Network Magazine - Issue 16 - Q3 2021 by Waterford Chamber

Wa t erfor d ch am ber

Issue 16 • Q3 2021

collaboration Budget 2022: Time to inject momentum and confidence Development plan: Waterford: a city of opportunity

For

Success Martin shanahan · IDA Ireland

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Issue 16 • Q3 2021

CONTENTS Message from Gerald Hurley, Waterford Chamber

hat a busy few months it has been since our last issue of Network Magazine. It is wonderful to see the economy opening back up again and a buzz around the streets of Waterford thanks to our wonderful festival offering and of course the addition of outdoor dining. In Chamber, normal event service has at last resumed and we were delighted to host our Annual Golf Classic at Waterford Golf Club in August. Congratulations to SE2 who took home the winner’s trophy and a sincere thank you to all our members who played. We also hosted our President’s Lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the Strand Inn in Dunmore East with guest speakers Henry de Bromhead and Seamus Power – two incredible ambassadors for Waterford. This week we launch our fifth Regional Leaders Programme which is growing year-on-year and next week sees our biggest Toys4Engineers event yet, spanning five days. We have also been working hard on our lobbying agenda, namely the Draft Waterford City & County Development Plan and our Pre-Budget submissions and you will find extracts from both on the pages ahead. To the fore of our agenda at this time is ensuring that appropriate funding is received by WIT as they transition into a Technological University

and we are also pushing to get funding for Waterford Airport. Having an operational airport is critical to the vibrancy and economic growth of the region as we look forward with ambitious plans. As the Christmas season approaches, one of our main priorities will be the Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers and we are asking all businesses to give the vouchers if you are considering Christmas bonuses this year. Last year saw our best year yet in terms of sales but sadly this year is lagging very much behind so far. We will put every effort into getting the message out there about the vouchers and ask that you also do your bit to support the local economy. Our local businesses need our support and the Shop Local Gift Vouchers are a great way to do that. As always your support of Waterford Chamber and the various initiatives we promote is very much appreciated. We look forward to reconnecting in person with you as our calendar of live events resumes and be sure to contact us if we can help you in any way. Gerald Hurley CEO, Waterford Chamber

08 COVER STORY

06 “We have another string to our transport bow in the city.” – John McSweeney

NETWORK • Q3 2021

“We have to compete for investment internationally.” – Martin Shanahan

16 “Waterford’s future will be as a university city.” – Richard Hayes

24 “A celebration of 100 years baking in Waterford” – Dermot Walsh

Issue 16 • Q3 2021

CONTENTS 34

“I wanted to challenge myself to live alone in a totally different place.” – Dan Chau Nguyen

“Customers won’t flock to your website just because it exists.” – Benedek Frank

“Tax is an essential commodity and requires a clear strategy.” – Colin Comerford PUBLISHED BY:

42 FEATURE

Waterford Chamber of Commerce 2 George’s Street, Waterford Tel: 051 872639 Email: info@waterfordchamber.ie

Christmas is coming Plans afoot for Winterval and the panto is back!

Web: www.waterfordchamber.ie Editor: Lynda Lawton Design: Michael Lynagh Advertising: Avril Bowe DISTRIBUTION: Digital copy emailed to 1,000+

Business community reunites after 557 days

website and social media (15,000+

Launch of fifth Regional Leaders Programme

Print copies sent to Government

Chamber and Energia Energy Partnership

contacts, uploaded to Chamber followers). 500 print copies. Ministers, officials, agencies and stakeholders, international IDA and Enterprise Ireland Offices and

Waterford – a city of opportunity

Time to inject momentum and confidence

Big business at Repligen

No part of this publication may be

Sailing into Wellness

system or transmitted in any form

Waterford to become 'City of Light'

Embassies around the world.

OF COMMERCE 2021 reproduced, stored in a retrieval or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed

Decarbonisation by 2040 – how?

Bite-Size News

Membership Directory

herein are not necessarily those of Waterford Chamber of Commerce. IMAGE CREDITS: Photos on pg. 30 by Garrett FitzGerald. Images on pgs. 06, 24, 32, 33, 35 & 40 by Pexels.com. Images on pgs. Photo on pg. 26 by IDA Ireland. 34 & 42 by Freepik. com. Photos on pgs. 20 & 50-51 by by Fáilte Ireland.

 Visit www.waterfordchamber.ie for the online edition 04

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Navigating the urban jungle – “Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.”

 By JOHN MCSWEENEY, President, Waterford Chamber

n recent weeks we have seen an increased focus on the benefits that cycling brings to a city environment as people return to offices and the previous morning flow of cyclists change to suit postCovid work patterns. Only last week the National Transport Authority and Waterford City & County Council began a consultation process around locations for stations for the bike sharing scheme in Waterford City. I recall being in City Hall on the 9th November 2011 when the then Minister for Public & Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly raised the issue of a city bike scheme being introduced. We are a patient bunch, and 10 years later we have another string to our transport bow in the city. Whilst cycling is generally viewed as a positive, environmentally friendly activity, much social media content is concerned with the actions of a few who are regarded as risk takers and law breakers. There can be no place for

such individuals who put themselves or others at risk, but likewise many who contribute to these negative remarks are no angels in using their own forms of transport. Recent WLR local radio coverage on the lack of a consistent and safe provision of cycling lanes has highlighted the need to ensure any plans for a greener and more sustainable city must be supported by a cycling strategy which makes access easier, safer and compatible with the public realm plans over the coming years. We can reference many examples of visionary steps taken in other cities which bring cycling to the heart of communities and reduce the need for many of the shorter vehicle spins which lead to increased congestion and frustration for others. Whilst there is a great acceptance of recreational riding, riding for transport is not viewed as a mainstream activity in the city. There is a need to improve the public acceptability of cycling and change public norms so it is seen

as an everyday activity that can be undertaken by almost anyone. Our goal in Chamber is to challenge the existing presentation of cycling facilities, starting with clearly defined cycle lanes that help protect and encourage an increased usage across the general public. We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better city and county with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities. Solutions must be found in providing and encouraging increased bike usage. From an EU perspective much consideration has been given to their strategic document on the subject and can be viewed on the following link: https://ecf. com/sites/ecf.com/files/EUCS_ Summary_small_file.pdf

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Business community reunites after 557 days I

n the beautiful surroundings of The Strand Inn, Dunmore East, Waterford’s business community finally came together after 557 long days at the Waterford Chamber President’s Lunch, which was sponsored by AIB Bank. Overlooking the bay, at the outdoor event, President John McSweeney said it’s time to move forward. “The South East needs a strong capital City. This is imperative if we are to create and maintain a city which is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable – a city and county to do business in and to do business with. “Being commonly referred to as the “5th City” in the republic should not inhibit our intentions in what we want to be – indeed our size can in many ways give us first mover advantage whilst other cities deal with more complex challenges. He went on to say, “Our intentions as a city and county should not be stymied by what happens elsewhere. Public representatives who are entrusted with managing

NETWORK • Q3 2021

finances must be brave, yet at times realistic, if only in accepting that we cannot achieve everything in a short period of time. However, we must maintain a realistic speed of delivery for our communities - it cannot always be on the long finger and we in Chamber will push for these changes to happen quicker and want to partner where we know we can add value with knowledge, expertise and track record.” In welcoming guest speakers Henry de Bromhead and Seamus Power, John said it was a wonderful “opportunity for us to acknowledge the achievements of two local sportspeople on the world stage.” Post a sumptuous lunch, former Chamber President Paul Nolan took over MC duties and presented a lively interview and audience questions and answers session with guests. Speaking of the year that was, racing legend Henry de Bromhead said it was still hard to believe and that his team at Knockeen must take a lot of the credit. “Communication is key,” he said

and that’s with his team and the horse owners. With Matt Shanahan TD present at the event, Henry was quick to point out he would much rather travel to Leopardstown than Limerick at the moment, saying “the sooner we get that road to Limerick done the better”, which was received with a round of applause from the guests. Meanwhile, Seamus Power spoke about how it was great to be home and to connect with his friends who have been with him down through the years. He told guests he believed the key to success was “having the right people around you” and that begins at home, with father Ned having attended the event with him. As the sun began to set over the beautiful Dunmore East, guests mingled over coffee and cupcakes with an atmosphere of positivity amongst a united business community which is determined to drive on and build a bright future for Waterford, the best place to live, to work and to do business.

COVER STORY

collaboration For

Success

Q: How is the South East region performing overall in terms of economic development?

A: It’s an exciting time for the South East in terms of economic development. As regards Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the performance in the region generally has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 24%. The main clusters in the region are in high value manufacturing with over 10,000 jobs within the Life Science’s cluster of companies spread right across the region. There are also important clusters in Technology, Engineering &

Industrial Technologies and International Financial Services, complemented by research centres that help win new business and assist existing client companies with transformation, assisting them to grow their operations and create extra jobs. There are 74 IDA client companies in all in the South East region, employing more than 13,400 people. Waterford is home to 39 of those companies, employing close to 8,000 people. In addition to direct employment and skills transfer benefit, IDA Ireland client companies continue to have a substantial wider positive effect on local economies with over eight

As Waterford moves forward with ambition to 2040, foreign direct investment will prove critical to the success of our region. Here Lynda Lawton speaks to Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland about their ambitions for the South East. jobs being created for every 10 jobs in an FDI company. In the South East region that translates to over 10,700 jobs being created indirectly from the FDI companies employing more than 13,400 to give a total of over 24,200 jobs created. The benefit to the economy of the South East region is clear: the spend by FDI companies in 2019 was €621m payroll, €221m in Irish services, €187m in Irish materials and €129m in in-house R&D. Waterford has seen some excellent announcements in recent years, including the most recent ones from Bausch & Lomb, a longestablished company in Waterford, Repligen and Horizon.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

“The value of a proactive, enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude and a collaborative environment cannot be overestimated when selling a location.” There’s been some other, very good recent announcements across the South East including, at the start of September, the news that financial services company State Street Corporation is expanding its operations in Kilkenny to include a new, 400-strong specialist team to provide technology infrastructure and cyber security services in support of its global operations. Healthcare provider and insurer UPMC announced in June 2020 the opening of a global technology operations centre in Kilkenny, creating 60 new jobs and in Carlow, US insurance company Unum announced an expansion of its technology centre with the creation of an additional 50 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs there to 200. In November 2020 Trilateral Research announced they were establishing an EU Centre of Excellence for software development, data science and data ethics in Kilkenny, creating 40 jobs. In Gorey, Co. Wexford, CSC Global announced in July last year, it was establishing a new European Centre of Operational Excellence, Capital Markets, Fund Administration and Depositary Services activities, creating 75 jobs. Waterford City and County are also home to a variety of other global companies like Sanofi, GSK, West Pharma, Teva, Eurofins, Jabil Nypro, Opko-Eirgen, Sun Life, ASG, Infosys BPM, the Agora Group and Emerald Contact Centre, all substantial employers. We launched our new IDA strategy – Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024

NETWORK • Q3 2021

– earlier this year. The strategy will be delivered through a focus on five pillars: Growth, Transformation, Regions, Sustainability and Impact. Regional development is at its centre. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. We will target half of all investments (400) from 2021-2024 to regional locations. In seeking to maintain the same high level of investment as targeted in IDA’s previous strategy for each region of the country we are fully cognisant of the challenges that lie ahead; the difficult global environment, even more intense competition for FDI and in the face of accelerating emerging trends that will reshape business models such as remote working and technology adoption.

Q: The recent announcements by Bausch + Lomb and Repligen show great confidence in the South East region. Do you believe we can leverage this to attract more industry?

A: Yes, most definitely. Both of these announcements are from established companies and these type of expansions show that companies have successfully established and scaled their operations and have the confidence to reinvest and expand. The announcement in June by biotech company Horizon Therapeutics that it is establishing a manufacturing facility in Waterford which will employ c.90 people

is a further vote of confidence in Waterford. Having tangible proof of a region’s value proposition in this way, i.e. being able to point to the existence of other global name companies and established clusters in their sectors is a huge advantage in demonstrating to potential investors the confidence these companies have in Ireland and what particular regions have to offer.

Q: What do you think are the key selling points for the South East region?

A: The key factors that investors look for include: • Critical mass of population and urban centres • Skills and talent availability • Clusters and ecosystems • Local infrastructure provision & connectivity • Availability of property solutions • Attractiveness, quality of life and placemaking The South East is fortunate in meeting much of this criteria, but we have to compete for investment internationally. Investors have loads of options. All other locations are improving their offering all of the time – it is important that the South East and Waterford does that too. Talent is always key – investors seeking to internationalise their operations and looking at Ireland as a potential location to do so are particularly interested in those

Bausch & Lomb, Waterford City

COVER STORY

locations that offer a strong skills pool. They also want attractive property solutions, good accessibility and connectivity, a strong pro-business environment and access to third level institutes. The educated and skilled workforce is here and the region is strongly supported in the provision of a skills pipeline by third level education providers Waterford Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford/Wexford Education & Training Board. The planned merger of WIT and IT Carlow to form a new Technological University of the South East will boost that offering. You also have the benefit of close proximity to University College Cork, Munster Technological University and the University of Limerick. IDA Ireland has, under its property programme, already delivered two Advance Building Solutions (ABS) to Waterford, the first occupied by EirGen-OPKO and the second becoming the new home of Repligen whose plans to fit out the 33,000 sq. ft. LEED Silver building were announced in late July and will create 130 new jobs. The new facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence for single-use consumable products used in bioprocessing applications. It will complement the company’s existing Waterford facility. Under IDA’s new property programme 2021-2024 in support of our new strategy, IDA will deliver a third ABS in Waterford and complete additional upgrade works and investment in our IDA parks in Waterford and across the region to assist in our efforts to

continue to win FDI for the region. The new Waterford ATB is one of three planned for the South East – construction on an ABS for Carlow is underway and we are working with Wexford County Council on advance planning permission for an ABS there. We have other sites in Waterford City and County that we are marketing too and we are looking at acquiring more lands for strategic development. At the same time we continue to partner with the private sector on the provision of suitable sites. Waterford’s proximity to Dublin and access to other main routes through a quality motorway network is an obvious advantage. Another important consideration is lifestyle. Companies want to locate in areas that are considered attractive places for people to live, with a good built heritage, social facilities and amenities. Waterford is very attractive in that regard with its beautiful natural environment that includes a long coastline, mountains and lakes, many areas of historical importance and great sporting cultural amenities and leisure amenities. It offers much to enhance the work life balance.

Q: What sectors are showing the most interest in terms of investing in Ireland?

A: I might answer that by telling

EirGen Pharma, Waterford City

you about the sectors we intend to pursue for investment. We will work to attract the next generation of leading-edge MNCs in our core sectors of focus as it presents the greatest opportunity for further investment, given our track record

of success in winning and maintaining investment from these sectors. These include Lifesciences, Technology and International Financial Services. We will continue to partner with existing clients to safeguard and enhance their mandates in Ireland, as mentioned, this is a key area of focus for us.

Q: What type of companies are you promoting Waterford to?

A: Those sectors in which there are existing clusters/hubs here, i.e. Life Sciences, Financial Services, Technology but we look for opportunities everywhere and from all sectors including emerging business, business services, media/ film/animation, sports technology to name a few.

Q: What would Waterford have to do to attract these business that you are getting enquiries from?

A: IDA Ireland cannot work in isolation in working to attract FDI to regions. Success is dependent upon collaboration between IDA and key stakeholders both nationally and regionally in a team effort to develop the best possible value proposition for regional locations. This has never been more important as we work to win future investment in the face of fierce competition from other countries looking to FDI to help rebuild pandemic-ravaged economies. Only by working together towards the common goal of strengthening our offering can we hope to

NETWORK • Q3 2021

succeed in winning further investment in a changed global environment for FDI. Continued collaboration and cooperation with local stakeholders including Waterford Chamber, with Waterford City & County Council and others is key. The value of a pro-active, enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude and a collaborative environment cannot be overestimated when selling a location.

Q: FDI visits to the Waterford City region are among the lowest in the country. What do you think the reason for this is and what should we be doing as stakeholders, along with Waterford City & County Council, to change that?

A: Six site visits were recorded for Waterford for 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic so those would have taken place before travel restrictions were

introduced in the first quarter of the year. There were 18 physical site visits in 2019 and 21 in 2018. These cannot be considered low numbers. That said, comparing site visit figures between one place and another is reductive, and does it accurately reflect the amount of marketing activity that takes place in a particular region. It should be borne in mind that companies visiting the region may visit more than one county/location within the region. Also many itineraries visit a number of different regions as part of an overall site visit programme. In response to COVID, IDA migrated many of its business development and client engagement activities to digital platforms during 2020. We developed a suite of digital content which can be accessed by potential investors. The Agency then developed this further with an E-Site Visit experience for potential investors. The use of

digital platforms by IDA staff has contributed to an enhanced digital engagement with existing clients and also in hosting E-Site visits with potential new investors. As with in-person visits, a number of locations can be marketed within an e-visit and Waterford had three e-visits in 2020, in addition to the six physical visits.

“Continued collaboration and cooperation with local stakeholders including Waterford Chamber, with Waterford City & County Council and others is key.”

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REGIONAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

(l-r): Guest speakers Normal People casting director Louise Kiely, Paul Stenson, White Moose Cafe and David McRedmond, CEO of An Post.

Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive launches fifth

Regional Leaders Programme W

aterford Chamber is delighted to announce the launch of the fifth Regional Leaders Programme which took place on Wednesday, 22nd September and will see over 50 new participants join the hundreds of other business professionals from the region who have already completed the programme and form part of its alumni. Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland joined this year’s virtual launch event as special guest speaker, addressing the new programme participants by offering his views on the importance of lifelong learning and leadership. Skillnet Ireland, through Waterford Chamber Skillnet, has been a major supporter of the Regional Leaders Programme since its inception, bringing funding and expertise to the table, making the offering the success it is today. Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland said: “Our close partnerships with industry tells us that the demand for critical leadership skills at management level is ever-present across businesses in all sectors. As many companies now return to the workplace or move into new working models,

the demands of reconnecting and reintegrating teams will require strong social capital skills including, leadership, building and maintaining relationships in a virtual world, team engagement and empathy. “I’m pleased to launch the Regional Leaders Programme as it enters its fifth year. The programme has been a vital support for businesses in the Waterford region in tackling the challenges they face in the immediate and long-term future.” Tommie Ryan, Network Manager at Waterford Chamber Skillnet said: “The Regional Leaders Programme is about inspiring future leaders, sharing knowledge and information and creating a powerful business network across the region. We are delighted to be a funding partner to the programme as it enters a landmark fifth year.” Mark Hennessy, Site Lead at Bausch + Lomb’s multi-function complex in Waterford also joined this year’s launch event as a guest speaker, having participated in the programme as a leader since its launch. The healthcare company which employs over 1,100 people in Waterford has been instrumental in the initial design and ongoing

development of the Regional Leaders Programme. Mark said: “Promoting leadership development is very much in line with our People Strategy here at Bausch + Lomb and we see tremendous value in the Regional Leaders Programme. We have had a number of our team involved over the years, both as leaders and participants and it has proved invaluable. Developing future leaders is essential for industry and through the Regional Leaders Programme, they get real-life experience and support from a cross-section of business people.” The Regional Leaders Programme runs over nine months and offers one-to-one leadership advice, group learning sessions and inspiring speaker lunches, featuring Normal People casting director Louise Kiely, Paul Stenson, White Moose Cafe and David McRedmond, CEO of An Post and previously CEO of TV3.  For more information on the programme, please visit www.rlp.ie

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Waterford Chamber and Energia announce Sustainable Energy Partnership

aterford Chamber and Energia announce Sustainable Energy Partnership As Waterford continues its bid to become Ireland’s first decarbonised city, Energia, Ireland’s greenest energy supplier and Waterford Chamber, recently named as Chamber of the Year in the Chambers Ireland Awards, have announced a multi-annual sustainable energy partnership. Waterford Chamber and Energia are committed to climate action and will work closely on advancing the ambition of Waterford becoming a carbon neutral city by 2040 in line with the Waterford Green Deal agenda. As Waterford Chamber’s sustainable energy partner, Energia will provide expertise, advice and information to the Chamber on its climate action programme and will also support keynote events including the flagship Toys4Engineers and Business Expo events, Webinars for Members, and the Green Excellence category of the Waterford Business Awards. According to Gerald Hurley, CEO, Waterford Chamber, the coming together of both organisations will have a hugely positive impact on Ireland’s oldest city and the wider South East region. “The Waterford Green deal initiative is made up of ourselves, Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Institute of Technology. Having Energia join the table as the Waterford Chamber Energy Partner for the next number of years, will bring added expertise and will help us realise the ambitious plans we have set out. “We have already had very positive engagements with Energia in

Derek Scully, Energia Head of Corporate Affairs, John McSweeney, Waterford Chamber President and Gerald Hurley, Chamber CEO.

terms of the latest technology and innovations that can improve our city and its environs and we will continue to research and develop new ideas so as a community we can achieve tangible results within the shortest time frame. “From a Chamber perspective, a partnership of this nature is a new departure for us and one we really welcome. Our lobbying agenda in terms of Energy and Sustainability is extensive and to have the knowledge and resources of Energia at our disposal will have a hugely positive impact. We look forward to building on our relationship and achieving real results for the wider community.” Announcing the partnership, Derek Scully, Energia Group Head of Corporate Affairs said: “As one of Ireland’s leading investors in sustainable energy infrastructure and supply, Energia is passionate about climate action, so we’re delighted

to be partnering with Waterford Chamber who are already committed to very meaningful sustainability goals, such as Waterford’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Waterford Chamber’s ambition and determination towards making such a decisive and necessary change, shown in the Waterford Green Deal, mirrors our own drive for innovation and we look forward to working together the Chamber and the people and businesses of Waterford towards achieving these ambitions.” As a leading Irish sustainable energy provider, Energia already has strong links with Waterford, supplying green electricity to homes and businesses across the City and County. The company is a long standing partner of Waterford based Grow it Yourself Ireland and is also the national sponsor of Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Building Ireland’s Renewable Energy Future At Energia we’re investing in a range of renewable energy solutions including hydrogen, bioenergy, battery storage and solar. Through these initiatives, we are addressing the challenges of energy provision in a world that is grappling with climate change. We are proud to say that we supply electricity that is 100% green and we provide 23% of Ireland’s wind energy.

Official Energy Partner to Waterford Chamber

What kind of future has

Waterford?  By RICHARD HAYES, Vice President for Strategy, Waterford Institute of Technology

NETWORK • Q3 2021

hile the pandemic has underlined for some that a working life combining rural living with a connection to the office is credible and somewhat sustainable, Covid has revealed more powerfully our deep human need for social contact, for the vibrancy of crowds, and the excitement of spectacle. That is, paradoxically, the pandemic has the potential to breathe new life into our cities, compelling citizens to look again at what our cities are for and what it is that we need from them. The pandemic will pass; what will linger and must be harnessed is the renewed sense of possibility associated with the experience of urban centres, including Waterford. Rightly we associate Waterford with its heritage, as having a Viking past, a medieval core, or, more recently, a history linked to manufacturing and trade. We should also think of Waterford as a city of the future that creates, through ambitious and careful planning, the deployment of technology and the mobilisation of citizens, an experience in the city that is unique and attractive. That experience should be attractive principally to Waterford people as a place to live, work and play – for we do not want a chocolate box city devoid of life after the tourists have left (a proposition based solely on tourism has been exposed elsewhere in the world during the pandemic), nor do we necessarily want a nine-to-five city without after-hours, evening and night-time activity. A living and sustainable city is one where citizens come not just to shop or visit but where they live and work. We need therefore a concentration of workers in the city and strong support for enterprises to locate there. Bringing people into the city will naturally bring life into the centre with consequent impact on trade.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Waterford’s future will be as a university city; already, the population of the city increases by more than 10% when WIT is in session and, if ambitious plans for the Technological University are supported by central government and realised, that student population will increase. The city needs to embrace this population and the institution; a significant increase in student population will not only retain considerable income in the city but will also attract well-paid staff and create significant employment in its own right. More important than this is the notion that the city as a university city will have learning and education at its core. A population, businesses and organisations that are always learning will be innovative and resilient, able to predict change not just respond to it. It is vital that we continue to invest in education for all citizens and to embed a learning culture in businesses and organisations as the best way to cope with future change. The “untaken city” refers not to our resistance to invasion but to the resilience and creativity of our population. A city is its citizens and a challenge for Waterford leadership – educational, civic, business, community – is to ensure that we have an empowered and enabled citizenry who are actively involved in the decisions that impact on their lives. It would be good to imagine a future Waterford in twenty or fifty years’ time not determined by robot sales assistants and flying cars but by participation of citizens through technology in live, ongoing, active decisions about the

city’s management and design. We are very well-equipped to realise such a future, given the technological capabilities of our academic researchers at WIT and the many fantastic and innovative companies in innovation-focussed industries like ICT, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food, and myriad others. Indeed we can become a model city for Ireland, Europe and the world in this respect. Indeed, the Covid pandemic has highlighted for us all the more usually invisible interdependencies and connections that have come about because of globalisation. Waterford has in its midst many companies and organisations, amongst them WIT, with very strong global partnerships and connections. We must draw more from these networks and remind ourselves of Waterford’s very deep tradition as a cosmopolitan centre for trade; we must embrace a future characterised by diversity and position the city firmly as first and foremost a European city. The global connectivity of institutions like WIT within the city lends such a global positioning credibility and meaning. A bright future is ahead for the city of Waterford.

The “untaken city” refers not to our resistance to invasion but to the resilience and creativity of our population.

Waterford

( a city of opportunity

In response to the Draft Waterford City & County Development Plan, Waterford Chamber, along with Fewer Harrington & Partners, prepared a submission outlining key priorities and recommendations to drive Waterford forward. The full submission can be reviewed at www. waterfordchamber.ie and focuses on key areas which are pertinent to the economic development of Waterford. While the full submission is a lot more extensive, here are the opportunities as agreed by stakeholders who contributed. INDUSTRY RETAIL • Retail units should be small and focus on independent retailers. • Rates should be reflective of the independent nature of business in the area to encourage engagement with available units i.e. T/O-based rates assessments. • Streets should be zoned as pedestrian only. • Building owners should be incentivised to open up ground floor space for smaller retail units Encourage and promote alternative business by: • Offering affordable multi-purpose units. • Leverage the strong cultural initiatives already established such as Spraoi, Waterford Walls etc. to enhance the character of the area. • Provide permits for street retailers and street food providers. • Allow for “peak period” pedestrianisation of the area such as Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

To support the promotion of Waterford City as the ideal centre for service and knowledge-based business, the city needs to offer: • A readily available talent pool • A vibrant city centre • Available, flexible use office units close to the city centre • Park & Ride facilities to support commuters, reducing long-term parking requirements in city centre • More frequent commuter rail services to service commuter belt towns • Increased supply of mid-tier accommodation – rental and for sale • Increased supply of flexible and high-quality childcare places • Increased supply of community spaces • Regional airport services to support FDI investment in the area • Increased collaboration with 3rd and 4th level education institutions Benefits for locating services-based industry close to city centre: • Uptake in leases for unoccupied city centre units • Increased daytime footfall with disposable income • Increased spend across all sectors e.g. retail, hospitality, leisure etc. • Increased engagement with city centre accommodation by young professionals

NETWORK • Q3 2021

HOUSING • By bringing vacant apartments, houses and retail space back to life in the city centre you also create a vibrant city. The Council could provide incentives such as finders fees to parties who successfully introduce a landlord to the repair and leasing initiative. • For property owners or buyers of properties which could be converted into multi-unit dwellings – a fast-track planning system could be explored. Available stock is at a critical low. • Introduce a planning by-law that a sub-let of a private house (Airbnb or student use) requires planning permission. • Introduce a one-stop-shop self-certification solution to simplify the process to assist owners to understand how to bring over-the-shop back into residential use. • Create a property register to identify vacant properties. • Address the affordable housing market in the city centre as the social market is oversaturated and the tenure mix is unbalanced. • Identify suitable city centre locations for student accommodation. • Consider how to create smart communities so that Waterford is at the forefront of remote working potential. • Create a planning exemption policy for provision of working from home garden rooms/ offices.

WATERFORD AIRPORT • Services – WCCC/Irish Water need to commit to providing mains water and sewerage facilities to the lands suitable for all future development. • Broadband – WCCC need to extend the metropolitan fibre network to Waterford Airport. • Sustainability – WCCC need to establish an energy policy around the airport and its carbon footprint. • Deliver the runway expansion. • Identity – WCCC/Chamber to undertake a detailed economic evaluation and planning exercise to establish the type of airport and airport business the region needs and the type of airport the international partners would want in the region. • Land use – WCCC/IDA/Stakeholders – Create an SDZ-type planning solution around the airport. A detailed masterplan should be prepared to include roads/services and building types so that it is almost shovel-ready for investors or end-users to deploy capital and get immediate traction for investment and be assured of building programme delivery. This masterplan should also address any environmental issues and put in place any mitigations identified to close this issue out. • Marketing – WCCC/Chamber to engage in a targeted marketing programme for investors and to establish relationships with key industry leaders to understand/promote and shape the future of the airport.

TOURISM • Facilitate the development of visitor accommodation through zoning, planning policy, and incentives – in particular there should be incentives for converting older vacant large buildings into boutique hotels or short-term self-catering accommodation. • Extend the Greenway into the City Centre urgently with simple signage and road linepainting. • Facilitate passenger flights into and out of Waterford Airport. • Facilitate building façade improvements, such as painting and container planting, through incentives. • Convert driving streets into shared space for drivers, walkers, cyclists and on-street parking by converting two-way streets into single lane one-way streets. • Develop Park & Ride facilities to remove some of the city centre parking needs and alleviate traffic congestion.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Time to inject momentum and confidence As Budget 2022 approaches, Waterford Chamber has made a submission to Government highlighting two key asks. The priority in Budget 2022 must be to take swift and tangible steps to inject momentum and confidence into the South East economy to ensure the targets of the Ireland 2040 plan are not missed. In particular we proposes two key actions in Budget 2022.

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PRIORITY #1: MAKING THE NEW TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MEANINGFUL For generations, Waterford and the South-East region has enthusiastically sought a university as the definitive economic, social and cultural gamechanger for the region. The new technological university has the potential to address that need – but only if resourced on an equal footing to universities and technological universities in other regions. Currently 60% of all leaving certificate students leave the region for higher education. Full-time undergraduate higher education capacity has stagnated in the region over the past 20 years. This migratory pattern has a significant impact on demographics, leading to a missing generation of 20-45 year olds, a lower regional birth-rate and a higher dependency ratio. Government policy has artificially produced the brain drain through capital investment and institutional arrangements that supported growth in universities. Indeed the brain drain is Government policy, operationalised in the university borrowing framework, Government negotiated staff contracts, the HEA recurring grant allocation model, SFI and other research funding, and capital grants allocations. These measures have enabled the university sector to grow by 40% since the year 2000, against the RTC/IoT/TU sector growing by just 3%. At the end of the TU processes nationally, the South East will be left with one higher education institution and it is simply an essential requirement of all stakeholders that our new institution be able to absorb similar resources to the higher education institutions in other regions – the West, Mid-West, Midlands and South West – regions that have universities and technological universities. Without this, the new institution will fail to halt the braindrain and contribute to the social and economic progress we all aspire for the region, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040 national plans. MEASURES TO ADDRESS PRIORITY 1 1. Enact the borrowing framework for the new regional university to enable it to access European Investment Bank funding. 2. Support the acquisition and development of the additional lands and building on the Cork Road, Waterford campus. This measure is required to allow the new technological university to double the Waterford footprint through the strategic campus development outlined in the Draft Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022–2028. 3. Support a revised HEA funding model to support regional higher education service provision on an equitable basis.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

PRIORITY #2: RESTORE AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY TO THE SOUTH EAST Waterford Airport is recognised in the National Planning Framework, the Southern Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and National Aviation Policy as a key enabler of regional economic development. The runway at Waterford Airport is currently 1,433m and requires an extension of 500m to accommodate short-to-medium narrow-bodied airliners such as the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. Despite many valiant attempts that demonstrated significant market demand, it is simply uneconomic to serve UK and European routes with turboprop operations, smaller plane types that can use a shorter runway. Thus capital investment is required to make the airport competitive and sustainable as a fully functioning commercial airport. Investment to bring Waterford Airport to a projected 1m passenger movements is envisaged to cost €12m. Regional MNCs and Irish enterprises continually inform Waterford Chamber that the airport is a strategic priority to facilitate business and generate further investment into the region. From most of the airport’s catchment it is not possible to fly in and out of the UK or Europe – early morning flights from Dublin require an overnight, a later return presents employers with safety concerns. Investment in the airport is critical to reduce the economic marginalisation of the whole South East region. MEASURES TO ADDRESS PRIORITY 2 1. Reconfirm the availability of the €5m funding line for the runway extension for the next five years, and work quickly and flexibly with local authorities, the airport company and other commercial partners to support the emergence of a viable and self-sustaining airport in the region. 2. Provide funding to Waterford Airport on an equitable basis with the other regional and state airports. 3. Ensure no further deterioration in services provided at Waterford Airport whilst we await planning permission and the return of normal commercial aviation activity. Work to ensure the current income and supports and maintained at Waterford Airport.



The submission can be read in full at www.waterfordchamber.ie

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

AVAILABLE FROM WATERFORD CHAMBER Phone 051 872639 or email info@waterfordchamber.ie or order online at waterfordchamber.ie

WATERFORD CREDIT UNION Tramore, Upper Grange & Parnell Street

ACCEPTED BY OVER 180 LOCAL BUSINESSES ARTS, LEISURE, TRAVEL Activate • Faithlegg Golf Club • Freedom Surf School • Garter Lane Arts Centre • Harvey Travel • Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium • Non-Stop Karting • Pirate’s Adventure • Splashworld • Spokes Cycles • Strand Travel Worldchoice • Tramore Golf Club • Velocity Virtual Reality • Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Waterford & Tramore Racecourse

BARS, RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS Blackfriars Coffee • Bodega! • Burzza • Carter’s Chocolate Café • Coach House Coffee • The Coffee Vault • The Cove Bar • Dooley’s Hotel • Eastenders Restaurant • Everett’s Restaurant Faithlegg Hotel • Geoff's Café Bar • The Gingerman Bar • Ginos • The Granville Hotel Greenway Manor Hotel • The Haven Hotel • Hibernian Gifts • The Kazbar • Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium • Majestic Hotel • McDonald's Restaurants • Momo Restaurant • No.9 Café • NYCD • O’Shea’s Hotel • Oskar’s Bar Paula's Delicatessen • The Pier Café • Pinks • Ramen • The Reg • Revolution • The Riverside Cottage • The Strand Inn • The Three Shippes • Tower Hotel • Treacy’s Hotel, Spa & Leisure Centre • Veronica’s Café Victoria's Incredible Edibles • Viking Hotel Waterford • Waterford Marina Hotel

FASHION Alfie Hale Sports • Altitude • Azzurri Sport • Evolution • Fitzgerald Menswear • FitzU • Foot Solutions G.L. Ryan Jewellers • Hallmark Jewellers • The Hanger Boutique • Harlow Fine Jewellery • Heroes Higgins • Island Lane Jewellers & Giftware • Janelle • Jenny Shoo Bootique • Kellys of Waterford Mc’s Outdoor Store • Muse • Narnia Vintage Emporium • Orchid Boutique • Pamela Scott • Paul Sullivan Goldsmith • Personal Touch • Petit Cheri • Phelan’s Shoes • Redlane Boutique • Shaws Department Stores • The Shoe Centre • Shoobaloo • Skechers • T-R-M • USA Clothes Store • Vero Moda Waterford The Vintage Factory

HEALTH & BEAUTY Aiste Beauty & Training • Aphrodite Beauty • Beautorium • Brennan’s Pharmacy • CBD Ireland • Colm Morrissey Hair Studio • Delany's Pharmacy • Dynamic Chiropractic • Eyecatchers Opticians • Haven Pharmacy Kennys • Major Opticians • Mulligan’s Pharmacy • Mum N Me • Nolke Opticians • Phelan’s Pharmacy • Power’s Pharmacy • Purebliss Beauty Salon • The Salon at George’s Court • Sam McCauleys Shades Hair Studio • Smovey Health • Specsavers (City Square) • Specsavers (Waterford Shopping Centre) • Spirit Beauty Spa • Stratus Healthcare Pharmacy • Tower Hotel • Urban Hype • Wigworld

HOME, ELECTRICAL, MOTORS About Flooring • Charisma Blinds • Colourtrend • Deevy Motor & Marine Accessories • Island Lane Interiors • Kelly & Dollard • McCormacks Hardware & Fuel Merchant • Mirrors.ie • Morris Builders Providers & DIY • Sienna Home Furnishings • Soundstore • Tara Blinds • Tinsley Interiors • Tom Murphy Car Sales • Tramore Tyre Centre

SHOPS & SERVICES Ardkeen Quality Food Store • Ballybeg Stores • The Book Centre • The Book Resort • Cahill's • Cantec Group • Casia Flowers • Caulfield’s SuperValu • Carry Out (Tramore) • Carry Out (Barrack Street) • Clannad Care • Cove Stores • David Murphy Studio • Finders Keepers • Flowers By Lucy • The Framing Studio • Gadget Man • Gerry O’Carroll Photography • Harbour Stores • Hickson’s Centra (John Street) • Keyfast • Leo Murphy Photography • Mc’s Outdoor Store • M.W. Keller & Son Solicitors • Maxi Zoo Waterford • Michael Kearney Butchers • Molloys Butchers Ardkeen • OfficeMaster • Parker Law • Purple Lotus • Seagull Bakery • SuperValu Kilbarry •Tramore Cycle Services • Tramore Pro Shop • Urma Sports • Waterford Comics • Waterford Hearing Services • Worldwide Wines

100 A

century inthe baking

alsh's Bakehouse HQ at the Lacken Road Business Park transformed into a bustling one-day free-to-attend celebration event of big birthdays, blaas and a delicious showcase of some of the amazing food and drink producers from across the region during the recent Harvest Festival. The ‘feastival’ was a coming together to recognise Walsh’s Bakehouse 100 years in business. Speaking after the event, Dermot Walsh, Managing Director, said: “Many thanks to all for such a successful event on-site at Walsh’s Bakehouse in conjunction with the Harvest Festival and a celebration of 100 years baking in Waterford. It was fantastic to see so many customers, food trade industries, families, friends, and work colleagues enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in glorious September sunshine. It appears that everyone enjoyed the

great local food experience, food talks, music, beverages and bakery tours.” Commenting on the celebratory event, Festival Co-Director of Waterford Harvest Festival Shell Holden commented, “Waterford's food and drink landscape is alive with long-established producers like Walsh’s Bakehouse and also young emerging talent, all whom are passionate and creative businesses. As part of the 100th birthday mini-feastival celebration visitors could meet some of amazing makers, creators and producers from Waterford and sample their creations including the likes of Freezin’ Friesian, Irish Viking Cider, Thin Gin, Coffee House Lane, Knockalara Farmhouse Cheese, Coolydoody Farm, DessertFirst and many more.” Walsh’s Bakery was started by Patrick Walsh in 1921. His sons, Ritchie and Artie took over his

bakery in Ballybricken, the heart and soul of Waterford commercial life for so many years. It was here that the current owners, Michael and Dermot Walsh, began to learn the skills of baking from their grandfather, uncles and their own father. Since 1985, they have continued the tradition of great skill, great service and great flavour. The Walsh family are passionate bakers and particularly proud of their Waterford Blaa which achieved PGI designation in 2013. Michael and Dermot opened a new state-of-the-art bakery in 2017. Designed to the highest industry standards, breads produced at this site include brioche, ciabatta, scones and rolls in addition to the Waterford Blaa range. Wishing Dermot and Michael every continued success and huge congratulations on the 100 year milestone.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

IDA Ireland’s Advance Building Solution facility, where Repligen is locating its new centre of excellence

BIG BUSINESS at Repligen L

ife sciences company Repligen has announced plans to significantly expand its manufacturing operations in Waterford, creating 130 new jobs over the next two and a half years. Headquartered in Massachusetts, Repligen develops and commercialises bioprocessing technologies and systems that increase efficiencies in the process of manufacturing biological drugs. The company is currently fitting out a 33,000 sq. ft. environmentally friendly building to serve as a centre of excellence for single-use consumable products used in bioprocessing applications. Repligen already operates a 10,500 sq. ft. facility in Waterford, which was formerly owned by Artesyn Biosolutions. Repligen acquired that business in a $200m deal last year. It currently employs 74 people. James Bylund, senior VP of Global Operations and IT with Repligen, said that the buildout is an important step in expanding

NETWORK • Q3 2021

capacity and establishing dual manufacturing sites for key singleuse consumable products. “The timing is excellent as we are actively expanding our Waterford site with the addition of 40 employees during the second half of 2021 and expect to open the new building as a centre of excellence in 2022,” Bylund added. Jonathan Downey, Managing Director at the Repligen site, said that the company is energised and excited about its integration with Repligen. “In addition to our expansion of Artesyn products and the transfer of manufacturing of certain of Repligen’s current products to our Irish operations, we expect to be utilising the Irish sites to advance additional research, development and innovation programmes,” he continued. Congratulating Repligen, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber said this is a huge vote of confidence by the US-based life sciences company.

“This announcement is hugely significant not just in terms of jobs but also in terms of the green agenda and Waterford’s bid to become a decarbonised city. The incredible new facility acquired by Repligen, a 33,000 square foot LEED Silver building, is at the forefront in terms of energy efficiency and the IDA must be complimented on creating a plant with the green agenda at its core. “We are delighted for Managing Director Jonathan Downey, who recently became a Director of Waterford Chamber, and his extended team. This expansion adds to Waterford and the South East’s reputation as a leading hub for life sciences and, coupled with the recent jobs announcement from Bausch + Lomb, there has never been a better time to consider relocating to the region.”

Sailing into Wellness

— not your average team building event!

ailing into Wellness is a not-for-profit social enterprise born out of a passion to utilise the unique setting of the sea to help communities. Founded by Colin Healy and James Lyons, their vision is for Sailing into Wellness to be a healthy natural solution for people to look after their physical and mental well-being, be it through community groups or corporate organisations. If you are a business with a wellness programme, not only can you provide a fantastic opportunity for your team to bond and empower their mental health, but by doing so you will also be helping community groups, as your financial contribution will be used to sponsor others. Your funding, in addition to support from the Waterford Wexford ETB, will continue to help groups from TREO, U-Casadh and Aiséirí, children with autism and others. So far this year, Sailing into Wellness has helped over 300 people. According to Colin, an expert by experience after a personal battle with addiction and depression and discovering the therapeutic value of sailing, “100% of our profits are used to fund community sailing projects. As a corporate company, by sailing with us you

are directly funding vulnerable groups to experience a completely new environment on the open sea. Your contribution helps us to support our participants to overcome both physical and mental challenges in an environment that is both exhilarating and therapeutic. “In addition to our corporate programmes, we work with those affected by substance abuse and poor mental health, to help build their recovery; sailing is proven to be a powerful tool in their development. We also provide at risk youths an opportunity to take part in an educational and therapeutic physical group activity. “We take our participants out of their normal environment and into one which inspires and challenges. This is experiential learning in its rawest form; the benefits go far beyond those of learning a new skill (sailing), as our participants not only learn about themselves they allow themselves to connect with their peers in a way which is unlikely in their everyday environment.”  To support Sailing into Wellness and to find out more information, please go to www.sailingintowellness.ie

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Waterford to become

'City of Light' U

nder Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animations Capital Investment Scheme, Waterford City and County Council has been awarded €539,275 to support sustainable tourism development through public realm and urban animation projects. The successful project application ‘City of Light’ is set to transform and re-imagine Waterford’s urban centre for visitors and communities. The application identified a collection of 21 different locations across the city centre, where a new night time trail will be developed to establish Waterford as an iconic ‘City of Light’. The trail will connect four different zones of Waterford City centre; Waterford Viking Triangle, Waterford Cultural Quarter, the retail spine and the Apple Market which is the core area for the evening and night time economy. According to Lisa Grant, Economic Development, Waterford City and County

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Council, Waterford offers a broad range of day time visitor attractions, however the proposal to create a night time attraction was particularly well received. “The light trail not only creates an opportunity to develop new night time tours but also creates opportunities for visitors to self navigate and explore the city at night. Given that the lighting will have the greatest impact in the off-peak winter season, this project will spread tourism throughout the year in the off-peak and shoulder seasons, so the benefit will be felt throughout the year.” Each of the 21 locations included on this new trail has a story to tell about Waterford’s history and commercial heritage. Through the further development of digital trail being advanced under the Fáilte Ireland Destination Towns project, QR codes at each of the locations will lead to more insight and animation of the story of the building, thus strengthening the connections between people and the placed they share.

The 21 locations identified to make up the City of Light trail are: • Beach Tower, Jenkins Lane • Bishops Palace • Blackfriars, Conduit Lane • Central Library, Lady Lane • City Hall, The Mall • Double Tower, Castle Street • French Church, Greyfriars • French Tower, Browne’s Lane • Menapia / Waterford Crystal, The Mall • Museum of Silver, Cathedral Square • Museum of Time, Greyfriars • Old Munster Express Building, • Hanover Street / The Quay • Presbytery, George’s Street • Reginald’s Tower • St. Martin’s Gate, Spring Garden Alley • The Granary, Hanover Street • Walls at the Manor / Castle Street / Browne’s Lane • Watchtower, Railway Square • Waterford Gallery of Art, O’Connell Street • WCQ Art House, 7/8 Thomas Street • WVW Plaza, The Quays

The countdown is on for

Toys4Engineers E

xcitement is building ahead of this year’s Toys4Engineers and with less than a week to go there is still plenty of time to get involved. Waterford Chamber are delighted to announce that Irish energy firm Energia is the overall sponsor of this event, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years. As Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber explains, “Toys4Engineers is now in its fifth year and has become the perfect platform to connect like-minded people from across Ireland and beyond in the area of engineering, be it in pharma, research, energy, ICT, technology and so on. “Ultimately the aim of the event is to showcase companies and encourage them to do business and the success of that has been noted with various contracts achieved over the past number of years.” Speaking on their partnership, Derek Scully with Energia said: “As a leading Irish energy provider and innovator, we’re delighted to partner with Waterford Chamber and Toys4Engineers. Energia is always striving to find new and exciting renewable energy ideas to help

combat climate change and support Ireland’s climate action agenda. Toys4Engineers also fosters that creativity by bringing experts, innovators and inventors together from a wide variety of sectors and encouraging them to demonstrate their latest developments, inspiring all of us towards a sustainable energy future.” Gerald explains what’s in store for the week. “Like last year, we will be online but instead of just three days, we are now running across five days from September 27th to October 1st, which we are so excited about having the full support of Energia as our overall sponsor. We also have the backing of Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Institute of Technology, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Red Hat and Cobotics Skillnet, which shows how well received Toys4Engineers is. It taps into sectors which are leading the way, not just in Waterford and the South East, but nationally and globally.” There are a number of elements to this year’s event – Meet the

Buyer, live industry conferences, training, an online jobs fair in partnership with Crystal Valley Tech, Speed Networking and a Career guidance seminar for students, which is sponsored by Red Hat. The flagship event is a live streamed webinar on Waterford and the Green Deal, which will feature Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford Council; Owen Power, Enerpower, Marc O’Cathasaigh, Green Party TD and Derek Scully, Energia’s head of corporate affairs, who will present on the latest innovations and technologies, along with exploring new ideas and looking at international examples of best practice as Waterford bids to become Ireland’s first decarbonised city.  To register for any of these events, which are all free, please go to www. toys4engineers.ie

NETWORK • Q3 2021

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ENGINEERS .

MEET THE BUYER 27/28/29 SEPT & 01 OCT

9.30am to 11.30am

TO REGISTER, EMAIL LYNDA.LAWTON@WATERFORDCHAMBER.IE

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ENGINEERS .

SPEED NETWORKING

THURSDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 10.00am to 11.00am

Make new contacts as we rotate Zoom breakout rooms every 15 minutes REGISTER AT WWW.WATERFORDCHAMBER.IE

Decarbonisation by 2040 – how? A

s Waterford bids to become the first decarbonised city in Ireland, now is the time to fully understand what the roadmap looks like and what we can do to help. As part of Toys4Engineers 2021, Waterford Chamber is holding an exclusive webinar, which will be opened by an address from Minister Eamon Ryan, Leader of the Green Party, on Thursday, 30th September at 12.30pm. Following the Minister’s address, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council will outline his vision for carbon neutrality, while Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan will offer examples of international best practice and how other cities across Europe are striving towards carbon neutrality. To advise on how we can all make a difference, Owen Power

of Enerpower and Derek Scully of Energia will present on the latest innovations and technologies, along with exploring new ideas and practical examples of how the business community and wider public can get involved. The webinar will be chaired by Dr Ken Thomas, Head of the School of Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology, who says, “This webinar presents the ideal opportunity for us as a community to clarify what actions are required and how quickly to make Carbon Neutral Waterford a reality by 2040.” We are encouraging the public to register today and feel free to share with your networks. If we work together we can achieve this goal for our city and county and your support is very much needed. Following the presentations, the

speakers will be joined by Marc O’Cathasaigh, Green Party TD and a senior executive from Enterprise Ireland to discuss the local challenges and what funding opportunities are available for businesses. The panel will also be on hand to answer any questions via the live digital platform.  To register for the webinar, go to www.toys4engineers.ie or www. waterfordchamber.ie

NETWORK • Q3 2021

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ENGINEERS .

CAREER GUIDANCE FRIDAY, 01 OCTOBER

10.00am to 12.30pm

WEBINAR

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ENGINEERS .

GREEN DEAL WEBINAR THURSDAY, 30 SEPT 12.30pm to 2.00pm

Leading experts in the fields of decarbonisation and the Green Deal REGISTER AT WWW.WATERFORDCHAMBER.IE

BITE SIZE

NEWS

.. WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS • 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) • Ace Metric Engineering • Affordable Luxury Furniture • Double.L Media • Energia Group • Glenveagh • King Castles • Konnektable Technologies • Mediforce • Quirico

SE2 WIN CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC Waterford Chamber President John McSweeney presenting the winning prize to Ger Scully, Luke Curran and Cormac Dunphy. Also included are Tom Walsh, Waterford Crystal and Brian Deveraux, EY.

THE HAVEN HOTEL TO BUILD NEW EVENT AND WEDDING FACILITY The Haven Hotel in Dunmore East is delighted to have been granted planning permission (subject to conditions) to build a new event and wedding facility at the hotel. The new building will sit quietly into the top bank of the lawns and, while it will be virtually unnoticeable from the road, it will still enjoy the stunning Hook Peninsula views. It will be accessed via a staircase and lift from within the hotel and from a staircase from the terrace and will be able to host one large event or wedding or up to four several smaller events at one time. Paul Kelly, owner and manager of The Haven Hotel, commented: ‘’This will not only enable us to hold bigger functions and events, but it will also allow us to increase employment within the hotel as well as creating more job opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.”

NEW OFFICE, NEW BRAND FOR DOUBLE.L MEDIA On August 1st this year Double.L Media celebrated their one-year anniversary of moving into their new office space in the Six Cross Roads Business Park, Waterford and with their 4 years in business anniversary coming up later this year they celebrated with a re-brand, formally known as AnchorMedia. They team at Double.L Media fitted out their new office space last year in the middle of the pandemic and moved in without the opportunity to have clients and neighbouring businesses together for an opening day due to restrictions. ‘’We’ve created almost 100 brands or either helped businesses re-brand since we opened and it was time we did so ourselves to portray the broad range of services under the digital marketing industry which we’ve found ourselves expanding into as our existing clients ask for more and more services, said Lloyd Wadding, MD of Double.L Media.” Double.L Media started off primarily managing social media accounts for local businesses but now cater for a wide range of services from tailored social media marketing, creative content creation including highend videography and photography, company branding and also website design. Gathering strong experience working locally, nationally and internationally in London across many industries from hospitality, motor, events, beauty, fashion, professional services, equine, architectural & construction.

NETWORK • Q3 2021

HOME INSTEAD ANNOUNCES 30 NEW JOBS IN WATERFORD

The care company, which already has a 4,000-strong caregiver team working across every county in Ireland, is recruiting for 30 additional caregivers in Waterford, as part of its recruitment of 1,000 additional caregivers, who will be hired across the country. Home Instead delivers essential home care to almost 7,000 clients across every county in Ireland, and has been building its caregiving team over the past 12 months, with 1,000 new roles also announced in 2020. For more information, visit www.homeinstead.ie

WLR UPGRADE TO DIGITAL WLR, Ireland’s Local Radio Station of the Year, has undertaken a major digital upgrade which includes a new website, new app, new video studio and the digitalisation of all nine studios at The Broadcast Centre. WLR is part of the Irish Times Group and on August 30th the station launched a new website and app with more comprehensive coverage of news, sport and current affairs. Recently appointed Digital Content Creator Mary O’Neill said the aim is to expand the station’s service: “WLR is a huge source of daily news and information, and our enhanced online service will reflect the breadth of our radio coverage in Waterford. We'll have more news and sport content, along with community profiles, lifestyle, showbiz, and lots more. Video will be a major part of that service and WLR's new dedicated studios will allow video production of the highest quality.” Phase one of the upgrade, which includes the new website, app and video studio, is complete and over the next 12 months, all nine radio studios in the Broadcast Centre will be equipped and fitted to the highest international broadcast standards. “As Ireland’s top local broadcaster, WLR strives to give its listeners the best service it can and really the digital upgrade is just a continuation of this. More and more people connect to us on smart speaker, on mobile and online,” says Mary O’Neill. For more details see WLRFM.com

NETWORK • Q3 2021

GERMAR ELECTRICAL & SECURITY ANNOUNCE CERTIFICATION TO ISO9001:2015 Germar Electrical & Security are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the quality management standard to ensure our customer service and installations are second to none. We would like to express our extreme thanks to each member of our team for their input and hard work and for enabling the introduction of new procedures & processes and ensuring that compliance runs throughout. We are delighted to see so much hard work and change implementation being awarded the standard and going forward we now adhere to the standards set. We would like to thank RIKON for starting us on the Lean journey and supporting us in this ISO process, their knowledge and expertise has been hugely beneficial. Also a huge debt of thanks is owed to Darren Rudden, Asgard Management Solutions for his intrinsic knowledge and support over the past year.

Stuart Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Power and Colin Byrne, TOTEM

FITZGERALD POWER LAUNCH NEW BRAND IDENTITY

ne of Ireland’s top accountancy firms, Fitzgerald Power, with offices in Dublin and Waterford, recently partnered with established brand experts TOTEM, to launch a new and exciting brand identity. The new brand is part of an overall growth strategy reflecting the company’s position as the leader in accountancy services for the pharmaceutical, convenience retail, food and beverage and SME’s sectors. Stuart Fitzgerald, Managing Partner of Fitzgerald Power explains what the new brand identity has delivered for their business: “Despite the challenges of COVID, we have continued to grow the business achieving a steady 25% growth over the past two years. However, we knew we needed to do more to position and market ourselves effectively in our key sectors. Like a lot of businesses, we were clear on what we did and how to do it, but we needed help to communicate our offering and tapping into the branding expertise in TOTEM allowed us to do just that. The result is an exciting new brand that has helped us clarify our business objectives and communicate our services. The website perfectly captures our added value services as well as our personality and approach.”

WHY WATERFORD?

From Vietnam to Waterford for career goals WIT’s first Vietnamese student, Dan Chau Nguyen arrived in Ireland as an undergraduate student and has since gone on to pursue a PhD. Here she tells what drew her to Waterford and into the world of research.

decided to study BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science abroad when I was 17. WIT was my choice, where I became the first Vietnamese student. I looked at many different universities in many countries around the world such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc. before deciding to choose Ireland and WIT. Some of the main reasons I chose WIT are because I could see the great potential of Ireland, specifically Waterford, for my future employment in pharmaceutical science/medical device (which is the area I have always been interested in), the reasonable cost of living and tuition fees in comparison to many other places (especially for an English-speaking country), and most importantly, because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to live alone in a totally different place where there

are not many Vietnamese students (although I didn’t expect to be the only one in that time) and it has been a great experience. ACADEMIC RESEARCH Being an academic/industrial researcher has always been the ultimate goal of my career. The title of my PhD is: ‘Development and characterisation of novel nanoparticle-loaded contact lenses for the treatment of posterior segment diseases of the eye’. In layman’s terms my PhD aims to develop novel nanoparticle-loaded soft contact lenses for a more patient-friendly and minimally invasive treatment of ocular diseases, such as agerelated macular degeneration and dry eye diseases. My research presents a viable path forward to impacting the ocular drug delivery market, while addressing important patient need and greatly improving

the quality of lives of patient. If you are considering whether to pursue your PhD research at the moment or not, after over three years of doing my PhD, here is my advice on this challenging but yet unforgettable journey: PhD is a big commitment and a long journey, and hence it is not an easy decision. Take your time to think and ask several people, from the PhDs in your third-level institution that you want to carry out your research to your lecturers or even your current employers – you will gain a much better idea before making a decision. If you once heard about a PhD experience or story, you would probably hear that it is a very stressful and long journey. And yes it is, but in order to achieve the highest level of education, you can’t expect it to be an easy journey, right? However, besides

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that fact, doing a PhD will definitely be a memory that you will never forget. I have learnt so much, gained lots of lovely memories and made many friends. PASSION FOR RESEARCH AND SCIENCE Pursuing this PhD journey has allowed me to fulfil my passion in research and science, while gaining new skills, expanding my knowledge and network. It also provides me a great skillset which enhances my employability. PhD has given me the opportunity to travel to many places and countries. In order to make the best of this journey, I believe the best thing I have done is to try to do as many things in my ability as possible, including teaching, present at conferences, applying for a research grants, publishing a paper, defending my work, presenting my research at public event (PubhD), and so much more. If you decide that you want to do a PhD, start looking for various funding sources by looking online on different third-level institutions for PhD funding or external funding sources like Irish Research Council, or you can also talk to your current lecturers for advice too. My PhD was funded by Irish Research

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Research at PMBRC Council-Enterprise Partnership Scheme, which is an innovative initiative that enables me to gain more industrial knowledge besides the academic aspects, which will significantly enhance my future career. STUDYING AT WIT Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has been recognised for its distinctive and high-quality centres of research and is continuously improving to become a researchled Institute. As a PhD scholar in an area of Pharmaceutical Science in the Department of Science at WIT, I become a member of WIT’s fast-growing and dynamic Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, and Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC). PMBRC is involved in many collaborative projects with different regional and national

pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, along with the strong links with national and international institutions and medical care institutions. One of the things I love the most about WIT is the friendly and vibrant, yet professional researching environment. Besides researching and different research activities on the campus, and benefiting from WIT’s global research network, we have plenty of opportunities to go to different research centres, and participate in various national and international networking events, workshops or conferences. Additionally, PhD students like me will also be provided the precious opportunity to supervise undergrads in their lab works, all of which will provide me with a great, solid foundation for my future career in both academia and industry as a researcher. Who says PhD life is boring and you won’t have time to have fun? My experience so far in WIT has proved the opposite fact. So, if you are finding and considering a place to carry out your research PhD in Science, WIT should definitely be on the top of your list.

ideas to get your business up and running online  By BENEDEK FRANK and CAT MAHER

e have all witnessed how businesses all over the world faced a new challenge, brought about or accelerated by the global pandemic: the need to reach your clients online and build up trust for your online business. Easier said than done though, as many of you might have found out. So in this article, we pulled together our experience and insights on what works and what doesn’t, when it comes to successful online operations. MYTH 1: “YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL FIND YOU, DON’T WORRY!” Back in the ‘old days’, this phrase might have worked; target audiences were categorised according to demographic segments, such as age, geographic location, marital status, etc. With the advent of the world moving online, ‘push marketing’ (TV, radio, posters, press) in many product and service area segments were suddenly exchanged for ‘pull marketing’, where customers with well-identifiable need-sets ‘pull’ the information relevant for them… from the internet (or from social media channels). Think of need-sets as different, yet well identifiable needs of individuals, who, based on

demographics, might never come together…but based on their needs, and their online approachability, may now easily make up a single target audience. People with nonidentified, yet feelable symptoms who haven’t found a cure in the traditional world of medicines and are open to non-traditional herbal medicines, as an example. Will they be living in the same town? Not likely. Are they in the same age bracket? Not likely. Will they be searching with keywords that they know about themselves? For sure. Will they find your business, if you are aware of what those keyword associations are and use them on your website? For sure! REALITY: So, customers will find you, if you are aware of their thoughts. And thanks to Google, these thoughts can be explored and discovered quite quickly, if you use a little creativity. MYTH 2: “YOU NEED TO BE REALLY CREATIVE WITH HOW YOU WRITE YOUR COPY” Copywriting used to be the sole profession of advertising agency copywriters who wrote copy for large-budget marketing campaigns. Yes, creativity could make or break

a campaign and sales numbers, but today, in the age of a myriad personal and small- or medium-sized business websites, most people and business owners will write copy themselves. Creativity is nice to have, but understanding your customers’ thoughts, desires and wished-forbenefits goes a much longer way for you than creativity in itself will ever do (ca. 80-20 ratio). Do some research with the ample available online tools as to what your customers care for, how do they think, what do they desire, when it comes to purchasing services or products you offer. REALITY: Your potential customers aren’t ‘looking for you’ though. They are looking to find a solution to a problem they are facing. They need to get a job done, and are looking for benefits and trying to avoid pains (as to what would happen if they didn’t find a good solution). You want to be a part of the available solutions for them, and your direct competitors might not even be the ones you think of. As a coach, my biggest competitors are not (only) other coaches, but self-help books, therapists, kinesiologists, workplace mentors, or available free articles on the net.

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MYTH 3: “ALL YOU NEED IS A SIMPLE WEBSITE (DIY), AND THE REST HAPPENS AUTOMATICALLY – JUST GET ON WITH IT!” While it has never been easier to build your own website, it has also never been more difficult to oversee all the options and choose the right ones for yourself. And with regards to ‘automatically’, no, customers won’t flock to your website just because it exists, irrespective of how good it looks. REALITY: A great (serving) website begins by understanding your own motivations and drive as to why you’re in the business you are in (see Myth 5, below). People have a very sharp sense for feeling when a business doesn’t have a soul, and only exists to make money. The next step is identifying what problems you are offering to solve (Myth 2, above), and writing about it in a compelling way, without being too pushy. Step 3 is design (see Myth 4, below) that serves the purpose of the business, and Step 4 is choosing a platform and hosting solution that you own and can take care of in the long run, without much need for IT people (once the initial setup and build has been completed). WordPress and Wix both provide great solutions, although both have their own universe of plugins and extras that need to be installed to make a website work properly. The final and ongoing ‘thing’ you need to do is communicate with your target audience to stay top-of-mind for them. It’s best to think of your new website as a platform for attracting your target audience to find carefully curated and freely available information for them within the field that your business is active in. E.g. a business consultant/ accountant will want to provide business tips, free resources, info

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on government sponsored business schemes, reminders on important dates, etc. for their target audience, among many other things. If you make people see the benefit and value of coming to your site – without wanting to sell them anything – you will be top-of-mind for them, when it comes to hiring a great business consultant, because yes, they do know that you provide payable services as well. MYTH 4: “THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT MY LOGO, IS THAT IT IS BEAUTIFUL!” While it is important to have an aesthetically pleasing logo when it comes to effectively communicating your brand visually, there are a number of aspects that should be considered to ensure that your logo is not only beautiful, but resonates with your desired audience. REALITY: Your logo’s design should reflect the essence of your business including your values, purpose, personality, positioning, target audience, and should also consider your competitors, all while making a positive impression on those who come into contact with your brand. In terms of industry best practice, when it comes to logo design, your logo should be simple, memorable, timeless, versatile and appropriate to your industry. It is also important to remember that your logo is not the only visual communication that should be considered when creating your brand, your logo should be used as a starting point to inform the rest of your brand kit, including your colour palette, typography, imagery, iconography, tone of voice, and key messaging. These should remain consistent throughout all of your brand assets for a cohesive impression. There are many amazing artists and designers out there who can

certainly design a beautiful logo, but when it comes to brand and visual identity design, it is highly recommended that you work with a brand identity design specialist, so that your brand’s identity (logo and visual style) is not only attractive but also meaningfully resonates with your target audience. MYTH 5: “PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOUR SERVICE/PRODUCT, NOT WHO YOU ARE!” While it is true that you can sell services and products without a story behind them, it is much easier to do this if your audience can connect with you and perhaps identify and like you for who you are. So, it’s worth to think about yourself first and foremost, when it comes to developing your business. I find coaching helps many clients to better understand their personal motivations, which in turn shed light on their professional motivations, leading to an overall clear picture of who they want to help and in what way, when it comes to presenting themselves online (their services and products). REALITY: Customers always look for credibility and authenticity in service providers, so it pays off multiple times to spend some time on yourself figuring out who you are and what you want to be known for (either with a coach or someone that can help you uncover your hidden side in a good way).  Benedek is a business coach and website builder, and is also a Group Leader on Waterford Chamber's Regional Leaders Programme. Cat is a design and branding specialist. Together, we help small- and medium-sized business owners scale their business online. https://dovetail-business-design.ie

TAXing but essential

Tax is the bane of most business peoples’ lives, but it is an essential commodity and one that requires a clear strategy. Here Colin Comerford of Comerford Foley Accountants uses real life examples and offers practical advice.

alking tax will never set the world alight but it is important. In this piece we will look at a Tax Strategy for a limited company. Often not much thought goes into the shareholdings of the company you set up. If a spouse is working in the business, then it makes sense that they have a shareholding in the new company. If not involved in the business, then the entrepreneur should own all the shares. Why would it make sense for a spouse to own shares? Among the reasons are: • Class S PRSI if a spouse has a 50% shareholding. This can save on employer's PRSI. • Can maximise lower rate bands with a spousal salary. • Your spouse can build up PRSI contributions. He/she couldn’t do this if an employee of their spouse. • The company can fund a pension for your spouse. • Can have advantages on sale or exit from the business with the doubling of CGT reliefs.

It can be that a spouse is not working in the business when the company is set up or he/she comes into the business at a later stage. If this is the case it is worth exploring a transfer of shares from the owner at that stage. Best that this happens before you are 55 so you don’t eat into retirement relief thresholds. Many business owners will set up a company at the beginning of their business journey. There are many reasons for this which can include: • Limited Liability – protects your assets • Profits likely to be high • Businesses that you work for are companies and the expectation is you trade in a company • Look to take advantage of tax relief for new start-up companies • Look to avail of tax reliefs on investing in a new company • Looking for outside investors who will want some shareholding • Looking to reward key employees with some shares

TRANSFERRING FROM A SOLE TRADER TO A COMPANY If transferring the business from a sole trader to a company, there are lots of things to think about. One of these, which is often overlooked, is goodwill. Is there goodwill in the sole trade business? If so, then look at getting a valuation to support the goodwill number. Goodwill is an asset. Transferring assets into your company from you is a disposal of those assets. This can have all sorts of tax consequences from CGT, Stamp Duty, Income Tax, and VAT. If the value of the assets you transfer in is greater than the liabilities, the company owes you the balance. This can create a director’s current account in your favour. You may need this to pay off some loans or liabilities of the sole trade or it can come to you as part of your salary payment. So let’s look at a practical example. Paul and his wife Sinead decide to transfer the business into a company. Paul wants to expand the brand and invest money into online sales where he sees real potential. To become more profitable,

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he will have to buy stock in bulk. To do this he will need a larger stock loan from his bank. He plans to rent and then buy a warehouse to store stock. With lower corporate tax rates, he will have greater repayment capacity. This makes sense for him, and the bank recommends this too. They set up a new company Paulaid Ltd in 2021 and expect to start trading through it in January 2022. Paul had €150,000 profit in 2020 and he expects that to be higher this year. Paul had a tax liability of €54,000 in 2020. He expects the profits to be €200,000 before salaries in 2022. They will take salaries of €80,000 next year which will give them a monthly net pay of €5,275. This will be enough for bills and living costs. Roger, their accountant estimates their corporation tax liability to be as follows: Net Profit After Salaries....€120,000 Capital Allowances...............€12,500 Taxable Profit......................€107,500 Corporation Tax 12.5%.........€13,438 PAYE on Salaries...................€16,700 Total Taxes Payable.............€30,138 If Paul continues to trade as a sole trader in 2022, he would pay over €81,000 in Income Tax. With the large tax saving Paul and Sinead will invest this money into the business. They plan to hire a new store person for the warehouse and invest €20,000 into a new website. SALARY, BONUS & DIVIDENDS For the first few years they are happy to take enough salary so that they are comfortable enough to meet bills. They want to invest

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as much as possible to grow the company. Down the line they foresee their eldest daughter Megan going to college. They will need to fund this outlay from the company and think it will cost €12,000 per annum. They ask Roger what is the best way to get the money from the company? He suggests that they take a bonus each year to meet this cost as it will be more tax-efficient. A bonus of €24,000 between the two of them will give them a net amount of €12,000. The company will get a tax deduction for the bonus at 12.5% thereby reducing the tax cost from €12,000 to €9,000. If they take a dividend of €24,000, they get €18,000 net of dividend withholding tax. They would pay tax on the gross dividend of €24,000 at 50% being €12,000 less a credit for the withholding tax of €6,000. They are in the exact same position as if they take the bonus. But the company doesn’t get a tax deduction for the dividend payment. That comes out of after-tax profits. COMPANY PENSION I am a big fan of company pensions. It is one of the best ways of getting company money into your hands. The company funds this so your net salary stays the same. You don't have to make any contributions, but you can if you want. The company will get tax relief on the pension contributions. And Paul and Sinead will not be liable to BIK on the company pension payments. A win-win, if ever there was one. Let’s assume Paul is on a salary of €50,000 and Sinead is on a salary of €30,000. The company

can fund a pension of up to two thirds of these salaries. That would be a pension fund of €33,333 for Paul and €20,000 for Sinead. They set up a company scheme and the company will contribute €500 per month for each for 2022. This will increase to €1,000 per month for each from the start of 2023. The company will get a tax deduction of €1,500 in 2022 and €3,000 in 2023 for these pension payments. SUMMARY A company can be a very attractive structure to trade through. No doubt the 12.5% rate is a huge draw. This can reduce the taxes you pay. You can invest that extra cash into the business to grow and expand. From a commercial point of view, it makes sense on so many levels. A company can give you this flexibility. This means you can control the level of salary and pension you take. If you need extra funds, you can take a bonus or dividends. By focusing on the business, you can grow it by putting in good systems and processes. Investing in your staff and having great advisors will help you on your journey. Planning ahead is important too. As always, please take specific advice to your circumstances.  Colin has over 20 years of experience in taxation and financial services. In 2011 he formed Comerford Foley with Ger Foley. He is a Registered Tax Consultant as a member of the Irish Taxation Institute and a Qualified Financial Advisor. Comerford Foley do a weekly blog on relevant business topics at www.comerfordfoley.ie/blog

Chocolate Truffle Cake Chocolate Truffle Cake served with Raspberry Sorbet & Cherry Coulis  By Gary Walsh, Head Chef at Dooley’s Hotel INGREDIENTS • 12-inch cake tin • Biscuits base • 600g digestive crumbled • 325g melted butter

METHOD 1. Line 12-inch cake tin with greaseproof paper. 2. Break up biscuits to a crumb, melt 325g of butter. When the butter is melted, mix the broken biscuits and butter. Press the mixture into the cake tin. 3. Whip cream and icing sugar until it is at a soft ribbon stage. 4. Melt 200g of chocolate and 400g of butter together; let it cool slightly. 5. Whip egg yolks and caster sugar with an electronic mixer until the mixture is double in size and white in colour.

6. Pour the melted butter and chocolate mix over the cocoa powder and mix until it's all smooth and without lumps. 7. Fold in the butter and chocolate mix to the egg mixture and finally fold in the whipped cream mix. 8. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving. Serve with raspberry sorbet and cherry coulis and candy hazelnut, some whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Alternatively, it can be served with seasonal fruit and some whipped cream.

Truffle cake recipe: • 400g butter • 200g cocoa powder • 600ml cream • 75g icing sugar • 10 egg yolks • 350g Caster sugar • 200g 70% Chocolate drops

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Waterford outdoor dining awarded €500,000 M

inister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland have announced €506,693 funding to Waterford City and County Council for outdoor dining in the City and Dungarvan under the Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme. Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme opened for applications in March 2021, with all Local Authorities invited to apply for funding under the Scheme – to develop streets and public spaces to facilitate outdoor dining in urban tourism centres. Working in collaboration with local businesses the funding received from Fáilte Ireland will provide access to outdoor seating for extended periods throughout the year and create a quality, year-round, outdoor dining trail. The funding allocated to the City is €354,919 for the provision of an outdoor dining trail stretching from Bailey’s New Street in the Viking Triangle to the Cultural Quarter in O’Connell Street and will support

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the provision of large parasols with heating, lighting and side screens in various locations along the trail. The funding of €151,774 announced for Grattan Square, Dungarvan goes towards the provision of large parasols and planters also. Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said that the funding will assist local businesses in extending their outdoor dining offers all year round. “The addition of accessible outdoor seating and heating will provide a permanency to outdoor dining in Waterford city and Dungarvan, and provide more options to locals and visitors. “Waterford City and County Council is working closely with local businesses in the roll-out of the outdoor infrastructure as we build on consolidating Waterford’s outdoor dining offering right throughout the year.” Lisa Fitzgerald, Proprietor of The Italian Bakery and The Ice Cream Place said, “In the main, we have enjoyed a relatively successful

summer of outdoor dining in Waterford. However, as we come into the autumn, we will be in position to provide our customers with a more comfortable outdoor dining experience.” “The addition of the heated and lighted parasols will be a real draw as people are still, in the wake of COVID-19, more comfortable dining outdoors, so it’s great to be able to offer that alternative right throughout the year.” This announcement relates to Part Two of the Scheme. Part One of the Scheme, Outdoor Seating and Accessories, supports individual hospitality businesses with grants of up to €4,000 for seating, tables and outdoor accessories. Closing date for receipt of applications is September 30th 2021.  Local businesses can apply through Waterford City and County Council. Details of the Outdoor Dining Scheme can be found at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Celebrate together this Christmas at

Winterval

interval returns to Waterford this November and December for its ninth year with its biggest and most festive nineteen-day programme of events for all ages. Ireland’s oldest city of Waterford will be transformed into Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, running from Friday, 23rd November until Thursday, 23rd December. Look forward to a round-trip non-stop journey to a world of Christmas celebration, festive food and craft markets, live music and arts performance, family attractions, seasonal surprises and a plethora of free and ticketed programming for all ages to enjoy. Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, the theme of Winterval 2021 ‘Celebrate Together’ marks the gathering back together of families, friends and communities and ushers in the re-emergence of large civic events to Ireland. Speaking with great excitement of this winter’s festival,

Festival Co-Director Shell Holden commented, “Building upon the wonderfully rich and much-loved nine year history of Winterval, this year’s world-class festival line-up is bigger and brighter than ever with over 100 free and ticketed festive activities, shows and surprises and over 130 hours of festive-fun, memory-makers and belly-laughs for all ages to enjoy. “This winter we are blending the old and the new, with festival favourites that everyone knows and loves, and a new mix of exciting programming to elevate Winterval to a whole new level. “Promoting Christmas values of togetherness, family, joy, thankfulness and wonder, the theme of Winterval 2021 is ‘Celebrate Together’ and bringing Ireland back together again to create magical experiences and lifelong memories for them to cherish all at the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.” A joyous celebration of the Christmas season, this year’s Winterval 2021 will showcase an elevated and immersive

programme of events including themed Festive City Quarters, new festival destinations and hero events, the brand new Ar Ais Le Cheile Irish living language area for families, the p-awesome Petstival zone filled with doggie delights and pet programming, enhanced festive food and craft markets including delicious global flavours from the very best of Ireland’s street food scene, and entertainment for kids and adults, families, friends and furry four-legged friends alike – all happening right at the heart of Waterford city.  For full event listings see www.winterval.ie

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It’s back…

Oh yes it is!

fter a gap of 18 months, Waterford Panto Society is back rehearsing for what promises to be another fantastic production for Christmas 2021. This year’s show is the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Running from December 8th to December 30th at Waterford’s Theatre Royal, this show is sure to be a sell-out. This year’s cast will remain the same as that in 2019, which of course includes all the old panto favourites – Tony Corcoran returns as the Dame with Brian Touhy as his comedy sidekick. Brenda Giles is back as the 'Baddie’, while her daughter Aisling Giles is Princess Aurora. Fionnan Dunphy plays Roger, while Adam O’Neill is the handsome Prince. Theatre stalwart Tobie Hickey takes on the role of King and Susan Boyce is the fairy. With just 18 performances in total, evening performances start at 7.30pm and there are a number of matinees at 2.30pm. On September 27th, booking opens online or by phone only, through Theatre Royal. Due to

current Government restrictions, there will be no tickets available in person from the Box Office. Following consultation with Theatre Royal, there will be a strict limit of six tickets per booking at all shows to ensure that as many families as possible can attend. Within the current guidelines there are 259 tickets per night ONLY – until October 22nd. Waterford Panto Society hopes and expects that there will be a second

stage of tickets released following a government announcement on further lifting of restrictions.  Be sure to keep an eye on www. theatreroyal.ie for all details.

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Waterford’s

Blue Plaque Trail

A Civic Trust Blue Plaque is a permanent sign installed on a building in a public place to commemorate a link between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived or had some connection to. It is a unique way to highlight these special achievements and celebrate those who have helped to shape our heritage and history.

 By DES GRIFFIN, Waterford Civic Trust

n the 15th of April 2019 (the 107th anniversary of the sinking of the ‘Titanic’), Waterford Civic Trust unveiled a Heritage Blue Plaque remembering Waterford man, Patrick O’Keeffe, survivor of one of the greatest maritime disasters, the sinking of the RMS ‘Titanic’, on the 15th of April 1912. Patrick O’Keeffe was born on the 11th of July 1890 in Little Michael Street; eldest of eight children born to John and Catherine O’Keeffe. He was educated by the Sisters of Charity and the De La Salle Brothers. Aged nineteen, perhaps younger, Patrick went to America. He returned to Waterford in 1912 to visit his family at 2, Spring Garden Alley. While there, one of his brothers persuaded him to stay a week longer. Patrick changed his ticket from the ‘Baltic’ to one for the maiden voyage of the ‘Titanic’. He boarded the liner on April 11th at Queenstown (Cobh), County Cork. As a third class passenger on the ‘unsinkable ship’, he was assigned a cabin on a lower deck, shared with other single men.

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When the Titanic struck an iceberg just before midnight on the 14th of April, Patrick reacted quickly when water flooded his cabin. He jumped ship – fortunately, as a strong swimmer, he reached the famous overturned ‘Collapsible B’ life raft, that ‘became the last refuge from death in the icy North Atlantic’. He helped pull other passengers from the freezing water. Survivors were rescued by the ‘Carpathia’ and taken to New York. Patrick never again returned to Ireland, dying in 1939. Writing to his father from New York, shortly after his rescue, he recalled a premonition before the disaster. “I dreamt myself she [Titanic] was going down before I left Queenstown, and I thought to sell my passage, but I thought if I went back to Waterford again the boys would be laughing at me. I lost everything I had on the Titanic, but thank God, my life was spared.” Like other survivors, he put in a claim against the ship’s owners, the White Star Line, for losses and injuries. The compensation offered him was a third class passage back to Ireland, provided that he did

not take any legal action. Patrick declined the offer. Lawsuits continued until 1916 when a final settlement of $663,000 was made to six-hundred and fifty-one claimants. As a steerage passenger, Patrick received a small monetary pay-out. Patrick O’Keeffe, the only Waterford man aboard the doomed ‘Titanic’, and only one of sixty-nine third class passengers to survive out of over five hundred men.  Waterford Civic Trust is a registered charity and is a company limited by guarantee. We have erected Heritage Blue Plaques in many locations in Waterford City and County. Contact us at Brick Lane, Greyfriars, Waterford. Tel: +353 (051) 849602 www.waterfordcivictrust.ie

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Accountant Aidan McAvinue & Co APBS Clinton Higgins Comerford Foley Consultants Ltd Connors & Co. Chartered Accountants David M. Breen & Co Drohan & Knox Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors EY Fitzgerald Power Hall Lifford Hall James F. Wallace & Company Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors James Ivory & Co Chartered Accountants Jephson & Co Mark Kennedy & Co. Accountants MK Brazil O'Connell Meskill & Company O'Dwyer Power O'Sullivan Scanlon Brazil PwC Ray Wall & Co, Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Veritas Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

Architect C.J. Falconer & Associates DHB Architects Douglas McGee Architects Fewer Harrington & Partners Merrigan Doyle Phelan and Partners

Arts & Leisure The Art Hand Artform School of Art Christ Church Cathedral Coastguard Cultural Centre Copper Coast Mini Farm Dead Ball Displays Freedom Surf School Garter Lane Arts Centre Imagine Arts Festival Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium King Castles Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens Lake Tour Stables Mount Congreve Estate Newtown Golf Practice Range Peter Flanagan Hurleys & Sports Pirate's Adventure Pure Adventure Splashworld St Anne's Waterford Tennis Club Symphony Club of Waterford Theatre Royal Tramore Amusement & Leisure Park Tramore Golf Club Tramore Mini Golf Tramore Pro Shop Tramore Surf School The Walls Project Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Waterford Golf Club Waterford Healing Arts Trust

Audio/Visual DigiCol Photography & Media Productions Double.L Media Frontline Audio Visual MJ Technologies RoundHouse Video

Banking & Financial Adelphi Financial Brokers AIB Bank AIB Bank (Ardkeen) AIB Bank (Business Banking) AIB Bank (Lisduggan) AIB Bank (Tramore) Anita Cambie Financial Bank of Ireland Bank of Ireland (Ardkeen) Bank of Ireland (Lisduggan)

Cantwell Financial Advisors Close Asset Finance Finance For Business First Citizen Finance Fitzgerald Life & Pensions KBC Bank Parolla Permanent TSB Permanent TSB (Hypercentre) Ronan McCarthy Life & Pensions St. Dominic Credit Union Sure Valley Ventures Ulster Bank Waterford Credit Union

Business Development ArcLabs Enterprise Ireland Fumbally Exchange IBEC IDA Ireland Irish Exporters Association New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme South East Business & Innovation Centre Waterford City Enterprise Centre

Cleaning Services CCS Facilities MHL Facilities Tramore Dry Cleaners

Community & Children Aiséirí Ballybeg Greens Copper Coast Geopark GIY Ireland Home from Home Creche King Castles Matt Shanahan TD Renew Enterprises Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Solas Cancer Support Centre Waterford & South East Samaritans Waterford Area Partnership Waterford In Your Pocket Waterford Integration Services Waterford PPN

Construction Bolster Construction Encon Fergal Tynan Construction Glenveagh Hi-Tec Construction Hus Living MacMinn O'Reilly Mahon

Consultancy Almega Business Consulting ATPO Belview Management Consultants Benedek Frank Brendan M Cummins Brian Hennebry & Associates CaffCo Business Planning Carron + Walsh EAP Institute Finance For Business FP Consulting GDPR Audits Kelron Health & Safety Keystone Procurement Nolan Construction Consultants Project Life Cycle Partners Ltd Ria White HR & Training Synantra

Education Irish Management Institute Junior Achievement Ireland Language Xchange Ireland Waterford & Wexford ETB Waterford College of Further Education

Waterford English Language Centres Waterford Institute of Technology Waterford Youthreach

Engineering Ace Metric Engineering Advantage Engineering Ellickson Doors Ellickson Engineering Institute of Industrial Engineers & Safety Management Systems Kearney Engineering M.W. Murphy & Son Metalman Engineering Ltd STS Group Total Precision Engineering Solutions Weltec Engineering

Engineering Consultants Douglas Carroll Consulting Engineers Frank Fox & Associates Garland Land & Aerial Surveys Leyden Consulting Engineers - LCE Malone O'Regan Consulting Engineers

Environment, Energy & Waste 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) Byrne & McGuire Oil Energia Group Enerpower ESB Networks FLI Group Gas Networks Ireland Granny Recycling Kollect Supporting Nature Naturally Co. Visor Construction Solutions

Florist Casia Flowers

Food & Drink Anchor Spirits Ireland Blackwater Distillery Coffee House Lane Dawn Meats Group DessertFirst E. Flahavan & Sons Fintan Stanley Ltd Glorious Sushi The Iverk Show Jack Molloy & Son Legacy Irish Craft Cider The Lismore Food Company Mary Grimes Food Hall Molloys Butchers Ardkeen Paula's Delicatessen Phoenix Yard Market Pipin Pear Trá Coffee Roasters Viking Irish Drinks Walsh's Bakehouse

Funeral Directors James Falconer Undertakers Robert Thompson Funeral Directors

Graphic Design B2B Communications Cantec Group Double.L Media Emagine HelloWorld Marketing, Web & Graphic Design Márla Communications OfficeMaster Passion For Creative Swift Print Tagline Print & Design The Forest TOTEM

Vitamin Creative

Health & Beauty The Arch Barber Beautorium Beauty Salon & Training Academy CBD Ireland Colm Morrissey Hair Salon Dr. Hemp Me Eye & Face Clinic Eyecatchers Opticians Eyeworks Opticians Health and Wellness International Jemma Kehoe Nutrition Major Opticians The Natural Health Store Nolke Opticians & Hearing Care Smovey Health Spirit Beauty Spa Urban Hype

Healthcare Ani-Pets Veterinary Clinic Aperee Living Ballygunner Celltrion Healthcare Ireland City Denture Clinic Clannad Care Dermot Crowley & Assoc. Dental Surgeons Dr Joseph O'Beirne Family Practice Medical Centre FormaHoof Genesis Laser & Aesthetic Clinic Home Instead Senior Care The Keogh Practice Tramore Dental University Hospital Waterford UPMC Whitfield Waterford Hospice

Hotels Arlington Lodge Suites Dooley's Hotel Faithlegg Hotel & Golf Club Fitzwilton Hotel Granville Hotel Greenway Manor Hotel The Haven Hotel Majestic Hotel One the Waterfront O'Shea's Hotel The Strand Inn Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre Travelodge Waterford Treacy's Hotel, Spa & Leisure Centre Viking Hotel Waterford Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Waterford Marina Hotel

Household & Interior Design Dlight Affordable Luxury Furniture Colourtrend Paint and Wallpaper Evoke German Kitchens Glen Parquet Flooring Laurence Farrell Mattress Shop Ireland Co Ltd Murphy Larkin Timber Products Sienna Home Furnishings Tara Blinds Woodpecker Floors & Tiles

Housing Association Focus Ireland Respond

HR & Recruitment AA Euro Recruitment Group Aphex Group Hartley People Recruitment & Training itContracting Matrix Recruitment Morgan McKinley Rigney Dolphin Taylor & Associates

NETWORK • Q3 2021

VISIT WWW.WATERFORDCHAMBER.IE FOR FULL DETAILS HR Services Adare Human Resource Management Darlington Consulting Insight HR Peninsula Business Services Ireland Ria White HR & Training SimplifyHR

Insurance BMCI Insurance & Investments Hooper Dolan Insurances McDonald Dwyer Reddy & Byrne Insurances O'Leary Insurances (Waterford) Oliver Murphy Insurance Brokers VHI Healthcare DAC

IT Services Agora Publishing Services Ireland Double.L Media Evros Fyrefli NetGen Solutions Radius Technologies

Manufacturing APS Materials, Inc. ARTeSYN BioSolutions Ireland Azzurri Sport Ball Beverage Packaging Ireland Bausch & Lomb Cartamundi Ireland Carten Controls CMC Hygea Eco-Burner EirGen Pharma ELC Laser Group Garrett Motion Ireland Glanbia Management Services Ltd Glazik Jabil Healthcare MEDITE SMARTPLY Monkey Cups PPI Adhesive Products Sanofi Waterford Schivo Medical Signode Packaging Ireland South Eastern Chemicals Swedencare Ireland Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland West Pharma

Marketing & PR B2B Communications Double.L Media The Forest Márla Communications Meraki Marketing Monica Leech Communications Passion For Creative Preferred Marketing & PR

Media Beat 102-103 Hi-Lite Television Productions International Living The Munster Express Nemeton TV Waterford News & Star Waterford Today WLR FM

Office Supplies Jones Business Systems OfficeMaster

Photographer Brownes Photography David Murphy Studio DigiCol Photography & Media Productions Double.L Media Garrett FitzGerald Photography John Power Photography Leo Murphy Photography Neal Byrne Photography Noel Browne Photographer Paddy Tubbritt Photography Photozone RoundHouse Video

NETWORK • Q3 2021

Print & Signage Cantec Group Focus Visual Communication Graphic Image OfficeMaster Swift Print Tagline Print & Design Tramore Print Universal Graphics

Property Causeway Group DNG Reid & Coppinger Ennis Gough Property Glenveagh Griffin Auctioneers Lawrence & McDonald Liberty Blue Estate Agents M&M O'Shea O'Shea O'Toole & Partners Palmer Auctioneers Property Partners Barry Herterich Property Partners Phelan Herterich Purcell Properties RE/MAX Team Fogarty Smart Move Properties

Full of Beans George Corbett Motors George's Court Shopping Centre The Hanger Boutique Haven Pharmacy Kennys Haven Pharmacy Kennys (Branch Road) Heroes House of Waterford Crystal The Holiday Shops Kelly & Dollard Kellys of Waterford Maxi Zoo McCormack's Hardware Morris's Builders Providers & DIY Mulligan's Pharmacy Mulligan's Pharmacy Tramore The Natural Health Store Phelan's Pharmacy Power's Pharmacy Quish's SuperValu Redlane Boutique Satina Boutique Seagull Bakery Sheridan Motor Group The Shoe Centre Sienna Home Furnishings Tom Murphy Car Sales Tramore Service Station Worldwide Wines

Pubs & Clubs

Security

Croke's Pub The Holy Cross Bar & Restaurant Jack Meades O'Neill's Bar The Old Forge The Reg Robinson's Bar T&H Doolan's Tully's Bar The Victoria House

CTS Group CCS Facilities Germar Electrical & Security Horizon Safety Systems S Security

Research & Development Konnektable Technologies RIKON SEAM Research Centre Walton Institute

Restaurants & Cafés Apache Pizza Blackfriars Coffee Café Lucia Carter's Chocolate Café Coach House Coffee Dooly's Everett's Restaurant Ginos The Haven Hotel The Holy Cross Bar & Restaurant KC Foods Loko Restaurant Moe's Café Mol's One the Waterfront The Pantry Pier Café Piper's Café Ramen The Riverside Cottage Sandcastle Café The Stable Yard Food Hall T&H Doolan's The Vee Bistro Veronica's Café

Retail 3Store Affordable Luxury Furniture Alfie Hale Sports Altitude Ardkeen Quality Food Store Audi Waterford The Book Centre Brennan's Pharmacy Cahill's Newsagents Carry Out Caulfield's SuperValu City Square Shopping Centre Colourtrend Paint and Wallpaper Croía Ireland Delany's Pharmacy Evolution Fitz U Fitzgerald Menswear

Services Agora Publishing Ireland Apex Fire Ltd Arc Mediation Belview Management Consultants Boxworks Clem Jacob Hire Codico Distributors E. M. Thomas, Freelance Translator (Legaltech Translations) Emerald Contact Centre Euro Car Parks (Ireland) Ltd EveryEvent Germar Electrical & Security Inn the Doghouse K Sport & Kustom Workwear Kelly Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Nigel M. Daly & Son Electrical Contractors Prolines Naval Architects & Marine Surveyors Q1 Scientific Quirico Sluamor workLAB

Solicitors Bowe O'Brien Solicitors CC Solicitors Dobbyn & McCoy Solicitors Mullins & Treacy Solicitors MW Keller & Son Solicitors Newell, Gillen & Cunningham Nolan Farrell & Goff Parker Law Solicitors Peter O'Connor & Son Solicitors

Technology & Software Aphex Group Bluefin Payment Systems Ireland CGM Dataworks Emagine Energia Group Errigal Euro Tachograph Solutions Fyrefli HandHeld.ie HelloWorld Marketing, Web & Graphic Design Immersive VR Education Konnektable Technologies Milseán Software NearForm Passion For Creative Pimbrook Software Red Hat SE2

Sedicii Innovations Sun Life Financial Threefold Systems TQS Integration

Telecommunications HiSpeed Wireless Broadband

Tourism & Hospitality Atlantic View Caravan Park Beach Haven House & Hostel Fáilte Ireland - South East Fern Hill Fitzmaurice's Caravan Park Glenart House B&B Harvey Travel Newtown Cove Caravan & Camping Park Norlands Seacourt B&B Strand Travel Worldchoice Tramore Holiday Homes Tramore Tourist Office

Training Belview Management Consultants ATPO Benedek Frank CCS Facilities Direct Training Ireland FTC - Fitzwilliam Training & Consulting Inspiring Excellence Irish Management Institute Kelron Health & Safety Manufacturing Excellence MCX Training & Development Mediforce NearForm New Links Training Solutions NLC Training Roadskill Training Centre Sinéad O'Neill Life Coach Southsafe Training & Consultancy Waterford Chamber Skillnet Welding Academy WJP - Wuite Jameson Partners Ltd.

Transport & Logistics B&M Quinlan Belview Management Consultants Bell Transport & Logistics Bus Éireann DFDS Logistics Contracts (Ireland) Limited Euro Tachograph Solutions Irish Rail J.J. Kavanagh Coaches James Falconer Chauffeur Hire MAC Trans Freight Marine Point Partnership Passage East Ferry Port of Waterford Rapid Cabs / Rapid Exec Southeast Port Services Storage City Store-All Logistics Suirway Bus & Coach Services Thomas Carey T&T Coaches Trans-Stock Warehousing & Cold Storage Waterford Airport

Website Services Aphex Group B2B Communications Benedek Frank Cquent.ie Double.L Media Emagine Fyrefli HelloWorld Marketing, Web & Graphic Design Hosting Ireland Márla Communications NetGen Solutions Passion For Creative Success Online The Forest TOTEM Vitamin Creative

Wholesale Curran Foods & Express Cuisine Musgrave MarketPlace

OPTICIANS & HEARING

New store, New look Same service

We never forget a face

AT THE ULURU CENTRE ON THE DUNMORE ROAD CALL 051 855 638 nolkeopticians.com