and write off its full cost against corporation tax in the year of purchase. Introduced in 2008, the Scheme has been expanded this year to include up to forty different technologies. All Irish business, large and small, can receive tax relief on equipment such as: - Refrigeration and cooling systems - Catering and hospitality equipment - Electro-mechanical systems - IT software and hardware - Lighting - Electric vehicles Other categories of equipment such as certain wind turbines and solar photovoltaic technology are also eligible. “Despite recent reductions in prices,” said Minister Ryan,” energy remains a significant element of business overheads. Every day, companies are asking how they can be more efficient in the way they use and manage their energy. With this level of interest and dedication on the part of businesspeople, it is right that we assist them in making the switch.” The range of eligible equipment has been extended to apply to a greater and more varied number of businesses in Ireland. Now those in the hospitality, manufacturing and retail sectors can avail of relief. “The aim of this Scheme is to help Irish businesses of all sizes, not only to reduce their energy use, but crucially to save money. It’s working well and I encourage all businesses to get involved”, said the Minister.

Aer Arann is a leading regional airline that is wholly-owned by its Chairman, Padraig O’Ceidigh. In addition to operating routes for Aer Lingus Regional the airline will continue to operate under its own Aer Arann brand on routes within Ireland, from Ireland to the UK and France and from the Isle of Man to London and Paris. www.businesslimerick.ie

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05/02/2010 15:17:14

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Limerick City Enterprise Board Seminar “The Attitude Factor”

Gallery

Georoid Bourke and Sebasten Aelamski at a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ presented by Padraig O’Maille.An event organized by Limerick City Enterprise Board the first of three in a Series of three afternoon Seminars to small business owner managers in Limerick City.

Padraig O’Maille , presenter of a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ with Marina Slattery, Missy Gray Interiors and Regina mangan, bookaroom.ie.

Padraig O’Maille with Lisette Nolan and Jan Harte,. Padraig O’Maille, presenter of a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ with Patrick Mercie, Paddy Horan and Alex O’Connor.

Fatjma Diallo, Catherine Hannon, Pat O’Neill and Dorcas Oyedeji at The Attitude Factor. 16

Kenneth Buchholz, Human Resourse Consultant with Sheila and Kevin Barry, Interior Plant Design at The Attitude Factor’. www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | GALLERY

Sue Haugh and Jody Maguire at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Edel Hannon, Grace Sheedy, Greg Costelloe, Sue Haugh, Olivia O’Sullivan and Seana McCallan at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Mary, Breda and Michael Hannon with the Limerick Charity Cup at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Michael O’Donoghue, Club President Ger Hannon and Tony Forde at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Declan Finn celebrating his 40th birthday at the Locke Bar recently.

President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and her husband Martin (right) pictured with Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan during a visit to the Clare County Council HQ building in Ennis to meet with members of the Clare Crisis Emergency Team that responded to the recent serious flooding.

Emily & Amie O’Brien pictured with their Daddy Raymond O’Brien, Glenbrook Limerick who graduated with a Diploma in Management, Kemmy Business School, UL at the Conferring Ceremonie in University of Limerick. www.businesslimerick.ie

Pictured at the Conferring Ceremonie in University of Limerick were: Patrick O’Donnell, Kilnamona Brian Carrig, Ballynacally, Patrick Kelly, Inagh, Thomas Slattery, Inagh, Damien O’Halloran, Kilnamona, Michael McNamara, Scariff, Tom Stapleton, Kilnamona, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Kilnamona All Graduated with Bachelor of Business Studies, Kemmy Business School, UL.

BL | GALLERY

Brendan and Terri Ring with the Morning Star Rose, Maria Kirby in Bulgaden Castle for the Cliona Ring Foundation, fundraising night last Saturday.

Local Businesses Receive Food Hygiene Certificates. Bríd Fox, Cater Care Ltd, Susan Mulvihill Olio & Farina Little Catherine Street Limerick, Bobby Kerr Insomnia Coffee Company & Dragons Den.

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin greet Castleconnell residents at the recent opening of their new community Hall. Also included are committee members Cora Moran and John McNamara.

Ross Turner, Aoife Walsh, Samuel Walsh, Urusala Walsh, Gavin Glass, Ester Walsh, Milena Walsh and Tady Walsh at Explicatio by artist Samuel Walsh. exhibition opening in the Hunt Museum last Friday.

Judge Michael Rielly with his wife Eleanor at the opening of Explicatio.

Dr Hugh Maguire, Director of the Hunt Museum, Samuel Walsh, Artist and Judge Tom O’Donnell opening the Explicatio by artist Samuel Walsh exhibition in the Hunt Museum last Friday.

Mairead O’Flatherty and Brid Stanley, Friends of the Hunt Museum at the opening of Explicatio

www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | GALLERY

Thomand Park host Oscars Theme Birthday Party

Stephen MacSweeney at his 21st Birthday Party

Orla Hehir and Zara

Ciara O’Connor, Kelly Griffin, Michelle Cleary, Shane Hayes, Michael Finnan and Amanda O’Connor

Stephen MacSweeney on his 21st birthday with Brazilian Dancers at a Hollywood Oscars party held in Thomond Park.

Kieran and Annette MacSweeney with son Stephen, grandmother, Marie Kennedy,girlfriend Stacey Hehir, Sophie, Paul & Eileen Massie and daughter Michelle celebrating Stephen’s 21st birthday with a Hollywood Oscars party held in Thomond Park.

Fiona Wallace, James Sexton, Noel Wallace, Marlyn and Colm O’Brien

www.businesslimerick.ie

Stephen MacSweeney on his 21st birthday with female friends at a Hollywood Oscars party held in Thomond Park.

Amy Fortune and Aislinn Ward

BL | NEWS

New Set of Challenges for 2010 Shannon Chamber rose above the economic gloom of 2009 to deliver an actionfilled calendar of events to its membership. A total of 16 events, that addressed topics of relevance to business, were held throughout the year, with full and participative attendances at each event. Members’ concerns on a range of issues affecting business, such as the Lisbon Referendum and commercial rates costs, were also successfully raised with relevant parties. An equally-focused schedule of seminars and training programmes is being drawn up for 2010.

and deliver an EU-sponsored equality project in 2009. Involvement with the European Commission, through the Equality Authority, was an innovative departure for us,” said Ms Downes. With a growing membership – over 200, with 30 new members added in 2009 – now affiliated to Shannon Chamber, charting their progress and maintaining linkages and discourse re training or seminar appropriateness is a key element of the Chamber’s operational focus. Examples of members’ 2009 milestones include:

ing system in the PacNet offices. Another area targeted for positive change is car travel; PacNet plans to purchase a hybrid vehicle for use as a company car, and will continue with a staff commuter scheme, which rewards staff members who choose alternate forms of travel, such as car pooling, bicycle and public transit. With environmental concerns top of mind, staff at PacNet have identified another use for the stationery and office equipment they no longer need; instead of sending it off to a landfill, they are distributing the material to local schools.

Recounting progress in 2009, Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes said: “Chambers of Commerce are in business to help business. Our annual calendar of events, be they training programmes, networking evenings, seminars, or even social gatherings such as our annual golf classic, are tailored with business needs in mind and framed to address issues of concern.

• PacNet Services (Europe), a payment processing company, reached the first of its three carbon reduction targets right on schedule. They plan on seeing a 50% reduction in carbon load by January 2010 and absolute carbon neutrality by January 2011. The success of the programme so far is largely attributed to a well-planned, comprehensive waste recycling programme, along with a concentrated effort to decrease mileage in the air travel undertaken through their subsidiary, PacNet Air. Through a well-executed recycling plan, PacNet has reduced the amount of waste going into a landfill by a minimum of 75%, and plans to further reduce carbon output, including an overhaul of the heat-

• The Zimmer manufacturing facility in Shannon achieved a major milestone in September 2009 with its first commercial product shipment. The shipment of orthopedic components was delivered to the new regional distribution centre in Eschbach, Germany. The products will support sales, primarily to customers in Europe. Delivering this major milestone reflected a great team effort and is testament to the new workforce at the site. During the year, the company added approximately 50 new positions across a wide variety of roles and disciplines. Zimmer is still looking to fill new roles. For information on new positions at the Zimmer plant log onto www.careers. zimmer.com or www.irishjobs.ie .

“We also undertake online polls to allow members voice their opinions on local or national issues that may be impacting on their optimal performance. Member feedback informs and influences our deliverables. Such feedback enabled us to frame

• Piercom Limited celebrated fifteen years serving aviation, government, and manufacturing and services clients. The company launched a web suite of solutions to manage total client contact, document, record and retrieval management. It also developed a web-based generic audit tool for consolidation and integration of all audit processes in manufacturing. These developments positioned Piercom as the premier manages services company for aviation/aerospace clients in the Shannon region, and for growth in patient tracking and biomedical markets.

Shannon Chamber’s Damian Gleeson, vice president (left); Helen Downes, chief executive; and Ian Barrett (far right) in discussion with Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development at a chamber event. 26

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Shannon Chamber is busily consolidating its programme of events for 2010. Networking, mediation, redundancy and outplacement, retirement training, an EUdriven seminar in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, the annual golf classic, and the President’s annual lunch with a prominent keynote speaker are but some of the deliverables already on the agenda. www.businesslimerick.ie

08/02/2010 12 43 34

BL | NEWS

New Law to Regulate Play TV

Celebrate Valentine’s with Thomond RFC

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan presented to the Oireachtas a new law to halt malpractice by broadcasters in premium rate competitions. At the report stage of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009, Minister Ryan outlined new provisions under the Bill to tackle broadcasters who scam the public through premium rate services they provide i.e. competitions such as Play TV. Under the new law, TV3 for Play TV and RTÉ for competitions such as on the Late Late Show will come under the regulatory regime of ComReg. They will be obliged to have a licence to operate and must abide by the conditions of that licence. Failure to comply will result in possible suspension or revocation of the licence and broadcasters can be fined up to €250,000. Overcharging will be a separate offence and refunds will be allowed for under the legislation. The Bill, which is going through its final stages, is due to be signed into law in early February.

Munster rugby star Paul Warwick (centre) attended the Greenhills Hotel for the launch of the Thomond RFC Valentine’s Ball, to be held at the Greenhills on February 12. Paul is pictured with (left) Alice O’Farrell of Valentine’s Ball Organizing Committee, and Daphne Greene of the Greenhills Hotel.

With Valentine’s day fast approaching, there are lots of special events being organised around the City to mark the occasion. If you are looking for an exciting way to spend the evening, why not head to The Greenhills Hotel on Friday February 12th, for the Thomond Park RFC Valentine’s Ball. The event is being organised to help fund teams from Under-6s right up to the senior rugby squad. Ladies who attend this black tie event will be greeted with flowers and gift bags at the champagne reception which kicks off at 7 30pm. The evening will consist of a sumptuous four course meal, during which local magician Paul Tydings will be entertaining each table with his many tricks. An auction will also take place during the

course of the evening, where items such as an Irish jersey signed by Keith Earls, and a year’s membership of the Greenhills Leisure Centre will be up for auction. There will also be a raffle with great prizes, including weekend breaks away around the country. After dinner, local singer Raquel Rocca will perform a few numbers, before the wellknown band Mink take to the stage. The event is being organized by Alice O’Farrell who was telling me that guests to attend on the night include Munster, Ireland and Lions player, Keith Earls, Munster’s and Thomond’s Declan Cusack, and Mayor Kevin Kiely. Tickets are only €50 and are available from McGuire’s Bar, Kinsella’s Bar in Thomondgate, and The Greenhills Hotel.

Haggis galore at Robert Burns Night Bobby Byrnes bar was the venue for the third annual Robert Burns night. This increasing popular event was well attended with over 100 enthusiasts entertained with music, song and poetry. The highlight of the evening was the serving of the traditional haggis specially sourced from Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh. The event was again organised by Noel Flannery and Michael Potter and the line-up was enhanced with the inclusion of actor Myles Breen and piper Michael Egan. Michael Egan, Noel Flannery, Myles Breen and Michael Potter at the Robert Burns night.

www.businesslimerick.ie

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05/02/2010 15:18:15

BL | NEWS

Literary Figures Book In To Ennis Festival The growing interest in book clubs throughout Ireland is reflected in the line-up for one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the literary calendar, details of which were officially unveiled recently. Tickets are now on sale for the 2010 Ennis Book Club Festival which takes place in the Clare County capital from March 5-7. Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is expected to attract hundreds of Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The Festival programme features author visits, readings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions, walking history tours, musical entertainment and chocolate tasting in various venues around Ennis. It also includes Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff. Among the contributors to the fourth annual festival will be Lionel Shriver, prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Post-Birthday World’; Joseph O’Connor, journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including ‘Star Of The Sea’, ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Desperadoes’, ‘The Salesman’ and ‘Inishowen’; Tim Pat Coogan, biographer, historian, journalist and writer of “Michael Collins” and ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’; Diarmaid Ferriter, author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O’Carroll-Kelly; and Fiona Looney, col-

include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College, who will lead a discussion on popular writer Colm Tóibín’s work; Alan Titley, author, playwright, poet and Professor of Modern Irish and Head of Department at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, reviewer, editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College, who will present a workshop entitled ‘How to Read a Novel’.

Tom Coughlan,Ennis Town Manager and Alex Whyatt preparing for the 3rd Annual Ennis Bookclub Festival which will be launched at the Templegate Hotel ,Ennis on Friday night.

umnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality. Other participants include multi-award winning poet, Paul Durcan; Irish historian, crime novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Ruth Dudley Edwards; Irish author of ‘Tenderwire’, Claire Kilroy; US essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, Thomas Lynch; historian and author of 1916 Rising novel ‘Blood Upon the Rose’, Gerry Hunt; American poet Knute Skinner, Irish journalist, columnist and politician, Senator Eoghan Harris; poetry group Clare Three-Legged Stool Poets; editor of Irish magazine ‘Rí-Rá’, Aidan Courtney; Ennisbased graphic novel analyst David O’Leary; and journalist, broadcaster, author and founder of Grow-It-Yourself Ireland, Michael Kelly. Academic contributors to the festival

Meanwhile, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. The professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been designed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs and will cover areas such as managing group dynamics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas to reading groups”. The 2010 Festival also features Ireland’s foremost ‘Book Club of the Year Award’. The winning Book Club (up to a maximum of six people) will receive a prize of free weekend passes to festival events and overnight accommodation at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. Tickets for all events are on sale at Glór Box Office 00353656843103 / boxoffice@glor.ie. Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival. com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) info@ ennisbookclubfestival.com and (t) 0879723647/085-7758523.

Halifax in Limerick Launches Market Linked Deposit Account Halifax in Limerick has today launched Phoenix Issue V, the Bank’s first stock market linked deposit account this year following the success of previous Phoenix products launched throughout 2009. Phoenix Issue V enjoys the double benefit of 100% capital protection, and a 10% minimum return or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® index, whichever is higher. Key features are: 100% capital protection at maturity; 10% minimum return (AER 1.75%), or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® Index, whichever is higher 22

No cap on potential returns; 5 years and 6 months investment term; closing date 24th February 2010. The product provides a unique set of customer benefits: firstly, money on deposit with this account is 100% protected; secondly, there is a 10% minimum return; thirdly, the investor has exposure to potential stock market growth. At maturity, the investor will be repaid 100% of capital invested, and a 10% minimum return or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® with no caps or limits, whichever is higher. Commenting on the launch of Phoenix Is-

sue V, Alan Frahill, Branch Manager in Limerick, said: “Following the great success of the Phoenix product range launched by Halifax last year, I am delighted to continue with the series in 2010. Given the benefits the product offers including 100% capital protection and a return of at least 10%, we would expect to see further interest among our deposit customers in Limerick through the year.” No withdrawals are permitted over the term and the minimum investment amount is €25,000 – there is no maximum investment amount. The closing date for investors is 24th February 2010. www.businesslimerick.ie

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08/02/2010 12 43 06

BL | NEWS

Positive Outlook For Agricultural Commodities

New Opel Meriva

Ulster Bank Wealth today launched its Global Investment Themes for 2010. The report details five investment themes that will shape investors’ thinking for the year ahead and explains how Irish investors can respond to the opportunities in agricultural commodities, equities and emerging markets. Five Investment Themes for 2010. 1. Commodities and agricultural commodities offer attractive im mediate investment opportunities. 2. The outlook for global equity markets is positive but returns will be more moderate than in 2009. 3. The rebalancing of global growth continues to present opportunities in emerging equities, bonds and currencies. 4. Government bonds in developed markets are increasingly at risk. 5. A search for “true” diversification will see a renewed focus on alternative asset classes. The report looks ahead to 2010 and draws on economic research from RBS Coutts who predict economic growth of 2.5% for US GDP in 2010 and a return to positive economic growth in all of the major economies. It also sets out the key trends that will shape Irish investors thinking in the year ahead. The report details how each of the five investment themes will take shape throughout 2010. Ulster Bank Wealth has also launched a compelling investment opportunity, ‘The 4 year Agricultural Commodities Strategy’, offering qualifying Irish investors the opportunity to generate attractive returns from exposure to agricultural commodities through the purchase of futures contracts with 100% capital protection on maturity. The minimum investment is €100k.

The all new Meriva offers amazing interior room

Innovative, versatile and elegant : The all new Meriva offers amazing interior room and flexibility wrapped in a distinctive, stylish exterior. In addition to Opel’s award winning new sculptural design language seen on the Insignia and new Astra, the Meriva adds innovative rear-hinged rear doors (FlexDoors), increasing visual impact while hugely improving access to the rear cabin. Unlike the few well-known rear-hinged doors systems available, the full-size FlexDoors do not require the front doors to be opened first; they operate independently, and open up to a wide 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors. A conventional B-pillar makes this independent opening possible, while ensuring excellent body rigidity and side impact protection. In addition, it has a handle that further facilitates entry and exit. FlexDoors also provide greater safety, especially for young families. Parents can reach into the rear seat more easily to help with buckling up, and children can be more safely guided when getting in and out of the vehicle. For example, when both the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a safety zone is created as both child and parent can get out of the car without a door separating them, reducing the risk of children stepping out into traffic. Additionally, they are supported by an array of patented locking systems designed to optimize safety.

ality. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant, as it’s no longer necessary to twist or slide out of the rear seat. The all new Meriva also raises the bar for on-board flexibility. Its FlexSpace seating system has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easier to use, featuring great interior storage space enhanced by the revolutionary FlexRail console system, consisting of exchangeable storage units that can slide on rails located between the front seats, providing convenient and adaptable storage for any kind of use. Meriva is also available with Opel’s exclusive FlexFix system – the integrated rear bicycle carrier that is stored like a drawer under the luggage compartment. The Meriva’s trademark flexibility is enhanced by expressive exterior and interior styling that carries forward. Its silhouette is fluid, elegant and dynamic. The rear window line features a distinctive wave accentuating the rear-hinged FlexDoors, while also improving the view for rear seated passengers, particularly children. Up front, the generously proportioned seats are similar to those of the new Astra and Insignia. They offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height – allowing people of all size and age to find optimal comfort for their journeys.

FlexDoors add style to increased function24

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The Effect of the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 on Familial Relationships By Aisling Carr

The dynamics of modern day family life in Ireland have changed vastly over the last decade. Cohabiting couples are now the fastest growing family structure in Ireland and between the years 1996 and 2006 there was an almost fourfold increase in the number of cohabiting couples in the State. It has recently been estimated that 12% of the country’s households comprise of cohabiting couples and approximately one third of these couples have children. Not all relationships result in life long partnerships and as the number of cohabiting couples increases the corollary is that relationship problems and the resultant relationship breakdown also rise. Unfortunately if such relationships break down at present there is no legal recourse or remedy available. The concept of a “common law” husband or wife is an unfortunate misnomer that has lulled some cohabiting couples into a false sense of security. Indeed, there is no such thing as a “common law” husband/wife and cohabiting couples are not afforded legal protection. This, however, is soon to change. The Civil Partnership Bill 2009 was published earlier this year and apart from its implications for same-sex couples, which have been widely publicised in the media, the Bill also proposes to introduce a range of legal rights and remedies for cohabiting couples which are relevant to both same sex and opposite sex couples. The Bill provides that a cohabitant is one of two adults, of the same or opposite sex, who live together in an intimate and committed relationship and who are not related within the prohibited degrees of relationship, and www.businesslimerick.ie

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who are not married to or civil partners of article, will not be applicable. A court can one another. then only set aside or alter a Cohabitation Agreement in exceptional circumstances. For the purpose of applications to court the Bill has devised and defined the term “quali- Critics of the Bill argue that it does not reach fied cohabitants”. Qualified cohabitants far enough in terms of the recognition and are cohabitants who have lived together for protections afforded to “non-traditional three years or two years where there are chil- families” not based on marriage. There is dren of the relationship. Exclusions to this also concern that the Bill will be open to involve circumstances when one of the co- constitutional challenge. Despite these habitants is married to a third party. criticisms and concerns one must concede that the Civil Partnership Bill marks a waThe Bill, when enacted, will afford Courts the tershed in Irish Family Law and is a positive power to make a variety of orders in respect step forward in affording rights to non mariof qualified cohabitants including Pension tal families. Adjustment Orders, Property Adjustment Orders and Maintenance Orders. The Court must first be satisfied that the applicant ex partner is financially dependent on the other cohabitant. This will be a much welcomed scheme of redress for financially dependent cohabitants who find themselves out on a limb when a relationship breaks down. Redress also extends beyond the lifetime of the parties to the relationship and upon the death of a cohabitant, a surviving cohabitant may apply for a share of the deceased’s estate. The Bill also provides that Cohabitation Agreements will be enforceable provided that each party has each received independent legal advices or has waived the right upon receiving legal advice together. A Cohabitation Agreement essentially is a contract between a cohabiting couple which sets out the terms upon which a couple agree to live together, their rights and obligations to each other, regulates their financial affairs and makes provision for division of assets etc in the event that the relationship breaks down. An interesting point to note is that a Cohabitation Agreement may provide that the redress scheme, discussed earlier in this

Aisling Carr is a solicitor in the Family Law Unit of Holmes O’Malley Sexton Solicitors. She can be contacted at 061 313222 or by email at aisling.carr@homs.ie Holmes O’Malley Sexton solicitors will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of acting or failing to act as a result of the information contained in this article. Legal advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article. XX

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If You Want to Increase Your Business Profits then Read On... In the present economic climate, the headline above demands serious attention and attention to detail resulting in reduced costs is what BCM managing director, John Mac Namara is offering his clients. BCM has been in business since 1993 with 30 offices around the world. In Ireland, they operate offices in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick and Waterford. BCM is the proud winner of the coveted Enterprise Board Award; Entrepreneur of the Year 2009. Local businessman John Mac Namara is adamant that his company can help businesses to cut their overheads and ensure they come through this downturn in our economy with the minimum casualties. Over the last seventeen years, John’s company has grown in size and expertise with branches throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. “Cost reduction means increased profits wherever you are on this planet and with a guarantee of achieving these savings and a ‘no savings…no charge’ policy, then you can understand why BCM continues to grow worldwide.” At BCM, focus is on Cost Management and Cost Reduction. They examine small, medium and large organizations for savings potential. BCM does not sell any products or represent any suppliers....they simply look at items or services you currently purchase and identify savings for you. BCM also focuses heavily on implementation.....providing you with a report that simply makes recommendations to save money is little or no value. They ensure that all recommendations are fully implemented once you are happy to go to this stage. Finally, their guarantee of ‘No Savings... No Charge’ combined with their fee structure based on a % of savings identified ensures that the cost of their service will always be significantly less than the savings found.

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BCM John McNamara

You therefore take no risk in engaging them to review your business costs. Where Savings Can Be Found In Your Business... .

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Packaging Freight/Courier Costs Printing Costs Office/Computer Supplies Cleaning/Detergents Maintenance Costs Landline Telephone Costs Mobile/Cellular Phone Costs Waste Disposal Costs Protective Clothing Travel Costs Bank Charges/Interest Insurance Credit Card Commissions Food Costs Fuel - Gas, Diesel, Oil, Electricity Security Costs

How Does the Process Work? Pre-Assessment: BCM investigate potential cost reduction areas for your business and establish the project viability and the size of the potential savings. There is no charge for this assessment. Initial Audit: BCM gathers all the raw data to conduct the project. This takes 1-2 days. It is not necessary for your business to assign staff for this as BCM will provide all the resources required. Analysis & Savings Identification: This is the body of the project whereby BCM identify and quantify your savings. Final Report: This contains all the information in relation to the now identified savings in your business. It includes where the savings come from, how to achieve them, calculation of the savings etc. Implementation: BCM does not just give you a Report - BCM will also ensure that the recommendations for savings are actually implemented on the ground. Ongoing Monitoring: If you wish, BCM will monitor the savings for a 2 year period to guarantee that you continue to get the savings as outlined in the Final Report.

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BCM John McNamara

Some Case Studies! Worldwide Exporter of Food Products - A corrugated box was used to transport the product. Savings of €50,000 per annum were identified by negotiating price reductions with suppliers and by the specification of an alternative box design. High Street Retailer of Ornamental Products - Savings of 50% were identified on the printing of brochures and other marketing materials by negotiations with suppliers and the reduction of the supplier base from 7 printers to 2. Manufacturing Company - Freight and transport costs reduced by 30% by analysis of freight traffic patterns, working with supplier base and implementation of routing orders. Large Hotel - Installation of heating boiler controller which reduced fuel consumption by an average of 15%. Manufacturing Company - Savings of €50,000 per annum by identification of more cost effective suppliers for use in distribution network. Government Agency - Savings of €500,000 in communication costs and electricity. Healthcare Organisations - €2,000,000 in communications, fuel, transport and food. Contact details: BCM Business Cost Management Ltd. 17-18 Mallow Street Limerick Reg. No. 266224 (Lo-Call) 1850 514614 (Int’l): +353 61 400580 Email: info@bcmcorporate.ie

John MacNamara and Bernie Mullane BCM (Business Cost Management Ltd) Limerick who were presented with the Limerick City Entrepereneur of the Year 2009 award, with Cllr Denis McCarthy, Deputy Mayor of Limerick (left) and Eamon Ryan, CEO, LCEB (right)( at the Limerick City Enterprise Board Business Lunch at the Strand Hotel, Limerick. www.businesslimerick.ie

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Chamber Regional Networking Event - A room full of positivity Over 160 members of Ennis, Limerick and Shannon Chambers, and non-member associates, travelled to Bunratty Castle Hotel last Thursday, 28 January, to initiate new business contacts and mingle with future client prospects.

It was not all serious though, with enviable spot prizes given to those who notched up the highest number of new contacts on the evening. The winners were treated to 4 pairs of tickets to Hunka & Dunne from The Irish Chamber Orchestra and also gift

vouchers from Boru Cultural Enterprises, Ennis; Dromoland Castle Hotel; JP Clarkes Bar & Restaurant Bunratty; Name It Shannon; Shannon Golf Club, and Shane Hillary Pharmacy Shannon.

The evening, which was co-ordinated by well-known Limerick actor, Nigel Mercier, was praised for its casual yet effective format, with sponsor, Shannon-based Atlantic AirVenture taking attendees to new heights in its portable flight simulator. Also, thanks to the support of the other two sponsors Bunratty Castle and The Discovery Partnership, the event lived up to the promise of being the ideal mechanism for small and medium sized companies to promote their businesses to a local audience. A lot of new business deals and referrals will result from the evening. All three chambers were represented by their presidents and chief executives; an endorsement of the strategic importance such an event plays in the Chambersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual calendar.

Nigel Mercier checking out Atlantic AirVentures flight simulator, Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber, Helen Downes, CEO Shannon Chamber & Maria Kelly, CEO Limerick Chamber

Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber, Lee Gregson, Bunratty Castle Hotel(Sponsor), Helen Downes, CEO Shannon Chamber, Maria Kelly, CEO Limerick Chamber Helen Downes, Kieran MacSweeney, The Discovery Partnership(Sponsor) & Eddie Ryan, Atlantic Air Venture(Sponsor). 28

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BDO sign up as Friends of 2010 Special

E-business Innovation Award A Limerick tourism business has excelled in e-business innovation and has won €1,000 in business supports from Fáilte Ireland. Padraig Casey from Ballyhoura Fáilte was a runner up at Fáilte Ireland’s first ever ‘Web-Check Challenge Awards’ which were recently held in the Westin Hotel. The aim of the Web-Check Challenge was to recognise small to medium tourism enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional learning, creativity and innovation following participation in Fáilte Ireland’s e-Business Support Initiative—Web-Check—by further developing their website and implementing an effective and innovative online e-marketing plan.

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland with Brian McGann of BDO, Limerick.

Special Olympics Ireland has announced that BDO has become Friends of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games which will take place in Limerick from June 9-13th. BDO will support the Games through fundraising and the provision of staff and expertise in key support areas. The partnership between BDO and Special Olympics Ireland has already got off to a winning start with proceeds from the BDO Get Back Challenge Coaching Conference in Thomond Park being donated to Special Olympics Ireland. BDO previously worked with Special Olympics as a Games patron for the 2003 World Games hosted in Dublin.

Special Olympics Ireland Games for Limerick is remarkable and we are delighted to be able to help through a combination of fundraising supports and offering some of our colleagues to provide their expertise across a number of operational areas for the Games. The firm has a long association with Special Olympics and since the inception of the BDO Get Back Challenge we have supported a lot of athletes who will take part in the games in sports such as Bocce and soccer. Already there is a energy building up within the office to get involved and be part of one of the biggest sporting and social successes the region will experience.’

Many entries were narrowed down to five finalists, who presented their ebusiness plans to an invited audience and an expert panel of judges which included Fergal O’Byrne, CEO Sonru; Joan Mulvihill, CEO IIA; Claire Walsh, Google and Shane Cookman General Manager, Dunboyne Castle Hotel. Stephen Dudley ,Fáilte Ireland E-Business Development Manager, said: “We were delighted to see such a tremendous response from the tourism industry to the competition. The initiative is an important partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the tourism industry and we will continue to work with industry into 2010 to encourage small and medium tourism businesses to be more efficient in their use of the web as a valuable business tool.”

The Games will take place over four days from Thursday, June 9th to Sunday June 13th. In what will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland this year, 1,900 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the island of Ireland will travel to Limerick to participate in competition in 13 sports. They will be accompanied by 650 coaches and official delegates as well as a contingent of over 4,000 family members. The Games will be supported by a team of 3,500 volunteers who are Speaking at the announcement Brian Mc- currently being recruited from Limerick city, Gann of BDO said: ‘the scale of the 2010 county and beyond. Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland said: “We are delighted that BDO’s Limerick office has come on board as Friends of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games. We need a great deal of financial and professional support to ensure that these Games are a huge success for all involved and I know that with the support of businesses like BDO we will realise this aim”

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Limerick Ad Man & Celebrity Chef Bring Agency to Ireland After a successful launch in the UK food and drink innovations agency, The Food Nursery launched its Irish operation based in City West, Dublin. The Food Nursery is where new food and drink ideas are born, and is one of only a handful of dedicated food and drink innovators on the entire planet. Born out of a culinary friendship that spans a decade, founders Limerickman Greg Wixted (who also runs a UK based Ad agency in the UK ) & Calum Watson (Ex award winning chef for Marco Pierre White, who opened two restaurants for Pierre White and worked with Unilever Ireland) have worked together for much of that decade and first met when Wixted was called upon to handle the marketing of Watson’s restaurant group. Over the past 6 months they have worked on the concept and client offering of The Food Nursery and gathered their team of experts into the fold. The team have all worked with an impressive array of clients and brands Wixted heads the Culinary Thinkers (marketers) team and Watson the Culinary Innovators (chefs & foodies). Greg Wixted said, ‘NPD is key to not only keeping your current customer but winning new ones, but for some companies it can be a slow process and the Irish market is no exception. The response from Irish businesses has been amazing and already we have been briefed by several companies. We cover many industry

Leading the Culinary Innovations team is Calum Watson, previously Executive Head Chef & Director of Operations of world-renowned culinary genius Marco Pierre-White’s entire business. At his side are some of the leading chefs including: Nancy Lam, restaurateur and TV chef, Nick Munier the face of the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant and Pichet restaurant Dublin, chef Graham Flannery from the Anvil is Saggart and Michelin starred chef and Fiona Hunter, one of the leading food nutritionists are just some of the 100 innovators in their network.

Limerickman Greg Wixted and award winning chef Calum Watson.

sectors including: brands, manufacturing, but also multiple retailers, cost sector and restaurant & bar chains.’

Whether working with clients to inspire, create and develop innovative products and services, Food Nursery brings real measurable results and a clear way forward for their clients. www.thefoodnursery.com

Greg Wixted has worked at two of the world’s leading agencies and who is also a trained chef is supported by a team of 10 marketers who include; ex agency planners, innovations & insights experts and copy & concept writers who between them have worked on such brands as Nestle, The National Dairy Council, The Meat & Livestock Commission, Unilever, Masterfoods, PepsiCo, Danone, Scottish & Newcastle, Welch’s, KFC, Interbrew, Gerber Foods, Unilever, Coke and Alpen.

Clare Tourism to Target the Primary School Market Ireland’s first county-orientated primary school tours publication has been launched in County Clare. The Clare ‘Live the Life’ brochure encourages teachers and students to visit locally-based attractions including the Cliffs of Moher, Holy Island on Lough Derg, Clare Museum, Bunratty Castle, Scattery Island, the West Clare Railway and the Poulnabrone Dolmen.

Shannon Development. Promoted day activities include an educational workshop at the Irish Seedsavers Association in Scarriff, dolphin watching in the Shannon Estuary, nature walks in the Burren, water sports along the Atlantic coast, aviation and meteorology workshops in Shannon, guided tours of the West Clare Recycling Plant and a tour of locations from the Father Ted TV series.

The brochure, which is supported by 61 attractions and tourism providers throughout the County, has been distributed to schools in Clare, Limerick, Galway, Tipperary and Kerry. The initiative has been developed by the Clare Tourism Forum, with the support of Clare County Council and

Speaking following the brochure launch at Kilrush National School, Forum Chairperson Rebecca Brew stated: “The school tours market is a significant market and the Forum sees potential to build on existing activity in this area. This unique, informative brochure is a testimony to

the strong and extensive offerings of attractions and activities County Clare has on offer. I encourage all primary school teachers to tour in Clare and take advantage of a diverse range of fun, educational and affordable options. The brochure will no doubt result in an increase in economic benefits for attractions and activities in Clare”. The Clare Tourism Forum was established in November 2005 with the objective of mobilising a collaborative strategy to sustain and develop tourism within the county. For more on the Clare Tourism Forum and the Clare ‘Live the Life’ brochure visit www clare.ie, call 065-6846537 or email ctf@clarecoco.ie. www.businesslimerick.ie

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Assist Chartered Accountants Becomes o’donnell+co Assist Chartered Accountants, located at 24 Barrington Street, Limerick, has officially changed its name to o’donnell+co, chartered accountants - the name change is accompanied by an exciting new corporate logo and website. The firm has always been associated with computer training as well as the accountancy practice. However over the past number of years, the accountancy side of the business has gained in strength experiencing a marked increase in clients and demand for their accounting services. The range of services offered has also broadened to include interim management and debt recovery work.

The new logo creates a distinctive identity which is refreshingly modern: the choice of bright colours signifies the vibrant, forwardthinking approach synonymous with the firm, while the intertwining of the letters o, d, and c illustrates their ability to deliver integrated solutions drawn from their financial advisory and accountancy expertise. Their commitment to working closely with each of their clients is further reflected in the overlapping of the letters as “working in partnership” is an integral element of the firm’s ethos. The new website address is www.odonnellaccountants.com Assist Training will continue to operate under its own name and will continue as a

Love Food…… Love the Fairways Congratulations was the order of the day at The Fairways Bar & Orchard Restaurant in Nenagh, County Tipperary recently. For a relatively “new” premises, in its third year of operation, it is fantastic to see such a high accolade bestowed on Limerick woman Joan McGowan and her husband Geoff Jones. Receiving its award for the B.I.M. Seafood Circle is attributable to the fact that chef/owner, Geoff personally travels to the fish mongers up to three times weekly, thus ensuring that the freshest of hand-picked produce is available for the bar food and restaurant menus.

Three years have passed since Geoff and his wife Joan bought the former Lucky Bags in Kilruane and the transformation in the pub is evident in its name, appearance and in the menu style. An award winning chef, with an expansive career, Geoff has always had a keen interest in developing his menu style, focusing on seafood. His efforts have paid off, seeing that not only is he the second restaurant in the whole of County Tipperary to be included in the Seafood Circle for 2010, but he is also featured in the Georgina Campbell Good Food Guide since he opened his doors in September 2006.

separate business offering IT training solutions in Microsoft applications from introductory to advanced levels – see www assisttraining.ie for further information. The Fairways’ team of chefs, bar and waiting staff have played an enormous part in the award. They are all extremely customer focused and are well schooled on all aspects of the food on a menu that sees changes daily. You can find the Fairways on www.thefairwaysbar.ie and you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Open for lunch and evening meals 7 days a week, the Fairways is a popular choice for Communions, Confirmations, Christenings and special milestone occasions. With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Fairways is the ideal venue to take that special somebody in your life. For bookings, call 067 41444.

Fastway Couriers (South West) most successful year Fastway Couriers (South West), part of the leading independent parcel collection and delivery service in Ireland, has completed its most successful year to date to the end of December 2009. Established in 2002, Fastway Couriers (Ireland) operates a low cost, next day, parcel collection and delivery service through a franchise system. It is the world’s largest courier franchise operation and the only fully franchised courier service operating in Ireland, offering franchisees the opportunity to own their own business. Key Highlights 2009 – Fastway Couriers (South West) 7 new positions created in 2009; 10% increase in customer acquisitions in 2009 and 8% increase in the www.businesslimerick.ie

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number of Courier Franchisees in the region Nationally, partnering with Home Delivery Network Ltd (HDNL) for all their Irish parcel deliveries, including Littlewoods Ireland, in a two and a half year contract - moving Fastway Couriers (Ireland) into the B2C market Commenting on the results, Michael O’Regan, newly appointed General Manager of Fastway Couriers (South West) said: “We had a tremendous year in 2009, particularly in the context of a 30% decline in the parcel delivery sector last year. The awarding of the contract with HDNL has positively impacted our business. Nationally, in the last quarter, our turnover was up 35% year on year

Michael O’Regan General Manager SW

and our parcel movements were up 49% in Q4 2009 compared to Q4 2008.” 31

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Opening of MEP Sean Kelly’s Constituency Office

Fine Gael, Leader, Enda Kenny cuts the ribbon to open Sean Kelly, MEP’s constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP receives a painting from artist, Jim O’Farrell at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Denis Fitzpatrick, Cllr Paddy Whitty, Mayor of Cobh, Co Cork and Sean Kelly, MEP at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP , Gerry O’Shea, Mary Danagher and Dep Noel Coonan, Tipperary at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP , Rosarie Moylan, Julie Kelly and Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Juliet Kelly, Fine Gael, Leader, Enda Kenny , Kieran O’Donnell, TD, Nancy Cunninghan, office administrator, Sean Kelly, MEP and Kevin Keary, PA to Sean Kelly at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

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John Burke MD,Armada Hotel and Saurabh Jain pictured with some of the lovely models from the Holman Lee Agency Limerick at the recent Clare County Bridal Exhibition held at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point.

From left Maeve Culligan, Eoin Murray, Rebecca May and Gwen Culligan at the Clare County Bridal exhibition at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point (Eoin and Rebecca are from Limerick).

Pictured is Ahmed Jamal Maaz, a student of Griffith College Limerick, who was recently awarded first in the world in the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business Information Technology. Pictured here with Kevin O’Sullivan, Director of Griffith College Limerick.

Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development , Emily Hurley, Special Olympics Athlete and the face of the Ireland Games 2010, Matt English, COE Special Olympics Ireland and Neil Carney, Ireland Games 2010 Director at a Media Briefing Breakfast for Special Olympics Ireland Games.

Mr. Edward Madigan, Clinical Specialist at the new MRI Centre Barringtons Hospital, Limerick, preparing a patient for an MRI scan. The new, purpose-built, MRI Centre represents a E3 million investment which will help ensure an enhanced diagnostic process and greater comfort for patients.

Tony Roche, Dermot McGuire, Kevin Wallace, photographer, Cahill Roche and Dana Livolane, model in the George Hotel to unveil a photograph titled To the Brave and the Faithful, Nothing is Impossible’ based on the Munster Rugby ehtos and is the idea of Cahill Roche to be a step form the normal and captured by photographer Kevin Wallace.

Eugene O’Brien, Principal of St Nessans Secondary School with Leader of the Fine Gael Party, Enda Kenny present Gaisce the Presidents Awards for personal acheivement to Brian Dunworth and Armando Porrerta students at St Nessan’s Secondary. www.businesslimerick.ie

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Joan McGowan and her husband Geoff Jones; The Fairways Bar & Orchard Restaurant in Nenagh receiving an award from the B.I.M. Seafood Circle.

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E2m Invested in Limerick Zinc Find Connemara Mining, the AIM listed Irish zinc explorer’s latest drill results from Stonepark in Limerick indicate the zinc deposit discovered in 2007 stretches over a 2km zone. A step-out drill hole (Hole 32), at the Stonepark North zone intersected more commercial grade zinc-lead ore. Results indicate the presence of a continuous zone of zinc-lead mineralisation at approximately 200-220 metres depth. A second hole (Hole 30), intersected zinc-lead mineralisation 400m south of previous drilling, which suggests that the overall mineralising system on the Stonepark Project could be more than 2km long in a north-south direction. This is comparable in size to Minco/Xstrata’s Tobermalug zone which is located approximately 4.5km to the east and contains a JORC-compliant inferred resource of 11,300,000 tonnes grading 10.2% zinc and 1.9% lead. Connemara Mining and operators Teck Resources ltd are investing €2million in drilling a further 30 holes at Stonepark in 2010. Connemara Mining will contribute €600,000 towards the drilling programme. John Teeling, Chairman of Connemara Mining, said “These are very positive results from Stonepark. The Hole 32 intersection has almost everything one would want – high grade, the right type of mineralisation, shallow depth and is located a good distance from the earlier discoveries. The Hole 30 intersection 400 metres away from any previous drilling and 2km away from Hole 32, offers the distinct possibility of a much larger deposit. It is early days but Stonepark is looking good. ” Connemara will carry out further infill drilling to confirm the extent and continuity of commercial grades and thicknesses of zinc-lead mineralisation within the 2km zone.

Limerick Quaker Records On-line Fascinating historical records of the Quakers in Limerick are now available for public viewing on Limerick City Council’s website, www.limerickcity.ie Limerick City Council and the Society of Friends have launched the transfer of a digital copy of the Limerick Quaker Archive to Limerick City Archives. The records date from the early eighteenth century and are a wonderful record of the Quakers in Limerick. The original records are held in the Quaker Library in Dublin and the Society of Friends approached Limerick City archives proposing to extend access to their records by microfilming the records and placing a digital copy of the microfilm online. The project was funded by Limerick City Council and city archivist Jacqui Hayes said these records are of great interest to the Limerick area as the Quakers played a significant role in Limerick’s business and mercantile history in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The records were initially microfilmed as this offers excellent preservation qualities. The microfilm images were then converted to digital and delivered on CD in PDF format. The Religious Society of Friends was founded in 1652 and the first meeting of Friends in Limerick was held in the home of Richard Pearce in 1655. Later in 1671 a meeting house was erected in Creagh Lane, they remained here until 1807 when a new meeting house was built in Cecil Street and in 1832 a Friends Burial ground was established near Peters Cell. The principle element of Quaker faith was, and remains, the idea that each person is capable of direct experience with the Holy Spirit without interference from any other person. The Quakers advocated a simpler way of practicing the Christian way of life, which included freedom of religious choice and equality of the sexes. Friends were to be sober, simple, plain, honest, industrious, and courageous. The poor would be cared for, there would be no tale-bearing and there would be no swearing of oaths.

Born in Drayton, Leicestershire, England, George Fox founded the Society of Friends or Quakers in 1624.

City Archivist Jacqui Hayes said that the Religious Society of Friends is well known for its charity work and innovation. “Perhaps the most cited incidence of this is during the Famine in Ireland when Friends formed Relief Committees which provided food to anyone in need regardless of their religion.”

The Relief Committee Minutes Books record the decisions of the relief committee in relation to relief in Clare and Limerick during the Famine period. This collection contains the minutes of the Limerick men’s and women’s committee. The minutes record discussions on travel, marriage, removals and correspondence from friends in Ireland and abroad. The collection also includes Account Books, Notices of Removals records friends removed from the Society for improper behaviour, notices of friends transferring from and to other meetings and records of Quaker Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely said he was delighted that the historical Quaker records are now on-line on www.limerickcity.ie for public viewing. “The collection is a wonderful insight into the Quaker community in the Limerick area, documenting their births, deaths and marriages, their monthly meetings and their response to prevailing social and economic conditions,” he said. “In my view this project is an excellent example of how the City Council can work with communities to support them and enrich the general cultural value to all interested parties.”

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The Piano Man at the Locke Bar Nick Carswell and Dermot Bowden two of Limericks finest musicians are bringing on back the good times at The Locke Bar, Georges Quay for the month of February. If you enjoy a good old sing-a-long to the music of the 60’s, 70s’ and 80’s plus

contemporary songs then you’re bound to enjoy weekends at the Locke. Starting at 9.30pm on Friday nights, Nick Carswell is first up to tinkle the ivories and the music continues Saturday and Sunday with Dermot Bowden from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. So if you’re a music fan, join hosts Nick

and Dermot every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for music and craic at the Locke! No cover charge. More details: Tel 061 413733 or visit www.lockebar.com

SIMI Release January Figures The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released the official figures for new cars registered in January 2010 which at 16,595 are up 5.04% on January 2009 (15,799). Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said, “At 5% up on January last year, we are very pleased with new car sales so far this year. This is the second month in a row that we have seen an increase in registrations. Given that the first two weeks of January suffered a virtual standstill in trading due to the bad weather, the fact that the month has finished 5% ahead of last year is a very strong sign that consumers are availing of the incredible value that is available at the moment. While the snow and ice delayed registrations until well into the month, feedback from dealers around the country is indicating that the significant increase in footfall and in actual sales, in comparison to this time last year, is continuing. Dealers are also reporting that the Scrappage Scheme has been very well received by the public who are actively seeking out the best value in 2010 low emission cars.” Light Commercial Vehicle registrations for January 2010 (2,060) are also up 27.7% on the same period last year (1,613) while Heavy Vehicle registrations are down -52.01% (131) compared to January 2009 (273).

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Tel: 061 404 795 / 061 406 796 Unit 3 Corn Market Road, Limerick www.royaldorbar.ie

www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | NEWS

Agencies Must Protect Multinationals in Mid West New jobs in the Mid West will come from the existing base of multinational companies in the region. The focus of agencies such as Shannon Development and IDA Ireland and local government should be on creating the environment which will allow companies in the region to flourish, according to Bill Doherty, Chairman of the American Chamber Mid West region and Executive Vice President of Cook Group Europe. “The Midwest region has a higher proportion of its work force employed in the manufacturing and industrial sector than any other region. The IDA Ireland client base in the Mid-West employs in the region of 8,000 people, accounting for approximately 6% of total employment. While it is absolutely true that Ireland must seek to become a Smart economy and support knowledge based businesses, it must be acknowledged that core manufacturing is the foundation stone on which many additional investments are built”, said Mr. Doherty. “In the past three years companies such as Intel, Cook Medical, Vistakon and Microsemi reinvested in their mid west operations to create over 700 new jobs for workers in the region. This reinforces the need to protect the existing investment base. Everything we do as individual businesses, and as a region, must be focused on maintaining a level of competitiveness which allows us to hold the investment we have and to continue to build from that base“, he said. Mr. Doherty said that Ireland needs to develop a model which leverages our core skills and competencies across the entire supply chain. “We must support traditional manufacturing in the region to expand its remit into key functional areas such as Research and Development, Shared Services and Logistics. This will embed Ireland into the global operations and provide greater security to existing investment. Building a reputation of excellence in each of these key functional areas transforms the competitive offering of the region and becomes very compelling to investors”. Mr. Doherty said that the establishment 36

structural changes which we can be confident will be retained when we emerge from our current economic difficulties. Wage costs for manufacturing workers in Ireland exceed that of the OECD average and the US by approximately 20% and this is not sustainable”. Being a competitive tax jurisdiction has helped to mitigate the fact that Ireland has been uncompetitive from a cost perspective”, he said. “However, we cannot use our lower corporate tax as a ‘silver bullet’ in relation to higher costs and we must address our overall cost competitiveness”.

Bill Doherty

of the proposed Lynx cargo facility at Shannon Airport would greatly enhance the support infrastructure for industry located in the Mid West. “If the Dublin Airport Authority is unable to do so the Government should provide the funds to allow the airport invest in the necessary infrastructure in order to establish this facility. The proposed Lynx cargo facility would be a catalyst for new manufacturing and logistics investment in the region and together with the customs and border control preclearance facility at the Airport would provide added incentive for companies to expand operations”.

Commenting on the current unrest in the Public Sector, Mr. Doherty said that a fundamental transformation of the Public Sector was absolutely necessary. “Private sector companies continuously transform themselves in order to increase efficiencies and productivity for the ultimate benefit of customers. Unfortunately that same level of flexibility is absent in the public sector. While we recognize people’s right to protest, the American Chamber believes that what our country needs now is collaboration, not confrontation. The American Chamber and the multinational community would be particularly concerned that any action by Public Sector workers must not impact on our ability to maintain the flow of goods and services to customers across the globe. Such disruption would be very detrimental to the international reputation of Ireland thereby risking incremental investments into Ireland by multinational companies”, he warned.

Mr. Doherty said that with the presence of Shannon International Airport and third level institutions including UL and the Institutes of Technology, the Mid West has all the ingredients to attract additional investment. “However Ireland’s cost competitiveness remains an issue”, he said. “Over the last decade Ireland has experienced a loss of 30% in our national price competitiveness. The improvements of the past 12 months have been recession driven rather than

www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | NEWS

Re-thinking the World’s Financial System We live in a complex world with only a partial understanding of the risks inherent in the technology and systems that frame our daily activities. After the fall of Lehman Brothers, those familiar with the intricacies of banking and finance held their breath and waited for the wave of destruction to move out from the US and engulf other Western economies. For the majority, this event would have been noted but not recognised for what is was – a structural break in the foundation of the financial system. A year later, angry debates are flaring in public and in private as people allocate blame and resist the personal costs being imposed on them. Frustration dominates much of this discourse as people struggle with the outcome of decisions made in a financial system they thought were unconnected to their lives. For more than twenty years, investment bankers and quantitative financiers worked together to develop ever more sophisticated techniques to manage risk and disperse it throughout the financial system. Practitioners and academics congratulated themselves on the intricate beauty of mortgage securitisation and credit default swaps. These inventions created an illusion. The risk was still there but it was cloaked by the limitations of archaic financial reporting and regulation. The reality is that we live in a world where small groups of people have the capacity to produce potentially catastrophic risks that spread across national boundaries, social groups and can linger through time. The economic crisis we are currently facing is just one example of this and the growth of technology in a number of fields will continue to present challenges for risk management. In areas such as energy, biotechnology and genetics there are no doubt risks being created that we cannot predict. In years to come it is possible that we will again be forced to engage in soulsearching as we ponder the negligence of another relatively small group of experts. We will question the failure of risk management and argue that we did not ask for this. Innovation and technological development is rarely achieved without risk – this does not mean we should stall or reverse the www.businesslimerick.ie

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progress that has been made. For any new technology, whether in finance or science, we need to take a very broad perspective of the societal costs and benefits. Conflict will inevitably arise when the benefits flow to an elite group while the wider populace endures the risk exposure. This is as true for the development of technologies such as genetically modified crops and nuclear energy as it is for financial innovation. Those that produced and managed financial risks are not malevolent actors whose actions are dominated by greed and ego. They are simply a link in an increasingly complex environment dominated by manmade systems. The division of labour identified by Adam Smith is seen as the starting point from which modern industrialised society has continued to evolve. Within academia, specialisation has been a necessary part of the progression of various disciplines. Academic research invariably sees groups of academics merge into teams focusing on specialty areas of economics and business. Greater expertise and innovation has emerged as groups devote themselves to the nuances of quantitative finance while other groups focus on compliance and regulation. One of the outcomes of this trend has been the development of specialist terminology and thought processes that in turn have made communication between experts more challenging. The specialist functions within banking and finance also present a challenge for effective risk communication. Those that construct the models for pricing mortgage and debt securitisation and developing credit derivatives were doing what they were trained to do. It was not their function to examine the macro context of introducing greater quantities of risk into the financial system. Similarly the regulator was ill equipped to contradict the assertions of those producing complex risk models. This crisis has seen the eagerness of academics, particularly those in business schools, to pick up the pitchfork and torch and holler accusations of greed and recklessness at the senior bankers and regulators. This is in spite of the fact that indirectly we have contributed to the increasing complexity of the financial system. Through

Dr. John Garvey, Lecturer in Risk Management and Insurance, BBS Course Director, Kemmy Business College, University of Limerick.

an ongoing trend in specialisation we have made it almost impossible for different parts of the financial community to communicate with each other and control risk effectively. Early in this crisis, a defining example of this was revealed in a series of responses provided by the former Chairman of Citigroup, Robert Rubin. Rubin had no knowledge of the existence of a contract add-on to a tranche of securitised debt products Citigroup had sold. The add-on meant the toxic debt securities sold by Citigroup other client banks bounced back to Citigroup balance sheet if the market dried up. These so-called ‘liquidity puts’ led to losses of $25bn for Citigroup. This example demonstrates the lack of understanding possessed by corporate leaders who demand share price performance. We can be confident that shareholders and analysts of Citigroup were similarly ignorant about these ‘liquidity put’ contracts. As academics in business schools we have a responsibility to re-think how we educate future bankers and insurance underwriters who will allocate capital and package risks. A good starting point would be to encourage robust debate within the University system – both between faculty and among the student body. In my view, a crucial step in this process is for students in business schools to connect with the knowledge that resides within the humanities - particularly in disciplines such as sociology, history and philosophy. This exposure will give them the critical tools with which to re-evaluate the faults that lie at the heart of the financial and corporate system. 37

08/02/2010 10:33:18

BL | NEWS

Shannon Chamber Director on newstalk judging panel Shannon Chamber was invited to sit on the judging panel for the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) local final of the 2009 Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition. The chamber selected director Joe Robbins, also a director of CareerWise Recruitment, as its representative. Four LIT teams assessed a case study supplied by Newstalk, and having assessed it for three hours, faced the judging panel of three in December. The winning team comprising, Thomas McMahon, Mark Gordon, Aine Melichar and Damien O’ Brien will now represent LIT in the national semi-finals in January and hopefully in the national final in February. The Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise in students attending Ireland’s Institutes of Technology and the National College of Ireland. The competition uses a case study format, allowing participating teams to research real-life companies, giving students the opportunity to learn about real-life business challenges and solutions. Since its launch in September 2006 the

Joe Robbins (second from right) at LIT with the winning Newstalk team: Thomas McMahon, Mark Gordon, Aine Melichar and Damien O’ Brien along with Dr Maria Hinfelaar, president LIT; team coach and lecturer at LIT, Eoghan Sadlier, and Donncha Hughes (extreme right), Enterprise Acceleration Centre manager.

competition has generated huge interest amongst both students and lecturers in the colleges. Over 330 teams from the 16 participating colleges entered the competition last year. Last year’s winning team were from the National College of Ireland. As a result, the 2009/2010 Semi-Final and National Final will be held at their campus in early 2010.

The competition is open to all faculties and each team must comprise of 3 or 4, full-time undergraduate level students. Cross faculty teams are encouraged as they bring together a wide range of expertise. The overall prize for the winning team and its Team Coach is a trip to mobile telecommunications operator Digicel Group’s offices in the Caribbean.

Fastnet’s MV Julia prepares for inaugural Swansea sailing Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches. Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspora, and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Line’s website on a daily basis checking out the offers available Tom Barrett Chief Executive of Fastnet Line said, ‘The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. Fastnet Line believes that it will contribute greatly to the development and promotion of tourism in the south and west, and will sustain more than 1,000 jobs. The service is worth more than €50 million annually to the local economy.’

bury Festival later on in the year.’ He also stressed that, on the flip side, UK visitors can pop over to Cork, the South West and a gateway to the Mid West to ‘enjoy our gorgeous scenery, excellent hotel and guesthouse rates and unique shopping experiences.’

Mr. Barrett went on to outline the costeffective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer, with children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of January, subject to certain conditions. ‘Freight carriers and groups too, are well catered for, and with the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Easter and Cheltenham Races, and The Ryder Cup and Glaston-

The crew of the MV Julia are preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys, working closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and its many supporters in ensuring that everything goes to plan. Mr. Barrett told Business Limerick: ‘MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry professionals. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.’ www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | NEWS

A realistic business plan is key “In the current climate, banks need to see a measured, prudent and realistic approach to business financial planning – these are key ingredients to securing support.” Michael O’Connor, Regional Director for Bank of Scotland (Ireland) in Limerick talks to Business Limerick Magazine about how to prepare your business plan. With tough conditions likely to continue, those businesses in Limerick seeking to renew or amend their banking facilities, will find their bank asking lots more questions. Being granted funding by your bank hinges on a range of elements such as cashflow, the level of debt, the value of assets, and the sector your business operates in, along with being significantly impacted by the cost of funds to your bank. However, it is also dependent on the quality of the business proposal presented and, importantly, how realistic that proposal is. When preparing your business plan, you should be as realistic as possible. You will need to be able to explain, step by step, how your proposal is likely to succeed and to give detailed business and financial projections. Your monthly cashflow projection will be a critical element. There is no point ‘over selling’ the potential success or upside, instead you need to be as open and honest as possible. Ensure that your figures are professionally prepared; this is a necessary cost, particularly if you do not employ a financial controller. In the current climate, banks need to see a measured, prudent and realistic approach to business financial planning – these are key ingredients to securing support. If the last 18 months have taught us anything, it is the importance of being prepared for all eventualities. So when prepar-

Michael O’Connor, Regional Director for Bank of Scotland

ing your plan, you need to look at the key risks that may impact upon your business now or in the future and factor these into your proposal. One way of doing this is to undertake a SWOT analysis. It is essential to know the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that may apply to your business. These will evolve over time and therefore constant and proactive analysis should ensure that your business is more prepared to respond to the needs of your customers and to the market. If your bank is not up to date with what is going on in your business or is not aware of any issues or challenges that you may face, then it may become more difficult to secure their support. In order to give your funding proposal the best chance possible, you should stay in touch with your bank and keep them abreast of what you are doing.

Valentine’s Day on Sunday 14th February at Flowers Forever, the designer florist, Raheen Roundabout, Raheen. Telephone: 061 307123. email: flowers4ever@eircom.net www.businesslimerick.ie

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MAMMA ZEN WORKSHOP Balancing Body and Mind Becoming a mother is an exciting and busy time! You go home with your beautiful baby, however then you can find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the constant going along with the changes that this time brings. The Mamma’s Zen workshop, taking place on Saturday 13th February from 10.30 -12.30 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick will answer any questions you may have. This practical seminar deals with the challenges mothers face post pregnancy and promises to improve your time management, boost your energy levels, help you identify ways to easily loose the baby pounds, and learn how to de-stress during the more challenging days. The people behind the Mamma’s Zen experience are Therese Ryan of Renewal Consultants who is a Life Coach and Stress Management Expert to the RTE 1 Health Show ‘How Long Will You Live?’ Anna Gleeson is a practicing midwife and nutritional advisor, and Rain Spa and Wellness Clinic at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Limerick. This specialised workshop will leave mums refreshed, informed and pampered. The pampering is any Day Spa Package at Rain, once it is booked on the day and used before March 15th, 2010. To book your place at this seminar, call the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick on 061-456533 lines open, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Early booking is advised as places are limited. Cost to attend is €65 per person.

Therese Ryan 39

09/02/2010 09 29 50

BL | NEWS

Rise in businesses seeking support in Co. Limerick The impact of the downturn on the Irish economy has resulted in a significant rise in the number of small business operators seeking professional support and advice. The County Limerick Enterprise Board (LCOEB) says an estimated 1250 people attended small business training courses throughout County Limerick during 2009, up 55 per cent on the number of participants in 2008. 160 Dell employees also attended an in-house training course, organised by the Enterprise Board. Over 20 Limerick County businesses were supported through grant aid in 2009, representing a 270,000 euro investment in small business in the county. The LCOEB also co-funded and supported the development of five Enterprise Centres in Croom, Dromcollogher, Broadford, Ballylanders and Kilmallock. Limerick County Enterprise Board CEO Ned Toomey says the increase in demand among new and established business owners for professional business support and advice is an encouraging sign for the Irish economy.He explained: “In the cur-

rent difficult economic climate, it is important to promote the advice and support available to assist those wishing to establish or develop a business. We have seen that a downturn in the economy can often lead to a sharp rise in entrepreneurial activity.” The upcoming business and networking events will feature expert advice on issues including Starting A Business, Sales and Marketing For Beginners, Taxation for Self-Employed, Developing an Internet Business, Time Management In A Small Business, Credit Control and Financial Management for the Owner Manager. The series will commence on Tuesday 9th February 2010 in Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, when one of Ireland’s leading sales trainers, Robert Mc Kernan of Mc Kernan Training solutions, will offer advice on developing a sales strategy for 2010, as well as delivering a separate presentation for Food companies and related businesses on selling to large multiples.Mc Kernan has spent over 25 years working in the Irish FMCG food industry and is the

Robert McKernan of McKernan Training Solutions

founder of Activsales, which works with teams with sales in excess of 500 million euro a year in Ireland, estimated to rise to 1 Billion euro by the end of 2010. He also works with Enterprise Ireland and Board Bia on food-related training programmes. Limerick County Enterprise Board will host business and networking events during February, March and April. Event details are available from www.lcoeb.ie

All you need is love… and Pandora Bell Lollipops! Sassy, retro and indulgent, a Pandora Bell Handmade Lollipop is a quirky and timeless way to say ‘I love you’ on Valentines Day. Pandora Bell’s Lollipops are made in the traditional way, by stretching and rolling sugar syrup. The only extras, are naturally based colours and flavours; to make the lollipops look pretty and taste gorgeous. Chocolate is a classic way of expressing love. The Pandora Bell range has two gift sized nougat bars coated in rich dark chocolate. For a list of stockists log onto www.pandorabell.ie. Valentines web specials include a Valentines Lollipop and luxury box of chocolates (200g) for €9.99 and a lollipop and chocolates (400g) for €19.99. Pandora Bell is a confectionery label based in Co Limerick. The Bridgestone Irish Food Guide has named Pandora Bell it’s Newcomer of the Year. Limerick and Clare Stockists: Adare Manor 40

Boutique, The Country Basket Thomas Street, Ivans Ennis Road, Formula for Fun Castletroy, Sequoia Lane O’Connell

Street, Quealey’s Supervalu Killaloe. Chocolat Ennis, Food Heaven Ennis, Crosbie Ennistymon. www.businesslimerick.ie

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08/02/2010 16 29 48

BL | FINANCE

New VAT rules from January 2010 The following article summarises changes in VAT rules in relation to the place of supply rules, reporting details of services provided to EU customers and new procedures for recovering foreign VAT which came into effect from 1 January 2010. From 1 January 2010 there have been significant changes for business that trade with businesses in other EU countries. The changes mainly affect business to business supply of services. The changes include: – Removing the obligation to charge VAT on certain services – Extension of EC Sales Listing (VIES) obligations to include services provided to VAT registered customers in other EU Member States – New procedures for reclaiming VAT incurred. Place of Supply of Services From 1st January 2010 the new general rule in relation to the place of supply of services provided to businesses in other EU countries is where the recipient is established. This will generally remove the requirement for Irish suppliers to charge VAT to VAT registered businesses in other Member States. While previously a number of services came within that category the new rules extend this to most services. However, there are some exceptions such as property related services which continue to be taxed where the property is located and entertainment/cultural services which will be taxed where physically performed. Where services are provided to a business recipient in another Member State, the provider of the service is obliged to ensure that the appropriate VAT number of the recipient is quoted on the invoice being issued as in some instances the

recipient may be VAT registered in a number of countries. The invoice must also indicate that the reverse charge basis applies i.e. the customer must self-account for the VAT in their VAT return. It is important to ensure that a valid VAT number has been received from a client. The following link (http://ec.europa.eu/ taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do) to the European Commission website allows one to enter a VAT number to confirm if it is a valid VAT number. However, it does not confirm that the number relates to the client presenting it to you. It just confirms that it is a valid VAT number issued by an EU country. One can confirm whether a VAT Number is appropriate to a particular trader by contacting the VIMA Office at vimahelp@revenue.ie. There will be further amendments to the place of supply rules over the next five years. The most significant change will occur in 2015 where the place of supply by a business to an unregistered consumer will be where the consumer is resident as opposed to where the business is VAT registered.

EC Sales Listing (VIES) Since the 1st January 2010 details of the supply of services to businesses in other EU Member States will have to be included in the VIES return. Traders supplying goods to other countries will already be familiar with this form but this will be an additional administrative burden for those in the service sector. One further change effective from the 1st of January 2010 is that the VIES return will generally be filed on a monthly basis (as distinct from the previous quarterly basis) but there will be an option, in limited circumstances, to file VIES returns on a quarterly basis or annual basis. Busi-

nesses who only supply services will have to file a VIES Return on a quarterly basis but may elect to file it monthly. Reclaiming VAT From Other EU Member States The new provisions simplify the arrangements for obtaining refunds of VAT incurred in other EU Member States. While the introduction of the new rules should reduce the necessity to pay VAT in other Member States, businesses that correctly incur foreign VAT will be in a position to file online repayment claims to the Irish Revenue Commissioners with effect from January 2010 (this includes VAT incurred in 2009). The Authorities will then relay the claim to the tax authority in the relevant country in which the VAT was incurred. This will remove the requirement for the trader to have to file claims in multiple jurisdictions. In addition the new provisions include time limits by which the claims have to be processed. Failure to comply with these time limits will result in an obligation on the relevant tax authority to pay interest on the late payment of the refund. The deadline for filing claims under the new procedure is the 30th of September in the year following the year in which the VAT was incurred. Conclusion This is a brief overview of the recent changes. It is important that businesses are prepared for the changes and have the necessary systems in place to capture the information required to be submitted to Revenue and to be maintained as part of their records in the event of a VAT inspection. BDO are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or pnestor@bdo.ie

BDO Simpson Xavier are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO Simpson Xavier, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or pnestor@bdo-sx.ie BDO Simpson Xavier will not accept any respons bility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of refraining from acting as a result of the information contained in this article. Professional advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.

Paul Nestor www.businesslimerick.ie

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05/02/2010 11:54:43

BL | NEWS

Eircom/ComReg agreement welcomed Communications Minister Eamon Ryan today welcomed the eircom/ComReg agreement which has resulted in a reduction in the price of eircom’s “Line Share” wholesale product. The agreement, which accords with Government policy on competition and open access, is a significant development. The Minister welcomed eircom’s commitment to the agreement so soon after the company was acquired by new owners, Sin-

gapore Technology Telemedia. “This development is very welcome. It is good news for broadband users who can expect increased competition, higher speeds and keener prices. It is good news for DSL service providers whose ability to compete will be enhanced. And it is good news for eircom who clearly see the wholesale broadband market as a significant

market opportunity. The drop from €8.41 to €0.77 represents a 90% reduction in wholesale cost. I believe this is a major milestone where a mixture of strong policy and collaborative engagement are giving rise to good effect”. “The positive effects will be felt by consumers where it counts, in their pockets” said Minister Ryan.

Russia lifts temporary ban on Irish pigmeat Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the Russian Federation to reopen its market to Irish pigmeat with effect from the beginning of February. The market has been closed since the dioxin incident in December 2008. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The temporary ban on imports of Irish pork and pork products has been lifted as from the 1 February 2010 and in this regard pork and pork products produced after that

date can be exported from Ireland to the Russian Federation.” Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as Russia previously was a significant market for pigmeat producers in Ireland. He noted: “The Russian pigmeat market was valued at over 12 million euro in 2007. I have no doubt that that Russian market for Irish pork products is one that has considerable potential to grow. “ Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department

of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy in Moscow, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The reopening of the market is recognition that the production of pigmeat in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety. The Department’s intention as always is to ensure access to as many international markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products”.

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BL | NEWS

Private Aircraft to Begin Pre-clearance at Shannon The Chairman and Board of Shannon Airport Authority today (28th January 2010) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, of the opening up of Shannon Airport for preclearance for US bound private aircraft. Chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA), Brian O’Connell said that “all of the hard work that had gone into bringing this valuable pre-clearance service to Shannon will now be replicated in promoting and marketing the clear benefits of the service internationally”. The Director of Shannon Airport, Martin Moroney, said: ” We are delighted that another phase of our pre-clearance facility will now be available in Shannon shortly. Since opening in August 2009 we have had extremely positive feedback from our commercial customers on the benefits to them of this full US pre-clearance facility. We have been preparing for the day when full pre-clearance would be offered to

US-bound private aircraft, and we are delighted that this has now been authorised. Shannon is ideally positioned to offer this enhanced service to our well-established private aircraft business, and we look forward to opening up our new facility for all US-bound business travellers.” Mr. Moroney thanked Minister Dempsey and his officials at the Department of transport, US Ambassador Dan Rooney, the officials of US Homeland Security and the Chairman of the SAA Brian O’Connell for all the high-level co-operation that had secured this important facility for Shannon.

Limerick City Draft Development Plan 2010-2016 Roadshow Limerick City Council is inviting members of the public to have their say in how Limerick city will grow and develop over the next six years by making submissions to the new Draft Development Plan 2010-2016. The Draft Limerick City Development Plan sets out Limerick City Council’s policies for the development of the city to 2016 and beyond. It has been developed following a period of intensive consultation which took the form of public meetings and workshops, meetings with stakeholders and service providers, written submissions and seminars for elected representatives. During the month of February, a road show will take place at venues across Limerick where local people can view the plan and make their own suggestions on the policies contained in it. From February 9th-11th, the plan will be displayed in the Thomas Street Centre on the corner of Thomas Street/Catherine www.businesslimerick.ie

Street and representatives from Limerick City Council will be on hand to explain its contents and the implications of the policies. From February 16th-23rd, the Draft Development Plan roadshow will take place in Kileely, Roxboro Road and Caherdavin. The Limerick Draft Development plan includes comprehensive sections on economic development, retail strategies and plans for Transport, Housing, Regeneration, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism and the Environment. It is divided into three volumes made up of seventeen individual chapters including explanatory maps, figures and tables.

Anotherfriend. com woos MakeFriendsOnline! Gráinne Barry & Kevin Greene, the internet entrepreneurs, behind the No.1 Irish Online Dating site www.anotherfriend.com have acquired the UK online dating site, www.makefriendsonline.com for an undisclosed sum. Gráinne Barry, Managing Director comments “We have always wanted to operate in the UK Online Dating market and this acquisition offers us the opportunity to do so. www.MakeFriendsOnline.com is one of the most venerable brands in the UK Online Dating market. It is in operation since 2001 and has featured in the UK top 10 dating sites on occasion. This acquisition allows us to strategically develop our business model into a larger market with similar cultural and social traits.” “www.anotherfriend.com currently has 60% + market share of the Irish Online Dating market, with over 12 million page impressions monthly and 250,000 unique visitors. Our new venture will also operate a dating brand in the Irish market, where MakeFriendsOnline.ie also has a strong customer base. “ Barry comments “We have known Martin and Marcus at MakeFriendsOnline for a number of years and feel we share a like-minded approach in providing a quality customer experience with a broad community reach, for consumers looking for a Premium and innovative site experience.” For further information: Contact: Gráinne Barry, T: + 353 876675175

The draft development plan is also available on line at www.limerickcity.ie and in the Planning Department, Limerick City Council, Merchants Quay, Limerick where it can be purchased in either hard or soft copy.

BL | RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

Siam Corner – A Taste of Thailand Stephen Phanpitak is a familiar face to most foodies in Limerick having worked in the hospitality business for many years. Last year, Stephen opened the doors of his own new Thai restaurant, Siam Corner, and the word on the street is very positive and is well worth a visit. Centrally located on the junction of Mallow Street and Henry Street, Siam Corner fits discreetly into its Georgian setting.

a liberal sprinkling of ‘Sawasdee’(Thai expression for a very warm welcome!). The restaurant is split into three levels and this works very well contributing to it’s unique ambience. The interior is most attractive, with tables adorned with crisp white linen table-cloths, candlelit and subdued lighting, generously decorated with authentic Thai ornaments from his homeland.

We visited Siam Corner on a Saturday evening and Stephen and staff welcomed us in true Thai fashion with

Proprietor Stephen introduced us to his splendid menu and enlightened us to the specials and recommendations of his culinary delights, which were soon to be displayed that evening. To begin, we had Tom Kha Gai; Succulent Chicken Satay, served on skewers; Tiger Prawns Wrapped In Filo Pastry; and Barbequed Prk Ribs, served with a delicious sauce. For the main event, Gaeng Kiew Wan (Thai Green Curry); Ped Markham (Crispy Duck in tamarind sauce); A Seafood melody of Scallop, Tiger Prawn, Monkfish

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served on a sizzling platter with Thai chillies and plenty of garlic. To finish, a variety of homemade ice-cream and a sculptured platter of tropical fruits, served with Irish Coffees. The unanimous verdict was this was an excellent meal, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The service was top class and the banter and humour with staff was most relaxed. The quality and variety of Siam Corner’s menu is exceptional, with full credit to the new restaurant owner. I recommend this wonderful restaurant to all our readers and I look forward to a return visit here soon. To book your table dial 061 469662 – Bon Appetite! www.businesslimerick.ie

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BL | CIVIC TRUST

New Year in the Civic Trust By Kate Harrold

At the launch of the Hall of Fame Calendar for 2010 on November 14th 2009 Limerick Civic Trust were proud to be presented with a new portrait of Dr. Sylvester O’ Halloran (1728-1807). Dr. Tom Ryan RHA formally presented the portrait to Chairman Gabrielle Wallace O’ Donnell. It can now be seen gracing the walls of the gallery at the Bishops’ Palace. Entrance is free of charge, all are welcome to visit and admire the work. The event also presented an opportunity for Interim Manager, Monica Spencer, to praise the generosity of Dr. Ryan. He has gifted the Trust and the City of Limerick with 26 portraits to date.

Cllr Michael Hourigan, Elenora Hogan, Enda Kenny T.D., Jennifer Gabbott, Gabriell Wallace O’Donnell, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., Minister Peter Power, Ciaran O’Donnell T.D., Monica Spencer, Dorothy Meaney and Cllr. William O’Donnell.

The new year brought with it the devastating disaster in Haiti. There have been several events held to raise funds in the city and to assist with this endeavor Limerick Civic Trust held a coffee morning on January 29th to offer people an outlet to donate, within 2 hours over €5,000 was raised. The total received will go directly towards the Haiti Relief fund. A special thanks to all who contributed on the morning. The Georgian House & Garden will host the launch of the Royal Irish Academy’s latest publication “Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 21, Limerick by Dr. Eamon O’ Flaherty. The work examines the topographical development of the City’s three urban centres, from Viking to Anglo Norman to Georgian, depicting the strategic importance of the city on the Shannon for Military and trading purpose from the 9th century. Histories of over 4,000 sites are documented with a rich collection of maps and illustrations from the 16th to the 21st centuries. There will be a number of events across the city held to celebrate this new work. For further details go to www.ria.ie. Limerick Civic Trust will honour winners of the Primary Schools Art Competition on February 23rd in City Hall at 2.30pm. At this prize giving ceremony the Mayor of Limerick will present the children with www.businesslimerick.ie

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Monica Spencer, Mary Ambrose, Elenora Hogan and Caroline Barrett.

their certificates for outstanding achievements. The entrants were asked to colour an image of the newly restored Richard Russell Fountain in the Peoples’ Park along with providing answers to questions about the City. A large number of entries were received, making it very difficult for our Chairman & Executive to choose the winners. Names of all winners will be announced after the prize giving ceremony. Tickets are now available for the Stephen Foster Profile night to be presented by Executive member Martin Bourke on March 4th. The event will trace the life and musical career of Foster who was known as the “Father of American” music. With songs such as “Oh Susanna”, “Camptown Races” and “Hard Times Come Again No

More.” With popularity that has spanned over 150 years the night promises to be and entertaining and interesting affair. Contact the Georgian House & Garden on 061 314130 for further information. If you are marking your social calendar another event of interest to you may be Limerick Civic Trusts week long Lunch Time Lecture Series held between 1.15 and 1.45 from March 8th to 12th. The talks will be covering a range of topic including an “Introduction to Catherine Hayes”, a chance to ask professional conservation architect David Humphrey’s “How to Maintain a Listed Building” and an insight into the “Restoration of No. 2 Pery Square” by Des O’ Sullivan. Additional details will be available closer to the event. 47

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BL | NEWS

Limerick is Focus of New IDA Strategy The IDA is to focus on Limerick in particular in a new strategy the Tánaiste told the Dáil last week, Minister of State Peter Power has confirmed to the Business Limerick magazine. The Limerick TD said he warmly welcomed the news that Limerick would be the centre of the IDA’s concentration when it came to generating jobs in the region for the years ahead. It follows controversy over whether or not the IDA had been working out in terms of job creation for the region. Head of the Government appointed jobs task force in the Mid-West, Denis Brosnan, said the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development had all failed the region in terms of generating new jobs in 2009. “During my contribution I welcomed the Tánaiste announcement that the new IDA Strategy will have a particular focus on Limerick and the Mid-West Region,” Power said following his comments on the

matter in the Dáil. He added: “It is vital that the IDA and Shannon Development work together to attract foreign direct investment and new Multinational Industries to the City and region. I also emphasised in my contribution that I was strongly supportive of the proposal for a new Cargo Hub in Shannon Airport by Lynx Cargo. I have been lobbying the Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport to support this initiative.” The Tánaiste also announced the setting up of a co-ordination unit to distribute the European Globalisation Fund for former employees. “I look forward to the meeting between former employees and the Minister Calleary next week in Limerick. All former employees were notified last week of two open information days in the South Court Hotel on the 11th&12th of February,” Deputy Power said. The Limerick East TD also “complimented” the Chairman of the Mid-West Task

Minister Peter Power

Force, namely Denis Brosnan and his team for all their efforts over the last 12 months. “The report (by the task force) will be very instrumental to the Government in formulating its response,” Power added.

Company Formations Increase 6% in Quarter 4 2009 The latest statistics released by ICC Formations reveal that the economic downturn may be easing somewhat with the total number of new companies incorporated in Q4 2009 increasing by 6% compared to the same period in 2008. Whilst overall 2009 saw 1,454 less companies being formed than in 2008, the last 4 months of 2009 saw consistent increases on the number of companies formed compared to the corresponding period in 2008.

2009 which saw the number of new companies being formed down as much as 28% in some months compared to 2008 figures. The first 8 months of the year saw a year-on -year decrease in company formations, however, the signs of recovery spotted in September have continued with consistent increases in the last 4 months of the year, which is a very positive development’’

‘Business Activities’ accounted for the majority of company formations in 2009 with 4,137 and 31%. Not surprisingly the number of new companies being formed in the ‘Construction’ Industry has been decreasing consistently every quarter since the start of 2009, however the ‘Finance’ Industry has seen consistent increases every quarter. 2009 saw Dublin as the most popular county for company formations and is where 45% of new companies formed are based.

corporated is an important measure of economic performance, both current and future, and so these figures can be seen as very encouraging’’ explained Head of Professional Services at ICC Formations, Jon Rock

‘’The number of new companies being in-

‘’This is a big swing from the start of

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‘’2009 has been a difficult year for Company Formations however; Quarter 4 has brought some exceptionally positive signs. With the Finance Bill Introduced by the Government in 2009 extended through 2010, new companies can continue to avail of an exemption from corporation tax which means that a new business can earn profits of €960K tax free in their first 3 years’ said Rock. ‘’Those companies investing in Research and Development will further benefit from increased tax credit so hopefully this positive trend will continue throughout 2010’’ concluded Rock. www.businesslimerick.ie

08/02/2010 10:26:35

BL | SPORT

New Football Rules on View to Limerick Followers By Mal Keaveney Limerick senior football manager Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan has given his general backing to the new experimental rules which come into existence during the Allianz National Football League, which for the Shannonsiders involves outings during February, March and April against London (A), Carlow (H), Longford (A), Kilkenny (H) and Clare (H). New proposals include the introduction of a free-kick for a clean catch (similar to a mark in other sports such as rugby and Australian League Football) between the ‘45s from a goal kick-out; all goal kick-outs to be taken from the 13 metre-line; the moving forward to a spot 11 metres (from 13) out for a penalty-kick, as is the case in soccer where the goals are also bigger. “I’d prefer to be positive rather than negative about these developments,” insisted O Sullivan, now the country’s second-longest serving inter-county football manager behind Tyrone’s Mickey Harte. “They’re in action now and I think we’ll have to wait until the end of the league to see how the experiment has worked out. I have no objection to changes like these being brought in. It’s good that we’re not static and that we’re trying out different things. “Overall it’s about keeping an open mind, to look and see what happens.” O Sullivan, who led Kerry to their All-Ireland Senior Championship win of 1975, is particularly keen about the ‘mark.’ “This will hopefully cut out the major fouling around the middle. At the moment when a guy comes down after a great catch, he is then surrounded by three of four players swarming around him and can get blown for over-carrying. That is a problem. I think the mark can help bring that element of continuity that is lacing in the game and bring more mobility to it.”

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With Limerick hurling damaged yet again by another controversy, the footballers will be hoping that some early positive results will earn them some quality home support in the pennant competition. Last season, the Treaty Cup dropped a couple of rungs to lowly Division Four but really produced the goods in the championship, running Cork ever so close in the Munster Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh and subsequently enjoyed a commendable run through the qualifiers.

And, O’Sullivan was in his day hailed as one of the great masters of clean fielding, the skills of which he later displayed to members of the South African Rugby Squad during several trips. Goal scoring from the penalty spot should become more common with the spot-kick now closer to the target, insists O’Sullivan. “It has been very difficult to score a penalty over the years. If you compare it with soccer, then it’s a lot easier for those players with the distance the kick is from goal and the width of the goal. It you think about it, then normally when you are awarded a penalty in football, you have just been deprived of a real goal-scoring chance. “In that situation, you deserve a goal and certainly an opportunity where you have a decent chance of converting the penalty. It’s very difficult to score one up to now.” Limerick’s former All-Ireland Final whistler Pat O’Connor (Ahane) was a member of the Hurling Committee that recommended minor trial rule changes such as clarification on the advantage rule and that halftime/full-time should only happen which the ball is out of play, both of which will also be applied to football matches.

Limerick have been handed a kind draw in the 2010 Munster Senior Championship, already through to a provincial semi-final date with either Clare or Waterford.

On a sad note, Limerick continues to mourn one of the county’s greatest dualplayers, Danny Fitzgerald, following his untimely death. Danny enjoyed a colourful career with Limerick as a hurler and footballer. Having won National Hurling League medals in Centenary Year (1984) and 1985, he fetched up with the footballers once his hurling career was complete, featuring in the 1991 Munster Final, when he caused havoc at full-forward (scoring four points) as Limerick came desperately close to toppling Kerry before losing by just two points (0-23 to 3-12). He also represented Munster in both codes, winning a coveted Inter-Provincial (Railway) Cup hurling medal. Danny began his playing life with Old Christians before spending the bulk of his time with famed Claughaun, for whom he starred in several county senior hurling and football championship wins, including the historic double of 1986. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. 49

BL | RUGBY

Another Six Nations Season has Finally Kicked Off By Mick Galwey

Mick Galwey

The crowd are up for it, the French players feed off that passion and the atmosphere is always electric. It goes without saying that Ireland need to be at the very top of their game in order to compete. You can’t assume that just because the French stuttered a bit in Scotland that they’re out of sorts. Just like their Heineken Cup sides, at home they’re a different prospect. They have so much talent all around the field that you never know where they’re going to strike from.

Another Six Nations season has finally kicked off and plenty of people will look back at the Italy game and say, “Thank God we got over that one in one piece.” It’s no secret that the Italians always provide one of the most physically draining challenges in the international game and the Croke Park clash was no different. But to say that we’ve come through with victory secured and no big injury concerns is all you can ask for. It may not have been the prettiest of games but you can be sure that Declan Kidney and the boys won’t be too concerned about that. A win is a win and that’s the most important thing. It was a real dogfight at the breakdown at times but the likes of David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip coped excellently when the heat was put on. There was always going to be an issue there with the Frenchman Romain Poite - Paul O’Connell’s friend from 50

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the Northampton game! - holding the whistle. But the dramas were kept to a minimum and the lads got on with the task of working the Six Nations rust out of the system. The Irish scrum was solid throughout and it has to be said that Cian Healy did a fine job of packing down with John Hayes and Jerry Flannery. Even in open play he showed that he’s a guy who is very quickly getting comfortable at test level. The lineout was also very good although it has to be said that the Italians were poor in this department. Leo Cullen made the most of his start and stole a few excellent throws to turn the momentum in Ireland’s favour. The most important thing is that the players have been allowed prepare in a productive way for the big clash in Paris. There are few games in international rugby to compare to the a big game in France.

Imanol Harinordoquy at number 8 is the focal point for a lot of their play but they also have Thierry Dusautoir and Nicolas Mas in a beast of a scrum. Mathieu Bastareaud also showed that he’s starting to come of age in the centre against Scotland and he’s going to take some watching. He’s a big unit, as they say, so Brian O’Driscoll and his centre partner will take a few hits for the cause. But they’d expect little else at this level! Then, of course, you have the Paris Factor. Over the years Ireland have had more misses that hits on French soil but you have to look at the Irish side and be confident. The French have some chinks in their armour and there is no better man than Kidney to exploit those weaknesses. We have the best backline in the championship and they are more than capable of finding the space to make some telling breaks. The other aspect is that with each passing year Irish players are more and more familiar with playing on French soil thanks to the Heineken Cup. The mystique has been taken out of the trip and these days this fixture is more about the capabilities of the players on www.businesslimerick.ie

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BL | SPORT

the park and less about the tradition of the fixture. As for the championship as a whole, it’s going to be difficult to retain the Grand Slam with away fixtures in both France and England. They’ll need luck and they’ll also need a hard edge. One man who is very important in this regard is Stephen Ferris and the sooner he returns from injury the better it will be for our chances as a whole. England’s win over Wales was an interesting result and they showed an ability to take their chances when they presented themselves. Maybe Martin Johnson is getting his act together after all. Wales may have been beaten but you can be certain that Warren Gatland will bring his team to Dublin prepared for a tough clash, if for no other reason than to gain some measure of revenge for last year. It’s set up nicely though and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks immensely. From Munster’s point of view, you couldn’t have asked for more than yet another quarter-final spot, and as top seeds to boot. I really think there’s more in this team and the return of Northampton to Thomond Park will be the ideal place to prove that. It’s hugely important that all the international lads return unscathed for that game. The visitors won’t be overawed by the occasion or the setting and the familiarity of the fixture will be sure to level the playing field a bit in their favour. But we’ve seen so often that when things get tight Munser respond and I have every confidence in their ability to qualify for the semi-finals and a trip to either Biarritz or Ospreys. Finally, on the club front Shannon and Young Munster are both enjoying a great run of form at the minute in Division 1A and 1B respectively. They’re both well in line for silverware at the end of the season if they keep their shoulders to the wheel and stay focussed. Garryowen and UL Bohs have both been unsteady but I’m sure they can put a run together when the time comes. There’s still plenty to play for on all fronts.

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BL | ARTS

Chamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum The Irish Chamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum when the ever popular accordionist Dermot Dunne joins Katherine Hunka and the Irish Chamber Orchestra at University Concert Hall, Limerick on 18 February and again in Dublin at the RDS Concert Hall on 20 February. Now performing regularly as a duo, Dermot Dunne and Katherine Hunka along with the Irish Chamber Orchestra present an exciting mix of music which ranges from celebrated classics and virtuoso show pieces to a selection of works with a strong Latin flavour. The programme spans four centuries, blending precious gems from Vivaldi with the magic of Mozart to the wild passions of Piazzolla. The virtuosic Vivaldi still enjoys a reputation that equals the international fame he enjoyed in his heyday. He composed some 46 operas and over 500 concerti and other rarities which impacted hugely on the evolution of the baroque style and we feature two concerti for strings, his F major RV141 and his D major RV121.

There are few pieces of music more instantly familiar and well-loved than Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik. Mozart’s sunniest and most enduring work quickly earned its place as one of the eighteenth century’s most popular and durable string serenades. Eine kleine Nachtmusik has featured in no less than sixty film scores including Amadeus, Batman, Sophie’s Choice, Ace Ventura and many more. As well as being a composer of enduringly popular tango-inspired music, Astor Piazzolla was a virtuosic performer on the bandoneon. The instrument’s unique positioning of buttons allows a rich variety of harmonies which Piazzolla exploited to the full. None of this extraordinary richness is lost when the music is transferred onto the classical accordion, as splendidly demonstrated by Dermot Dunne. Piazzolla created compositions to showcase his star musicians and Escualo was written for Fernando Suarez-Paz a renowned tango violinist who performed in his band. La Muerte del Angel and La Resurreccion del Angel were composed for a film on the life of the Argentine writer, Jorge Luis Borges. The ballad Oblivion was written for Marco Bellocchio’s film Enrico IV

Ketherine Hunka and Dermot Dunne from the Irish Chamber Orchestra

and was short-listed for a 1995 Grammy Award. Finally, Adios Nonino, inspired by the death of Piazzolla’s father, became a classic and one his most popular works and features in this selection of sexy, tango-inspired compositions which have brought a welcome dash of colour to concert platforms around the world. To coincide with the Fleishchmann Centenary Celebration, the concert includes the Humours of Carolan by the composer Aloys Fleischmann and a rare Accordion Concerto by Molique. Full listings below can also be found on www.irishchamberorchestra.com

Menopause – The Musical Menopause The Musical has entertained audiences in more than 100 American cities, as well as in Australia, Canada, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and South Korea. Each week around 35,000 women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at the menopause. This show broke box-office records across Ireland on its 2007/8 tour and it’s now returning to Limerick! With a fabulous cast starring three of Ireland’s best loved and most versatile stars; Adèle King “Twink” (Mulhaddart Housewife), Linda Martin (Soap Star) and Flo McSweeney (Earth Mother). It’s been said that Jeanie wrote Menopause The Musical “after a bottle of wine and a hot flush”. Parodying songs has always come naturally to her. She recalls standing in front of her freezer, dressed up in a posh frock as she headed for a big ‘do’, singing “Hot Flush” to Rod Stewart’s hit “Hot Legs”. It gave her the inspiration to create the rest of the show which opened in March 2001 in an old Florida perfume shop which had been converted into a theatre. The musical has been credited with bringing the topics of ageing and menopause to the forefront and Jeanie views it as a great way for women to connect all over the world. LIT Millennium Theatre, Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th February 52

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BL | ARTRITE

Stones in his Pockets Starring Simon Delaney & Conor Delaney The boys are back in town… The multi award winning comedy by Marie Jones STONES IN HIS POCKETS RETURNS HOME! Having played all over the world including a five year run in the West End, Stones in His Pockets returns to Ireland for an extensive tour this autumn and will come your way at the LIT Millennium Theatre, Limerick for three performances only from Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th March. Don’t miss this award-winning, hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. Universally loved by all who see it, Stones in his Pockets is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess! Starring Simon Delaney (well know for his many appearances on TV including the very popular series Bachelor’s Walk) and Conor Delaney (Quinnis in the hit show I,Keano), directed by David Bownes, designed by Jack Kirwan and produced by Lane Productions (who produced I,Keano, Alone it Stands, The Shawshank Redemption and Haunted). Stones in his Pockets will tour Ireland in March 2010 finishing in LIT Millennium Theatre! • BEST NEW COMEDY EVENING STANDARD AWARDS • BEST NEW COMEDY OLIVIER AWARDS • BEST PLAY THE IRISH TIMES AWARDS “Marie Jones will have you crying with laughter... a sensational comedy ... a must see!” – RTE Entertainment LIT Millennium Theatre Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th March 2010 at 8pm Tickets: €25 / Conc. €22.50 / Students €20 (Booking fee applies) Booking: 061 322322 / www.litmt.ie

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01/02/2010 16:05:39

BL | NEWS

Will you take up the challenge? Since 1989 MS Ireland has organised almost 50 charity walks, bringing over 2,500 people to 15 beautiful destinations around the globe. From the pilgrim walk in the Camino, the scaling heights of Machu Picchu, the cavernous gullies of the Grand Canyon and the sights and sounds of Thailand, MS Ireland has the best walks to offer. And 2010 will be no different. Each of the 4 different treks will offer a variety of experiences for the novice or seasoned trekker. Although the treks are different, the results are the same; invaluable financial support for the services to the 7,000 families living with MS, a lifelong neurological disease. In June they will return to the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. The Camino is one of the oldest ‘pilgrim’ routes in the world. Its past is still evident along the tiny pathways to be discovered by all who follow the spectacular ‘Camino de Santiago’. In September they will take our first steps in Italy. They will be following ancient trails, many still in use by locals, to reach the Alpine pastures where sensational views of Lake Como and surrounding regions reward those who accept this fine walking challenge. In November they will venture to Cuba, which has some of the most spectacular and unspoiled mountain scenery in the Caribbean. The Sierra Maestra mountains in the southeast of the island not only have the highest peaks in Cuba (1,972m), but also provide a truly spectacular array of flora and fauna and an immense diversity of colourful bird life. MS Ireland treks and adventures are suitable for a range of fitness levels. Full support is given before, during and after all events including assistance with fundraising and fitness training. Trained, experienced guides lead all our walks and staff from MS Ireland go on all events to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. If you would like to book a place or would like to learn more about any of our treks or adventures call 01 6781600 or check out our website at www.ms-society.ie MS Ireland only receives 50% funding from the State and therefore relies heavily on the generosity of our fundraisers and donors. The money raised through our treks and adventures is spent on services that have a direct impact on the MS Community.

New Zealand Weight Loss Programme Now Available

System:Slim, the renowned New Zealand weight loss programme, is now available in Limerick through pharmacies in Limerick city. Since its launch in 2003, System:Slim has developed a huge following in New Zealand as its core philosophy of natural supplements and healthy eating has proven so successful. System:Slim has been introduced to selected pharmacies throughout Limerick and Ireland, and is the first programme of it’s kind in this country. System:Slim provides a weekly weight loss programme that supports weight loss, creates wellbeing and increases energy through a healthy eating programme and unique natural supplements which are all tailored to individual requirements. Each week a dedicated, fully-trained System: Slim consultant will help to motivate the user and keep them focused on their weight loss goal by providing low-calorie, great tasting menus and recipes to keep hunger at bay! The weekly consultations are completely private and the eating programs are centred around real food, not milk shakes, or pre-packaged meals or bars.

System:Slim provides a selection of natural supplements that compliment a personalised weight programme. The most popular product is System:Slim’s Weight Manager product. This supplement improves metabolic rate naturally, aids circulation and digestion, helps release excess fat stores, oxygenates and purifies the blood and also helps to calm the appetite. Another popular supplement is System:Slim’s Cleanse Plus product - a wonderful antioxidant that helps reduce stress on the body, aids any skin conditions, enhances digestion & decongests the liver while increasing energy and vitality. The System:Slim programme costs: An initial joining fee of €99 which includes a 1 hour health assessment, Eating Program, Personal Lifestyle Program and three core supplements. Weekly cost of €15 that covers the 15 minute consultation, weigh-in and ‘free’ weekly supplement of System:Slim’s Weight Manager. System:Slim originated in New Zealand in 2003 and since then has helped thousands of people loose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

RTE to spend €10m on rugby games RTE will have to pay out up to €10m to broadcast the World Cup and the Six Nations rugby games this year. This comes on the back of falling revenue, including a drop of €10m on licence fee income collected last year. The main costs relate to rights acquisitions. The State broadcaster tenders for the World Cup as part of the European Broadcasting Union

(EBU). RTE, as well as other broadcasters, will also be hit with the new levy imposed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in 2010. The body will be self-funded, unlike its predecessor The Broadcasting Commission. RTE expects this levy, details of which have not been announced, to cost them €4m a year.

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Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants, Mill House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 314622 / 061 312744 Fax: 061 317691 / 061 418038 Email: limerick@grantthornton.ie Web: www.grantthornton.ie HDS Partnership Registered Auditors – Accountants – Tax Consultants – Business Advisors 2nd Floor,RiverPoint, Lower Mallow Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 445000 Fax: 061 445060 E-mail: mail@hds.ie Web: www.hds.ie Horwath Bastow Charleton Accountants and Business Advisors Horwath House, The Red Church, Henry St. Limerick. Tel: 061 310311 Fax: 061 318899 E-mail: info@horwath.ie Web: www.hbcl.ie Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Accountants and Business Advisors Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: info@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie John Quirke & Co. Racefield House, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 301260 Fax: 061 307863 Email: jonhquirkeandco@eircom.net O’Donovan Caulfield Lavin 1 Mt. Kenneth Place, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Fax: 061 411001 E-mail: info@odcl.ie O’Hurley Blair Irwin 3rd Floor, Mount Kenneth House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 401122 Fax: 061 401144 E-mail: info@obi.ie Web: www.obi.ie Joe Littleton & Co. Dangan Tulla Co.Clare Tel: 065 6835407 Fax:065 6835407

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Email: josephlittleton@eircom.net Web: www.jflconsultancy.com Sage Accredited Trainer ACCOUNTANCY COURSES BPP Professional Services 89 O’Connell Street. Limerick Tel: 061 310884 Fax: 061 310984 Email: limerickreception@bpp.com Web: www.bpp.com/ireland ADVERTISING AGENCY Southern Advertising Killoran House, Catherine Place, Limerick. Tel: 061 310286 Fax: 061 313013 Email: info@southernadlimk.com Web: www.southernad.ie ARCHITECTS & BUILDING ENERGY RATING ASSESSORS Brian O’ Donoghue Tait Business Centre, Dominic St., Limerick. Tel: 061 410318 Fax: 061 414315 Mob: 086 8122271 E-mail: architecturalservices@eircom.net ARTISTS Una Heaton Tel: 086 3735015 Email: unaheaton@eircom.net Web: www.unaheatonart.com Carmel T. Madigan Tel: 086 8197726 Email: ctmadigan@eircom.net Web: www.carmelmadigangallery.com AUCTIONEERS DTZ SHERRY FITZGERALD Hibernian House, 105 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 418111 Fax: 061 418112 Email: limerick@dtz.ie Web: www.dtz.ie BAR, BISTRO & NIGHTCLUB Aubars 49-50 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 317799 Fax: 061 317572 Email: sales@aubars.com Web: www.aubars.com BARS & NIGHTCLUBS Peter Clohesseys Bar & Sinbin Nightclub Howleys Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 468100 Fax: 061 404863 Email: eimear@peterclohessey.ie

Web: www.peterclohessey.com BICYCLES The Bike Shop O’Connell Avenue, Limerick Tel: 061 315900 BISTRO The Cornstore, 19 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 609 000/ 609 001 Fax: 061 409 334 Email: info@cornstorelimerick.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS BDO Business and Financial Advisors Four Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

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BUILDING CONTRACTORS Ace Services Glenameade Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 393 049 or 061 393 982 Fax: 061 393 303 Email: aceservices@eircom.net BUILDING SUPPLIERS Ballysheedy Building Supplies Ballysheedy, Co. Limereick (next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar) Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666 Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444 BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMS Clifford Security Alarms 16 Wickham Street, Limerick Tel: 061 313033 / 440151 Fax: 061 317412 Email: info@cliffordsecurity.com Web: www.cliffordsecurity.com BUSINESS BANKING Bank Of Ireland 125 O’Connell St; Limerick Contact: Denis Minihane Regional Business Banking Manager T: 061 419791 F: 061 418554 E: Denis.Minihane@boimail.com W: www.boi.com KBC Bank Ireland plc, Riverpoint, Bishops Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 448600 Fax: 061 468468 Email: damien.quigley@kbc.ie Web: www.kbc.ie Ulster Bank Midwest Business Centre 14 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316757 Fax: 061 312971 E-mail: midwestbusinesscentre@ulsterbank.com Web: www.ulsterbank.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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BUILDING CONTRACTORS Ace Services Glenameade Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 393 049 or 061 393 982 Fax: 061 393 303 Email: aceservices@eircom.net

CAR DEALERS Clareview Motors Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 221000 Fax: 061 221060 E-mail: info@clareviewmotors.com Web: www.clareviewmotors.com

BUILDING SUPPLIERS Ballysheedy Building Supplies Ballysheedy, Co. Limereick (next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar) Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666 Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444

CARPETS & FLOORING Provincial Floor Coverings Raheen Business Park, Raheen, Limerick. Tel: 061-227100 Fax: 061-227000 E-Mail: sales@pfl.ie Web: www.pfl.ie

BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMS Clifford Security Alarms 16 Wickham Street, Limerick Tel: 061 313033 / 440151 Fax: 061 317412 Email: info@cliffordsecurity.com Web: www.cliffordsecurity.com BUSINESS COACHES Action Coach Business Coaching Unit 1 C, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 338682 Fax: 061 338682 Email: joepower@actioncoach.com Web: www.actioncoach.com/joepower BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Limerick Chamber 96 O’ Connell St, Limerick Tel: 061 415180 Fax: 061 415785 Email: info@limerickchamber.ie Web: www.limerickchamber.ie Shannon & District Chamber of Commerce Shannon Business Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare Tel: 061 360611 Fax: 061 360440 E-mail: admin@shannonchamber.ie Web: www.shannonchamber.ie BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS CompuCount Ltd. 18 Cois Luachra, Limerick. Tel: 061 305033 Fax: 061 305291 Email: sales@compucount.ie Web: www.compucount.ie BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS Lantel Networks Ltd Roselawn House, National Technological Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 350350 Fax: 061 350360 Email: info@lantel.ie Web: www.lantel.ie

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CATERING Masterchefs Hospitality Epicurean House, Robert Street, Limerick Tel: 061 411522 Fax: 061 402021 Email: sales@mhm.ie Web: www.mhm.ie CCTV & SECURITY Advanced Monitoring No.2 Pillar House, Little Ellen St. Limerick Tel: 061 319 375 Fax: 061 311 805 Mobile: 087 2596955 / 087 2395039 Email: advancedmonitoring@eircom.net CHARTERED SURVEYORS, VALUE ENGINEERS, & PROJECT MANAGERS Bruce Shaw Partnership Bruce Shaw House, 6 Hartstonge Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 493515 Fax: 061 493516 E-Mail: contactus@bsplim.ie Web: www.bruceshaw.ie CLEANING Clean Habit B2 Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 361461 Fax: 061 361868 Email: mandy@cleanhabit.com Web: www.cleanhabit.com ISS Facilities Unit 11, Ashbourne Business Park Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 500300 Fax: 061 500301 Contact : Brian Kelly Mobile: 087 9159108 Email: brian.kelly@iss.ie Web: www.iss.ie

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICE Elite Cleaning Service Rose Cottage, Woodpark, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 372133 Fax: 061 372627 E-mail: elitecleaning@eircom.net Web: www.elite-contract-cleaning.com COMPUTER NETWORKING SALES & SUPPORT Action Point Unit 8B, Plassey Enterprise Centre, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: David Jeffreys Tel: 061 337 632 Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466 Fax: 061 301 924 Email: info@actionpoint.ie Fitzpatrick Computer Group Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick Tel: 061 493300 Fax: 061 417219 Email: sales@fcg.ie Web: www.fcg.ie O’Connor Network Services (ONS) Ardnataggle, O’Briens Bridge, Co. Clare Tel: 061 343412 Fax: 061 749842 Mobile: 087 8118690 E-mail: info@ons.ie Web: www.ons.ie CONSTRUCTION Roadbridge Ballyclough, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 419855 Fax: 061 414767 E-mail: headoffice@roadbridge.ie Web: www.roadbridge.ie CORPORATE GIFTS Craft Innovations Corporate Gifts Ltd. 5 Quin Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 415198 Fax: (061) 415208 Email: info@giftinnovations.ie Web: www.giftinnovations.ie Friendship Wines & Hampers Contact: Joe Crowley Tel: 061 455225 Mob: 087 7607495 Email: joe@friendshipwines.ie Web: www.friendshipwines.ie

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DRAINAGE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Walsh Environmental Services Drainage & Environmental Specialists Unit 1, Clondrinagh Industrial Estate, Ennis Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 325757 Fax: 061 325700 EVENT MANAGEMENT Funireland Event Management Childers Rd Enterprise Centre Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Email: info@funireland.com Web: www.funireland.com Woulfe Event Management, Tower View House, Glenview Avenue, Farranshone, Limerick. Tel: 061 321979 Mob: 087 7631999 Email: woulfeeventmanagement@eircom.net Web: www.woulfemanagement.ie FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES Hogan Financial Management Ltd 50 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 481444 Fax: 061 481445 Email: info@hoganfinancial.ie Web: www.hoganfinancial.ie Complete Financial Management 38 Roches Street Limerick Tel: 0818 333 680 Fax: 1890 886803 Email: enquiries@completefm.ie FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Prestige Detection Systems Limited Rathpalatine, Feohanagh, County Limerick Phone: 063 84920 Fax: 0865 254 5347 Email. Dave.enright@pdsl.ie Web: www.pdsl.ie FLORIST Flowers Forever Designer Florist Rachel & David Hannon Raheen Roundabout, Limerick. Tel: 061 307123

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Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: flowersforever.ie GLASS AND MIRRORS Mirror and Glassworx Unit 1b, Annacotty Business Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 333630 Mob: 087 2808184 Fax: 061 333631 Email: info@mirrorandglassworx.com Web: www.mirrorandglassworx.com GOLF COURSES Limerick Golf Club Ballyclough, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 414083 Fax: 061 319219 Email: lgc@eircom.net Web: www.limerickgc.com GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANCY Optic Nerve Design Group The Mill, Glentworth Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316955 Fax: 061 316965 E-mail: info@opticnerve.ie Web: www.opticnerve.ie GRAPHIC, WEB & WEB MARKETING IDF Marketing Ltd. Marine Village, Killaloe, Co.Clare Tel: 061 375412 Mob: 086 8176337 Email: info@idf.ie Web: www.idf.ie GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Edgewater Graphics Contact: Hugh Charlottes Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 318318 Fax: 061 318308 Email: hugh@egraphics.ie Web: www.egraphics.ie HOME FURNISHINGS Limerick Paint Supplies Pennywell Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 411292 Thomondgate, Limerick. Tel: 061 329828 Fax: 061 415874 Mob: 087 2503448

HOTELS Abbey Court Hotel, Lodges & Trinity Leisure Spa. Dublin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 067 41111 Fax: 067 41022 Contact: Matthias Muller M.I.H.I. Email: sales@abbeycourt.ie Web: www.abbeycourt.ie The Castleoaks House Hotel Garden Suites and Riverside Holiday Homes Castleconnell, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 377666 Fax: 061 377717 E-mail: info@castleoaks.ie Website: www.castleoaks.ie Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Revas Spa Adare, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 605100 Fax: 061 396073 Email: reception@woodlands-hotel.ie Web: www.woodlands-hotel.ie HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE ASSESSORS Auray Assessors Specialists in Property Claims Tel: 061 317264 Fax: 094 9541723 Email: aurayassessors@eircom.net Web: www.aurayltd.com HR CONSULTANTS The HR Channel Contact: Fiona O’Carroll Ballycarney, Clarina, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 353154 Mobile: 086 2051727 Email: fionaocarroll1@eircom.net

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

DISPLAY SignLynx Contact: Jack O’Loughlin Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie Web: www.signlynx.ie

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE & BUSINESS COACH Elaine Ryan & Associates 17 Ballycasey Manor, Shannon, Co.Clare. Tel: 086 2381555 Email: elaineryanhr@eircom.net Web: www.elaineryanandassociates.com INK REFILL & TONERS Ink Refill Depot 7B Denmark Street, Tel: 061 446446 Fax: 061 446456 Email: Brendan@inkrefilldepot.ie Web: www.inkrefilldepot.ie INSULATION Aerobord Ltd. Askeaton, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 604600 Fax: 061 604601 Email: mail@aerobord.ie Web: www.aerobord.ie

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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Avocent International Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 471877 Fax: 061 471871 Email: info-europe@avocent.com Web: www.avocent.ie

MARKETING Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie

INVESTMENTS, PENSIONS & MORTGAGES Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Financial Planning & Mortgage Solutions Life & Pensions – Mortgages – Investments – Wealth Management Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: fsinfo@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie

Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 Mob: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie

LIFE & BUSINESS COACHING Pathfinder 31b Cecil St. Limerick Tel: 061 215750 Mob: 086 8123834 E-mail: pathfinder@o2.ie LIFT SERVICES Mid Western Lifts Corcanree Business Park Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 400123 Fax: 061 400121 Email: info@mwls.ie Web: www.mwls.ie LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES Brown Thomas 16 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417222 Fax: 061 412191 Email: ldwan@brownthomas.ie Web: www.brownthomas.com MARQUEE HIRE O’Donovan Marquees Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 379328 Fax: 061 379328 Email: podmarquees@eircom.net Web: www.odonovanmarquees.com MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS Profiles at Work Executive Coaching, Training, Psychometric Testing Ballyheefy, Killaloe, Co. Clare Tel: 061 376461 Fax: 061 375496 Mob: 087 2640028 Email: amckles@eircom.net Web: www.profilesatwork.com

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MARKETING CONSULTANTS AND MARKETING RESEARCH Martin McGuire & Associates Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 228822 or 061 229233 E-mail: martinm@martinmcguire.com Web: www.martinmcguire.com MODULAR CONTAINERS, CABINS & OFFICES Ballysimon Containers Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMODATION Asp-ire Advance Space Providers Ireland Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICES ODCL Financial Services and Mortgages 1 Mount Kennett Place, Henry Street,Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Email: financial@odcl.ie Redmond Mortgages & Pensions 1A Hartstonge Place, Upper Hartstonge Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446629 Fax: 061 446809 Mobile: 087 8290736 E-mail: tommy@redmondmortgages.com OFFICE EQUIPMENT Gerry Webb Office Equipment 72 Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick Tel: 061 467380 Fax: 061 467380 Mobile: 087 2625768 Email: webfurniture@eircom.net

OFFICE EQUIPMENT / PRINTING & STATIONERY Curley Copy Centre Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Contact: Eileen Tel: 061 315331 Fax: 061 315171 Email: jhcurley@eircom.net OFFICE FURNITURE & SUPPLIES G & A Manifold (Showrooms) Unit 6E, Docklands Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 312777 Fax: 061 313434 Email: info@gamanifold.ie Web: www.gamanifold.ie Metro Office Supplies Unit 2 Crossagalla Enterprise Centre, Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 432000 Fax: 061 432001 E-mail: metrosales@eircom.net Web: www.metrooffice.ie PACKAGING IPS Industrial Polythene Solutions Contact Name: Sean O’Carroll Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 508980 Fax: 061 508984 Email: sean.ocarroll@ipslimited.ie Web: www.ipspackaging.ie PAINTING AND DECORATING Keith Larkin Clonlara Co. Clare. Residential, Commercial, Industrial. 087 2333772 email: larkink@eircom.net PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS Karl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd. 2nd Floor, Riverfront Building Howleys Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 318701 Fax: 061 318702 Mobile: 086 2602326 Email: karl@karldaly.com Web: www.karldaly.com or www.ssiaideas.ie PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURER Schwarz Pharma UCB (Schwarz Pharma Ltd) Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 714100 Fax: 061 714101 Email: info@ucb-group.com Web: www.ucb-group.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY Brendan Gleeson LIPPA NUJ 25 Cherry Avenue, Caherdavin Lawn, Limerick Tel: 061 453253 Mobile: 087 2159325 Email: gleesonphoto@eircom.net www.bgleesonphoto.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Able Marketing 50 Thomas Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417575 Fax: 061 410055 Email: sales@ablemarketing.ie Web: www.ablemarketing.ie PROPERTY DEVELOPERS Tiernan Properties Arthurs Quay House Arthurs Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 412462 Fax: 412251 Email: info@tiernanproperties.ie Web: www.tiernanproperties.ie PUBLIC RELATIONS Echo Marketing 5 The Mews, Hartstonge Street, Limerick. Mob: 087 9892463 Email: aileen.galvin@echomarketing.ie Web: www.echomarketing.ie Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 M: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie MKC Communications The Archway 4A Lower Pembroke Street Dublin 2 Tel. +353 1 703 8600 Fax. +353 1 678 8331 Email: info@mkc.ie Web: www.mkc.ie O’Brien Communications 30 Ashbrook Grove Ennis Road, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 457999 Mobile: 086 6019214

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Quinn Communications Contact: Niamh Quinn MPRII 38 Roches Street, Limerick. M: 087 1220119 F: 1890 886803 E: niamh@quinncommunications.ie PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES & PRIVATE HIRE Bus Eireann Colbert Station Limerick Tel: 061 313333 Fax: 061417166 Email: info@buseireann.ie Web: www.buseireann.ie PUBLIC RELATIONS & EVENT & MEDIA MANAGEMENT Woulfe Event Management Tower View House, Glenview Avenue, Farranshone, Limerick. Tel: 061 321979 Mob: 087 7631999 Email: woulfeeventmanagement@eircom.net Web: www.woulfemanagement.ie RADIO STATIONS (NATIONAL) Limerick Live 95 FM P.O Box 295 Radio House Richmond Court Dock Road Limerick Tel: 061 461 900 Fax: 061 41 95 95 Email: mail@live95fm.ie Web: www.live95fm.ie RTÉ lyric fm Cornmarket Square, Limerick. Tel: 061 207300 Fax: 061 207390 Email: lyric@rte.ie Web: www.rte.ie/lyricfm Contact: Aodán Ó’Dubhghaill & Julie Knight RECRUITMENT Irish Recruitment Consultants Charlotte House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick. Tel: 061 313744 Fax: 061 417553 Email:admin@irishrecruitment.ie Web:www.irishrecruitment.ie Richmond Recruitment Hibernian House, Henry St: Limerick. Tel: 061-413111 Fax: 061-416699 E-Mail: midwestjobs@richmond.ie Web: www.richmond.ie

Staff Solutions Unit 2 Belfield House, Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 329250 Fax: 061 329252 E-mail: info@staffsolutions.ie Web: www.staffsolutions.ie RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS Work Access Ltd. 1st Floor, Pillar House, Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 493095 Fax: 061 409345 Email: info@workaccess.org Web: www.workaccess.org

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PHOTOCOPIERS MJ Flood (Ireland) Ltd. (Sales & Service) 23 John Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312211 Mob: 087 7815252 Fax: 061 415595 Email: limerick@mjflood.ie Web: www.mjflood.ie

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

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RESTAURANTS Poppadom Award Winning Indian Cuisine Unit 2C, Robert Street, Corn Market Square, Limerick Tel: 061 446644 www.poppadom.ie SECURITY SHREDDING & CONFIDENTIAL WASTE DGD Papers Ltd. Bay M1, Raheen Business Park Limerick Tel: 061 491333 Fax: 061 491335 Email: info@dgdpapers.com Web: www.dgdpapers.com SIGNAGE SignLynx Contact: Jack O’Loughlin Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie Web: www.signlynx.ie Sign It Ltd Unit 6, Eastway Business Park, Ballysimon Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 469900 Fax: 061 417502 Email: Sales@signit.ie Web: www.signit.ie Signsplus Unit 7, Eastlink Business Park, Ballysimon Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 437950 Fax: 061 437940 Email: sales@signsplus.ie Web: www.signsplus.ie SOLICITORS Holmes O’Malley Sexton Bishopsgate, Henry St: Limerick. Tel: 061-313222 Fax: 061-310414 E-Mail: info@homs.ie Web: www.homs.ie

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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY .

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TAXATION BDO Personal and Corporate Tax Advisors 4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie

RECESSION BUSTER

TEAM BUILDING Funireland Team Building Specialists Childers Rd Enterprise Centre Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 E: info@funireland.com W: www.funireland.com WATER COOLERS & DISPENSERS Crystal Clear Leamy House, Hartstonge St: Limerick. Tel: 061-454962 Fax: 061-454449 Mobile: 087-2561239 E-Mail: info@crystalc.ie WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL Mr Binman Luddenmore Grange, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 351127 Fax: 061 35 918 Em l: nfo@mr nm n.c om W b: w w.mrbinman com

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e25 To subscribe to our Business Directory Listing please contact: Yvonne Sheehan on 061 - 214738 or Email: yvonne@businesslimerick.ie

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The Wine Buff 17 Upper Mallow Street, Limerick Proprietor: Mike O’ Mara Tel: 061 313394 E-mail: mike.omara@thewinebuff.com Web: www.thewinebuff.com

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Positive Outlook for the Economy An economic recovery indicator has shown a positive outlook for the economy. The AIB/Amárach Recovery Indicator experienced its strongest monthly surge in January, reflecting both a changing national ‘mood’ and a possible ‘seasonal boost’. The index has increased from 18 3 in December to 27.1 in January, with one third of all Irish adults agreeing that “the economic situation is bad but has stabilised”, while three-in-ten agree that “the economic situation is bad but showing a few signs of recovery”.

an increase since the December figures +9% points). Two in three adults (66%) believe now is a good time to buy a house for those who want to (an increase of 6% points compared to the December figure). “A majority remains conscious of paying off debts as a main priority (60%); only marginally up on December (57%). One quarter are steady in their agreement that they are saving more now because of the recession (26%, December was also 26% agreement). Significantly the same proportion agree (29%) to being happy to borrow money from a bank “if I need to”,

Other key findings from January’s ARI survey indicated that three-in-five adults (61%) are optimistic in spite of the current economic situation (an increase of 10% points compared to the December figure). According to the indicator, the majority of adults (52%) feel Ireland will be through the worst of the recession in 12 months time (this similarly shows

i.e. there is no increase in those willing to borrow,” the indicator added. Although from a macro perspective Irish adults appeared more optimistic about the future, were still conservative with regard to their own personal financial outlook and that they remain consistent in their views on savings and on debt repayment. The AIB/Amárach Recovery Indicator (ARI) is a monthly measure of consumer views on the economy now and in the future. It is designed to help businesses and planners anticipate the timing of economic recovery, especially in relation to consumer spending. Every month Amárach surveys a nationally representative sample from a combined online and face-to-face approach, used to achieve a representative reflection of the older population.

Leading UK ‘Enterprise Mobility’ giant opens in Limerick One of the UK’s leading enterprise mobility solutions providers, The Barcode Warehouse, is expanding its operations to the Republic of Ireland with a new office base in Limerick. Barry Long has been appointed as Irish Sales Manager of the warehouse giant, which has bucked the recession trend of closures through the company’s expansions. Enterprise Mobility solutions are the processes and technologies focused on managing the ever increasing array of mobile devices, wireless networks, and related services. “Despite the tough global economic climate, The Barcode Warehouse’s auto ID and enterprise mobility solution revenue has grown by 25% in 2009. A proportion of this revenue came from the Irish marketplace and we are looking forward to the opportunity of increasing this,” explained Clive Fearn, The Barcode Warehouse’s Sales & Marketing Director. “This year promises to be a very exciting time for The Barcode Warehouse. The expansion of our business operations outside of www.businesslimerick.ie

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the UK is key to helping us to achieve our goal of becoming the largest enterprise mobility solutions provider in Europe by 2013,” Mr Fearn added. Meanwhile, having worked in the auto-ID and enterprise mobility market for the last six years, Barry Long has extensive experience of the requirements of Irish users and is looking forward to his new role in Limerick. “The Irish marketplace is crying out for an enterprise mobility solution provider that can deliver all of the complex hardware and software elements as a simple integrated solution,” Long said. “The Barcode Warehouse’s considerable expertise makes it the perfect partner for organisations putting a toe in the auto ID and mobility space, or those who need to upgrade their existing solutions,” he added. The Barcode Warehouse has a significant existing Irish customer base across a range of sectors including: pharmaceutical, retail supply chain, and food manufacturing and is looking to extend this to other business sectors. The company

said it would be focusing on offering price competitive, fully featured solutions regardless of the number of users makes it ideal for Irish organisations with typically smaller deployments. “As the requirement for auto ID and enterprise mobility solutions grows, there is no doubt that end users are increasingly looking for a single provider that can not only supply the hardware and software but can also deliver managed services to support their deployments after roll out. It is crucial that once implementations go live the risk of downtime is minimized,” Clive Fear said. “We are looking forward to raising the bar for the supply of enterprise mobility solutions and managed services within Ireland,” he added. 61

05/02/2010 17:21:58

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"3D is the buzzword in global entertainment for 2010" With the release of such films as the science fiction blockbuster Avatar, a 3D film by Titanic director James Cameron, The new buzzword for entertainment in 2010 seems to be "3D".

Growth of 3D has been slow because of a lack of programming, the need to wear special glasses and the higher prices of 3D sets, but the release of films such as Avatar has renewed interest in the medium.

They said they were joining forces to 'accelerate the worldwide deployment of in home 3D to mainstream consumers.' Samsung is one of a number of major electronics manufacturers displaying 3D highdefinition television sets at CES this year as the industry seeks to expand 3D viewing beyond the movie screen and into the living room.

a 'complete 3D entertainment offering for the home' featuring a 3D television set, 3D BluRay player and 'stylish active shutter 3D glasses.' '3D has had a bumpy ride since the first 3D film back in 1922,' Baxter said.

South Korea's Samsung has teamed up with DreamWorks Animation, maker of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and other hit movies, and Technicolor in an effort to bring more 3D entertainment into the home. Samsung, DreamWorks and Technicolor announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that they have formed a 'global strategic alliance for the delivery of a complete 3D home entertainment solution in 2010'.

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3D tecnology will not only be limited to the inhome entertainment industry, Apple boss Steve Jobs will unveil the first Apple tablet this month , and it will come complete with 3D graphics. US sports broadcaster ESPN announced that it will show some World Cup football matches live from South Africa in 3D and Japan's Sony is partnering with Discovery and IMAX to launch a 24/7 3D TV network in the United States. 'We're forging the future of entertainment in what we like to call a new dimension,' Tim Baxter, president of the consumer electronics division at Samsung Electronics America, said at a Samsung press conference. He said Samsung, which came out with its first 3D HDTV in 2007, would be marketing

Internet giants Google have released an experimental browser plugin that will make it possible to display rich 3D graphics in Web content. Google hopes that the plugin will stimulate discussion within the Web development community and contribute to a nascent effort headed by the Khronos group to bring 3D graphics to the Web. It seems that this avalanche of 3D technology is set to change the way we view the world. IDF Marketing Ltd Tel: 061 375412 Email: info@idf.ie Web: www.idf.ie

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LIMERICKÕS UNVEILS NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FKA J=OD

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