InBUSINESS Yearbook 2018 by Ashville Media Group

THE

2018

InBUSINESS USINESS CONNECTING IRISH BUSINESS

AZINE O

R BUSI

IRISH MAGAZINE AWARDS 2017

CHAMBERS IRELAND: A Year in Review

ESS MA

YEARBOOK

THE Y

CHAMBER DIRECTORY: Full Network Listing

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK 2018

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP: Why Your Business Should Join

PAYPAL VP

2.70

@ChambersIreland 000 InBusiness YB 2018_Cover.indd 1

leading by example

Louise Phelan

ON DIVERSITY, LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE OF PAYMENTS

23/02/2018 09:55

Taking your business further The law firm with local knowledge and worldwide reach Eversheds Sutherland is the only international law firm with an all-Ireland and UK presence. With 66 offices in 32 countries, we provide unrivalled access to Europe, the US, the Middle East and Africa. Our dedicated team, based in the commercial heart of Dublin, gives you a single point of contact for all your legal issues, regardless of size, nature, or jurisdiction. We build lasting client relationships that grow with your business. Whether your commercial ambitions are focused on Ireland or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to grow internationally, we have the innovative advice, knowledge and resources to help make it happen. For a law firm without limits, contact: Alan Murphy Managing Partner +353 1 6644 289 alanmurphy@eversheds-sutherland.ie

eversheds-sutherland.ie

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27/11/2017 12:12 23/02/2018 01/02/2018 12:22 09:26

Editor: Joseph O’Connor Managing Editor: Mary Connaughton Art Director: Alan McArthur Editorial Assistant: Elisha Collier O’Brien (Chambers Ireland), Tiernan Cannon COVER STORY

InBUSINESS caught up with PayPal's Louise Phelan to talk gender inequality, inspiring female business leaders, and the future of payments.

Design Assistant: James Moore Front Cover Photography: Jason Clarke

How is life and how is business at present?

Life is very busy at present but really enjoyable and rewarding. As Vice President, Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, I have to do a fair bit of travelling and as with any role, there are challenges. However, I get to work with incredibly talented people and am helping to shape not only the direction in which PayPal is going, but the future of money as well, so it’s very exciting.

Production Manager: Mary Connaughton

Looking back at 2017, how was the year for PayPal?

Production Executive: Nicole Ennis

In terms of growth and performance, 2017 was another strong year for us. We added 8.7 million new customers in the fourth quarter, to reach 227 million customers worldwide, and the volume of mobile payments rose by 53 per cent compared to the previous year. Another area that really stood out for me was the contribution our teammates made to the communities where we do business. I really value being able to support our people helping worthwhile causes and seeing the positive impact they have on charities, schools and local businesses. A personal highlight was being named Businesswoman of the Year at the InBUSINESS

Sales Director: Paul Clemenson

Published by: Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7 Tel: +353 1 432 2200 Email: info@ashville.com Web: www.ashville.com On behalf of: Chambers Ireland, 11 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84 Tel: +353 1 400 4300 Email: info@chambers.ie Web: www.chambers.ie

What do you see as the major challenges facing PayPal and the Irish economy in general this year?

We operate in a fast-growing industry with an everchanging landscape. We are well placed, thanks to our near 20-year track record of innovation in the interests of our customers. We are continually innovating and delivering services that meet the needs of our customers and make a real impact in their daily lives. In that way, it is a time of great opportunity, as money is being democratised and we’re using our technology to make it simpler, safer and cheaper for people to manage and move their money. Looking at the wider economy, it’s great to see so many Irish businesses and start-ups performing very well. However, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. They need to constantly evolve and adapt to meet changing customer expectations. Online and mobile commerce offers direct connectivity to a huge global market. Irish businesses need to recognise this golden opportunity and put digital at the very heart of their growth strategies.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

COVER STORY:

Chambers Ireland: The Year in Pictures

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018

FOREWORD

Reflecting upon

absorbed by businesses rather than being definitively dealt with by Government. Many businesses may face further pressure in 2018 arising from the unintended consequences of recently proposed employment legislation, which seeks to outlaw non-prevalent zerohours contracts. In addition, Irish businesses must also prepare for the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) across the EU by May 25th 2018. Enduring growth and success will require effective spatial planning. The huge levels of public funding required to address deficits in infrastructure must be guided by a masterplan, and looking to 2018 we believe that the National Planning Framework, together with a coordinated capital plan and the right support and enforcement measures, will be good for the economy and good for business. While domestic challenges are manifold,

2017, it was a good year for the Irish economy and for Irish business. As unemployment continued to decline and consumer confidence improved slowly but surely, the last 12 months signified a return to relative prosperity. After the shocks felt in 2016 with the Brexit referendum and the result of the US presidential election, ending the last year with strong GDP growth and further improvement in the country’s finances was positive news for businesses across the country and served as a welcome indicator of continued economic growth and stability. It is important to acknowledge the exceptional progress made in the economy since the darkest of days at the start of the decade and how much better placed we are as a result to deal with the challenges ahead. While this year brings many of the same challenges as last year, I am confident that with the right policies and goals put in place to strengthen Irish business, we can ensure the sustainability of recent growth well into the future. However, it is crucial that the steps needed to strengthen Irish business are taken by Government as soon as possible. In Budget 2018, the Government put aside finance for much-needed capital expenditure. While a welcome move, it came at the opportunity cost of being unable to make significant inroads into addressing the needs of what still needs to be delivered for Ireland’s small businesses, start-ups and the self-employed,

Sustaining Growth FOR THE

FUTURE

Policy Update

“MEMBER

COMPANIES IN OUR NETWORK

OF 45 CHAMBERS AROUND THE COUNTRY SEE

BREXIT AS THE

NUMBER ONE ECONOMIC CHALLENGE FOR 2018.”

Government and businesses must look beyond the significant distraction of Brexit and ensure we work to address the challenges and meet the opportunities within our control, writes Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

essentially the risk-takers and innovators of our economy. Encouraging entrepreneurship has to be a significant goal of Budget 2019. The CSO unemployment figures released in January 2018 showed a continued decrease in unemployment across the board. This offers the Government an opportunity to address emerging skills gaps in certain sectors of the economy and help SMEs develop the skills to grow by reallocating funding from employment schemes to up-skilling. With a burgeoning digital economy and the growing emergence of STEM careers, we should be ensuring the right education is available to guarantee a workforce well equipped to deal with new technologies and disciplines. We must also become increasingly cognisant of the need to address issues that will arise in a full employment economy. Our Chambers Network Survey, published in November, revealed that member companies in our network of 45 chambers around the country see Brexit as the number one economic challenge for 2018. Central to their concern is the uncertainty of what Brexit will look like after March 2019 and how long a transition arrangement will last once the UK leaves the European Union. Labour costs are expected to be the second biggest challenge. Factors such as the housing crisis and high childcare costs, among others, are having an impact on wage demands; the cost of living increases are having to be largely

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

The Chamber Network: The Year in Pictures

Irish businesses can draw confidence from our strong relationship with the EU, which has only been further strengthened throughout the Brexit talks. The recently concluded negotiations for an EU-Japan trade deal show the scope of opportunities arising from a strong, united EU. In conclusion, it is highly likely that Brexit and the uncertainties arising from the ongoing negotiation process will continue to dominate the headlines during 2018, and probably for several more years. Government and the business community must look beyond that significant distraction and ensure we work to address the challenges and meet the opportunities within our control.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

CHAMBERS FOREWORD:

Sustaining Growth for the Future

Businesses must work to address the challenges and meet the opportunities within our control, writes Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland

001 InBusiness YB 2018_Contents.indd 1

Chamber Membership

Leading by Example

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018

About Chambers Ireland

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

InBUSINESS caught up with PayPal’s Louise Phelan to talk gender inequality, inspiring female business leaders, and the future of payments

All articles © Ashville Media Group 2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville Media or Chambers Ireland. ISSN 20093934

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

Message from the President

Recognition Awards. It’s a great honour to be recognised for what you do and I only hope that my story inspires more women to go for leadership opportunities.

Louise Phelan at Make Space Studio, The Chocolate Factory, Dublin

Managing Director: Gerry Tynan Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon

ONE DAY, WE COULD BE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE CASH NO LONGER CHANGES HANDS AND PEOPLE HAVE THE ABILITY TO MANAGE THEIR ENTIRE FINANCIAL LIVES USING TECHNOLOGY. THAT’S AN EXCITING PROSPECT.”

leading by example

Emma Kerins

[CHAMBERS NEWS]

Jason Clarke

Editorial Contributors: Tiernan Cannon Robin Laurent

CSR in the Chamber: The Year in Pictures

Chambers Ireland Directory

23/02/2018 09:55

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THE

2018

InBUSINESS USINESS CONNECTING IRISH BUSINESS

AZINE O

R BUSI

ESS MA

IRISH MAGAZINE AWARDS 2017

CHAMBERS IRELAND: A Year in Review

YEARBOOK

THE Y

CHAMBER DIRECTORY: Full Network Listing

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK 2018

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP: Why Your Business Should Join

leading by example a2.70

@ChambersIreland

PAYPAL CHIEF

Louise Phelan

ON DIVERSITY, LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE OF PAYMENTS

Go to chambers.ie for the online edition

CHAMBER FEATURE

CHAMBERS IRELAND & THE EU

[ SITE FOR SORE EYES ]

CHAMBERS IRELAND & THE EU

Trading

Ideas with

Europe

For our cover shoot with Louise Phelan we chose the trendy location of the Chocolate Factory on Dublin’s King’s Inn Street. Once an actual chocolate factory where iconic brands such as Toblerone were produced, the site is now home to many small businesses and individuals in the creative sectors.

Chambers Ireland continues to work and lobby for a more a stable pro-trade, businessfriendly Europe.

s part of our work representing the interests of Irish business, we work closely with the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also known as Eurochambres. It voices the interests of over 19 million member enterprises in 45 European Countries through a network of national, regional and local Chambers. Chambers Ireland engages with Eurochambres across a number of policy areas and has representatives on several Eurochambres policy committees including the Trade and Investment Committee; the Finance and Economy Committee; the Better Regulation Committee; the SME Policy Committee; and the EU Single Market Committee. Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, is the Chairperson of the Eurochambres Finance and Economy Committee.

www.chocolatefactory.ie

OUR WORK IN 2017 Throughout 2017, Chambers Ireland identified a number of key areas of importance to our members that required our focus. These included: • Completing the Single Market, particularly the Digital Single Market • Supporting SMEs and Entrepreneurs • Promoting the need for more trade agreements, specifically SME-friendly deals • Advocating for an international response to corporate tax challenges CHAMBERS IN BRUSSELS As part of our work to lobby for a more business-friendly Europe, a delegation from the Irish Chamber of Commerce Network, led by Chambers Ireland, visited Brussels in November 2017 and met with key officials

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

from across the European Commission to discuss matters of importance to the Irish business community. The chambers represented included Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber, Dundalk Chamber, Fingal Dublin Chamber, Galway Chamber, Meath Chambers, South Dublin Chamber, Sligo Chamber and Waterford Chamber. The objective of the trip was to highlight the need for the European Commission to proactively engage with the business community, particularly SMEs, on issues like trade, innovation and skills. The delegation met with the Irish Ambassador to the European Union and representatives from DG Trade, DG Connect and the Taskforce 50 Brexit negotiation team. The delegation also attended a breakfast at the European Parliament, hosted by Sean Kelly MEP and his team, where MEPs briefed the delegation on their current policy briefs and the work of their committees. Also attending the breakfast were MEPs Matt Carthy, Deirdre Clune, Brian Hayes, Marian Harkin and Mairead McGuinness. Following on from these meetings, the Chambers Ireland delegation met with the Enterprise Ireland Benelux team to talk trade, internationalisation and how Irish SMEs can grow their business. Rounding off the visit, the Irish Chambers met senior policy experts in Eurochambres and also met with their counterparts from Chambers around Europe to discuss business priorities, concerns about Brexit and the possibility of closer collaboration in the future.

impact of Brexit than businesses in the rest of Europe. While it is not surprising that Brexit is a priority for Irish business given our proximity to the UK and the importance of our trading relationship, it is alarming that businesses across Europe are not more concerned by the potential impact of the loss of the EU’s second biggest market. Instead European businesses are more concerned with the provision of security for their citizens, job creation and the economic security of the eurozone. Here is a glance at the key findings of EES 2018:

EUROCHAMBRES ECONOMIC SURVEY Following the Chamber visit to Brussels, the results of an EU-wide survey of business were released in November. The survey of European businesses, published and coordinated by Eurochambres, revealed that Brexit is not considered a concern for most companies. Conducted between August and October 2017, the survey of 50,000 respondents from 23 countries across Europe, asked businesses to rank the main challenges they believed they faced in 2018. While Irish firms identified the impact of Brexit as the biggest challenge to the development of their business, less than 10 per cent of European businesses registered Brexit as a challenge at all. The survey confirms that Irish businesses are feeling significantly more exposed to the

• Investment forecasts continue their upward trend, reflecting improving financing conditions and persisting low interest rates.

• Lack of skilled workers ranks 2nd (compared to 4th last year) among the challenges for 2018.

Page

LEINSTER • MUNSTER • CONNAUGHT • ULSTER Funding for Naas digital hub approved, new jobs expected for Fingal, Longford Council purchases site of former bank.

Cork towns to benefit from strategic plan, business hub to be developed in Ennis, Waterford leading EI-supported employment in south-east.

Long-awaited cinema set to open, Senator praises opening of Roscommon care centre, EI-backed company jobs on the rise in Leitrim.

Road works planned for Donegal, Monaghan museum heading for completion, new holiday park expected for Cavan.

CMYK: 83 / 0 / 8 / 0

CMYK: CMYK: 49 / 0 / 100 / 0 0 / 0 / 0 / 100

HEX: 40B3DF

HEX: A8CB17

HEX: 1f1e21

RGB: 64/179/223

RGB: 168/203/23

RGB: 31/30/33

FUNDING FOR BORDER COUNTIES Over €234,000 is on its way to Cavan and Monaghan.

Page 5

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

TAKING A LEAD

Our Local Government InBUSINESS Supplement continues to look at the important role played by local authorities in Irish enterprise

In Association with

001 InBusiness YB 2018_Contents.indd 3

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

FOR MOST COMPANIES.”

Emma Kerins, EU and International Affairs Manager, Chambers Ireland, looks at the issues setting the agenda in the European Union over the next 12 months.

s was the case last year, 2018 is expected to be a pivotal year in the geopolitics and indeed the day-to-day governing of the European Union. At the time of writing, coalition talks to form a German government are continuing following a general election in 2017, although there are indications that Angel Merkel’s party, the CDU, will be joined in government by Martin Schulz’s SDP and a number of smaller parties. To add to that, continuing instability in Spain, ongoing disputes between the EU and the Polish government and the upcoming general election in Italy means that risks of political volatility into 2018 have not gone away. Politics aside, things are looking up for the EU as a whole, at least economically, where after several years of sluggish growth, the eurozone returned to form in 2017 and is amongst the strongest advanced economies in the world. Moreover, data published by Eurostat in January 2018 indicates that Europe’s economic recovery is deepening, with eurozone unemployment falling to its lowest level since January 2009. The EU’s official statistics agency said that the jobless rate in the single currency area fell to 8.7 per cent in November 2017. At the worst of the debt crisis in 2013, unemployment had reached a record level of 12.1 per cent. While the economic situation is improving,

unemployment remains higher than the average rate before the crisis, when it was 7.5 per cent, so more work needs to be done to ensure that unemployment is being tackled in a sustainable way. Although economic optimism is returning, as was found in 2017’s Eurochambres Economic Survey, many challenges continue to beset the EU, including security, skills deficits, changing demographics, migration and climate change. Last year’s 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which founded what we now know as the European Union, has accelerated the debate on the future of Europe. After successive years of crisis management, the British vote to leave the EU, increased antipathy towards European integration and a surge of antiEU sentiment across the continent, there is significant pressure on political leaders to confront these new challenges and this dialogue will continue into 2018. Forging ahead, the Juncker Commission has pledged to see through a number of forward-looking and ambitious objectives before the end of its term in 2019. The focus of the Commission’s Work Programme for 2018 is two-fold. First, the programme sets out a number of targeted legislative actions to complete work in priority policy areas over the next few months. Secondly, it presents a number of more forward-looking

“TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE

NEED FOR ACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH EU CITIZENS,

BULGARIA SAYS THAT IT WILL STRIVE

TO ACHIEVE PROGRESS IN THE FIELD OF SECURITY, EMPLOYMENT, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND

ENSURING A STRONGER EU PRESENCE ON THE WORLD STAGE.”

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

initiatives that prepare the bloc to become a new union of 27. These initiatives reflect the debate which began in 2017 by the Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe and the State of the Union address. Of interest to the business community, the Commission has committed to pursuing reforms that boost jobs, growth and investment. Specifically, it will seek to deliver on the Circular Economy Action Plan, and to complete the Digital Single Market, the Energy Union, the Capital Markets Union, the Economic and Monetary Union and the Banking Union. The Juncker Commission has also continued to commit to an ambitious trade agenda for the EU, which has become even more important for Irish business in light of the UK’s upcoming departure from the EU. Negotiations with Japan were finalised at the end of 2017, and 2018 promises to be another ambitious and proactive year with agreements with Vietnam and Singapore due to be finalised, and negotiations with Mexico and Mercosur to continue. The Commission, as outlined in the State of the Union, has also pledged to opening negotiations for a trade deal with Australia and New Zealand. Presiding over this work, as of January

Chambers Ireland continues its work in helping to further the goals of the International Chamber of Commerce

Emma Kerins looks at the issues setting the agenda in the European Union over the next 12 months

Human Rights In Business

1st 2018 and a decade after its accession to the EU, Bulgaria takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Its presidency is part of the Trio Presidency composed of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria. Taking into account the need for active dialogue with EU citizens, Bulgaria says that it will strive to achieve progress in the field of security, employment, sustainable growth and ensuring a stronger EU presence on the world stage. In particular, it tasks itself with focusing on youth questions and security issues as horizontal priorities. Meanwhile, in the background to the busy agenda set by the European Commission for the year ahead, discussion continues between the UK and the EU on both the “divorce” settlement and the future trading relationship. The trade-focused aspect of the negotiations

“POLITICS ASIDE,

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR THE EU

AS A WHOLE, AT LEAST ECONOMICALLY, WHERE AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF SLUGGISH GROWTH, THE EUROZONE

RETURNED TO FORM IN 2017.”

Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland, H.E. Branimir Zaimov and Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee pictured at a European Movement Ireland in January 2018 to mark the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

is scheduled to begin in March, where an agreement must be reached before October 2018 to give time to national parliaments to ratify the deal. The future trading relationship and how the UK seeks to manage the border in Northern Ireland will be of utmost importance to the Irish business community into 2018 and is an area we will be monitoring closely as discussions progress.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

Robin Laurent looks at why and how businesses should embrace so-called Generation Y

There are calls for Irish businesses to adhere to responsible business practices in line with Ireland’s human rights commitments InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

CLIMATE CHANGE

SECURITY

SKILLS DEFICITS

Chambers Ireland continues to work and lobby for a more a stable pro-trade, businessfriendly Europe

The Future of the EU

In Association with

MIGRATION

Minister Michael Ring has approved LEADER funding of a79,250 for communities and businesses in south Mayo and Castlebar.

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS

Watch

JOB BOOSTS

• Din Medium • Din Regular

InBUSINESS hears from Louth County Council about its work providing energyefficient social housing throughout the county.

FUTURE OF EUROPE:

What to

INTO 2018 The second phase of the Brexit negotiations, focusing on the future trading relationship between the UK and EU, begins in March. Therefore, preparing Irish business for the consequences of a UK exit from the EU will be top of our agenda in the months and years ahead. Beyond Brexit, Chambers Ireland will continue to engage with the ongoing debate surrounding the future of Europe with a view to ensuring that the EU continues to be a stable pro-trade, business friendly environment.

Font:

KEEPING ENERGY IN THE HOME

PUBLISHED AND COORDINATED BY EUROCHAMBRES, REVEALED THAT

THE EU IN 2018

the and

BREXIT IS NOT CONSIDERED A CONCERN

• Employment expectations exceed the levels of the pre-crisis period for the first time.

On A Global Stage

Page

OF EUROPEAN BUSINESSES,

• Export sales within and beyond the EU are higher than in 2017, despite the uncertain geo-political situation.

21 Page

The

“THE SURVEY

• Domestic sales expectations rise slightly compared to last year, but seemingly remain a source of uncertainty for businesses, as domestic demand is again ranked the top challenge.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

CHAMBERS FEATURE

THE EU IN 2018

• The prospect of Brexit is the number one challenge only for Irish businesses, scoring much lower in most of the other EES 2018 participating countries.

Trading Ideas With Europe

[ Local Government InBUSINESS ]

CHAMBERS FEATURE

One of a Kind Generation

Strength in Numbers

Chambers in the Network have been working together to represent their regions with a strong and unified voice

Acting with the Alternative

A look at the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the implications of the Mediation Act 2017

On the Road

Chambers Ireland hosted a series of roadshows across the Chamber Network in 2017 3

23/02/2018 09:55

DUBLIN PORT Facilitating irish economic growth

Port centre, alexandra road, Dublin 1, ireland. Tel: 00 353 1 8876000 Email: info@dublinport.ie www.dublinport.ie

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23/02/2018 21/02/2018 12:58 12:07

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 AFFILIATED CHAMBER LOCATIONS

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Kells & District

Tullamore & District

Drogheda & District

DÃºn Laoghaire - Rathdown Bray & & District

County Kildare

Arklow & District

County Carlow

County Tipperary

New Ross & District

Enniscorthy & District

Dungarvan & West Waterford

Midleton & Area Bantry

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

005 InBusiness YB 2018_Chamber Map_V2.indd 5

Cobh & Harbour

Further details of each affiliated Chamber can be found between pages 86 to 88

23/02/2018 09:54

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 FOREWORD

Reflecting upon 2017, it was a good year for the Irish economy and for Irish business. As unemployment continued to decline and consumer confidence improved slowly but surely, the last 12 months signified a return to relative prosperity. After the shocks felt in 2016 with the Brexit referendum and the result of the US presidential election, ending the last year with strong GDP growth and further improvement in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances was positive news for businesses across the country and served as a welcome indicator of continued economic growth and stability. It is important to acknowledge the exceptional progress made in the economy since the darkest of days at the start of the decade and how much better placed we are as a result to deal with the challenges ahead. While this year brings many of the same challenges as last year, I am confident that with the right policies and goals put in place to strengthen Irish business, we can ensure the sustainability of recent growth well into the future. However, it is crucial that the steps needed to strengthen Irish business are taken by Government as soon as possible. In Budget 2018, the Government put aside finance for much-needed capital expenditure. While a welcome move, it came at the opportunity cost of being unable to make significant inroads into addressing the needs of what still needs to be delivered for Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small businesses, start-ups and the self-employed,

Sustaining Growth FOR THE

FUTURE Government and businesses must look beyond the significant distraction of Brexit and ensure we work to address the challenges and meet the opportunities within our control, writes Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland.

006 InBusiness YB 2018_Foreword.indd 6

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 09:54

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 FOREWORD

absorbed by businesses rather than being definitively dealt with by Government. Many businesses may face further pressure in 2018 arising from the unintended consequences of recently proposed employment legislation, which seeks to outlaw non-prevalent zerohours contracts. In addition, Irish businesses must also prepare for the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) across the EU by May 25th 2018. Enduring growth and success will require effective spatial planning. The National Planning Framework due to be published early this year should set out a clear strategy for regional economic development with the goal of each region fulfilling its full potential for growth. Published in conjunction with the Mid Term Review of the Capital Plan, the NPF will guide development for the country out to the year 2040.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MEMBER

COMPANIES IN OUR NETWORK

OF 44 CHAMBERS AROUND THE COUNTRY SEE

BREXIT AS THE

NUMBER ONE ECONOMIC CHALLENGE FOR 2018.â&#x20AC;?

essentially the risk-takers and innovators of our economy. Encouraging entrepreneurship has to be a significant goal of Budget 2019. The CSO unemployment figures released in January 2018 showed a continued decrease in unemployment across the board. This offers the Government an opportunity to address emerging skills gaps in certain sectors of the economy and help SMEs develop the skills to grow by reallocating funding from employment schemes to up-skilling. With a burgeoning digital economy and the growing emergence of STEM careers, we should be ensuring the right education is available to guarantee a workforce well equipped to deal with new technologies and disciplines. We must also become increasingly cognisant of the need to address issues that will arise in a full employment economy. Our Chambers Network Survey, published in November, revealed that member companies in our network of 44 chambers around the country see Brexit as the number one economic challenge for 2018. Central to their concern is the uncertainty of what Brexit will look like after March 2019 and how long a transition arrangement will last once the UK leaves the European Union. Labour costs are expected to be the second biggest challenge. Factors such as the housing crisis and high childcare costs, among others, are having an impact on wage demands; the cost of living increases are having to be largely

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

006 InBusiness YB 2018_Foreword.indd 7

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

While domestic challenges are manifold, Irish businesses can draw confidence from our strong relationship with the EU, which has only been further strengthened throughout the Brexit talks. The recently concluded negotiations for an EU-Japan trade deal show the scope of opportunities arising from a strong, united EU. In conclusion, it is highly likely that Brexit and the uncertainties arising from the ongoing negotiation process will continue to dominate the headlines during 2018, and probably for several more years. Government and the business community must look beyond that significant distraction and ensure we work to address the challenges and meet the opportunities within our control.

23/02/2018 15:09

At the heart of business in Ireland

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11/01/2018 09:19 23/02/2018 12/01/2018 12:26 12:11

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2017

proved to be a strong year for growth in the Irish economy and is a testimony to the resilience of businesses in Ireland, large and small, across Ireland’s multitude of communities and urban hubs. It’s clear that our creativity and determination in commerce can withstand the political and economic shocks that we have become accustomed to in recent years. Chambers throughout the country are well placed to play our part in the future. Chambers Ireland will continue to effectively engage across our network of Chambers to recognise and address the key commercial opportunities and challenges nationwide. Our strategic priorities will be to enhance the quality of our Chamber network, visibly represent the needs of our network, widen our reach both nationally and globally and to deliver financial sustainability and growth. As we look to 2018 and the challenges beyond, we will be working to a discreet set of policy priorities, reflecting our geographic presence as well as providing supports throughout our network, coordinating projects and opportunities for Chamber and business participation and leading as a strong, unified voice for Irish business. Throughout 2017 we continued to see a trend of collaboration and mergers between Chambers to create an even more effective lobbying platform in order to promote regional development and create more critical mass and capability in their organisations. Businesses constantly seek to evolve and drive efficiencies and effectiveness and Chambers of Commerce are no exception. We are delighted with the impact of the network-wide rebrand we conducted in November. It paves the way for Chambers Ireland and our affiliated Chambers across the country to update our collective image and take part in our ongoing evolution as a strong, influential, and collaborative network that effects real change as the voice of business in every community. Our new logo and tagline, ‘Advancing Business Together’, resonates with both our history and knowledge as a Chamber Network as well as our resourcefulness and adaptability to the changing needs of modern businesses. Recognition of success is also an important component of our work. Once again Chambers Ireland’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards in September and Excellence in Local Government Awards in November proved to be highlights of the national business calendar, serving as an ideal platform to shine the spotlight on the resounding work being done in both spheres, with companies and local authorities given well-deserved recognition. The shortlisted CSR initiatives showcased the very positive impact of building more socially responsible businesses while the local government projects served as further testimony to what can be achieved at local level through a combination of collaboration and the responsibility that people feel towards their local communities. I would like to comment on the importance of the engagement of business people in our network. I am hugely impressed with the amount of effort and engagement from volunteers around the country, which is vital to our effectiveness as an organisation. In accordance with our new tagline, ‘Advancing Business Together’, I would like to thank everyone who is involved and for those thinking of getting involved, please do. We can do great things together. Finally, I feel privileged to have been elected as President of Chambers Ireland and to have the opportunity to work with so many talented people within the Chamber Network.

Niamh Boyle President, Chambers Ireland

“IT’S CLEAR THAT OUR

CREATIVITY AND DETERMINATION

IN COMMERCE

CAN WITHSTAND THE

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SHOCKS THAT WE HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO IN RECENT YEARS.”

I wish you all a successful 2018.

A Message

from the

President InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 SPONSORS

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

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 ABOUT CHAMBERS IRELAND

As the

largest business network nationwide, Chambers Ireland’s primary aim is to advance Ireland’s competitiveness through developing the best environment for businesses of all sizes and facilitating the growth of the Irish Chamber Network. The Irish Chamber Network consists of local affiliated Chambers and regional Chambers and is governed by a board of directors. Chambers Ireland acts as one voice on behalf of our Network. Chambers Ireland monitors the relevant policy issues that businesses care about and are affected by, and represents the views of business to Government, through research, lobbying and representation on policy-making boards and councils influential to Government, including the Advisory Group on the National Planning Framework, the National Competitiveness Council, the National Corporate Social Responsibility Stakeholder Forum and more. Our membership and participation on these fora is strengthened by engagement with policy councils, a public affairs forum, a chief executives forum and the national advisory board.

In addition to these various levels of domestic influence, Chambers Ireland also engages at a European and international level, as a member of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the largest business representative organisation worldwide, and as a member of EUROCHAMBRES, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. As a member of the ICC, Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish national committee of the ICC, which allows us to advocate the interests of our members to the intergovernmental organisations that legislate on international trade. The work of the ICC includes arbitration and dispute resolution, promoting the importance of open trade, business self-regulation, fighting corruption and more. Chambers Ireland is also a member of Eurochambres, the voice of the business community at EU level, representing over 20 million businesses across Europe. Eurochambres aims to improve the conditions of the single market to facilitate trade within and beyond the EU, through engagement with the EU institutions and by coordinating projects to benefit businesses.

Through engaging with our network of local chambers across the country and by encouraging better business practices for long-term development at local, regional and national level, Chambers Ireland works to advance Irish businesses at home and abroad.

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THE WORK OF CHAMBERS IRELAND A glance at Chambers Ireland’s main areas of activity:

REPRESENTING IRISH BUSINESS INTERESTS As a lobbying organisation, we represent Irish business interests at local, regional and national level to the Irish Government, while also exerting influence through our presence on key policy-making boards and councils.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES AND STRENGTHENING THE NETWORK

Chambers Ireland supports SMEs and larger businesses in Ireland through the Chamber Network. We provide information and advice to businesses on a range of topics and issues. The new network-wide re-brand, launched November 2017, is an example of how Chambers Ireland markets and promotes the image of the Chamber Network.

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE

Chambers Ireland is an active member of both EUROCHAMBRES and the International Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses at EU, pan-European and international level. Chambers Ireland engagement on these important business platforms ensures greater visibility and competitiveness for Irish business on a global stage.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Bernadette Phelan, BITC, Ian Talbot and then Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald at the launch of the second Corporate Social Responsibility Action Plan ‘Towards Responsible Business’

Limerick Chamber President Ken Johnson with former Minister for Finance Michael Noonan

Chamber Network chief executives gathered in the K Club, Kildare for a Chief Executive Forum in July 2017

Make

IT YOUR

CHAMBER By joining your local Chamber, you’ll receive members-only benefits, exclusive advertising, networking opportunities and increased publicity for your organisation, along with representation at a national level through Chambers Ireland.

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With 44 accredited

Chambers around Ireland, businesses in the Chamber Network are widely represented across the country. The Chamber Network is Ireland’s largest business representative organisation, working to promote the enhanced economic and social development of communities in order to make them better places in which to live, work and do business. Local economic development is one of the Chamber Network’s core policy priorities. Chambers work to remedy the challenges that face businesses in cities, towns and rural areas of Ireland. The strength of the local economy is vital for the success of any business. Chambers encourage and promote local economic development for their communities and deliver significant results for their members. There are a number of key areas where Chamber membership can benefit your business:

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

ATIONAL AND N INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION AND LOBBYING Chambers around Ireland represent their members locally, and are also represented on a national level by being a member of the Irish Chamber Network. On behalf of the Chamber Network, Chambers Ireland lobbies the Irish Government on national issues that affect businesses across Ireland. Chambers Ireland is an active member of Eurochambres and the International Chamber of Commerce. Through these organisations, the Chamber Network is also represented at a European and at an international level.

SUPPORT Chambers provide their members with support in a variety of ways. This includes, but is not limited to, business development and access to knowledge, skills and training on a wide range of topics. Chambers can also act as an advisor to businesses in their network, whether they are early stage startups or established enterprises.

NETWORKING Members of Chambers are invited to many networking events. This opens up opportunities for members to do business with other companies in their network. It has been recorded that 60 per cent of members do business at Chamber events through meeting with other members and their contacts. You can connect and engage with a broader audience and expand your network through your local Chamber. Chambers believe that people do business with people who they know. By joining your local Chamber you are making new business connections with contacts you can trust.

HAVE YOUR SAY LOCALLY Chambers around Ireland represent their members at meetings with local authorities and politicians throughout the year. Have your say in local government through the Chamber advocacy efforts. Chambers lobby their local authorities on many issues that need to be addressed for their members.

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EVENTS Chamber members are invited to the many events that their local Chamber organises throughout the year. Chambers host a wide variety of successful events, including workshops, informative seminars, award ceremonies and more.

LEARNING Gain a competitive edge over non-members with exclusive training opportunities on current topics. Chambers organise training of relevance for businesses in a variety of sectors and of all sizes.

PROMOTION AND REFERRALS Chambers have become information centres to local businesses, whether they are members or not. Chambers will always recommend their members to others when asked for referrals.

ISCOUNTS ON PRODUCTS D AND SERVICES Chambers offer their members a number of different products and services at a discount. Exclusive services that Chambers provide to their members include discounted business offerings from member to member and access to a membership directory.

SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING Chamber members can participate in membersonly social media groups and receive useful and timely updates on issues that matter.

VISIBILITY Stand out and generate awareness within your local community. Being a member makes you part of an active business group within your community. As a member, your business will be represented under the Chamber Network branding, which has strong national presence.

CREDIBILITY Enhance your reputation and increase awareness through membership. Chamber members have the benefit of the Chamber President, CEO, Board and staff promoting their business. At networking events Chamber personnel always keep their members in mind when they are speaking to other business owners, whether they are national or international companies.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

CHAMBERS IRELAND: The Year in PICTURES

NEW CHAMBERS IRELAND BRAND

InBUSINESS looks back over the last 12 months, and the ways in which Chambers Ireland worked to represent members both nationally and internationally.

A delegation of Chamber Network representatives gathered in Merrion Square in November 2017 alongside Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot and President Niamh Boyle to celebrate and launch the Network-wide re-brand. The 44 Chambers have updated their branding by incorporating the new logo and tagline.

CHAMBERS IRELAND AND VOKA MEETING

CHAMBER EXECUTIVE FORUM

Gilles Suply, International Business Advisor at Voka – the Flemish Chamber Network and Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland at a meeting in Brussels between Chambers Ireland and Voka representatives regarding mutual Brexit concerns, opportunities for Irish business and the sustainable growth and development of Ireland’s economy.

James Ring, Chief Executive, Limerick Chamber; Mary Rose Burke, Chief Executive, Dublin Chamber; Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber; and Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland pictured in Kildare in July 2017 holding the report for the M20 Road, ‘Gearing up for M20: A Route to Success’.

PRE-BUDGET 2018 Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland and Niamh Boyle, President, Chambers Ireland at the launch of the Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission in front of Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. Chambers Ireland’s PreBudget Submission outlined the key policy recommendations for Budget 2018, which were of importance to Irish business and the sustainable growth and development of the Irish economy.

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IRISH CHAMBER NETWORK BRUSSELS VISIT A delegation from Chambers Ireland and the Chamber Network pictured in a European Commission meeting room during the 2017 annual Brussels trip of the Irish Chamber Network. The trip featured a series of high-level discussions between Irish businesses and EU officials focusing on trade and the future of Europe.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

EUROCHAMBRES PLENARY ASSEMBLY In October 2017, EUROCHAMBRES, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry of which Chambers Ireland is a member, held its 121st Plenary Assembly in Brussels, electing its new president, Christoph Leitl. Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot was re-elected as Deputy President of EUROCHAMBRES at the same meeting.

MICHEL BARNIER VISIT

ICC COURT OF ARBITRATION VISIT

Chief negotiator of the European Commission taskforce on Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier visited Dublin in May 2017 to address the Houses of the Oireachtas. As part of the visit, Barnier briefed stakeholders at the European Commission Representation in Dublin on the EU institutions’ awareness of Ireland’s unique situation with regards to Brexit, where he met with Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot.

In May 2017, President of the ICC Court of Arbitration Alexis Mourre paid a visit to Dublin for a meeting with members of the ICC Ireland National Committee and then Minister of State for the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Eoghan Murphy. At the briefing they discussed the global arbitration landscape, the potential for arbitration in Brexit talks and more.

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING At the Chambers Ireland National Advisory Board meeting in March 2017, Chambers Ireland and senior representatives of Chambers Ireland’s partner companies met Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to discuss policy and business priorities.

EUROPEAN BANKING Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland pictured with European Commission Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, Valdis Dombrovskis and delegates from the European Banking Federation. Representing EUROCHAMBRES in his role as Deputy President of the association, Ian Talbot met with Valdis Dombrovskis [centre] in June 2017, along with delegates from European banking associations, to agree upon a set of high-level principles for enabling better communication between SMEs and banks throughout the EU when it comes to loan applications.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 POLICY

2018 is projected to be In 2018, Chambers Ireland will be working on a number of policy priorities with the aim of making Ireland a better place in which to live, work and do business, writes Policy Manager Elisha Collier O’Brien.

another year of strong growth for Ireland’s economy and for Irish businesses. The February CSO unemployment figure stood at 6.6 per cent, while the Central Bank recently revised upwards the growth forecasts for the year ahead, expecting GDP to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2018. This is all good news, and while we at Chambers Ireland are positive about the outlook for Ireland’s economy and Irish business, we are keenly aware that we cannot afford to become complacent. Indeed many of the same challenges follow us from 2017 into 2018. This year Chambers Ireland will continue to promote and lobby for policies that will make Ireland a better place in which to live, work and do business. Following various public consultations and numerous stakeholder engagements over the last three years by the Department of Housing,

Optimism without

Complacency

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 POLICY

Planning and Local Government, the final National Planning Framework was published in February this year alongside the National Development Plan of 116 billion. Chambers Ireland proactively engaged in the consultation process for this important piece of national policy that will guide strategic investment in Ireland out to the year 2040 through written submissions and as a member of the NPF Advisory Group. Our Network of local chambers across the country also contributed to the process and many chambers made submissions on how they would like to see the framework promote sustainable and inclusive growth in their regions. We were delighted to see the real impact our Network’s engagement had on the NPF and the National Development Plan, with many of the recommendations made by local chambers being adopted in the final ‘Project Ireland 2040’. The implementation of these plans will now begin at a regional level, with the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategies laying out more detailed plans for growth in each of Ireland’s three regions under the Regional Assemblies. The Chamber Network will continue to engage on behalf of Ireland’s entrepreneurs, ensuring that the voice of business is heard in the drafting of these important strategies. The huge levels of public funding required to address deficits in infrastructure must be guided by a master plan, and we therefore believe that Project Ireland 2040, with enough support and the right enforcement measures, will be good for the economy and good for business. Given the significant levels of investment and the many large-scale infrastructure projects involved, the next challenge will be ensuring that our planning and procurement processes are well-resourced and capable of delivering all that is promised in Project Ireland 2040. Another important challenge this year will be pension reform, as it becomes ever clearer that the current model is not working, with less than 40 per cent of private workers holding a pension scheme. Inadequate pension provision is a significant issue that threatens the future wellbeing of our society and this year should see Government begin a period of consultation on reforming Ireland’s pension model. Our Network of local chambers works closely with their relevant local authorities on the shared goal of improving their economies and

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communities. As such, we look forward to the publication of the review of local government by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, scheduled for publication early this year. Chambers Ireland will seek to support measures that improve the functioning of local authorities, advance services for local businesses as significant contributors to their budgets, and enhance transparency in rates collection and expenditure. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and what shape this will take is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to plan effectively in the short to medium term. Indeed, in November of last year, a survey of our Network found that Brexit is regarded as the number one economic challenge facing businesses in 2018 and we know that this is already leading to delays on decisions concerning future investments and having a long term impact. At the heart of this uncertainty is the ongoing lack of clarity on what Brexit will look like and how long of a transition arrangement, if any, will follow the UK’s exit from the European Union. Though there is plenty of rhetoric acknowledging the challenges Brexit will bring for Irish business, this is not always reflected in Government policy. This year we hope to see Budget 2019 deliver more for Ireland’s entrepreneurs and businesses and continue the upward trend in capital expenditure to support growth. While we are positive about the outlook for our businesses and economy this year, obstacles remain. The cost of living remains stubbornly high and this is a significant issue which is impacting upon Ireland’s competitiveness. Factors such as the housing crisis, high childcare costs and rising insurance costs, among others, are impacting upon wage demands: the high cost of living continues to be absorbed by Irish business rather than being adequately tackled by Government. For our part, Chambers Ireland will continue work on the promotion of policies that enhance the competitiveness of Irish business. Overall, in spite of the challenges, we are optimistic about the year ahead. We will continue to focus on competitiveness and improved conditions for Ireland’s innovative and resilient businesses to succeed at home and abroad. With the right policies and goals, we can ensure the sustainability of our recent growth well in to the future.

“FACTORS SUCH AS THE

HOUSING CRISIS, HIGH CHILDCARE COSTS AND RISING INSURANCE COSTS, AMONG OTHERS, ARE

IMPACTING UPON WAGE DEMANDS.”

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CHAMBER FEATURE CHAMBERS IRELAND & THE EU

Trading

Ideas with

Europe

Chambers Ireland continues to work and lobby for a more a stable pro-trade, businessfriendly Europe.

s part of our work representing the interests of Irish business, we work closely with the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also known as Eurochambres. The organisation voices the interests of over 19 million member enterprises in 45 European countries through a network of national, regional and local Chambers. Chambers Ireland engages with Eurochambres across a number of policy areas and has representatives on several Eurochambres policy committees including the Trade and Investment Committee; the Finance and Economy Committee; the Better Regulation Committee; the SME Policy Committee; and the EU Single Market Committee. Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, is the Chairperson of the Eurochambres Finance and Economy Committee.

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CHAMBER FEATURE CHAMBERS IRELAND & THE EU

from across the European Commission to discuss matters of importance to the Irish business community. The chambers represented included Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber, Dundalk Chamber, Fingal Dublin Chamber, Galway Chamber, Meath Chambers, South Dublin Chamber, Sligo Chamber and Waterford Chamber. The objective of the trip was to highlight the need for the European Commission to proactively engage with the business community, particularly SMEs, on issues like trade, innovation and skills. The delegation met with the Irish Ambassador to the European Union and representatives from DG Trade, DG Connect and the Taskforce 50 Brexit negotiation team. The delegation also attended a breakfast at the European Parliament, hosted by Sean Kelly MEP and his team, where MEPs briefed the delegation on their current policy briefs and the work of their committees. Also attending the breakfast were MEPs Matt Carthy, Deirdre Clune, Brian Hayes, Marian Harkin and Mairead McGuinness. Following on from these meetings, the Chambers Ireland delegation met with the Enterprise Ireland Benelux team to talk trade, internationalisation and how Irish SMEs can grow their businesses. Rounding off the visit, the Irish Chambers met senior policy experts in Eurochambres and also met with their counterparts from Chambers around Europe to discuss business priorities, concerns about Brexit and the possibility of closer collaboration in the future.

• Investment forecasts continue their upward trend, reflecting improving financing conditions and persisting low interest rates.

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• Lack of skilled workers ranks 2nd (compared to 4th last year) among the challenges for 2018.

“THE SURVEY

OF EUROPEAN BUSINESSES, PUBLISHED AND COORDINATED BY EUROCHAMBRES, REVEALED THAT

BREXIT IS NOT CONSIDERED A CONCERN FOR MOST COMPANIES.”

• The prospect of Brexit is the number one challenge only for Irish businesses, scoring much lower in most of the other EES 2018 participating countries. • Domestic sales expectations rise slightly compared to last year, but seemingly remain a source of uncertainty for businesses, as domestic demand is again ranked the top challenge. • Export sales within and beyond the EU are higher than in 2017, despite the uncertain geo-political situation. • Employment expectations exceed the levels of the pre-crisis period for the first time.

INTO 2018 The second phase of the Brexit negotiations focusing on the future trading relationship between the UK and EU begins in March. Therefore, preparing Irish business for the consequences of a UK exit from the EU will be top of our agenda in the months and years ahead. Beyond Brexit, Chambers Ireland will continue to engage with the ongoing debate surrounding the future of Europe with a view to ensuring that the EU continues to be a stable pro-trade, business friendly environment.

23/02/2018 09:50

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23/02/2018 31/01/2018 12:27 08:15

CHAMBER FEATURE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ON A

GLOBAL

Stage

IN 2018, ICC IRELAND WILL CONTINUE ITS WORK IN HELPING TO FURTHER THE GOALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

he International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a global organisation based in Paris, which Chambers Ireland supports, that provides a forum for businesses and other organisations to examine and better comprehend the nature and significance of the major shifts taking place in the world economy. The ICC’s key areas of work include policy advocacy, promoting international trade and investment and working to fight corruption and piracy throughout the world economy. At present, ICC Ireland is actively involved in several areas it has identified as being of importance to Irish businesses and the wider Irish economy. These are: arbitration, customs and

trade, digital economy, environment and energy, advertising and corporate responsibility. • Commission on Arbitration and ADR • Commission on Customs and Trade Regulations • Commission on Environment and Energy • Commission on Corporate Responsibility and Anti-Corruption • Commission on Digital Economy • Commission on Marketing and Advertising

ICC IRELAND IN 2017

Throughout the course of 2017, the team in ICC Ireland worked with our partner organisation in Paris to further the goals of the International Chamber of Commerce.

ICC VISIT

ICC Ireland and its National Arbitration Committee organises an annual visit to the ICC Court in Paris, where members from the Bar Council, Law Society and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators are invited to attend. These visits are multi-purpose in that they provide an opportunity for members to understand the workings of the court and to network with the case teams that distribute cases to arbitrators globally. The visits also give members the chance to profile the skills and expertise of Irish arbitrators and showcase Ireland as a venue or seat. In May 2017, ICC Ireland hosted Alexis Mourre, the President of the ICC International Court on a visit to Dublin, where he met with Minister Eoghan Murphy, senior civil servants from the Office of Government Procurement and spoke at a seminar for the Irish arbitration community.

TRADE MATTERS

At a time of growing populism and moves towards increased protectionism, the ICC, supported by ICC Ireland, launched a campaign to promote why trade matters to the global economy. The campaign promotes the ways by which trade supports jobs, growth, small business and sustainable development. Evidence shows that protectionist policies are bad for economies in the long run. The ICC will prioritise de-bunking these myths and promoting the benefits of increased trade in the months and years to come.

UN OBSERVER STATUS

In December 2016, the ICC was officially granted Observer Status by the United National General Assembly, giving the organisation a unique platform to represent its members at the world’s greatest international forum. The ICC is the only private sector organisation to have been granted Observer Status at the General Assembly in the history of the United Nations. This achievement will for the first time provide a direct voice for business in the UN system to promote policies that foster sustainable and inclusive growth, job creation and economic cooperation.

Alexis Mourre, President, the ICC International Court, Minister Eoghan Murphy and Colm Ó hOisín, Senior Counsel, Law Library

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23/02/2018 14:48

CHAMBER FEATURE THE EU IN 2018

The

the d n a

FUTURE OF EUROPE:

JOB BOOSTS

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS

What to

Watch

MIGRATION

SKILLS DEFICITS

Emma Kerins, EU and International Affairs Manager, Chambers Ireland, looks at the issues setting the agenda in the European Union over the next 12 months.

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“TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE

NEED FOR ACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH EU CITIZENS,

BULGARIA SAYS THAT IT WILL STRIVE TO ACHIEVE PROGRESS IN THE FIELD OF SECURITY, EMPLOYMENT, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND

ENSURING A STRONGER EU PRESENCE ON THE WORLD STAGE.”

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JOB BOOSTS

KILLS FICITS

CHAMBER FEATURE THE EU IN 2018

CLIMATE CHANGE

SECURITY ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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“POLITICS ASIDE,

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR THE EU

AS A WHOLE, AT LEAST ECONOMICALLY, WHERE AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF SLUGGISH GROWTH, THE EUROZONE

RETURNED TO FORM IN 2017.”

Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland; Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland H.E. Branimir Zaimov and Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee pictured at a European Movement Ireland in January 2018 to mark the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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23/02/2018 18/12/2017 12:28 16:02

CHAMBER FEATURE BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Human Rights IN BUSINESS THE GOVERNMENT IS CALLING FOR IRISH BUSINESSES AT HOME AND ABROAD TO ADHERE TO RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES IN LINE WITH IRELAND’S HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITMENT.

ollowing several years of consultation, the Human Rights Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched Ireland’s National Action Plan (NAP) to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in November 2017. Speaking at the launch, Minister Simon Coveney called for promotion of responsible business practices at home and overseas by all Irish business enterprises in line with Ireland’s human rights commitment. Chambers Ireland has actively engaged with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade throughout the consultation process, jointly hosting a workshop on Business and Human Rights. The workshop was part of an ongoing consultation with stakeholders by the department as it drafts a National Plan on Business and Human Rights as required by the UN Guiding Principles. In 2016, as part of the consultation on the draft National Action Plan, Chambers Ireland made a submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlighting the following:

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• The focus of the NAP should be to promote dialogue between the State, business and civil society. • Government should conduct a baseline study on legislative and regulatory framework pertaining to business and human rights as it applies in Ireland. • Government should create a toolkit for business, that includes templates and policy descriptions accessible to small businesses and begin an education process around human rights due diligence as appropriate to their size, the nature and context of operations and the severity of the risk of adverse human rights impacts. • Government should increase its support for the use of mediation and ADR to resolve disputes that may arise between business and stakeholders. Following the publication of the plan, Chambers Ireland welcomed the department’s approach and the commitment to develop toolkits for business and to support the use of mediation and ADR to resolve disputes. Looking ahead, the Government has committed to taking the following steps as part of the national plan.

• Establish a business and human rights implementation group, which will consist of representatives from Government, the business community and civil society. • Commission a study to conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework. • Convene a forum on business and human rights. • Ensure coherence between the National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility and the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. • Develop a practical toolkit on business and human rights for public and private entities within 12 months to assist them in their human rights due diligence. • Encourage business representative bodies to provide examples, templates and case studies to help support companies in their efforts to develop human rights focused policies and reporting initiatives. • Encourage and facilitate the sharing of best practice on human rights due diligence, including effective supply chain audits. • Create a fact sheet on the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. • Engage with business representative bodies to promote and strengthen mediation as a viable option when businesses and their stakeholders are engaged in disputes. For more on the working outline of Ireland’s National Plan on Business and Human Rights visit www.dfa.ie.

23/02/2018 10:04

CHAMBER FEATURE MILLENNIALS

of a kind

The

Generation Robin Laurent, Policy & Communications Intern at Chambers Ireland, a millennial himself, looks at why and how businesses should embrace so-called Generation Y.

re you a millennial? No, this expression doesn’t have any connection with “Illuminati”, despite how sinister it might sound; it simply refers to people born roughly between 1980 and 2000. A generation that has been christened with many nicknames, from ‘Generation Y’ to ‘Digital Natives’, millennials are now taking over the workplaces of the world. Studies have shown that ‘GenY’ already makes up half of the workforce today and is expected to represent around 75 per cent of it by 2025. But what makes millennials different? Firstly, they grew up during the digital revolution, along with the development and evolution of the internet, smartphones and social media. As a result, tech skills come naturally to them. This alone makes millennials particularly attractive to businesses competing in a world of constant digital evolution. While being impatient is a characteristic often attributed to these digital natives by older generations, having an expectation of “instant gratification”

CATHERINE SHERIDAN

VOICE OF A GENERATION In our 2017 Q3 issue, we spoke to five millennials about what attracts them to an employer.

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Project Worker, Barnardos I look for a good induction, support and supervision from a team leader or manager, along with continual professional development, such as training throughout the job. I would leave if the caseload was unmanageable and I wasn’t being supported or if work became repetitive and unchallenging. Within a company I look for opportunities for development and promotion.

CIARA THORNTON

Science Graduate Options for professional development and progression are top of the list, as is the opportunity for further study. A company without gender bias is important to me, especially considering STEM fields have traditionally been male-dominated. Even as a millennial, I would not want to work for a company that expects employees to work for free after the initial training stage.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 10:00

CHAMBER FEATURE MILLENNIALS

more likely better describes them. This facet of their personality is said to stem from their online habits, where every post or photo is instantly liked, shared or retweeted. It is fair to say that each generation from the ‘Silents’ to the ‘Baby Boomers’ and ‘Generation X’ has its own characteristics, which were shaped by the world these generations grew up in and the education norms of their time. The millennial generation of the Western world did not have to endure wartime, and were over protected by their parents perhaps more than any other generation before them. Since a relatively young age, they have relied on digital devices to keep in touch with the outside world and to carry out everyday tasks. WHAT MILLENNIALS WANT So what does all this mean for today’s workplace? A lot has already been said about how millennials approach their careers and work lives. Some say they are lazy and unmotivated, others describe them as being indecisive about what they want, while many say that as employees they lack loyalty. But none of this is true. They don’t want to change job every six months simply for the sake of changing. Nor do they want pingpong tables, couches or free ice-cream in the office. The salary package and the company brand are far from being the most important benefits millennials are looking for. What they wish for is flexible working schedules, not because they are lazy but because they do not buy into the concept of the typical nine-to-five (or much later) working hours. They value the quality of work far more than the time passed doing

KATIE DUNNE

Financial Advisor, Paypal Obviously, salary is an important aspect as it motivates an employee to work hard and remain with a company. Benefits such as healthcare or paid sick leave are also a definite draw for me. However, one factor that cannot be underestimated is the daily environment that the management team creates with other employees.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

026 InBusiness YB 2018_CF_Millennials.indd 27

it, and they are eager to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives, somewhat in line with the motto “work hard, play hard”. Millennials are interested in being well managed, even mentored, by their boss, and hope for a transparent and honest relationship in which advice and feedback flow both ways; not because they are knowit-alls, but because they believe all people can learn from one another and because they value a variety of perspectives. Millennials have the hunger to know the purpose of their task. They want to feel useful to their employer and have a clear purpose in their lives. The possibility to grow within a company and to develop themselves in their field is also appealing to them, as well as the desire for new challenges that require creativity, instead of repeating the same tasks day-in, day-out. The fact millennials are rejecting old norms in the workplace does not mean they do not care or do not respect them. On the contrary, they are willing to be more trusted and to take on even greater responsibility because they believe they can bring about positive change. Attracting the best talent coming through the ranks requires companies to develop a different mindset. Gone are the days of the authoritarian boss or old-school office culture. Millennials are taking over whether you like it or not; and while Baby Boomers are in the golden age of retirement, the facilitation of co-working between Generations X and Y with Generation Z (those born after the year 2000) will soon begin. Since it seems likely that GenZ will be at least as challenging as millennials, businesses had better be prepared!

CONOR CALIFF

Paralegal, Mason Hayes & Curran What attracts me to a firm is the calibre of people to learn from. Training under those who are experts in their fields is one of the best ways to develop and that is a big pull factor for me. In addition, a firm’s culture is one of the most important factors for me in wanting to stay there. While work can often be demanding, having people to call on to help you resolve issues makes it a lot more enjoyable.

“MILLENIALS ARE NOW THE

MAJORITY OF YOUR WORKERS AND ARE THE MOST

PASSIONATE EMPLOYEES YOU COULD WORK WITH.

PROVIDE THEM WITH CLEAR STRUCTURE AND CAREER

OUTLOOK. IN THAT WAY, YOU WILL LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE

FUTURE SUPERIOR WORKFORCE

OF YOUR COMPANY.” Lucas Beguin (27), founder of Grill-Island and co-founder of InYourBrand

BRENDAN COLEMAN BUSINESS GRADUATE

Good pay would attract me to a job and I would stay in a company for chance of pay increase or career progression. I would also be incentivised by good working hours, that didn’t include night shifts or weekend work. A negative for me would be a company that didn’t foster good morale with co-workers.

23/02/2018 10:00

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23/02/2018 04/01/2018 12:30 14:43

CHAMBER FEATURE CHAMBER COLLABORATIONS

trength

NATIONAL PLANNING hambers from Waterford, Dungarvan and West Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford, Gorey, New Ross, Enniscorthy and County Carlow worked together to make joint submissions to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the National Planning Framework in 2017. The eight chambers made two joint submissions, one in the pre-draft consultation phase in March 2017 and a second on the draft plan in November 2017. The Chambers worked together to represent the business community of the south-east and rallied behind key policies and large-scale infrastructure projects that stand to benefit the region. In addition to this, the Chambers of the southeast outlined in their November 2017 submission that they were endorsing the joint submission made by the five local authorities in the south-east, also acting collaboratively to represent the region with a strong and unified voice.

IN NUMBERS Chambers in our Network have been working together to represent their regions with a strong and unified voice.

MOTORWAY FUNDING hough traditionally considered an unlucky date, Friday the 13th of October last year brought great news for Cork and Limerick. At a Cork Chamber breakfast briefing in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that funding for the M20 motorway linking the cities of Cork and Limerick was getting the green light. In support of this 80km M20 motorway, Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber worked together and jointly commissioned a socio-economic impact report, which proved the potential of the M20 to support thousands of new jobs in the region and the benefit to the Exchequer. Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber collectively represent more than 1,700 businesses and this strong, unified voice was effective in lobbying Government on this project. The fact that the announcement was made at a Cork Chamber event highlights the role that the two Chambers played in the motorway’s approval. By pooling their resources and unifying their voices, Cork and Limerick Chambers were successful in lobbying Government to support this project, which will bring huge benefits to their members and the wider region.

Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber, Bill O’Connell, President, Cork Chamber, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, James Ring, CEO, Limerick Chamber and Ken Johnson, President, Limerick Chamber pictured at the announcement of new funding for the M20 motorway

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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ECONOMIC CORRIDOR he Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) initiative was developed by a group of Chambers working together with the goal of building upon the strengths of the region and boosting local economies along the corridor through enhanced connectivity. In 2017, the Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce was launched by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny with the AEC subsequently being included in the Draft National Planning Framework (NPF) as a means to enhance regional accessibility. In February 2018, the Atlantic Economic Corridor was included in the final NPF as a priority for further development. This was a significant achievement by the Chambers involved to see it included in the final Project Ireland 2040. Improved connectivity along the western seaboard will serve to encourage investment and increase employment in the region.

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CHAMBER FEATURE ARBITRATION

Acting ALTERNATIVE

WITH THE

InBUSINESS caught up with Bill Holohan, Senior Partner of Holohan Law and Chair of CIArb Ireland, to discuss the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the potential implications for Ireland of the Mediation Act 2017.

or some time now, Bill Holohan has been swearing by the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Describing himself as a “repentant lawyer who, having worshipped in the satanic church of litigation for over 20 years, converted to the one true church of mediation”, Holohan is currently serving as the elected chairman of CIArb Ireland. This, the Irish branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, is a professional membership organisation representing the interests of alternative dispute practitioners worldwide. Holohan, who is the senior partner of Holohan Law and is also a company director or secretary of some 20 companies, considers disputes from both a solicitor’s point of view and a businessman’s, and from both perspectives deems ADR to be a far more desirable course of action than litigation. In explaining his reasons why, Holohan traces litigation back to its rather basic roots and, in doing so, emphasises its inherently adversarial nature. “Litigation is a legacy of the old right of trial by battle, which was only abolished in 1820,” he says. “Back then you sent out the biggest, boldest person you could find to try to beat the ‘proverbial’ out

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of the other side. The more refined version for gentlemen was that you headed out with your pistol and you had a duel at dawn. The theory was that God would be on the side of whoever was right. Nowadays, the modern version of that is you get the most expensive, bad-ass barrister you can find to go into court to try to beat up the other side. It’s a very destructive process, because you’re trying to knock down the other side all the time and put the best gloss on your own case.” Litigation pits one party in a dispute against the other in extremely stark terms, and leaves very little room for compromise. Methods of ADR though – for example mediation, arbitration, conciliation and others – can prove to be a much smoother and cheaper process, with benefits for all parties involved. Taking mediation as an example of ADR, Holohan explains how, even if a dispute is not resolved in its entirety throughout the course of the mediation, the range of problems can at least be narrowed down. “Even in cases not necessarily resolved, it can narrow the issues,” he says. “You might go into a mediation with five or six different issues being thrown up, and they might resolve all bar one of them, so it narrows the scope of what’s at issue that will reduce the ultimate costs that are involved in the process. Sometimes, once you have managed to resolve the bulk of them, later the last one will fall into place, because it’s no longer as significant [an issue] as it was at the outset.”

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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CHAMBER FEATURE ARBITRATION

GAINING PERSPECTIVE In illustrating the benefits of mediation and other forms of ADR, Holohan cites Stephen R. Covey, author of the business and self-help book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He describes a passage in which the author seeks to impress the importance of empathy and perspective upon his readers, giving a rather striking example. “[Covey] talks about changing the paradigm, changing perspectives,” explains Holohan. “The example he gives is of a guy who gets on a commuter train with his kids. The kids are running riot, to the point that a hub of passengers get annoyed, and one barks at the guy, ‘Would you ever control your kids, they’re out of control?’ The guy looks up and says, ‘I’m sorry, we’ve just come from the hospital, my wife is dying and I don’t know how to tell them.’ Suddenly there’s a changed perspective; it’s no longer this irresponsible parent letting his kids run riot, but rather a man dealing with a terrible situation. It goes from condemnation to sympathy, all because there’s an understanding of what the situation is. Now, this is a bit of a dramatic example, but that’s what Stephen Covey uses to illustrate the point – the benefit of full understanding.” Mediation and other forms of ADR allow for understanding by opening up a dialogue between disputing parties. There is less pressure and expense involved than if the dispute were to take place within the confines of a courtroom,

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and the ability to gain an insight into the opposition’s point of view can allow for compromises that otherwise would not have been impossible. Such are the potential benefits to mediation that they have been recognised at a statutory level, Bill Holohan, Senior with the recent implementation Partner of Holohan Law of the Mediation Act 2017. The and Chair of CIArb Ireland Act, passed by both houses of the Oireachtas on September 26th 2017, places new obligations on litigants to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, ensuring that legal advisers must advise their clients to explore alternatives to litigation. The Act can be seen as a big “THE UK step within an Irish context in its attempts to DOESN’T HAVE move away from courtrooms wherever possible, A MEDIATION ultimately reducing legal costs, speeding up ACT. BUT AT A the resolution of disputes and reducing the EUROPEAN stress and acrimony of court proceedings. It is LEVEL, THERE hoped that the Act will relieve the pressure on IS A BIG the courts and alleviate the backlog of cases MOVE currently before Irish courts. TOWARDS “We’re ahead of the curve in the sense of MEDIATION a statutory basis for mediation,” concludes AND AN ADR Holohan. “The UK doesn’t have a mediation DIRECTIVE. IT act, for example. But at a European level, there IS GAINING is a big move towards mediation and an ADR TRACTION.” directive. It is gaining traction, and it is going to become the preferred option.”

23/02/2018 09:58

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23/02/2018 02/02/2018 12:31 12:17

CHAMBER FEATURE ROADSHOWS

Road On the

Chambers Ireland hosted a series of roadshows across the Chamber Network in 2017, during which ESB Networks, SIRO and Irish Water briefed local Chambers and their members on the latest developments in their organisations.

ESB NETWORKS HELP BUSINESSES TO GET SMART uring November and December 2017, ESB Networks briefed local Chambers and their members on the latest developments in infrastructure, the electrification of heat and transport and smart technology for business at a series of events around the country. The briefings took place in Carlow, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Sligo and Waterford, which enabled Chamber members to learn about the business opportunities that improving electricity infrastructure and technology will bring to each local area. Further events are scheduled to take place in early 2018.

IRISH WATER INFORMS ON INFRASTRUCTURE n conjunction with Irish Water, Chambers Ireland undertook a series of country-wide briefings on water infrastructure development from September to December 2017. Irish Water representatives met with Chambers across the country to outline details of the investment in water services at a national and local level with a Q&A session taking place after each briefing. Taking place in Mullingar, Cavan, Fingal, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Galway, Meath, DLR and Letterkenny, the briefings enable Chambers around the country to learn about the business opportunities that a robust water infrastructure will bring to their area. Irish Water will continue to brief Chambers in 2018 to inform them of improvements to service and supply and the proposed regulatory changes in the sector.

Brian O’Farrell, CEO, County Carlow Chamber; Yvonne Jones, President, County Carlow Chamber and Denis Cambridge, Divisional Manager South, ESB Networks pictured at a County Carlow event on November 9th 2017

Members of Letterkenny Chamber pictured with Chamber President Leonard Watson and Richard O’Headhra from Irish Water at a briefing on December 13th

SIRO DELIVERS BROADBAND BRIEF n October and December 2017, SIRO provided key local stakeholders in Chambers across the country with information on its projects, company structure, and roll-out plans, which will allow consumers and business owners to avail of a 100 per cent fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) broadband network in 50 towns nationwide. The briefings took place in Mullingar, Athlone and Kildare with further events scheduled to take place in 2018. The events aim to promote an understanding of what FTTB means, what differentiates it from other technologies and what services and economic and social benefits it can deliver for businesses and individuals. SIRO technology is the first of its kind in Ireland. Using ESB’s existing infrastructure, SIRO will deliver a 100 per cent FTTB network directly into homes and businesses right across Ireland, bringing speeds of 1 Gigabit.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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Tom Hyland, Mullingar Chamber President, Suzanne Tracy, Operations Director, SIRO, Cllr John Shaw, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council and Robert Troy TD pictured at a Mullingar event held on October 19th 2017

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER NETWORK: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

CHAMBER NETWORK:

THE YEAR IN PICTURES

2017 was another busy year for the Chamber Network. InBUSINESS highlights some of the events that took place around the country.

KILDARE Pictured at the Kildare Business Awards 2017 were Maureen Bergin, President, County Kildare Chamber, Deirdre Coghlan Murray, Managing Director, Clark, Philip Nolan, President, Maynooth University with Eamonn Sinnott, Vice President and General Manager of Intel who was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business award, and Allan Shine, CEO, County Kildare Chamber.

SHANNON Willie Walsh, CEO, IAG, keynote speaker at Shannon Chamber’s 2017 President’s lunch pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes, Sean Flannery, General Manager, GECAS and Julie Dickerson, President, Shannon Chamber.

CORK imalaya Yoga Valley was declared as the overall H 2017 Cork Digital Marketing Champion at the Cork Chamber Digital Marketing Awards, which took place on Thursday October 26th in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

ARKLOW Arklow Chamber hosted its annual Chamber Dinner in celebration of all that is good about businesses in Arklow Town and welcomed MEP Sean Kelly as the guest speaker on the night.

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WATERFORD

Waterford Chamber launched its Regional Leaders Programme, in partnership with Bausch + Lomb and Waterford Chamber Skillnet in September 2017, with 25 mentors from across the region giving their time to develop the future leaders of Waterford and the south-east.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER NETWORK: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

Over 5500,000 worth of Shop Local Gift Vouchers were sold during Christmas 2017 in Dundalk. Billy Doyle of Dundalk Credit Union is pictured with Dundalk Chamber President Michael Gaynor.

DUNDALK

LIMERICK Limerick Chamber’s largest event, the President’s Dinner and Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards 2017, was attended by 479 people. Pictured at the event were Dr James Ring, CEO, Limerick Chamber, Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland and Ken Johnson, President, Limerick Chamber.

John Magnier of Coolmore Stud is presented with the President’s Award by Tipperary Chamber President TJ Kinsella at the 2017 Tipperary Business Awards.

TIPPERARY

Pictured are participants of the first West Waterford Industry Group event, which took place in May 2017. The group was established to highlight the issues and opportunities to grow and sustain large employers and indigenous manufacturing within the region.

DUNGARVAN

BALLINA TRALEE Tralee was the overall winner of the Bank Of Ireland Enterprise Town Award for 2018, beating 78 other towns and villages to win the coveted prize.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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One of the many achievements of Ballina Chamber in 2017 included it being recognised and rewarded with a runner-up award in the Connacht/Ulster region population category over 7,000 at the National Enterprising Town Awards.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER NETWORK: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

FINGAL

Aidan Lynch, Vice President and General Manager of GSK Pharmaceuticals Ireland, was the winner of Business Person of the Year at the South Dublin County Business Awards 2017. Pictured presenting the award to Aidan Lynch is Mayor of South Dublin County, Paul Gogarty, then Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald and Margaret Considine, President, South Dublin Chamber.

WEXFORD

In November 2017, Luke Moriarity was presented with the JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the Year Award at the 15th Fingal Business Excellence & Corporate Responsibility Awards.

Wexford Chamber was joined by members on November 28th to celebrate the launch of the new Chamber brand at a B2B breakfast networking meeting in the Wexford Chamber offices. Pictured in the front row (left to right) were Martin Doyle, Wexford Chamber Board of Director, Niall Reck, Incoming President of Wexford Chamber, Karl Fitzpatrick, now immediate past president of Wexford Chamber, Madeleine Quirke, CEO, Wexford Chamber and David Power, David M. Power Consulting.

Image courtesy of Mayo News

SOUTH DUBLIN

WESTPORT LETTERKENNY Letterkenny Chamber was regional winner in the 2017 Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards. Pictured accepting the award (from left to right) were Barney McLaughlin, Donegal County Council, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh, Mayor of Letterkenny; Jimmy Stafford, Bank of Ireland; Toni Forrester, CEO, Letterkenny Chamber; Barry Gallagher, Bank of Ireland; Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council; Joanne Hosey, Bank of Ireland; Clare McNickle, Vice-President, Letterkenny Chamber.

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In October 2017, the Chamber Network was saddened to hear of the passing of Neill O’Neill, who was sitting President of Westport Chamber. In recent years, O’Neill became an active member of many committees such as the Enterprise and Economic Strategic Policy Committee of Mayo County Council. He played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Westport and surrounding areas.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER NETWORK: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

MALLOW Pictured at the Mallow Business Awards, held on November 25th, were Cllr Gearoid Murphy, Cllr Declan Hurley, Mayor of County Cork, Jim Barry, Managing Director, Barry Group and Sean Lynch, President, Mallow Chamber.

ENNIS

In early October Ennis achieved ‘Coach Friendly Destination’ accreditation from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC) as part of a Chamber-led initiative to further drive tourism in Ennis. Pictured (at the wheel) is Ennis Mayor Paul Murphy, with behind (left to right) Brian McCarthy, Clare County Council, Kevin Traynor, CCTC and William Cahir, President, Ennis Chamber.

CARLOW Sharing experiences from over the years, Frank Tully, President of County Carlow Chamber from 1969 to 1970, flying the flag for Love Carlow, a project established by the chamber to lead the regeneration of Carlow, pictured with Chamber President Yvonne Jones.

DROGHEDA Drogheda Chamber President Paddy Callaghan presented the Shop Local proposal to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit to Drogheda for a pre-Christmas advertising and promotional campaign encouraging consumers to shop local.

GALWAY Pictured at the Galway Chamber Christmas Lunch sponsored by KPMG were Conor O’Dowd, Audit Director, KPMG; Maurice O’Gorman, President of Galway Chamber; Maeve Joyce, General Manager, Galway Chamber; and Eamon Bradshaw, Chief Executive, Port of Galway.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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ENNISCORTHY

Pictured at the Chambers Ireland CSR Awards were Tadhg Lucey, CSR Director, BAM Ireland; Eamonn Sinnott; Vice President and General Manager, Intel; Catriona Murphy, CEO, Enniscorthy & District Chamber; Mark Redmond, CEO, American Chamber of Commerce Ireland; Enniscorthy & District Chamber President Maree Lyng and Michael Bennett.

23/02/2018 09:58

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER CSR: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

CSR: IN THE NETWORK

COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER

The Chamber Network is doing its bit to encourage participation in and improvement of the corporate social responsibility landscape of Ireland.

Bank of Ireland was winner of the CSR Award at the County Kildare Chamber Business Awards held in November 2017 in The K Club. Pictured are Luke Hanahoe, Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors, Clodagh Hughes, Bank of Ireland, Pat Barrett, Bank of Ireland and Beatrice Travers, Clark.

Chambers across

the country are getting more and more involved in supporting and celebrating responsible business practices and highlighting the positive impacts that businesses can have in their communities. Many Chambers in our Network now award businesses for best practice in corporate social responsibility, sustainable business initiatives or community and charity partnerships. Chambers Ireland works at a national level to promote corporate social responsibility through our annual CSR Awards, through the work of our CSR Policy Council and our membership on the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CSR National Stakeholder Forum. Chambers Ireland is delighted that so many in the Network are doing the same at local and regional levels. Through recognising best in class in sustainable and responsible business practice, chambers can encourage participation and improvement of the CSR landscape of Ireland, contribute to the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambition to embed CSR and responsible business practices at the heart of businesses and organisation in Ireland, and make this country a world leader in socially responsible business practices. Featured here are some photos of the winners of sustainable business categories from Chamber business awards in 2017.

038 InBusiness YB 2018_CSR in Pictures.indd 38

DROGHEDA & DISTRICT CHAMBER Drogheda & District Support 4 Older People (DDS4OP) collected the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Drogheda & District Chamber Awards in November 2017.

CLONMEL & COUNTY TIPPERARY CHAMBERS CAMIDA was winner of the CSR Award at the County Tipperary Business Awards 2017. Pictured are TJ Kinsella, Chamber President, Deirdre McGrath of CAMIDA and John Reardon, Engineering Director, Anneal Pharmaceuticals.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER CSR: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

DÚN LAOGHAIRERATHDOWN CHAMBER SSE Airtricity picked up the award for Corporate Social Responsibility at the inaugural Dún LaoghaireRathdown Chamber Business Awards in September 2017.

GALWAY CHAMBER

FINGAL DUBLIN CHAMBER Dublin Airport Authority won the Development in People CSR Award at the Fingal Dublin Business Excellence Awards, which took place in November 2017.

Boston Scientific was the winner of the Best Social Enterprise Award at the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2017. Pictured are Maurice O’Gorman, President, Galway Chamber, Phillip Clapperton, Regional Sales Director, Magnet Networks, Emmet Kelly, Director of Production, Boston Scientific, Matthew Thomas, CEO, Shannon Group.

KILKENNY CHAMBER The Taxback Group was winner of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards, which took place in November 2017. Pictured are Eoin Lyons, Olivia Sexton and Marcie Green from the Taxback Group accepting the award from Aaron Keogh of VHI Healthcare and President of Kilkenny Chamber Deirdre Shine.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

038 InBusiness YB 2018_CSR in Pictures.indd 39

23/02/2018 14:49

CHAMBERS IRELAND 2018 CHAMBER CSR: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

MALLOW CHAMBER Joyce’s Pharmacy Mallow was the winner of the CSR Award at the Mallow Business Awards, which took place in November 2017.

LIMERICK CHAMBER Kirby Group was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to the Community at the Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards, which took place in November 2017.

SOUTH DUBLIN Thorntons Recycling was the winner of the CSR Award at the South Dublin County Business Award, which took place in November 2017.

WEXFORD CHAMBER In June 2017, Datapac was announced as the winner of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Wexford Business Awards. Pictured are Madeleine Quirke, CEO, Wexford Chamber, Karen O’Connor, Datapac, Tim Greig, BNY Mellon and Karl Fitzpatrick, President of Wexford Chamber.

038 InBusiness YB 2018_CSR in Pictures.indd 40

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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23/02/2018 19/12/2017 12:32 09:41

COVER STORY

leading by example InBUSINESS caught up with PayPal's Louise Phelan to talk gender inequality, inspiring female business leaders, and the future of payments.

How is life and how is business at present?

042 InBusiness YB 2018_Cover Story_REV.indd 42

Recognition Awards. It’s a great honour to be recognised for what you do and I only hope that my story inspires more women to go for leadership opportunities. What do you see as the major challenges facing PayPal and the Irish economy in general this year?

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 10:05

Louise Phelan at Make Space Studio, The Chocolate Factory, Dublin

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

042 InBusiness YB 2018_Cover Story_REV.indd 43

Jason Clarke

ONE DAY, WE COULD BE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE CASH NO LONGER CHANGES HANDS AND PEOPLE HAVE THE ABILITY TO MANAGE THEIR ENTIRE FINANCIAL LIVES USING TECHNOLOGY. THAT’S AN EXCITING PROSPECT.”

23/02/2018 10:06

PERSONALLY, I LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN SEEING ONE OF THE WOMEN I HAVE MENTORED BECOME A SUCCESSFUL AND EFFECTIVE LEADER.”

Last year, and indeed the start of this year, highlighted the gender inequality that still exists when it comes to pay in high profile positions. What are your thoughts on the issue and how we can bridge the pay gap?

The gender barrier is still evident across a number of industries, however PayPal is making major strides in this area. Our latest Diversity Report, released in October 2017, showed that not only have we achieved pay equity for men and women, but we are actively promoting equal opportunities for all, with 45 per cent of the PayPal Inc. board comprised of women and underrepresented ethnic groups. In Ireland, our leadership team has a particularly high female representation. Regardless of gender, race, background or sexual orientation, all of our teammates are given the chance to fully participate and progress within PayPal. I’m a firm believer that those in senior positions have a responsibility as role models and need to actively lead by example by helping those within their team. Personally, I love nothing more than seeing one of the women I have mentored become a successful and effective leader. While progress has been made, more needs to be done in relation to encouraging women to aim for the boardroom. When it comes to leadership, where do you draw your inspiration? What is your advice for women taking up leadership roles in business?

People are my inspiration. I have a great network of family, friends, businesspeople and teammates that keep me focused and motivated. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My advice for anybody aiming for a leadership role is to be ambitious and take a spoonful of confidence every morning. Ambition is something to be proud of, while confidence can make all the difference to your career progression. 44

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InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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I’ve also learned that being successful isn’t about what you do personally but what you do for others. Reaching a goal is great but making an impact and helping others fulfil their potential is so important. That’s why I got involved with the Going for Growth initiative which supports women in Ireland who are serious about growing their business. PayPal takes pride in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Could you tell us a bit about the company’s policy and your views on why diversity makes business sense?

From our European Operations Centres in Dublin and Dundalk, we service customers through 15 languages throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa, which shows how vital diversity is for us as a company. Across the world we have 227 million customers, across more than 200 markets so having a diverse, international team that reflects the communities we serve is key. Diversity and inclusion makes real sense from a business perspective. Without it, you wouldn’t have the same variety of experiences, skills and views. This is critical for any organisation because it aids productivity, collaboration and innovation. At a local level, we are involved with and participate in annual events such as the Pride Parade and International Women’s Day. Technology has had a significant impact on how we pay for goods and services in recent years – what major changes do you foresee coming down the track when it comes to money and payments? How is PayPal playing its part?

There has been continued movement at pace towards mobile and digital payments, and that will continue. As a result of this, the lines between the retail, banking and technology sectors will become even more blurred InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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as customers demand a seamless, positive payment experience for every single transaction. PayPal makes the daily management and movement of money simple, safe and convenient by rolling out services through a wide variety of channels. For example, we recently developed Money Pools, which is a really easy and fast way to collect money with friends. One day, we could be living in a world where cash no longer changes hands and people have the ability to manage their entire financial lives using technology. That’s an exciting prospect. Could you share some details on the extension of PayPal’s global partnerships into Ireland?

The acceleration of digital payment adoption continues to be a key focus area for us and we’re engaging in partnerships with other financial leaders to make this happen. In the past year, we have introduced new ways to transfer money with Skype and to check out with Paypal on iTunes. We believe that these types of collaborations are helping to transform the financial services industry and reflect our ambition to provide consumers and businesses with enhanced experiences and choices. How do you manage to switch off from work?

I exercise as often as I can. It’s not just about keeping fit; it’s my ‘me time’, when I can forget about work for a little while. Spending time with family and friends is also a great way to de-stress. I like to make the most of my time when I have it. Finally, your hopes, dreams and goals for 2018 – from a business and personal perspective?

In 2018, I will continue doing my bit to help people and businesses in Ireland and Europe to make the most of the opportunities created by the digital money revolution. From a personal perspective, it’s just about being happy and healthy really!

POOLING

TOGETHER Launched in November 2017, Money Pools is a new service from PayPal that allows people to easily collect money from groups or friends. It's as simple as setting up a page where your contacts can pool together for a specific item or event, such as buying a group gift or paying the rent. You can personalise each money pool by setting a goal and deadline, as well as posting details of what you're collecting money for. It's not rocket science, but it's a great example of how technology is making everyday tasks a whole lot easier. For more details visit www.paypal.com/ie/ webapps/mpp/money-pools

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PARTNER PROFILE AIB

MAINTAINING COMPETITIVENESS IN THE

SME MARKET

Robert Mulhall, Managing Director, Retail and Commercial Banking Ireland at AIB, assesses how Irish SMEs can navigate challenges such as Brexit and digital disruption in 2018.

Robert Mulhall, Managing Director, Retail and Commercial Banking Ireland, AIB

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Last year

proved to be a positive one for Ireland Inc. with macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, unemployment and consumer spending all trending in the right direction. However, small to medium enterprises, as well as larger organisations, are facing challenging times when it comes to competitiveness. There are two major driving forces: Brexit and the digital economy. At AIB, our customers’ success and that of the Irish economy ultimately drives our success as the leading bank in Ireland. BREXIT PLANNING Eighteen months on from the Brexit referendum result in the UK, there remains a high level of uncertainty as to how this will impact business in Ireland. I have spoken recently about a level of ‘Brexit fatigue’ in different industries and sectors due to much commentary and speculation. This fatigue can be dangerous, and Irish SMEs must not resort to complacency. We conduct and publish extensive research on how Brexit is affecting SMEs through our quarterly cross-border Brexit Sentiment Index. Recent findings show that only 21 per cent of businesses surveyed have a plan for dealing with the fallout of Brexit, even though they are export or import led businesses. Our advice is that there is no room for complacency. Brexit represents one of the biggest events and biggest challenges that’s going to face businesses over the next ten years. And businesses must plan for it. It is an issue of competitiveness. Irish SMEs need to ask the following questions of themselves. What will this mean for your business? Can your business absorb tariffs if they emerge? Are you taking the necessary steps to find operational efficiencies to help weather that storm? Do you have appropriate hedging strategies to insulate your business from InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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PARTNER PROFILE AIB

currency fluctuations? If importing from the UK declines, are you ready through innovation in your business to harness the opportunity in the domestic market which may appear as a result of that gap? And are you thinking about expanding your business into mainland Europe? These are the challenges that businesses really have to get their heads around in the next short period in order to make sure they are ready. On a positive note, the last number of months has witnessed good progress on Brexit negotiations. It is anticipated that an agreement on a transition phase could be reached in the spring, allowing the talks to progress to future trade relationships. Growing optimism that the UK is heading for a ‘soft’ Brexit has seen sterling recover some ground and turn more stable since the autumn. So 2018 could see less volatility in sterling and reduced uncertainty, if it becomes clearer that a hard ‘cliff-edge’ Brexit will be avoided when the UK leaves the EU in March 2019. DIGITAL ECONOMY Staying on the theme of competitiveness, the digital economy is also disrupting some of the previous competitive advantage that Irish SMEs have enjoyed. You used to compete with the service provider or manufacturer down the road, now it is global. Service standards are being set by digital disruptors, customers now compare you to Amazon. Innovation has been around for centuries but the key difference now is the rapid pace of adoption by consumers. These challenges are real and too many SMEs remain digitally unaware. By investing in digital innovation, Irish SMEs can reduce costs, increase speed of response and importantly, enter global markets that were previously unavailable. This will be a key battle ground to maintain competitiveness. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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HOW WILL AIB SUPPORT YOU? At AIB, we want to be IS TO BACK a real partner to our OUR customers and help to CUSTOMERS ensure you maintain TO ACHIEVE competitiveness. THEIR DREAMS Our goal is to back AND our customers to AMBITIONS, achieve their dreams AND IT’S and ambitions, and SOMETHING it’s something we WE STRIVE strive to do every TO DO EVERY day for our 250,000 DAY FOR OUR SME customers in communities across 250,000 SME the country. CUSTOMERS In response to the IN digital economy, COMMUNITIES we’ve brought our ACROSS THE innovation to the fore COUNTRY.“ to make sure we are providing services and propositions to customers in a digital means that meets their everyday needs. We recently concluded a three-year investment programme in our overall business. We have invested a870 million in our operating platform, our customer engagement channels, our data and our use of analytics. That’s why we can enable simpler payments for you and your customers through Apple pay and Android pay. That’s why we recently launched our digital endto-end SME credit process for loans up to a60,000, improving speed and convenience for customer access to credit. We now serve over 1.2 million customers daily through our online and mobile channels. We are digitally enabled for our customers 24/7 allowing customers and SMEs to conduct their banking outside of traditional business hours, at a time and location that works for them. Importantly, we recognise in this digital economy that relationships matter. We have re-organised our business around local markets by creating “OUR GOAL

accountability for all that is AIB in a local market or micromarket. We have 19 of these local markets across the country, led by our local market leaders. They are the face of AIB and the people who will demonstrate our customer commitments daily in the marketplace, with the goal of being the best bank in the community. This structure offers a bespoke SME function to ensure our best expertise is available to customers. Each local market also has a head of business banking, who is fully accountable for SME customer experience and delivery. Our local markets are supported by sectoral experts, all of whom are available to meet customers and provide valuable insights and advice. In tandem with this expertise, we have introduced 21 Brexit advisors who are fully trained and available across our branch network and phone banking channel to advise our customers. Furthermore, we are supporting our customers through localised Brexit events with a continuing programme of support into 2018. AIB’s future success is inextricably linked to our customers’ success and that of the communities and economies that we all work in. It’s imperative that we back the businesses that are so integral to Chambers Ireland, and we will continue to do so throughout 2018.

HOW CAN WE HELP? Visit your local AIB branch Visit AIB.ie/business Call our Business Advisor Team on: 1890 47 88 33 (8am - 9pm weekdays, 9am - 6pm Saturdays)

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We are Ervia. We are guardians of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national gas, water and wastewater assets.

Each day we deliver vital infrastructure and services to 1.7 million customers across the length and breadth of Ireland, in partnership with Local Authorities and our service providers. We enhance the health and quality of life of the people of Ireland, protect our environment and enable economic development by delivering safe and reliable gas, water and wastewater infrastructure and services nationwide. www.ervia.ie

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PARTNER PROFILE ERVIA

GAS &INFRASTRUCTURE WATER DELIVERING IRELAND’S

Ervia are guardians of Ireland’s national gas, water and wastewater assets.

We are Ervia. We are a commercial semi-state company responsible for strategic national gas and water infrastructure and services that underpin the growth of the Irish economy. Through our regulated business, Gas Networks Ireland, we build and operate one of the most modern and safe gas networks in the world. We are responsible for the operation and maintenance of Ireland’s water and wastewater assets through our other regulated business Irish Water. We also provide dark broadband infrastructure through our business Aurora Telecom. We have a clear vision to be Ireland’s trusted leader in service and infrastructure delivery. We provide safe energy to warm homes and power businesses. We supply treated water for cooking, cleaning and drinking, and we remove wastewater to keep our environment safe for everyone. Ervia directly employs 1,645 people who are committed experts in their fields. We are scientists, engineers and experts, custodians of Ireland’s most valuable resources. We provide and service the strong foundations on which the Irish economy is built and ensure that our people and our nation can thrive and prosper, now and into the future. As a state company with over 40 years’ experience, we have the skills to develop and maintain Ireland’s critical infrastructure and to deliver national transformation projects. Working together and using our combined experience and expertise allows us to sustain and grow our business and deliver cost savings, efficiencies and synergies InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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ERVIA IN NUMBERS 1.7m customers

1,645

employees

a1.4bn revenue

a584m capital expenditure

9th

largest company in Ireland by EBITDA Over

7,000

water and wastewater assets

95,000km

of water and wastewater network

13,954km of gas pipelines

1.7bn

litres of water processed daily

24/7

emergency response services for gas and water infrastructure

through our multi-utility model on behalf of the people of Ireland. Our customer facing businesses, Gas Networks Ireland and Irish Water, are supported by three functions: Major Projects, Shared Services and Group Centre. These functions provide expertise, support and transactional services on behalf of the entire organisation. As proven experts with a track record building and developing strategic assets Ervia understands and champions the importance of safe and reliable utility infrastructure to support and facilitate economic growth and social development. We are committed to leading and delivering the investment and transformation necessary to ensure safe and reliable gas and water and wastewater infrastructure and services for Ireland. Together we are building the backbone of Ireland. For more info visit www.ervia.ie. Connect with Ervia on: twitter.com/ervia linkedin.com/company/ervia 49

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PARTNER PROFILE ESB NETWORKS

Innovating for a

Low

A clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity network has a crucial role to play in ensuring Ireland’s low carbon future, while simultaneously facilitating the growing economy. ESB Networks has developed a detailed innovation strategy to make sure that this becomes a reality.

Carbon FUTURE

ESB Networks

owns and operates all of the electricity distribution system in Ireland. It is its responsibility to ensure that the electricity network is designed, built and operated in a way that facilitates the national and European aspirations of decarbonisation of the energy industry. These aspirations are becoming clearer through emerging European energy legislation – the Clean Energy Package and the National Mitigation Plan that was launched in July 2017. This plan clearly states the Irish Government’s belief that a growing economy and increased foreign direct investment rely heavily on a secure and stable electricity network.

INNOVATION STRATEGY To ensure that the changing needs of the environment, government and citizens are met ESB Networks has developed a detailed innovation strategy setting out the direction of the electricity system into the future and the plans that are being developed to meet these challenges. ESB Networks is working to ensure that Ireland has a reliable and efficient energy network, to allow its 2.3 million customers to participate in the move to a low carbon Ireland and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. ESB Networks’ Operations This innovation Management System strategy puts Ireland 50

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at the forefront of countries ready to benefit from these positive technological developments. The strategy sets out how we will meet the challenges of the changing energy landscape, deploying new technology, engineering, and innovation tools to facilitate the transition to a low carbon future. ESB Networks has already developed one of the world’s most progressive electricity networks and facilitates changes to how Ireland’s electricity is produced and consumed. The innovation strategy charts out the route for how ESB Networks will be transformed by 2030, giving customers better service, fewer outages and a more responsive energy network. By 2030, ESB Networks will have an electricity system that supports: • Up to 300,000 electric vehicles on our roads • 2.3 million smart meters in homes and businesses • 330,000 homes that are equipped with e-heat capacity • 5,800 MW of wind-based generation InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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PARTNER PROFILE ESB NETWORKS

• 2,400 MW of solar PV-based generation • 1,300 MW of energy storage and 2,500 MW of customer flexibility INNOVATION ROADMAPS As part of its innovation strategy, ESB Networks has designed eight roadmaps to continue to drive change. These roadmaps focus on connecting renewables, boosting customer engagement, further developing the electrification of heat and transport, optimising the current network infrastructure, creating flexibility within the network, making the network more resilient and driving operational excellence across the organisation. For customers directly, the Powercheck app and site will be upgraded, used over 2.8 million times by customers in its first three years. From 2011 to 2015, ESB Networks resolved 1,480,487 call centre calls, with 89.98 per cent of these calls answered within 20 seconds. ESB Networks keeps customers at the heart of its work and the innovation strategy will only enhance the service provision for customers. Smart meters will mean an end to over 8.7 million meter readings every year, using technology to improve the offering for customers and to empower customers to better manage their energy use. With housing and demographic changes, ESB Networks expects the need for new connections to rise by 70 per cent over the lifetime of the innovation strategy. The innovation strategy also includes initiatives that will assist ESB Networks in servicing large customers like data centres, which have a very specific energy requirement and which are a key sector for Ireland. Throughout its previous five-year strategy, ESB Networks restored power to 14.1 million customers, managing 36 storm days and dispatching 165,953 crews. In October 2017, Storm Ophelia, Ireland’s worst storm in 50 years, saw ESB Networks deploy the most InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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high-tech response to a storm in Ireland ever – enabling “ESB crews to repair the NETWORKS network after it had IS WORKING experienced five times TO ENSURE more damage from THAT fallen trees than ever IRELAND before in Ireland. The HAS A move to a self-healing RELIABLE AND network will speed up EFFICIENT ESB Networks’ ability to respond, making this ENERGY even more efficient and NETWORK.” customer-friendly. To achieve this, the innovation strategy includes investment in state-of-the-art control centres in Dublin and Cork; investment in line sensors, fibre infrastructure, fault indicators, drones, augmented reality and 3D laser scanning to help control the network and repair faults remotely. HOW IT WILL BE DONE “For over 90 years, and through rural electrification, ESB has used advanced technology and innovation to provide Irish customers with a world-class electricity service,” says Marguerite Sayers, Managing Director of ESB Networks. “The launch of ESB Networks’ innovation strategy simply continues that history – ensuring that we continue to innovate to support Ireland’s changing energy needs. “With these eight roadmaps, ESB Networks has outlined how we are delivering for Irish people

the electricity network for the future. How electricity is produced and consumed is fundamentally changing and we need to adapt to those changes. The challenge for us is to integrate increasing amounts of renewable generation on to the distribution system and also to support the electrification of heat and transport – both of which are fundamental to meeting our national carbon emission target.” Sayers stresses that safety standards and delivering value, service and reliability to customers must be maintained throughout the process. “We are undertaking a whole suite of smart network research projects and trials – some on our own and some with technology partners – to see how best we can facilitate all of the new demands on the network, at the least cost, and while also enhancing service levels,” she says. The implementation of the Innovation Strategy to 2020 will oversee a4.8 billion in capital and operational investment. ESB Networks employs over 3,200 people – from specialist network technicians on the frontline connecting, maintaining and repairing the electricity system for Ireland’s homes and businesses to engineers, data scientists and IT professionals utilising emerging technologies to create one of the world’s smartest and most resilient energy networks. For more information please visit www.esbnetworks.ie/innovation

Smart fault indicators on the ESB Network

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PARTNER PROFILE HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL

FIRST CLASS

Crystal Waterford Crystal produces some of the finest crystal pieces in the world today, which make for the ideal trophy at a prestigious event or the perfect gift for a corporate client.

Waterford Crystal, inan1783, iconic Irish brand established has been creating the finest quality crystal sought by collectors and connoisseurs around the world for 235 years. The inspiration for the designs date back even further: to castles, Vikings, our natural surroundings and 5,000 years of history grown in the picturesque landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East. A luxury collection of the finest crystal continues to be made by skilled craftsmen at the House of Waterford Crystal factory, situated in the heart of Waterford city in Ireland. The site is also a significant tourist attraction welcoming 190,000 visitors annually from across the world. CORPORATE GIFTS Waterford Crystal creates awards and trophies for some of the world’s most prestigious sports and entertainment events and maintains successful creative partnerships with world-class designers such as Jasper Conran, John Rocha and Jo Sampson. For businesses, the Waterford Crystal corporate and gift awards programme is a great way to reward your employees and clients. Waterford can customise a piece from its core range allowing you add your own unique message or logo to the item. Should you require your items gift wrapped with a written card, we can include this as part of your order. Additionally, Waterford Crystal’s worldwide shipping service allows you the flexibility to deliver 24/48 hours to Ireland, UK or USA. Waterford Crystal’s dedicated sales manager Tom Walsh can be contacted at tom.walsh@fiskars.com or +353 (0)51 317043 for further details. The product range includes Waterford Crystal, House of Waterford Crystal, John Rocha, Jasper Conran, Jo Sampson, Archive Stemware, Marquis, Holiday Heirlooms and the exquisite Waterford Crystal jewellery collection.

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InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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PARTNER PROFILE HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL

BRAND EXPERIENCE At House of Waterford Crystal, visitors can experience over 12,000 square feet of ‘crystal heaven’ in the largest retail and showcase of Waterford Crystal in the world. The retail store represents everything Waterford produces in crystal, including golf and sport trophies, which is a major part of its international business. The main feature in the retail store is a centre dining table along with 12 Waterford Crystal chandeliers. The in-house lifestyle display communicates the various brand stories that make up the Waterford Crystal collection including pieces from Jo Sampson, John Rocha, Jeff Letham and other core Waterford Crystal patterns. FACTORY TOUR As part of a guided factory tour, guests visit the mould room where they witness mould making – a technique at Waterford that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. Master Blowers shape the molten crystal flawlessly with the use of wooden moulds and hand tools. Afterwards, visitors enter the blowing department where they see glowing balls of crystal transformed into majestic shapes as they are put through the 1300-degree furnace. The Waterford Crystal pieces are then hand marked for precision and accuracy, and are then cut, sculpted and engraved. Throughout the years, skills have passed from master to apprentice at Waterford Crystal. Fresh ideas have reinvigorated iconic sparkling cuts in contemporary ways. While getting this behindthe-scenes sneak peak of this highly skilled method of crystal manufacturing, visitors witness the high standards that House of Waterford Crystal maintains for each and every piece that leaves the factory. The crystal is checked at each stage of production, to ensure that every piece no matter how small goes through six inspections. If it fails to reach the Waterford Crystal standard InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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Workers at the House of Waterford Crystal, where visitors can take a factory tour

at any stage it is smashed and returned to the furnace to be re-melted so that the piece can begin the process again. PRESTIGIOUS TROPHIES Waterford Crystal continues to produce some of the most prestigious trophies for the world’s great sporting events. The list of famous trophies produced by Waterford Crystal for the sports industry alone is staggering; the Irish Open Trophy, the Honda Classic and the Masters Snooker trophy to name just a few. Waterford Crystal also designed the spectacular Times Square Ball – a crystal ball which forms a prominent part of a New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square in New York, known as the ball drop. Ireland and its people maintain a huge pride in the Waterford Crystal brand and it is little wonder that its products are among the most popular items used to mark special occasions. Even though much of its audience is located beyond Ireland – namely in the US, Australia and the UK – people at home want to be part of something authentically Irish that represents our heritage. A lot of thought goes into Waterford Crystal products. It is not

simply about the amazing shapes or patterns of the products, but the stories behind those designs. If you wish to recognise a special achievement or give a special gift, Waterford Crystal is one of the first places to look. Waterford Crystal is present in so many homes around the world and some very famous ones at that. Whether it’s a fine wine glass, a tumbler, a giftware piece or a chandelier, don’t you think it’s time you joined the club? Waterford Crystal is part of the Fiskars group of companies.

CONTACT For more information contact: waterfordvisitorcentre.com houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com Tel: + 353 (0)51 317000 Digital & Social Media: Facebook: House of Waterford Crystal Twitter: @WaterfordCrystl Instagram: @waterfordcrystalfactory

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PARTNER PROFILE

Brazil TRACK EMBASSY OF BRAZIL

IS BACK ON

Michel Temer, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, outlines why the strategy put forward and implemented by the Brazilian Government has helped the country put its economic crisis behind it and get the economy back on track.

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Less than

two years ago, I took office as the President of Brazil with the task of facing up to the most severe economic crisis in the history of Brazil along with its deep social impacts on our people. Faced with this kind of challenge, I have put forward a transformation agenda without recourse to populist measures which comprises the broadest set of structuring reforms for the past 30 years based upon the pillars of fiscal balance, social responsibility and increase in productivity. Results started to show last year. The recession in Brazil has been reversed and the economy has grown for the last three consecutive quarters. The GDP is forecast to have advanced by 1 per cent in 2017. Inflation, which was about 10 per cent in May 2016, stood below the target at 2.95 per cent in December. Purchasing power improved with a real increase of more than 6 per cent in wages. The basic interest rate has been dropping and the short-term interest rate is currently 7 per cent, the lowest since 1986. The responsible decrease in the interest rates alone has ensured an additional a20 billion to the public coffers. Our trade balance has been breaking records: in 2017, Brazil reached a trade surplus of a57bn. The result is 40.5 per cent higher than the trade surplus reached in 2016. Industrial output increased by 5.3 per cent in October over the same period (in May 2016, it was in free fall of 9.8 per cent). Vehicle exports grew by 55.7 per cent in relation to 2016. Sales of new vehicles in the domestic market grew by 7.3 per cent this year in comparison with 2016. Grain production in Brazil should reach the historic record of 215 million tonnes in 2017, an increase of 15.3 per cent in comparison to the year before. As a reflection of the acceleration of the Brazilian economy, port usage has grown by 5.7 per cent in 2017 and the domestic aviation market also increased by 5 per cent in November 2017 in comparison to the same period the previous year. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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PARTNER PROFILE EMBASSY OF BRAZIL

This virtuous cycle lies at the root of the recovery of trust in the Brazilian economy. The Business Confidence Index (Getúlio Vargas Foundation - FGV) rose 1.2 points in December, totalling 93.1 points, the index’s highest level since April 2014 (95.7 points). The Brazil Risk (Emerging Market Bond Index - EMBI) has dropped 544 basis points (Jan 2016) to 200 basis points (Dec 2017). Also the five-year Credit Default Swap which was at 328 basis points has come down to 173.5 at the present date. The IBOVESPA closed 2017 above 70.000 points, recovering from 38.000 points at which it stood in January 2016. The aggregate FDI data for the first semester of 2017 was a34.3bn. The energy auctions, which were held under the new regulatory model, including those of pre-salt, raised a5.7bn. Only in the energy sector, investments of a115.7bn are expected over the next few years, creating up to 500,000 new jobs. Economic rationality and predictability measures have improved the business environment by means of initiatives such as debureaucratisation in the agricultural, services, retail and foreign trade sectors. The state enterprises have now been regaining value: with losses of a8.3bn in 2015, they generated profits of a1.2bn in 2016 and a4.5bn in the first half of 2017. Aimed at raising productivity, an employment reform has been passed. Without removing rights, the law was modernised and brought workers from the shadow economy into formal employment. The success of this agenda has already been reflected in employment recovery, with an increase in the employment rate indexes. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in the third quarter of 2017 alone more InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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Michel Temer, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil

than one million jobs were created in Brazil and from those more than 524,000 people have left the unemployed ranks. Employee real aggregate income rose 3.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 in comparison to the same period of 2016. The reinstatement of fiscal responsibility along with economic “RESULTS growth has enabled STARTED TO an increase in the SHOW LAST resources allocated to YEAR. THE social welfare. Social welfare programmes RECESSION have been recovered IN BRAZIL in tandem with the HAS BEEN ceilings established REVERSED under the Constitution AND THE and thanks to efficiency ECONOMY in public spending. HAS Programmes such as the ‘Bolsa Família’ GROWN FOR have been increased THE LAST and new ones have THREE been adopted, such as CONSECUTIVE ‘Progredir’ (Getting QUARTERS.” Ahead) programme, which helps families

on benefit to obtain employment and credit. Boldly, I have released the dormant FGTS (employee savings guarantee funds) accounts and advanced the PIS-PASEP (social contributions) withdrawals, which has benefited millions of Brazilians and injected a15.6bn into the economy. The health and education budgets have increased. The rationalisation of healthcare management has brought more resources to essential services: a1.04bn has been redirected for equipment purchase, opening of new healthcare units and hiring new staff. A new allocation system has increased the resources for the purchase of essential medicines by a26bn. In the field of education, secondary school reform has updated the curriculum for the students taking into account individual skills and the realities of the employment market. The Student Financing Fund (FIES) has been reassessed offering 75,000 new study places; over a182 million was allocated to this fund. With the launch of the Geostationary Satellite, a decisive step has been taken towards the universalisation of access to broadband internet in Brazil. The results suggest that the strategy put forward and implemented by the Government is the right one. We have left the economic crisis behind and are back on the development track. I will keep pursuing the approval of the reform agenda, which will ensure solvency and survival of the system, in addition to removing privileges. Simplifying tax law, another priority, will increase the competitiveness of our domestic production. With the indispensable support of the National Congress, of workers and the business community, we are putting Brazil back on track. For further articles and information on Brazil visit www.brazilgovnews.gov.br. 55

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PARTNER PROFILE ONE4ALL

IN THE

Spotlight The Spotlights, a joint initiative between One4all and Chambers Ireland, reminds employees that great work doesn’t go unnoticed.

The Spotlights,

now in its third year, is an employee recognition programme from One4all in association with Chambers Ireland, Ireland’s largest business organisation. The Spotlights has been created for SMEs to find Ireland’s best employee – that person who always goes the extra mile – by offering colleagues the facility to reward these unsung heroes. Mary Duggan, Care Assistant at Rockshire Care Centre in Waterford was the overall winner in 2017 after her fellow employees nominated her for outstanding contributions over the past year. Companies are encouraged each year to nominate their chosen employee or work colleague, asking nominators to explain why they feel their chosen colleague should receive recognition. The awards are open each year to all employers and employees of Irish SMEs and applications are judged by an independent panel of business leaders, including members of Chambers Ireland. As well as receiving the award, The Spotlights rewards the winner with a a500 One4all Gift Card and a trophy, with runner up prizes of a300 and a200 gift cards and trophies for second and third place respectively. Michael Dawson, CEO of One4all, said of the 2017 Spotlights: “We are proud to be running the Spotlights, in association with Chambers Ireland, for the third consecutive year – and the quality of entrants in 2017 has truly been exceptional. I want to congratulate Mary, as well as our

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second and third place winners, and thank all those who nominated colleagues for the award. It is heartwarming to see employers and co-workers alike recognising the contributions of their peers, and we are delighted to reward these employees for their hard work. At One4all, we believe that employees are at the heart of every business; we are proud to help SMEs in Ireland shine a light on the great work being done daily, and to help deepen relationships between employees and their staff.” James Kiernan, Head of Relationship Management at Chambers Ireland, said: ““We are extremely excited to announce Mary as the overall winner of the 2017 Spotlights. This is a wonderful opportunity for Chamber members, and the wider business community alike, in the local area to get their employees and companies engaged in a very positive process that rewards the many unsung heroes that help us all achieve success and who go that extra mile. The Spotlights remind employees that InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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PARTNER PROFILE ONE4ALL

great work doesn’t go unnoticed and is appreciated by coworkers and colleagues alike, and we at Chambers Ireland are proud to support such an initiative.” GIFT CARD INITIATIVE Chambers Ireland and the Gift Voucher Shop(GVS)/One4all have joined forces to offer Chambers the option of using a GVS gift card as a local Chamber retail voucher. The Chamber Gift card contains a unique code which means it can only be spent in local retailers that are signed up to the scheme. Each Chamber can have its own custommade card designed in conjunction with GVS in-house design. Now operating successfully in Sligo, Galway, Thurles and Mallow, the cards are accepted in a wide range of retailers in each location. The cards allow your company to thank staff and customers with individual rewards and are ideal for businesses looking to improve employee motivation or customer loyalty with regular incentives. The Chamber Gift Card is operated and managed by One4all and has been developed to help businesses reward and motivate staff and increase customer engagement. All Chamber gift cards can be purchased online and customers can check their balances and the list of participating retailers through the links below: • Sligo Chamber Gift Card: www.sligochamber.ie/sligochamber-gift-card • Galway Chamber Gift Card: www.galwaychamber.com/giftcard/ • Thurles Chamber Gift Card: www.thurleschamber.ie/thurleschamber-gift-card • Mallow Chamber Gift Card www. mallowchamber.ie/gift-card

WHY CHOOSE CHAMBER GIFT CARDS? BIK SAVINGS

Reward your employees with up to 500 on a Chamber Gift Card completely tax-free under the Small Benefits Exemption scheme. Your reward will be exempt from Income Tax, Universal Social Charge (USC) and employee and employer’s PRSI.

FLEXIBLE

Accepted in outlets in-store and online with selected partners right across each of the individual locations, Chamber Gift Cards offer a huge range of options for your staff. Whether they want to treat themselves to a new outfit, a fancy meal or the latest technology, their reward will be meaningful to them.

SECURE

The Gift Voucher Shop is a subsidiary of An Post. Over 98 per cent of GVS/One4all corporate clients would recommend the company, because they can be trusted to deliver rewards and benefits schemes on time and within budget.

CONVENIENT

One4all’s friendly sales teams will work with you to manage and deliver your order, ensuring smooth and secure delivery of your purchase. All orders are dealt with on an individual basis and One4all is happy to talk through specific requirements over the phone or online.

GVS will manage all order taking, processing and fulfilment, which removes the administration and costs involved. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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BUSINESS BANKING

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EXCELLENCE IN CSR COMMUNICATIONS ■ Ulster Bank for the Making a Difference in our Communities project EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – LIC ■ Applegreen for the Applegreen Charitable fund Programme EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – MNC ■ Boots Ireland for its partnership with the Irish Cancer Society EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT – LIC ■ Dublin Airport Central for the Sustainable Buildings project EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT – MNC ■ Lidl Ireland for Origin Green Project EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING – LIC

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING – MNC ■ Cisco Systems for Age Action Volunteer programme

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THE CSR AWARDS 2017 CATEGORY WINNERS ARE:

■ KPMG for the KPMG Family for Literacy

KPMG, winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award

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PMG was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award at Chambers Ireland’s 2017 CSR Awards. The ceremony was held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in Dublin on September 7th 2017, with each winner being presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Waterford Crystal. The event serves to highlight the depth of commitment to CSR from across the Irish business community. The role of CSR is continuously growing in strength in Ireland, and CSR practices are now becoming mainstream in an increasing number of companies across the country. KPMG’s CSR programme epitomised CSR principles by demonstrating strong engagement across the company and performing consistently well across all aspects of CSR. “The CSR Awards showcase the exciting CSR practices taking place within Irish business,” said Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, speaking at the cermony. “Over the past 14 years we have witnessed the growth of socially responsible business practices. Businesses can flourish when time is dedicated to engaging with the community, improving the environment and supporting employees. Congratulations to KPMG and the other 14 excellence in CSR category winners, who deserve the recognition for demonstrating and delivering best practice CSR.” The 14th annual awards were run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, partnered with Business in the Community Ireland and sponsored by BAM Ireland. The Environmental Protection Agency sponsored the Excellence in Environment Award and One4all sponsored the Excellence in Workplace Award.

2017 •

KPMG was presented with the top accolade at the 2017 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards.

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GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR CSR

CSR AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – LIC ■ Bank of Ireland for the Enterprise Town programme

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – MNC ■ Amgen or Inspiring the Scientists of Tomorrow

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE CSR – LIC ■ KPMG Inclusion and Diversity programme

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE CSR – MNC ■ Vodafone Ireland for Think Well, Live Well, Feel Well

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETPLACE CSR ■ Eversheds Sutherland for the pro-bono Robbie Sinnott case

EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORTING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ■ ESB Networks for the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme

EXCELLENCE IN CSR BY AN SME ■ Earth’s Edge for the Kilimanjaro Equipment Lending Programme

*LIC: Large Indigenous Company | *MNC: Multinational Company

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EXCELLENCE IN CSR COMMUNICATION:

Ulster Bank – Communicating how we’re making a difference in our communities

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY (LIC)

Applegreen – The Applegreen Charitable Fund Programme

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY (MNC)

Boots Ireland Partnership with the Irish Cancer Society

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Ulster Bank’s partnership with Young Social Innovators creates rich opportunities to engage stakeholders and colleagues, communicating the relevance of innovation in all its forms for business and civil society. These communications mirror and reinforce Ulster Bank’s own focus on innovation as it transforms its business for the new era of digital banking.

This programme creates opportunities for staff and customers to become champions in their community while raising vital funds and awareness for causes they care about. They do this through customer and supplier engagement activities, shop purchases and shared branding on key Applegreen products. To date, the fund has raised a total of 1.7 million.

This partnership aims to support people living with cancer and to increase awareness and promote prevention through the Boots Cancer Information Pharmacist while raising vital funds for the night nursing service. Boots’ aim is for its stores to become communitybased destinations in the fight against cancer.

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This programme was created to help people grow their local economies and foster a renewed sense of purpose and identity for the whole community. A bespoke schedule of events is developed by a local committee. Taking place in 150 towns, these events showcase what’s on offer and support economic growth and development.

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Cisco employees in Galway volunteer with Age Action, using their time and expertise to help educate the senior citizens assisting them to make the most of the latest advances in technology, which can make their lives more fulfilling.

•

This sustainable volunteer programme aims to improve literacy rates in the community. It demonstrates the firm’s commitment to and desire to impact positively on youth education and provides an opportunity for KPMG’s people to positively engage the larger KPMG family of alumni, retirees, and recruits to contribute to the local community.

CSR AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING (LIC)

KPMG – Family for Literacy

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING (MNC)

Cisco Systems – Age Action Volunteering programme

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME (LIC)

Bank of Ireland – Enterprise Town

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EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME (MNC)

Amgen Inspiring the scientists of tomorrow

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT (LIC)

Dublin Airport Central – Sustainable Buildings

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT (MNC)

Lidl Ireland – Origin Green Project

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Amgen’s innovative science education programmes support the professional development of secondary school science teachers and increase students’ scientific literacy and interest in scientific careers. The Irish programmes have directly benefited 533 life science teachers, 5,939 secondary school students and 34 university graduates in Ireland.

One Dublin Airport Central is a former 1960s office building that has been completely transformed by daa. The building’s worldclass environmental credentials have been recognised with an award of the highest ‘platinum’ level sustainability accreditation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), making it the first such award in Ireland for a ‘core and shell’ building. The project has delivered 33 per cent energy saving in the airport complex.

The programme focuses on carbon reduction by promoting environmental awareness and reducing impact in areas such as energy, recycling and waste. A cross functional team worked together to identify reduction measures which were put in place across the organisation and more than 11 individual targets were created to ensure success.

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In order to vote at any election the visually impaired must either bring a companion or have the returning officer mark their ballot paper. Eversheds Sutherland acted for the plaintiff Robbie Sinnott who is visually impaired and successfully sought a declaration that the State has a duty to facilitate visually impaired persons to vote in secret.

2017 •

This programme empowers employees to manage their own health and wellness needs, and the strategy is founded on three pillars – ‘Think Well, Live Well and Feel Well’. Each pillar has a dedicated space in the onsite gym and wellness centre with a variety of related activities taking place throughout the year. Vodafone aims to develop a market-leading, holistic approach to wellbeing for all employees.

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KPMG has put in place a significant range of specific targeted initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity. These initiatives aim to make a real and substantive positive difference to all of their people and ensure women can see they can have a longterm and rewarding career with the firm.

CSR AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE (LIC)

KPMG – KPMG Inclusion & Diversity Programme

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE (MNC)

Vodafone Ireland – ThinkWell, LiveWell, FeelWell

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETPLACE

Eversheds Sutherland – Robbie Sinnott

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EXCELLENCE IN CSR BY AN SME

Earth’s Edge – Kilimanjaro Equipment Lending Programme

EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORTING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

ESB Networks – ESB Apprenticeship Programme

OVERALL WINNER

KPMG

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Earth’s Edge partnered with Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and appealed for second hand mountaineering clothing and equipment. In 2016, 20 large duffel bags of climbing gear were sent to help porters who work on Kilimanjaro, many of whom are poorly clothed where temperatures can dip to -30 degrees Celcius.

ESB Networks is well known for its high-quality apprenticeships which result in qualifications in the electrical and mechanical trades. The programme plans to recruit 300 new apprentices over the next five years and ensures that ESB maintains the level of skills required for the maintenance and enhancement of Ireland’s electricity system.

Commenting on KPMG’s commitment to CSR, Karina Howley, Head of Corporate Citizenship said: “Good corporate citizenship is at the heart of all great organisations and we’re privileged to work with some of Ireland’s most dedicated charities and voluntary bodies, helping make a difference to those who need it most.”

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

LOCALS

WINNERS 2017

LEADING THE LINE Monaghan County Council scooped the top accolade at the 2017 Excellence in Local Government Awards. Monaghan County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, which took place on November 23rd 2017. The 14th annual awards ceremony was held in association with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) and showcases and celebrates the best of local government in Ireland. Commenting on the awards, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said: “The Excellence in Local Government Awards demonstrate how each year local authorities work consistently to deliver services and initiatives that sustain, enhance and support our communities and local economies. Chambers Ireland is honoured to host these awards and recognise the dedication and hard work that takes place at local government level across Ireland. I want to congratulate Monaghan County Council, the 16 category winners, the many shortlisted organisations but also, just as importantly, the people who made all these projects and activities happen.”

THE WINNERS Supporting Active Communities Award sponsored by Lidl Cork County Council – Dunmanway Community Garden – By the Community, for the Community, in the Heart of the Community Best Practice in Citizen Engagement Award sponsored by ESB Networks South Dublin County Council – €300K – Have Your Say! Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Healthy Ireland Mayo County Council – Men on the Move

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Festival of the Year Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland Donegal County Council – Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival Outstanding Customer Service Award sponsored by SIRO Limerick City & County Council – Limerick.ie

Promoting Economic Development Award sponsored by AIB Limerick City & County Council – Regeneration Programme: Model of pathways to employment in the hospitality and catering industry

Enhancing the Urban Environment Award sponsored by Vodafone Offaly County Council – Revitalising Birr by improving the way its public realm functions

Sustainable Environment Award sponsored by ERP Kerry County Council – MacGillycuddy Reeks Habitat and Trail Repair Project – a Collaborative Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) initiative

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

Joint Local Authority Initiative Award sponsored by EirGrid Monaghan County Council – Cavan and Monaghan Science Festival

Supporting Tourism Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland Waterford City & County Council – Waterford Greenway

Local Authority Innovation Award sponsored by LGiU Ireland Cork City Council – Competitive Dialogue Housing Delivery Process

Monaghan County Council won the 2017 Local Authority of the Year Award

Sustaining the Arts Award sponsored by Zurich Longford County Council – www.virtualwriter.ie

Best Library Service Award sponsored by Waterford Crystal Kildare County Council – Support to Secondary Schools Programme

Heritage and Built Environment Award sponsored by Ervia Cork County Council – Spike Island, Cork Harbour Disability Services Provision Award sponsored by Shell E&P Ireland Cork City Council – Hollyhill Library Services for Children with Autism Commemorations and Centenaries Award sponsored by An Post Cavan County Council – Cavan County Museum’s Commemoration Education Programme

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2017

SUPPORTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: CORK COUNTY COUNCIL

BEST PRACTICE IN CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

HEALTH & WELLBEING: MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

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The aim of Dunmanway Community Garden was to design, build, maintain and use a shared community garden space. The garden is located on an acre site which is being leased from Cork County Council on an initial licence agreement for five years, which commenced in 2013. The garden is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and the space is open for everyone to enjoy. In less than 12 twelve months, this group turned a waste ground into a beautiful community shared space.

Participatory Budgeting is a local democratic process which facilitates citizens in a local community to directly decide how to spend a portion of a public budget in their area. It gives people direct power to determine spending priorities to improve their community. For 2017, South Dublin County Council in their annual budget allocated an additional a300,000 for one electoral area. The Lucan Electoral Area was chosen and through a combination of locally facilitated workshops and an online consultation portal, residents were invited to submit their ideas and spending priorities for this budget.

Men on the Move is an initiative which aims to increase the level of physical activity amongst men over 30 years of age. In 2013, more than 150 men, all aged 30 plus from communities across Mayo, engaged in this unique physical activity programme. In 2015, the programme rolled out in 12 locations around the county including Achill, Belmullet, Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe, Ballaghdereen, Ballina, Charlestown, Castlebar, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Swinford and Westport. Men on the Move is now part of a national research programme into menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health co-ordinated by Waterford IT and funded by the HSE.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2017

SUPPORTING TOURISM: WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL

PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: LIMERICK CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL

LOCAL AUTHORITY INNOVATION: CORK CITY COUNCIL

Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest city all the way to Dungarvan. Officially opened in March 2017, it is a beautiful journey through time and nature across three tall viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel, from the river to the sea. Along the route in Ireland’s Ancient East is a Viking settlement, Norman Castles, medieval ruins, an old workhouse, deserted railway stations and a heritage railway train that still runs along part of the tracks.

Limerick City & County Council (LCCC) has created an integrated model for pathways to employment providing 150 job placements, with 90 placements gained by regeneration area residents. LCCC’s Regeneration Programme is based on an integrated approach centred on three pillars of social, economic and physical development. This project is a marketled skills training and employment programme, integrating economic and social actions and leading directly to job placements for people who otherwise would likely remain unemployed.

The objective of Cork City Council’s innovative housing procurement project was to provide a streamlined solution to the housing delivery issues in a central urban area within the confines of various constraints ranging from the scarcity of sites available to stakeholders and other concerns. The aim of the project was to deliver several hundred newly constructed social housing units throughout 2017 in addition to other housing provision methods. The innovative Competitive Dialogue Procurement model developed and adapted by Cork City Council has provided a solution to the problem and has delivered spectacular results.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2017

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT: KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

BEST LIBRARY SERVICE: KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SUSTAINING THE ARTS: LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL

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The MacGillycuddy Reeks Habitat and Trail Repair Project involved the development of a locally based skilled workforce in upland trail repair, in conjunction with a capital habitat restoration and trail repair works programme in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Co Kerry. The project was based on a social enterprise model, with innovation, community strengthening and environmental protection at the fore. It also helped safeguard the local recreational, tourism and agricultural scene for which the Reeks are a valuable underlying resource.

Kildare Library Service Support to Secondary Schools Programme is an annual programme of events, workshops and classes aimed at supporting the school curriculum as well as career and personal development for students in secondary schools in Kildare. The programme has separate tailored events aimed at the three stages; Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle and Transition Year students. The programme provides opportunities for young people to learn in a fun interactive way outside of the classroom setting.

www.virtualwriter.ie is a digital technology platform developed by Longford County Council and designed to support the creative and professional development of Longford writers showcasing the breadth and quality of Longford literature. The website features writers groups, a writers directory, a collection of audio-visual recordings and practical advice on getting published.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2017

JOINT LOCAL AUTHORITY INITIATIVE: MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: LIMERICK CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL

The Cavan and Monaghan Science Festival took place from November 13th to 20th 2016 during National Science Week, at venues throughout counties Monaghan and Cavan. The festival attracted approximately 8,500 attendees and consisted of over 140 events including a programme of public science events, a large scale family fun day in each county and a comprehensive schools and community programme.

Sea Sessions is one of Ireland’s most highly respected small festivals and is widely recognised as being the country’s premier music, camping and surfing lifestyle event. The festival sells out to capacity crowds each year and continues to grow in popularity. In 2016, the festival sold out over three weeks in advance. Sea Sessions has played host to such luminaries as Paul Weller, Tinie Tempah, Bastille, Seasick Steve, Example and Gavin James to name but a few.

Limerick.ie is a ground-breaking digital platform that acts as a onestop shop for information on living, working, visiting and doing business in Limerick. It is the most advanced and largest digital platform of its kind developed by any Irish local authority integrating over 15 sites in one comprehensive location. With its economic renaissance already anchoring the mid-west as Ireland’s fastest growing region, Limerick. ie is a dynamic window to all key information about life in Limerick.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2017

ENHANCING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT: OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL

HERITAGE AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT: CORK COUNTY COUNCIL

The historic town of Birr was sensitively and sustainably enhanced through the provision of high quality public realm. This improved the attractiveness and functionality of Birr and positioned its role as a centre for tourism, retail and commerce, as well as an excellent place in which to live.

Fortress Spike Island is an exciting project by Cork County Council that is transforming Spike Island into the go-to destination in Ireland by sensitively restoring the former island prison and fortress and retelling its rich history through considered interpretation.

DISABILITY SERVICE PROVISION: CORK CITY COUNCIL

In 2016, Hollyhill Library improved services to children with autism by developing a social story and offering private sensory friendly visits. Their social story prepares children with autism or anxiety disorders for what will happen on a library visit, told in a user-friendly language and using real photographs.

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COMMEMORATIONS AND CENTENARIES: CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL Cavan County Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commemoration Education Programme explores the issue of commemoration and our need to remember the past. It does this by exploring major events from Ireland 100 years ago. The programme explores this period of history in an innovative and unique way by lifting history off the page and offering groups the opportunity to engage in a sensitively designed learning programme.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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IB PARTNER PROFILE LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL

A County Open for Business Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council talks to InBUSINESS about the county’s pro-business policies and its council’s relationship with PayPal. Q. What is enticing businesses to locate in Louth?

A. Situated mid-way between Dublin and Belfast, Louth has a strategic advantage when it comes to ease of access to key markets. The Council has developed pro-business policies and infrastructure and it works with entrepreneurs to help them succeed. Our economic development team partners with businesses to remove obstacles that might deter or slow them down. Start-ups and growing enterprises in the county can also take advantage of affordable property solutions and a competitive operating base. Louth has excellent infrastructure, and with the ongoing development of a number of substantial housing initiatives, and the impressive campus at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Louth is an enticing location for businesses looking to set up or to expand. Furthermore, the Louth Economic Forum helps to inform policy at Council level and gives businesses the opportunity to contribute to the economic wellbeing of the county. Louth’s decision to invest

in pro-business policies has been rewarded by the decision of leading companies such as Glen Dimplex, Irish Life, Digiweb, Kerry Group, Boyle Sports, PayPal, Coca-Cola, Xerox and State Street to locate here. Since 2016, IDA and Enterprise Ireland client companies have announced more than 1,400 jobs in new investments in the county.

Q. Tell us about the Council’s relationship with PayPal.

A. The Council’s probusiness and pro-jobs approach has been the basis of a healthy business relationship with PayPal. We worked closely with [PayPal’s Vice President of Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Ireland, Middle East and Africa] Louise Phelan and her team from the outset to ensure that PayPal’s expectations were met – from its property search, planning and infrastructural requirements, to helping it integrate into the community. In turn, PayPal is an excellent example of a local company that proactively engages with the local community. It is also an

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active member of the Louth Economic Forum.

Q. How does the Council encourage business development within Louth?

A. New property developments can avail of reduced commercial levies alongside reductions and exemptions for developments in the town centres of Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and Dunleer though the revised Development Contribution Scheme. Qualifying investments by IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office clients can avail of a 50 per cent discount for property development contributions. There are also incentives to help make key retail areas more attractive to shoppers, including shopfront improvement grants and design guidelines. Q. Tell us more about the Louth Economic Forum.

A. Louth Economic Forum was established in 2009 to facilitate collaboration across sectors to drive economic growth and job creation. It is made up of representatives of the business community, State/ development agencies, and Louth County Council.

Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council

The Forum has identified nine areas to be addressed for the sustained economic development of Louth, and it has already developed action plans around broadband, tourism and heritage, indigenous industry, sustainable energy, agriculture, food and fisheries and foreign direct investment (FDI). This approach is proving to be successful. For example, the FDI strategy set a job creation target of 3,000 new jobs in Louth over a 10-year period to 2020 – more than 2,100 jobs have already been created. For more information, visit www.louthcoco.ie or call 1890 202 303.

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Offer available to new applicants who receive full letter of approval between 26/08/2017 and 31/03/2018. 2% cashback at drawdown will be paid on the amount of the mortgage advanced. Excludes tracker portability or negative equity customers (including any additional funds). Excludes buy-to-let, equity release, home improvement mortgage loans or applicants who have drawn down full or part of their funds before 11/01/2016. 2% cashback monthly will be paid until 31/12/2027. Your monthly mortgage repayment must be made from a permanent tsb Explore Account and meet qualifying criteria. The Explore Account carries a €4 monthly maintenance fee, unpaid items and other charges may apply. eStatements only. 2% cashback monthly offer applies to home loans only (i.e. excludes buy-to-let).

WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP YOUR REPAYMENTS YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME.

WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR LOAN, YOUR ACCOUNT WILL GO INTO ARREARS. THIS MAY AFFECT YOUR CREDIT RATING, WHICH MAY LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO ACCESS CREDIT IN THE FUTURE.

Lending criteria, terms & conditions will apply. Mortgage approval is subject to assessment of suitability and affordability. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Security is required and credit agreement will be secured by a mortgage or by a right related to residential immovable property. Life and Home Insurance are also required. For First Time Buyers, a maximum Loan to Value (LTV) of 90% will apply to a property’s purchase price. For Second Time Buyers a maximum LTV of 80% will apply. The maximum LTV for customers who hold their current mortgage with another bank but wish to switch their mortgage to permanent tsb while also releasing equity is 85%. Maximum loan amount will typically not exceed 3.5 times an individual’s gross annual income. The monthly repayment on a 20 year mortgage with Loan to Value (LTV) greater than 80% with variable borrowing rate of 4.20% on a mortgage of €100,000 is €616.57 for 240 months. Total amount repayable is €148,316.80. If interest rates increases by 1% an additional €54.48 would be payable per month. For this example, Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) of 4.32% applies and consists of variable borrowing rate of 4.20%, valuation fee of €130, Property Registration Authority (PRA) fee of €175, and security vacate fee of €35. Please note – this APRC does not factor in the €4 monthly Explore Account maintenance fee. Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase – if you do not keep up repayments you may lose your home. Information correct as of 17/08/2017 but is subject to change. BMK4354 permanent tsb p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FC advert template.indd 1 242544_1C_Permant YB.indd 1 BMK4354 2%+2% A4 TSB_JM_Chambers AD.indd 1

23/02/2018 09/02/2018 09:52 08/02/2018 12:42 12:59

IB PARTNER PROFILE PERMANENT TSB

The Challenger Bank InBUSINESS speaks with Permanent TSB’s Mark Coan to understand how the bank is lining out to challenge the incumbents in Irish banking.

Mark Coan, Group Commercial Director, Permanent TSB

ermanent TSB is on a mission to act as the challenger for the customer. As part of this mission, the bank is growing its mortgage, personal lending, current account and savings business after reinventing its business model. It serves the needs of personal and SME customers throughout the Republic of Ireland by focusing on market-first and innovative offerings.

PURPOSE “Our place in retail banking in Ireland is clear. We are the only challenger bank for personal and business customers focused exclusively on Ireland,” says Mark Coan, Group Commercial Director of Permanent TSB. “This difference gives us our purpose; we challenge the bigger banks through innovation in our offering and by serving our customers better.” Coan joined Permanent TSB in 2016 from Virgin Media, where he is credited with growing its market share from approxiamtely 10 per cent to around 50 per cent and overseeing the company’s rebranding from UPC. Coan reflects on where the bank has come from to where it is now. “Getting us to a point of readiness to effectively reposition how we serve our customers required enormous effort across the organisation led by our CEO Jeremy Masding,” he says. “Jeremy’s strategy to transform Permanent TSB and attack the market as a challenger bank has made our customer proposition much stronger.” InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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INNOVATIVE BANKING A true challenger in any industry is one that offers something unique to the market. Permanent TSB has achieved this with major new initiatives including the Explore Account and a mortgage that offers a monthly cashback reward. “We launched Explore in 2016 as a ground-breaking current account package that combines ongoing rewards and cashback incentives,” explains Coan. “We have since welcomed over 55,000 customers to this product. In August 2017, we pushed the market further with our unique mortgage proposition, rewarding our customers with 2 per cent cashback at drawdown and 2 per cent cashback on their repayment every month until 2027.” As digital becomes an increasing area of focus for all service providers, Coan recognises that there is an element of catch-up in digital innovation, but notes the quality of what Permanent TSB has achieved is

setting it apart from its competition. “Our online term loan application can put money in the customer’s account 15 minutes after they apply – that’s not something our competitors can say,” he says.

A STEP FORWARD FOR BANKING Coan is excited about plans for the future for Permanent TSB, as 2018 sees the start of the bank’s rollout of its Digital Transformation Programme. “We will be redesigning our approach around customer needs, which will keep us ahead in driving innovation across the sector,” he says. “It’ll be a real step forward for Irish banking. I don’t believe a bank can improve its service model without transformation – this is something our Digital Transformation Programme will address.” Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. permanent tsb plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

23/02/2018 14:51

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23/02/2018 12:48

IB PARTNER PROFILE BORD GÁIS ENERGY

Energy Efficiency Makes Cents 2017 was a big year for Bord Gáis Energy and 2018 is set to be another innovative and positive 12 months, writes Sean O’Loughlin, Business Category Controller with Bord Gáis Energy.

ord Gáis Energy was pleased to be named Energy Firm of the Year at the 2017 InBUSINESS Recognition Awards, held at the start of December in The Westin Dublin. In addition, our Managing Director, Dave Kirwan, was named Business Man of the Year. Both awards are a welcome reflection of the value we place on our customers and of the effort we put into serving them. Our customers see us as leaders in the subject of energy efficiency in Ireland. With in-house expertise across all our categories, as well as our ability to utilise the strength and resources of our parent company Centrica, we are bringing new products and services to Irish businesses. 2017 was yet another busy year for Bord Gáis Energy, with a lot of development and planning going on behind the scenes. For example, we completely upgraded our customer

Sean O’Loughlin, Business Category Controller with Bord Gáis Energy

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

Bord Gais Energy_IB Partner Profile_JM.indd 75

management tools this year, which now allows us to offer an even better experience to customers. We also spent a lot of time developing innovative new customers offerings which we will be rolling out during 2018.

We completely upgraded our customer management tools this year, which now allows us to offer an even better experience to customers. One of the innovative products we have already started to roll out is Panoramic Power, an excellent energy management tool which involves the installation of small sensors around a customer’s premises to provide them with real-time visibility of their energy

usage – right down to an individual device level. The detailed data it provides gives the customer actionable insights that allows them to improve their own business operations and performance, thereby saving money and resources. Through our various industry partnerships, Bord Gáis Energy customers have access to cutting-edge technologies and value propositions such as UrbanVolt’s ‘Light as a Service’ model. This partnership offers SMEs the opportunity to dramatically reduce their energy costs by upgrading their lighting to LEDs, without having to make any up-front investment. This has already demonstrated immediate and tangible benefits to our customers’ bottom lines. Bord Gáis Energy provides financial support to help fund the up-front cost of the LED installations. UrbanVolt then funds the cost of the lighting assets over five years, only taking their payment from the savings which are generated. LED lighting retrofits are available to both Bord Gáis Energy customers and non-customers. Implementing energy efficiency projects can significantly reduce your operating expenses and increase your productivity. Some measures don’t involve any financial input and are quick to implement, while some require more consideration and investment. Bord Gáis Energy is happy to provide support for such projects, including boiler or chiller replacements, high efficiency pumps and drives, building management systems, process improvements and renewable energy technologies. By actively participating in these initiatives, companies could save up to 20-30 per cent off the capital cost of their energy efficiency project. Now that’s worth thinking about!

23/02/2018 10:55

IB PARTNER PROFILE DHL EXPRESS IRELAND

Helping Your Business Grow If you’re a business owner that still isn’t sold on selling online, let the numbers do the talking, writes Bernard McCarthy, Managing Director, DHL Express Ireland.

ccording to the 2017 European Ecommerce report, the European B2C e-commerce turnover for 2017 reached around a602 billion, at a growth rate of nearly 14 per cent. This is following an equally significant 15 per cent growth in 2016. Technological advances and a continuous ‘switched on’ attitude of modern shoppers are facilitating this growth. Customer expectations are constantly evolving and they expect more choice, more flexibility, more certainty and more speed. Technology has enabled customers to shop without boundaries, with the result that 1 in 7 online purchases are now made in a different country. With this number increasing, it is clear

Bernard McCarthy, Managing Director, DHL Express Ireland

DHL_IB Partner Profile_JM.indd 76

that borders and distance are no longer elements that restrict a buyer’s choice of vendor. There is no denying that the future of e-commerce is bright, and frankly the opportunities that it presents to businesses are too great to ignore. Across Europe, the number of companies that have a website is continuously growing, and as of 2016 this number was sitting at 77 per cent. Yet according to the European Ecommerce report, only 18 per cent of these companies actually sell through their website. Irish businesses are on par with the European average, as 25 per cent of Irish companies do not have a website. Companies that don’t already should get an online presence! This is as true for an SME as it is for a multinational organisation. Online customers cannot buy your product if you are not online – establish a website and make it known that you are available for business internationally. Then, ensure you offer your customers an express delivery option. International businesses need to partner with an express logistics provider that mirrors the principles of their own business. A sale does not end with the monetary transaction, and the delivery company you choose to deliver to your customers will act as an extension of your own company brand. In a survey of online shoppers, speed of delivery was cited as

the main challenge they faced – highlighting the necessity of partnering with an international logistics provider that can meet the needs of your company and your customers. DHL is the most international company in the world, and our network extends to over 220 countries and territories, offering your business endless international opportunities. If you’re a business owner that still isn’t sold on selling online and offering an express option, let the numbers do the talking. Gymshark, an online retailer specialising in high quality fitness apparel and accessories, has quickly become one of DHL’s fastest growing customers. Following customer feedback, Gymshark decided to offer an express delivery service in addition to the standard mail option. This signalled the beginning of the partnership with DHL and unprecedented growth for Gymshark. Within 12 months of partnering with DHL, Gymshark had increased its orders by 43 per cent. Interestingly, the basket value of customers that were selecting the express option also rose by 70 per cent. Overall, Gymshark has seen a 210 per cent increase in year-on-year sales since implementing the express option. With the worldwide e-commerce market due to be worth $4.5 trillion by 2021, there is unrivalled opportunity for companies to embrace the growth in e-commerce to benefit their business. Let DHL’s dedicated e-commerce advisors help your business grow. For more information please contact ie.ecommerce@dhl.com. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 10:56

IB PARTNER PROFILE EMBASSY OF CHILE

Down to Business in Chile Photo: Teresa Fisher, Banco de Imágenes Sernatur

Selected by Lonely Planet as the country to travel to in 2018, Chile is not only the ideal destination for tourists, but also a great place to do business.

hen people think about Chile, the first thing that might spring to mind is wine. Or perhaps it would be Pablo Neruda among the literati, or Alexis Sánchez within sport circles. However, there are many more reasons why this country should be known. For a start, it is considered one of the most prosperous and stable countries in Latin America. It is the major copperproducer in the world, and was listed as the top world destination to travel to in 2018 by Lonely Planet. Chile has an open economy with a significant number of free trade agreements, meaning it has direct access to the major world markets. “Today Chile is a medium income nation that projects itself as a platform for investment and business,” says Cristian Streeter, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile. “We have all the necessary conditions for investment, as the country is the leader in Latin America in competitiveness, income per capita, globalisation and economic freedom. The economic players have the highest purchasing power in the region, the labour law is business-friendly and its commercial openness offers a counterbalance to its rather small market of over 18 million people.” The Irish Government recently announced the opening of an embassy in Chile’s capital Santiago that will help increase the links between the two nations, not only in political terms, but also in areas such as trade. The InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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Chilean government has worked hard in simplifying investment procedures. Today, foreigners can create a company in Chile without the need of a local partner. There are priority areas which the nation is seeking for foreign investment, such as in technology, mining, food, services, tourism and renewable energies. The prevalence of wind in the south of the country makes it ideal for the installation of wind farms. The country has a selfimposed target of having 20 per cent of electricity based on renewables by 2020, making renewables the perfect scenario for foreign investment. “Chile has a great potential in solar energy,” explains Steeter. “In the northern part of the territory, we have the highest solar radiation in the world, so we have the potential to satisfy all the nation’s energy requirements with solar power.” Tourism has developed greatly in Chile too. With six world heritage sites and ten biosphere reserves by

Unesco, the country is a unique place. Special mention is reserved for star-gazing tourism, which is growing in popularity. The clarity of the skies in the northern part of the country make it the most attractive place for this kind of tourism. It is not surprising then that this area has attracted the construction of one of the most powerful telescopes on earth. Currently, the European Extremely Large Telescope is under construction on a 3,000 metre high mountain in the middle of the Atacama Desert. It will be five times larger than the top observing instruments in use today. Additionally, Chile has 6,000km of coastline, which brings great opportunities. The country is one of the leaders in initiatives to protect the sea fauna and has organised two world conferences in this area. The country has consolidated its credentials as a trading nation. Now it is working hard in becoming a destination for investment and the ideal place to do business.

23/02/2018 10:56

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23/02/2018 14:59

IB PARTNER PROFILE AIB PRIVATE BANKING

Banking on a Bright Future Dave McLaughlin, Head of Private Banking at AIB talks to InBUSINESS about the past year and what’s in store for 2018. Q. Looking back, how was 2017 for AIB Private Banking? A. It was a very exciting year for the private bank, with growth delivered across all our key segments. We continue to see new clients joining on a regular basis and long may that continue. We love dealing with people and doing all we can to preserve and grow their wealth in addition to making their day-today management of their finances effortless. It has also been a landmark year for AIB Group with the successful IPO during the summer and the returning of substantial additional capital to the Exchequer. We are making progress, and are very grateful to our clients for their support, but are only too aware that we have a journey still to travel in this regard.

Q. What would you say sets AIB Private Banking’s services apart from those of its competitors? A. A very good question and one, perhaps, best asked of our clients! We provide tailored investment solutions, detailed retirement planning, dynamic

lending options and effortless convenient banking and all via one point of contact – your dedicated relationship manager. We invest a lot in listening to feedback from our clients and I think having access to this variety of expertise from one source is a market differentiator. It adds convenience and saves our clients considerable time, which is something they really appreciate given their busy and demanding lives.

Q. What would you say are the main challenges facing your sector? A. There are many significant challenges facing the private banking sector at the moment but within them are also significant opportunities as we look ahead to 2018. Brexit and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFIDII) have received most of the commentary to date and while they are both critical, the emergence and growth of fintech disruptors is a very interesting development. We believe the future lies within a hybrid model where clients utilise the best of digital

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

AIB Private Banking_IB Partner Profile_JM.indd 79

Dave McLaughlin, Head of Private Banking, AIB

to garner insights and add convenience while trusting their relationship manager to provide wise counsel and challenge their thinking when appropriate to do so.

Q. What are your key priorities for 2018? A. I think there is an exciting year ahead within the sector and across Ireland Inc. in general and our priority will remain with our clients and assisting them in protecting and growing their wealth, while making their day-to-day banking as effortless as possible. If I was pushed on one priority, it would probably be to encourage as many

of our clients as possible to review the protection they have around their loved ones and to start thinking about succession planning. Everyone is so busy, their days are already long and so demanding so it is critical we provide them with the support and guidance they require to make these very important and lifechanging decisions. For more information on AIB Private Banking, please contact Head of Private Banking Dave McLaughlin on +353 87 799 1112. Typically clients have investable assets of more than e1 million.

23/02/2018 10:57

IB PARTNER PROFILE MICROFINANCE IRELAND

APPETITE FOR FINANCE Microfinance Ireland provides small loans through the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Microenterprise Loan Fund to businesses that may have been declined a loan from their bank.

icrofinance Ireland (MFI) was set up by the Government in 2012 to provide loan finance to small businesses experiencing difficulty in securing funding. At that time, small businesses found it difficult to get financial support from traditional lending providers. While banks are lending again, there is always a need for an organisation like Microfinance Ireland to offer an alternative source of funding to those businesses that do not meet standard bank lending criteria. MFI continues to see a growing demand for microfinance loans year-on-year. MFI provides business loans from

a2,000 to a25,000 to start-ups and existing businesses for set-up costs, working capital or business expansion, and to support the creation and retention of jobs. As part of its loan packages, MFI also offers expert one-toone mentoring to approved loan applicants through Local Enterprise Offices, increasing the chances of small businesses achieving commercial success, and helping to sustain jobs in the longer term. As a not-for-profit and governmentfunded organisation, MFI is unique in the marketplace in offering unsecured loan finance at affordable pricing to small businesses that may be struggling to secure finance.

Since the business commenced, MFI has approved over a22 million in loans to over 1,500 businesses supporting almost 3,500 jobs. In December 2017, MFI was granted a second risk-sharing guarantee from the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). As a result of this EU support, MFI is able to provide a30m in additional lending over the next five years. This is very good news for microenterprises who, for one reason or another, may be having difficulties in accessing finance. For more information, visit www.microfinanceireland.ie.

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MICROFINANCE IRELAND (MFI) BENEFITS FROM A GUARANTEE FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION UNDER THE PROGRAMME FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INNOVATION (EASI).

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23/02/2018 10:57

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LEINSTER • MUNSTER • CONNAUGHT • ULSTER Funding for Naas digital hub approved, new jobs expected for Fingal, Longford Council purchases site of former bank.

Cork towns to benefit from strategic plan, business hub to be developed in Ennis, Waterford leading EI-supported employment in south-east.

Long-awaited cinema set to open, Senator praises opening of Roscommon care centre, EI-backed company jobs on the rise in Leitrim.

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Road works planned for Donegal, Monaghan museum heading for completion, new holiday park expected for Cavan.

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KEEPING ENERGY IN THE HOME InBUSINESS hears from Louth County Council about its work providing energyefficient social housing throughout the county.

FUNDING FOR BORDER COUNTIES Over 234,000 is on its way to Cavan and Monaghan.

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InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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TAKING A LEAD

In Association with

Minister Michael Ring has approved LEADER funding of 79,250 for communities and businesses in south Mayo and Castlebar.

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FUNDING FOR NAAS DIGITAL HUB APPROVED

ABOUT THE REGIONAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND In February 2015, the Government announced a Regional Competitive Fund with the objective of supporting regional initiatives to build on sectoral strengths. Enterprise Ireland, with the support of DBEI, is leading the development and implementation of this fund of up to a60m.

WHAT’S ON IN

LEINSTER

22ND FEBRUARY BREXIT ADVISORY CLINIC Portlaoise, Co Laois

22ND MARCH DIGITAL STRATEGIES FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

A planned digital hub, the Mid East Regional Innovation Think Space (MERITS), is a funding recipient of the first round of Enterprise Ireland’s new a60 million Regional Enterprise Development Fund. MERITS is to serve the emerging technology sector by connecting organisations and people, and it will act as a centre of excellence in supporting innovative companies across the region. The funding is provided by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, through Enterprise Ireland.

18TH – 19TH APRIL DUBLIN TECH SUMMIT Convention Centre Dublin, Dublin city

[ COUNTY LONGFORD ] [ COUNTY DUBLIN ]

LGIB_002 InBusiness YB 2018_News.indd 2

[ COUNTY KILKENNY ]

BIG PLANS FOR EAST KILKENNY

NEW JOBS EXPECTED FOR FINGAL Almost 120 new jobs are set to be created in Fingal over the next three years, following the Fingal Local Enterprise Office’s investment of over a545,328 in small businesses during the last quarter of 2017. Announcing the latest series of grant approvals for the Fingal businesses, the Head of Enterprise in Fingal, Óisín Geoghegan said: “Financial supports provided by the Fingal Local Enterprise Office can be crucial in helping start-ups to flourish in their first year of operation.”

APRIL 19TH IRELAND’S EXPORTIMPORT SUMMIT Croke Park, Co Dublin

LONGFORD COUNCIL PURCHASES SITE OF FORMER BANK Ulster Bank has agreed to sell its former branch in Edgeworthstown to Longford County Council. The building is set to be transformed into a digital hub, for which funding of a80,000 was recently received under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The eastside of Kilkenny city has received a major boost, with plans for the area submitted to Kilkenny County Council. These include a new playing pitch, walkways, a cycleway, an all-new green area, and a primary care centre. The new care centre will bring more comprehensive medical services to the area, while taking pressure off St Luke’s hospital. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 10:14

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS NEWS: MUNSTER

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WATERFORD LEADING EI-SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

IN SOUTH-EAST Figures have revealed that 6,359 jobs are currently supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) in Waterford, representing the government agency’s highest level across the region. Waterford experienced a 4 per cent increase in job creation across the city and county in 2017. Commenting on the figures, Minister of State John Halligan said: “The priority of my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, is to support companies in Waterford and right across the country to continue to build on this strong job creation performance into 2018.”

21ST – 25TH FEBRUARY GATHERING TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney

EI-BACKED JOBS IN THE SOUTH-EAST Enterprise Ireland’s end-of-year figures for 2017 revealed the following EI-supported jobs in the south-east: Waterford:

Tipperary:

Wexford:

Kilkenny:

Carlow:

Total:

6,359

5,907

4,670

4,276

3,034

24,246

2ND MARCH FOUNDER FRIDAY Limerick city

2ND – 4TH MARCH ENNIS BOOK CLUB FESTIVAL Ennis, Co Clare

18TH – 22ND APRIL CORK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL Cork city

WHAT’S ON IN

MUNSTER

[ COUNTY CORK ]

TOWNS TO BENEFIT FROM STRATEGIC PLAN A new vision for two key towns in Cork has been launched by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Declan Hurley. The communities of Carrigtwohill and Passage West will benefit from a five-year strategic plan for the future of their towns, as a result of significant research led by SECAD Partnership and Cork County Council, in collaboration with various stakeholders. Cllr Hurley said: “This is a living plan, created by capturing people’s ideas, and placing the community at the heart of its delivery.”

[ COUNTY LIMERICK ]

DEVELOPMENT DUE FOR HEART OF LIMERICK Representatives of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Limerick City and County Council have put the formal seal on a financing arrangement which will see the commencement of a a200 million project to deliver commercial office, retail and cultural spaces in the heart of the city. Commenting on the news, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr, Stephen Keary, said: “This is the single most important development for Limerick, as it will raise the entire economic and social standing of the city, with significant knock-on benefits for the region also.” InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

LGIB_002 InBusiness YB 2018_News.indd 3

[ COUNTY CLARE ]

BUSINESS HUB TO BE DEVELOPED IN ENNIS Clare County Council is to establish a new business hub in Ennis. The hub will provide internet access, meeting rooms and hot desks available for rent. The Ennis business hub will be only one of a number of these hubs being developed around the county, including in Feale and Killaloe. A location for the Ennis hub is currently being sought, with a decision to be confirmed later in the year.

23/02/2018 10:14

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS CMYK: 83 / 0 / 8 / 0

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MINISTER APPROVES LEADER PROJECTS

ALLOCATIONS The following projects received LEADER funding in south Mayo and Castlebar: Ballinrobe Agricultural Show Ltd

Ballinrobe Family Resource Centre Ltd

(€6,000)

(€11,150)

WHAT’S ON IN

CONNAUGHT

Emotioncubes in Claremorris

(€9,350)

2ND – 10TH MARCH ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL 2018 Roscommon Arts Centre

Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar

(€30,000)

Nigel O’Reilly Goldsmith Ltd

(€22,750)

30TH MARCH – 2ND APRIL 8TH – 12TH APRIL GALWAY FOOD FESTIVAL MUSIC TO YOUR EARS CO GALWAY WESTPORT 2018 Westport, Co Mayo

[ COUNTY LEITRIM ] [ COUNTY ROSCOMMON ]

SENATOR PRAISES OPENING OF CARE CENTRE Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has praised the recent opening of the Boyle Primary Care Centre, which offers services in public health nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. “Boyle Primary Care Centre is a very positive development for the town and the wider North Roscommon area. It will ensure that the local community has improved access to a greater range of health services on their own doorstep and under the one roof,” commented Senator Feighan.

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The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, recently approved LEADER funding of a79,250 for communities and businesses in south Mayo and Castlebar. Commenting on the allocation, Minister Ring said: “I’m delighted to have approved support for these projects which will provide a social and economic benefit to south Mayo and Castlebar.”

25TH APRIL HOW TO MANAGE THE DISCIPLINARY & GRIEVANCE PROCESS The G Hotel, Galway city

[ COUNTY GALWAY ]

EI-BACKED COMPANY JOBS ON THE RISE Enterprise Ireland has reported strong job creation by its client companies in Leitrim, with a 12 per cent increase in the number of jobs created. New figures show that 559 people are now employed by companies supported by the agency throughout the county.

LONG-AWAITED CINEMA SET TO OPEN A long-awaited arthouse cinema is set to finally open its doors in Galway city in early 2018. Development for the Element Pictures-managed Pálás Cinema began in 2009 and has been supported by Galway City Council, which contributed around a2.4 million towards the project. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

23/02/2018 10:14

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS NEWS: ULSTER

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MUSEUM HEADING FOR COMPLETION Monaghan County Council has announced that it expects a museum dedicated to Clones Lace to be completed in the second half of 2018. The project was among 23 in Cavan and Monaghan to receive funding as party of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

2ND MARCH CASTLEBLAYNEY DRAMA FESTIVAL Iontas Theatre, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan

8TH MARCH BUSINESS START UP CLINIC & EXHIBITION Letterkenny, Co Donegal

[ COUNTY CAVAN / COUNTY MONAGHAN ]

22ND MARCH BREXIT ADVISORY CLINIC Cootehill, Co Cavan

Over a234,000 is on its way to Cavan and Monaghan under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme. In Monaghan, almost a61,000 will go to the Billy Fox Memorial Park in Bawn to resurface pathways and other works in the park. In Cavan, a80,000 will go to improving the access route to Castle Saunderson Demesne, while funding of over a94,000 has been allocated for Castle Lake in Bailieborough to enhance and upgrade the existing trails. Cavan Senator Joe O’Reilly believes the investment will help to increase tourism in the local area. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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WHAT’S ON IN ULSTER

[ COUNTY DONEGAL ]

ROAD WORKS PLANNED FOR DONEGAL FUNDING GRANTED UNDER OUTDOOR RECREATION SCHEME

4TH – 9TH APRIL THE AMAZING GRACE FESTIVAL Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed that just over a40 million is to be spent in Donegal on development, safety and road strengthening works in 2018. Many of the projects will be in the south of the county. These include considerable works on various sections of the N56, including Mountcharles to Inver.

[ COUNTY CAVAN ]

NEW HOLIDAY PARK EXPECTED FOR CAVAN Cavan County Council has met with UK-based company CABÜ to discuss a new holiday park in Killykeen Forest, according to council CEO Tommy Ryan. CABÜ, which bought the 74-acre site in June last year, plans to upgrade the 28 existing holiday homes in the park. The company’s multimillion euro investment is ultimately expected to strengthen Cavan’s tourism offering, and is due to open for visitors later in 2018.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL

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Keeping Energy in the Home Barry Woods, Executive Engineer, Louth County Council tells InBUSINESS about the council’s work in providing energy-efficient social housing throughout the county.

fter establishing an energy office in 2014, Louth County Council identified the promotion of sustainable energy initiatives as a fundamental corporate objective. In pursuit of this goal, the energy office was assigned the task of developing a set of collaborative energy projects across the county. The focus of projects was on energy savings, specifically by providing more energy-efficient social housing, while at the same time promoting economic activity and creating and sustaining jobs throughout the county. It was decided that the most appropriate vehicle for achieving these goals was through the SEAI Better Energy Communities (BEC) programme, for which an application for funding was completed in 2015. The BEC scheme has led itself to a variety of projects, but an integral beneficiary has been Louth County Council’s housing department, which completed some 564 energy upgrades to the local authority housing stock during the project years 2015, 2016 and 2017. “The local authority housing units that have had energy upgrade works completed under the BEC scheme are all existing units which had been constructed pre-2006,” explains Barry Woods, Executive Engineer, Louth County Council. “The upgraded housing units are a mixture of semidetatched and terraced social housing units of cavity wall construction of 2,3 and 4 bedrooms which were constructed in the seventies, eighties and nineties.” The project partners involved in

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

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the scheme included Louth County Council’s housing department, Kingspan, Bord Gáis Energy and Climote. This collaborative element of the projects demonstrated a smart and forward-thinking approach to the sustainable use of energy. Together, the partners provided improved insulation, lighting, energy-efficient heating systems and smart heating controls, all at once and across a number of different properties. This helped to maximise the economies of scale and the efficiency of the works, minimising the inconvenience to the occupants of the properties by reducing the number of site visits by the contractor. The very people most in need of energy savings and energy-efficient houses benefited most from the scheme, with 70 per cent of the work on the housing units going towards homes occupied by so-called ‘fuelpoor’ tenants. The works have had a significant environmental benefit, in that they have helped to reduce the

carbon emissions of the local authority housing stock, while also offering a reduction in energy consumption costs for the local authority tenant. With capital investment in new housing having diminshed in recent years, it is vital that local authorities invest in their existing housing stock. This can be done through energy improvements that will prolong the lifespan of the housing unit and ultimately provide comfortable living conditions for their tenants, which as Barry Woods points out, is an essential duty of the local authority. “It is the remit of a local authority to provide fit-for-purpose and secure housing units for those in need of social housing within their jurisdiction,” he states. “The quality of the social housing units provided – and their location and sustainability – are all important factors which a local authority must take into account when providing social housing. In addition, a home is much more than a physical building, and it is proven that a suitable home in a supportive community can give someone a safe and secure environment, and is important for maintaining good mental health.”

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Informing you about the work of local authorities in supporting the business needs of their community... To tell us what your local council is doing for business email joseph.oconnor@ashvillemediagroup.com

In Association with

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23/02/2018 10:15

IB PARTNER PROFILE SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND

Down to A Science Science Foundation Ireland has recently published its work plan for 2018, together with a review of the key achievements delivered in line with Agenda 2020, the organisation’s ambitious strategy.

cience Foundation Ireland (SFI) funds basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It invests in academic researchers most likely to generate new knowledge, leadingedge technologies and competitive enterprises in STEM-related fields. It promotes an awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and to the growth of the economy. Throughout 2017, SFI experienced some notable achievements, including its funding of five new SFI research centres – Beacon, Confirm, FutureNeuro, I-Form and a fifth in the area of future milk/precision agriculture, which will be co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The SFI Investigators Programme saw a43 million invested

Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

SFI_IB Partner Profile_JM.indd 81

in 26 research projects, with six of these receiving co-funding of a3m from Teagasc, Geological Survey Ireland, the Marine Institute, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Last year also saw the first 12 SFI research centres signing collaborative research agreements with over 300 industry partners, representing cuamulative company commitments of over a120m. The foundation also continued to support early career researchers through programmes including the SFI Starting Investigator Research Grant, the SFI Career Development Award, and the SFI Future Research Leaders programmes. SFI also entered into a new partnership agreement with the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, building on an existing relationship with the UK, involving collaborative agreements with the Royal Society, Wellcome and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. SFI also entered into a joint initiative with German research organisation Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to create a Fraunhofer Project Centre for Embedded BioAnalytical Systems in Dublin City University. In total, 44 projects received an investment of s2.8m under the SFI Discover Programme to improve public understanding of science and technology, increase STEM uptake in education and improve diversity in STEM. Looking ahead, SFI will focus its funding activities on six areas of strategic delivery in 2018. The first

relates to the delivery of relevant research, focusing on increasing European Research Council award numbers, attracting international STEM research prize winners, and achieving gender balance of funded researchers. Second, the continued expansion of the SFI research centres, with a focus on establishing five new centres and completing the review process for the phase two funding of the first seven. SFI will continue to encourage postgraduate research student numbers, as well as improve training in areas of economic priority. SFI plans to further develop its international partnerships, particularly by building on existing initiatives and developing new UK-related ones to address Brexit and maximise arising opportunities. SFI will focus on developing innovation and research talent with a strong throughput to industry, and will seek to develop impactful public engagement and education, focusing particularly on developing a proposal for Ireland’s first challenge-based funding programme. “The talent which Science Foundation Ireland supports is delivering high quality publications, driving discovery and innovation, collaborating with industry, and importantly, training and mentoring the next generation of researchers,” says Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland. “We set very high expectations for the researchers that Science Foundation Ireland support and the researchers are meeting those ambitious targets. Our review processes demonstrate the benefits that these bring to Ireland’s society and economy.” Information on programmes can be found at www.sfi.ie

23/02/2018 10:58

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IB PARTNER PROFILE THE ROSE HOTEL

Coming Up ROSES

InBUSINESS checked into the Rose Hotel in Tralee to experience a rejuvenating and relaxing break at the home of the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

hile listed as a four-star premises, the Rose Hotel exudes the kind of elegance and luxury that you’d associate with five stars. That’s no surprise when you consider that it’s where the Rose of Tralee Festival takes place each year. Indeed, the Rose Hotel is now owned by husband and wife Dick and Eibhlín Henggeler, parents of 2011 Washington DC Rose Dorothy Henggeler, who tragically passed away in 2014. The following year, in a bid to mark their daughter’s legacy, the couple purchased what was then the Fels Point Hotel and began a major rebranding exercise. Under the direction of the Henggelers, the Rose Hotel was given an impressive makeover. The premises now comprises 162 modern guest rooms, including 18 executive rooms, a bar and restaurant, luxury spa, a fully equipped gym and a selection of meeting rooms. The aptly named ‘Dott’s Bar’ offers the chance to relax in plush surroundings and sample exquisite food and local craft beer. Make sure to try the grain mustard and honey crusted rack of Timmy Jones pork – a truly mouth-watering dish! Afternoon tea is always on offer at the hotel where you can enjoy a selection of scones, sandwiches, macaroons and fancy pastries all in the comfort of the luxurious Park Restaurant. For a truly relaxing experience, book yourself into the Serendipity Spa where you’ll have the chance to nurture your mind, body and soul with the aid of helpful staff and top of the range ELEMIS beauty products. For businesses keen to host a InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2018

The Rose Hotel_IB Partner Profile.indd 83

meeting or event in the area, the Rose Hotel has five meeting room options, which consist of an executive boardroom, three meeting rooms and a large function room. These rooms are located on the ground floor and come with complimentary WiFi. In terms of location, there’s no shortage of activities in the area. Situated in Tralee, within walking distance of the town centre, the Rose Hotel has attractions such as the Aquadome, one of Ireland’s largest indoor water worlds, and Tralee Bay Wetlands right on its doorstep. For arts lovers, you can pay a visit to Siamsa Tíre, the national folk theatre, which provides first class entertainment for all ages through traditional Irish music, song and dance. Having taken some brief Irish dancing lessons there, we can attest to

the talent and agility of the staff! For golfers, the world-acclaimed Tralee Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer designed course, is just a 20-minute drive away. Situated on the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s an ideal spot to take in the stunning, rugged landscape of the region. It’s also an excuse to get out in the car and discover the famous Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry while you’re in the area. Whether it’s for business, luxury or a spa getaway, the Rose Hotel delivers in spades. It’s worth checking availability now before festival fever kicks in and the Roses arrive in force! For information on the latest deals visit www.therosehotel.com

23/02/2018 10:58

IB PARTNER PROFILE KPMG

ATTITUDES TO INNOVATION Irish innovation is on the increase, according to new research from KPMG.

usinesses in Ireland are becoming more innovative, with almost 9 in 10 businesses now considering themselves to be innovators. KPMG’s most recent Innovation Monitor report, based on research carried out by Red C, showed an increase in innovation activity, with 88 per cent of companies saying they are engaged in innovation either in Ireland or overseas, an increase of eight percentage points on the previous survey. The research also found that while a majority of companies (62 per cent) see Ireland as being “innovation friendly”, this sentiment is down by 8 per cent year-on-year. When asked what influences their ability to innovate, the availability

of qualified in-house personnel (68 per cent) and R&D funding (63 per cent) were most frequently cited. Meanwhile, from an educational perspective, a number of respondents also called for greater emphasis on the theme of innovation at both second and third-level. The Innovation Monitor report research also explored attitudes towards R&D incentives and the impact of potential changes. The findings indicate that limiting the amount of cash refunds a company can claim, or reducing the rate of the incentive for non-taxpaying firms that avail of the refundable mechanism, would negatively impact the attractiveness of the R&D tax credit for 7 in 10 companies. Survey

findings also indicate that 52 per cent of companies in Ireland are unaware of the Knowledge Development Box (KDB). “Businesses have to innovate to maintain competitive advantage and while we see very positive indications that Ireland is innovation friendly, barriers such as access to funding and a skilled workforce in certain sectors do remain,” says KPMG’s Damien Flanagan. “Greater awareness of the type of supports available can be important in encouraging further innovation and R&D and SMEs in particular could potentially benefit from greater awareness of the incentives.” For more information, see kpmg.ie.

“My Business

helped safely

deliver

a baby in Find out what your business can do by partnering with Trócaire: Sinéad Christian, Company Giving Officer T: 01 654 9149 E: sinead.christian@trocaire.org

Somalia”

www.trocaire.org Photo: John Byrne,Owner Maynooth Bookshop, Trócaire Supporter. Charity Reg. No. CHY 5883

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