InBUSINESS Yearbook 2016 by Ashville Media Group

THE

2016

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK

CONNECTING IRISH BUSINESS

REAPING

REWARDS GETTING THE MOST FROM CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK 2016

A LONG TERM VIEW Chambers Ireland CEO on preparing for future economic growth

POLICY

PRIORITIES TAKING THE NECESSARY ACTIONS IN

MURPHY’S

MANAGING PARTNER

FOR EVERSHEDS IRELAND

a2.70

@ChambersIreland

ALAN MURPHY ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

UNLOCKING IRELAND’S ENERGY POTENTIAL In 2015 gas flowed from the Corrib gas field for the first time. At peak production, Corrib has the potential to meet up to 60% of Ireland’s gas needs. Throughout 2016, Corrib gas will heat homes and power business across Ireland. Corrib Natural Gas, good for the West, essential for Ireland

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THE

2016 YEARBOOK

GO TO CHAMBERS.IE FOR THE ONLINE EDITION

REAPING

A LONG

POLICY

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK 2016

THE

2016

MURPHY’S

YEARBOOK

REAPING

InBUSINESS YEARBOOK 2016

A LONG TERM VIEW

MANAGING PARTNER

@ChambersIreland

MURPHY’S

ALAN MURPHY ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR EVERSHEDS IRELAND

MANAGING PARTNER

@ChambersIreland

ALAN MURPHY ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR EVERSHEDS IRELAND

Editor: Joseph O’Connor

COVER STORY The business outlook for the legal sector in Ireland is on the up, and Eversheds is among the law fims here that are setting the pace. InBUSINESS speaks with Managing Partner Alan Murphy who reflects on a successful year and ponders the future of his profession.

Managing Editor: Mary Connaughton Editorial Assistant:

Editorial Staff:

Christopher O’Riordan Orla Connolly

Commercial Editor: Conor Forrest Art Director: Alan McArthur Front Cover Photography: Conor McCabe Production Manager: Mary Connaughton Production Executive: Nicole Ennis Sales Director: Paul Clemenson Managing Director: Gerry Tynan Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon

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, 3rd Floor, Newmount House, 22 - 24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 400 4300 Email: info@chambers.ie Web: www.chambers.ie All articles © Ashville Media Group 2016. 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 2016

WE HAD TO TAKE A STEP BACK, DO SOME RE-THINKING AND ENSURE THAT WE STRENGTHENED CERTAIN AREAS, SO THAT WE WOULD MAKE OUR PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE GOING FORWARD.

COVER STORY:

Murphy’s Law

Eversheds Ireland Managing Partner Alan Murphy reflects on a successful year and ponders the future of his profession

Cash Flow is King for SMEs

Investment with Impact

A Responsible Insurance Partner

AIB’s invoice discounting facility is providing its customers with an upfront release of cash otherwise tied up in trade debts

In 2016, ESB will continue to adopt responsible business practices and contribute to the vibrancy of community life

Delivering Zurich’s social responsibility strategy for customers and communities remains a key focus for the company in 2016

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

Conor McCabe

MURPHY’S

Susan McDermott (Chambers Ireland)

ou could say 2015 was a pretty good year for Eversheds in Ireland. Just ask Alan Murphy, who has been Managing Partner at the Dublin-based law firm since 2008. Last year the company picked up numerous awards, including one from this magazine for Business Law Firm of the Year as well as a couple of gongs at the Irish Law Awards for International Law Firm of the Year, Alternative Dispute Resolution Team of the Year and the prestigious Law Firm of the Year. “There were other awards as well,” Murphy informs me, making sure no material facts are lost. Eversheds was indeed crowned Pension Law Firm of the Year at the Irish Pensions Awards. But it was more than these accolades that helped Eversheds strengthen its position as one of Ireland’s leading law firms. The company’s revenues grew by 20 per cent in 2015, surpassing boom levels, and that was following on from 15 per cent year-on-year increases in the previous two years. In addition, last year saw the company acquire an additional 8,000 sq ft of new office space in Dublin to accommodate its growing workforce (staff numbers are now at 246, eclipsing precrash levels). A new office was also opened in Belfast, increasing Eversheds’ footprint on the island of Ireland and in the UK, enabling the company to service clients in the North and open up opportunities for them internationally through its 55 offices in 28 countries. This international presence plays a significant role in Eversheds’ success, giving it competitive advantage over many Irish law firms that struggle to take on cases that tranverse multiple jurisdictions and national boundaries. This is something that Murphy highlights when we meet at Eversheds’ shiny offices at Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin’s city centre. “We’re the only international full service law firm in Ireland,” he says. “Year on year this is becoming more and more important and it’s very interesting to see that trend.” Murphy, who has come a long way since his days as a legal trainee in Sligo in the early nineties, has a good sense of Eversheds’ global prowess through his role as Chairman of Eversheds International. The 41

[CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016] 04 Foreword 11 About Chambers Ireland 12 Chamber Membership 15 Policy Update 85 Directory [CHAMBERS NEWS] 19 Mediation 22 TTIP 24 ICC 26 Eurochambres 28 CSR 30 Chambers Ireland: Year in Pictures 32 Local Chambers: Year in Pictures 37 Shop Local 55 CSR Awards 2015 63 Local Government Awards 2015

Commercial Property Prospects

Sustaining the Environment, Sustaining Employment

The commercial property market is moving to the next stage of recovery, according to Marie Hunt of CBRE Ireland

For almost 60 years, BAM has demonstrated how growth can come from sustainable practice

Our Local Government InBUSINESS 06 Supplement continues to look at the 13 important role played by local authorities in Irish enterprise. Page

Page

LEINSTER • MUNSTER • CONNAUGHT • ULSTER

App brings 1916 Wicklow to life, Carlow in bid to connect to business and Louth takes action on broadband.

Investment In Tipp roads, Cork addresses power of solar and LimerickShannon receives EU funding boost.

Jobs boost for Mayo, REDZ project in Sligo and Manorhamilton street name to honour Rising volunteer.

Scheme to support Cavan creatives, funding for Malin Head and investment in Letterkenny.

Limerick City and County Council, alongside Limerick Chamber and other stakeholders, have been working tirelessly to attract inward investment to the Midwest region.

Meath means business, according to Meath County Council

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 AFFILIATED CHAMBER LOCATIONS

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

North Kildare

Killarney

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Further details of each affiliated Chamber can be found on page 86 to 88

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 FOREWORD

A LONG-TERM

VIEW Recovery

Remaining competitive, strengthening new markets, investing in infrastructure and preparing for future economic growth are key priorities for Chambers Ireland in 2016, according to chief executive IAN TALBOT.

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firmly took hold in Ireland in 2015. A strong economic performance was predicted for the year but most commentators underestimated the level of economic improvement, particularly the increase in all areas of tax revenues witnessed in the end of year exchequer returns. The first quarter of 2016 will be all about the general election and the prospects for Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next government. Chambers Ireland will deliver a strong message to election candidates across the country reflecting issues of importance to our Chamber Network and we will carry this message through to the next government. Our Chambers Manifesto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Vision for 2021 focuses on policy issues with a long-term view. A sustainable economic future is our key message for the next Programme for Government. Continued strong economic performance should lead to greater investment in physical infrastructure key to future economic development. The next government must also keep a vigilant eye on our ability to remain competitive and ensure that increased costs do not become a threat to business. As the economy continues to improve there is the danger that wage pressures and businesses costs, along with skills shortages, could put real pressure on businesses and undermine our competitiveness as an attractive place to do business. It is crucial that the next government maintains a broad tax base and avoids mistakes of the past by holding firm on fair and equitable local taxes and user-based taxes and charges. Such charges not only encourage sustainability and

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 FOREWORD

2021 efficient use of resources but maintaining a broad tax base also provides the Government with secure revenue streams for the future. While it is has been great to see the strong economic recovery cemented in 2015, we must bear in mind the many external factors contributing to our recovery such as the advantage to our exports from the weak euro and low oil prices globally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; factors that the Government cannot rely on indefinitely. Ireland is a small open economy which remains highly vulnerable to exogenous shocks. According to the ESRI, a potential global growth shock could reduce world output by 1 per cent and while continued slowdown or instability in China may not drastically effect Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade directly there is significant risk through secondary markets such as the US, UK and EU. This must serve as a warning to the next government that sustainable economic policies are as important as ever and that paying down the debt and investing in infrastructure would help to protect our vulnerability in the event of a global economic slowdown. One of the biggest issues facing Ireland in the years following the economic crash is our ability to prepare for future economic

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Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

growth. This requires much greater levels of investment in capital infrastructure. It was understandable, albeit unacceptable, that during the period of extremely limited resources the Government could not afford to prioritise investment in infrastructure. However, it is essential that this lack of investment is now rectified and that any potential government surplus should be invested in improving our existing

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 FOREWORD

“WHILE IT IS HAS BEEN

GREAT TO SEE THE STRONG ECONOMIC RECOVERY CEMENTED IN 2015, WE MUST

BEAR IN MIND THE MANY EXTERNAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OUR RECOVERY SUCH AS THE

ADVANTAGE TO OUR EXPORTS FROM THE WEAK EURO AND LOW OIL PRICES GLOBALLY.”

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infrastructure and planning strategic infrastructure projects that will allow for our continued economic development across all regions. Election 2016 should not be about the inevitable competition between parties over who can promise the greatest tax cuts. Our Chamber Network would like to see a debate emerge about how we can invest in ensuring our future economic growth and how best to achieve adequate provision of infrastructure and services for our business and communities to thrive. Investment in physical infrastructure is essential to this, but also investment in education to address our future skills needs and, importantly for competitiveness, greater investment in housing and childcare. Following the implementation of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, significant progress has been made in evolving local authority structures. The Chamber Network has developed closer relationships with those new structures and this is something that we will build on further in 2016. The establishment of LEOs within local authorities has increased their role and responsibility for economic development and Chambers are working closely with all relevant arms of local Government across Ireland to promote enterprise and support the business community locally. The UK vote on whether to leave or remain in the EU could have enormous political and economic consequences for Ireland. The ESRI report on the possible implications of ‘Brexit’ on Ireland found that a Brexit could potentially reduce bilateral trade flows between Ireland and the UK by up to 20 per cent. It points to this as an average figure but the impact could be more significant in certain sectors of the economy. There are also important implications to consider in terms of FDI, energy and migration. We see Ireland’s role as remaining within the heart of the Europe and feel that it is important that the UK stays in the European Union, working together with common purpose. Therefore the Irish Government must do what it can to assist in the successful UK renegotiation with the EU. The Government must also be cognisant of the potential implications and do robust

scenario planning to prepare in every way possible for the economic effects of a Brexit. The potential challenges Ireland may face if its largest trading partner, the UK, leaves the European Union is only one piece of our much larger trade agenda for the coming years. International trade and investment is increasingly important for Ireland and identifying and strengthening new markets should be a focus for the next government. We are strongly supportive of the negotiation of the Transatlantic Trade and Partnership Agreement (TTIP) and the potential benefits this will have for Irish trade with the US, particularly for SMEs who stand to benefit from a projected 1.1 per cent increase to Irish GDP. We will continue to promote the interests of SMEs who often struggle with the burden of customs bureaucracy and the costs of trading internationally. Ireland should also pay close attention to the negotiation of other European trade agreements with ongoing negotiations of free trade agreements between the EU and New Zealand, EU-Ukraine, the various EU-ASEAN deals, and the fully negotiated EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement (CETA) which is awaiting ratification. Throughout 2015 we worked with our Irish business diaspora in the hope of developing closer links with the Irish community and to Irish business organisations across the world. We see a global business network for our diaspora as an opportunity to develop trade links, attract investment, and fill the skills gap. As part of our work in this area we will be working to increase our links with business networks in Europe, the US and Australia. Finally, this year I am honoured to have been elected Deputy President of Eurochambres, The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Eurochambres plays a prominent role in developing policy and research to help support and promote the European business community, including Ireland, and Chambers across Europe. I am looking forward to having a greater input into policy at European level and being able to represent the Irish Chamber network and Irish business within the heart of the European business network.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 SPONSORS

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

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 ABOUT CHAMBERS IRELAND

DRIVING

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

DEVELOPMENT CEO FORUM

CHAMBERS IRELAND BOARD

PA FORUM POLICY COUNCILS

REGIONAL CHAMBERS

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD CORPORATE PARTNERS CORPORATE PATRONS

LOCAL AFFILIATED CHAMBERS AS THE LARGEST BUSINESS NETWORK in Ireland, Chambers Ireland works to create the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally. Chambers Ireland acts as one voice for business in Ireland while also promoting the social and economic development of local communities. One of the key functions of Chambers Ireland is to represent the views of Irish business to Government. This is achieved through effective research and lobbying along with representation on a range of policy-making boards and councils that inform and influence Government. At its core, Chambers Ireland’s mission is to represent the interests of member companies, promote business competitiveness in Ireland and enable the development of the Chamber movement in Ireland. As illustrated by the diagram above, Chambers Ireland is a bottom up

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organisation with a wide regional spread across the country. It is made up of local affiliated Chambers and regional Chambers, governed by a board of directors. It is complemented by a number of elements including; policy councils, a public affairs forum, a chief executives forum, the national advisory board and corporate partners and patrons. Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s representative in the global Chamber Network and is a member of Eurochambres, the association of European Chambers, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the largest business representative organisation in the world. It acts as the Irish national committee of the ICC which allows it to communicate its views on international trade on behalf of its members to the international organisations that legislate on international trade.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 MEMBERSHIP

Reaping the Rewards of

MEMBERSHIP With local economic development at the core of the Chamber Network’s mission, there are a number of key areas where membership can benefit your business. THE CHAMBER NETWORK IS IRELAND’S largest business representative organisation. With 48 accredited Chambers around Ireland, businesses in the Chamber network are widely representative across the country. The Chamber network promotes the economic and social development of communities in order to make them a better place to work, live and do business. Chambers are aware of the challenges that face businesses in cities, towns and rural areas of Ireland. It is the Chamber network’s first priority to try and address those issues on a local and national level. The strength of the local economy is crucial to the success of any business. Local economic development is one of the Chamber network’s core policy priorities. Chambers work to encourage and promote local economic development for their communities which has significant results for their members.

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REPRESENTATION AND LOBBYING

PROMOTION AND REFERRALS

Chambers around Ireland represent their members at meetings with local authorities and politicians and during events throughout the year. Chambers lobby their local authorities on many issues that need to be addressed for their members. Chamber members are also represented on a national level by being a member of the Chamber Network. On behalf of Chambers, 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 on a global level.

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. Chambers also become an information centre to businesses that may or may not be members. This means that businesses tend to ring local Chambers and ask for advice on where to go for a specific product or service. Chambers will always recommend Chamber members to businesses that fit the requirements.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 MEMBERSHIP

OTHER REASONS TO JOIN YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER

Chambers Ireland National Advisory Board meet with Minister of Energy, Communications & Natural Resources Alex White

Launch of the Chambers Ireland 2016 Pre-Budget Submission

• FIND NEW SALES TARGETS Chambers believe that people do business with people whom they know. By joining your local Chamber you are making new business connections with contacts you can trust. • NATIONAL CHAMBER MOVEMENT Chamber lobbying can be local, regional, national or international as appropriate.

Speakers at a CSR event with Shannon Chamber Eircode representatives with Moira McMahon and Orlaith Borthwick of Limerick Chamber prior to briefing staff on the introduction of Eircode

NETWORKING

EVENTS

SUPPORT

By joining a local Chamber, members are invited to many networking events. This opens up opportunities for members to do business with other companies in their Chamber’s network. It has been recorded that 60 per cent of members do business at Chamber events.

By joining a local Chamber, members are invited to the many events that their local Chambers organise throughout the year. Chambers are fully committed to planning successful events, whether they are workshops, informative seminars or award ceremonies.

Chambers provide their members with support in a variety of areas. This includes but is not limited to business development, dealing with local authorities on business’s behalf and offering knowledge and skills to members on issues that might be affecting their business. Chambers also act as a business advisor to companies in their network, whether they are early stages start-ups or established enterprises.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Chambers offer their members a number of different products and services. Exclusive services that Chambers provide to their members include Chamber HR, discounted business services from member to member and access to their membership directory. Some Chambers offer training and courses, as well as translation services to their members.

• SOCIAL NETWORKING Chamber members can participate in members only groups for updates. • WEBSITE Chamber members can use their Chamber’s website to announce special offers or other business announcements. • A TRUSTED THIRD PARTY Chambers are a facilitator of business. • REPRESENT YOUR BUSINESS INTERESTS Chambers promote the competitiveness of business with Government. • PERIODIC BULLETINS Chambers keep their members up-to-date on what they are doing.

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 POLICY

Policy PRIORITIES While there is plenty of optimism about a sustainable economic recovery in Ireland, without the necessary actions on the part of the next government we risk undermining our potential for growth, writes Mark O’Mahoney, Director of Policy and Communications, Chambers Ireland.

THIS YEAR

will be a critical one in determining if we are to remain on the path to sustainable economic recovery. With the general election looming we have the opportunity to ensure that the voice of the business community of Ireland is heard and that economic recovery works for small and medium size businesses all over the country. Chambers Ireland has identified a number of key policy priorities for business and we will be asking the next government to consider these issues in their planning. While there are positive indicators for economic expansion in Ireland for 2016, the next government needs to be wary of the global economic uncertainties which threaten Ireland’s economic recovery and stability. The weak euro and low oil prices continue to support growth, however risks from within the eurozone, the UK, the US and China remain, and should be factored into Ireland’s economic planning. The next government’s spending and fiscal policies should be in line with this thinking in order to ensure the sustainable advancement of Irish industries and SMEs. As a small, open economy it is imperative that Ireland remains an attractive place in which to do business, while ensuring that Irish businesses are able to compete internationally. The next government must focus on policies which will not only maintain Ireland’s recovery, but drive Ireland’s industries to do better at home and abroad. Ireland’s ability to maintain and promote the competitiveness of Irish businesses in the global marketplace is critical for the country’s economy. Increased wage costs are a huge concern for employers and the next government should focus on reducing the high living costs faced by workers. Unless there is a clear and compelling case for further increases in the national minimum wage, restraint should be exercised or we risk undermining the competitiveness of SMEs in particular.

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Mark O’Mahoney, Director of Policy and Communications, Chambers Ireland

SKILLS GAP While the unemployment rate has dropped to below 9 per cent and we are experiencing an upturn in the economy, the skills gaps in the workforce now threaten to slow down recovery and hinder businesses from investing and expanding in Ireland. The lack of skilled workers in the areas of highest demand must be tackled by the next government in order to meet the demands of Irish businesses and to remain an attractive destination for FDI. We now have a real opportunity to

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CHAMBERS IRELAND 2016 POLICY

“CHAMBERS IRELAND IS

OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN THE IRISH

ECONOMY IN THE YEAR AHEAD, HOWEVER WE ARE ALSO MINDFUL THAT

WITHOUT THE NECESSARY ACTIONS AND PLANNING ON THE PART OF THE NEXT GOVERNMENT

WE RISK UNDERMINING

OUR POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.”

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stem the flow of emigration and encourage economic expansion at home through careful planning in education. Third level courses and apprenticeships should be coordinated in conjunction with industry so that graduates can benefit from increased employment opportunities and businesses will have the skilled workforce they require. A focus on up-skilling those in employment and retraining the unemployed would also increase labour force participation and productivity by reducing the skills mismatch. We cannot expect continued economic recovery unless we address the skills gap through careful planning with key stakeholders. INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE Similarly, we cannot expect continued economic growth if we do not plan and invest in developing Ireland’s infrastructure. Broadband access, road quality, energy and water affect business operations on a dayto-day level and must be improved upon. We need higher levels of State investment in infrastructure if we are to enable growth and entice investment in our economy. Infrastructure development cannot be overlooked by the next government. We must break from the poor planning and investment decisions of the past and create a new National Planning Framework which will ensure that investments in job strategies, transport, communications and other capital infrastructure projects are carried out to the highest standard and enable sustainable economic expansion. Upgrading our key infrastructure will benefit businesses today and well into the future if it is done to the highest standard, with future-proofing and spatial planning taken into account. The housing crisis is a huge social issue currently facing Ireland, but it is also a business issue and is impacting on our economy in a number of ways. The lack of private rental accommodation has seen rents soar and is driving higher wage demands, and making it difficult for companies to find accommodation for their employees, particularly hindering FDI. Increased rents mean that people have less disposable income, reducing the consumer spending necessary to support the domestic economy. We cannot simply ignore the housing crisis; it requires immediate action to alleviate

the enormous pressure it is placing on both people and businesses. The next government should establish a single overarching body for greater policy coherence at a national level, which links all the disparate agencies together, and which can focus on increasing the supply of housing available. The recent flooding experienced in many parts of the country is another issue which must be tackled immediately. It is vital that the damage done to infrastructure, businesses and homes be repaired as soon as possible so that minimum disruption is caused to local economies. But more importantly, the next government must ensure that in the future there is a single authoritative body responsible for flood management and prevention. We need regional and national coordination on flood management, carried out by a central authoritative body working from a defined flood management programme, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, as well as accountability. It is a sad fact that the types of floods experienced recently are becoming more common and we cannot ignore the damage and disruption they cause to infrastructure, homes and businesses through lack of action. The ongoing reforms of Local Government have placed a new emphasis on local authorities as drivers of regional economic development. As businesses are major contributors in the funding of local authorities, Chambers Ireland will work to ensure that business needs are considered in their policy planning and that local development is multi-stakeholder inclusive. Chambers Ireland is optimistic about the potential for continued improvement in the Irish economy in the year ahead, however we are also mindful that without the necessary actions and planning on the part of the next government, we risk undermining our potential for growth. While we certainly have a number of significant challenges, the upturn we have seen in the last year is encouraging, and with the right policies we can expect more of this for Irish business. Chambers Ireland and the Chambers Network will work hard to be a part of this planning process on behalf of Irish business in 2016 and will strive to ensure that the next government encourages the advancement and competitiveness of Irish industry at home and abroad.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS MEDIATION

OUR MISSION TO MEDIATE Chambers Ireland has been promoting alternative dispute resolution and mediation as the most effective and efficient option when it comes to resolving disputes amongst businesses.

Hon Justice Paul Gilligan speaking at Chambers Ireland Dublin Mediation Day event at the Law Society

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here is increasing evidence that mediation is good for business. A significant benefit offered by mediation in commercial disputes is costeffective access to justice. It is precisely for this reason that mediation can be so beneficial to businesses, particularly SMEs who often don’t have the same resources as larger corporations. Additionally, using mediation to resolve disputes can also help preserve business relationships, and encourage dialogue between parties in a way that litigation cannot. Irish businesses face many challenges in terms of their competitiveness, and using mediation to avoid the high costs associated with unnecessary litigation should be an obvious choice. Unfortunately, it has been our experience that mediation is not used as frequently among the Irish business community as it could be. MEDIATION MEETS JUDGES As part of promoting mediation, Chambers Ireland is part of a European-wide project entitled ‘Mediation Meets Judges’. Launched in 2014, the project focuses on the promotion of mediation in civil and commercial disputes and the increase of judicial referral of disputes to mediation by providing judges with knowledge about mediation. The Mediation Meets Judges project is cofunded by the European Union, coordinated and implemented by Eurochambres, nine Chambers of Commerce and mediation centres and the European Association of Judges for Mediation (Gemme), in Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. The project partners aim at building new opportunities for improving networking between judges and mediation practitioners in a long-lasting way and in creating a virtuous circle that, by means of exchange of information and experiences, will develop stable and sustainable results.

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CHAMBERS NEWS MEDIATION

Pictured at the launch of the Mediation Scheme in the Hugh Lane Gallery were Mark Small, Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, Gerry Rooney, Mediators’ Institute of Ireland and Tom Ward, Courts Service of Ireland

Pictured on Dublin Mediation Day were Mark O’Mahoney, Chambers Ireland; Joe Behan, Chair of the event; Nicola Dunleavy, Matheson; Hon Justice Paul Gilligan; Bill Holohan, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; Matthew Austin, Hayes Solicitors

“IRISH

BUSINESSES FACE MANY CHALLENGES

IN TERMS OF THEIR COMPETITIVENESS, AND USING

MEDIATION TO AVOID THE HIGH COSTS

ASSOCIATED WITH UNNECESSARY LITIGATION

SHOULD BE AN OBVIOUS CHOICE.”

019 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_Mediation.indd 20

THE PILOT SCHEME As a step towards better educating businesses about mediation and encouraging them to use mediation to resolve disputes, Chambers Ireland consulted with our stakeholders in the legal and mediation community to discuss how businesses could be encouraged to consider mediation as their first port of call when resolving disputes. From these discussions, the Business and Commercial Mediation Pilot Scheme was launched on September 1st 2015 by a cross section of bodies (Chambers Ireland, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Law Society, the Bar Council of Ireland and the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland) with the objective of promoting the use of mediation as a cost and resource efficient way for businesses to resolve commercial disputes. The first step in having a dispute referred to the Business and Commercial Mediation Pilot Scheme is to contact Chambers Ireland who will then refer your case to the Pilot Scheme Review Panel. The Review Panel will then decide whether the case is suitable for mediation, and if so, who is best placed to mediate the case. MEDIATION DAY Chambers Ireland also hosted a halfday seminar, entitled ‘Dublin Mediation Day’ in the Law Society of Ireland on November 20th 2015. Focusing on the theme ‘Commercial Mediation in Ireland - Current Developments and Future Challenges’, the objective was to discuss how mediation is changing the way companies resolve commercial disputes.

The seminar is one of a series of initiatives Chambers Ireland is undertaking to demonstrate to the business community the value of mediation and alternative dispute resolution. The seminar looked at topics such as costs and confidentiality in mediation. It also included a debate between Nicola Dunleavy of Matheson and Honourable Justice Paul Gilligan of the High Court on whether mediation should be made compulsory. WHAT NEXT? Chambers Ireland will continue its work to promote alternative dispute resolution to the Chamber Network and to Irish SMEs. It will also be asking the next Government to publish the long overdue Mediation Bill, which should go some way to increasing the use of mediation in resolving business disputes. Should you be interested in learning more about ADR and mediation or in referring a dispute to our Business and Commercial Mediation Scheme, please visit the Chambers Ireland website where you can download a referral form or contact mediation@chambers.ie. This publication has been produced with the financial support of the Civil Justice Programme of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the above named partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission.

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15/02/2016 17:18

CHAMBERS NEWS TTIP

SEEKING AN SME-FRIENDLY AGREEMENT As the TTIP negotiations continue in 2016, Chambers Ireland will be promoting the interests of small and medium enterprise.

he Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a free trade agreement currently being negotiated between the EU and US. The agreement has three main strands; improved market access, improved regulatory coherence and improve cooperation when it comes to setting international standards. Should the trade negotiations be successfully concluded, the European economy is predicted to grow by about d119 billion per year. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has reported that owing to the State’s already strong trade links with the US, Ireland could benefit from TTIP more than double the European average. Current projections estimate that more than 1.1 per cent could be added to Irish GDP. Ensuring that the trade agreement is SME-

022 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_TTIP.indd 22

friendly is a key component of the trade negotiations. Chambers Ireland believes that the following elements must form the core priorities of the negotiation process: • Customs and trade barriers must be reduced so that SMEs can trade more easily with the US. • Negotiators must work to increase regulatory harmonisation and eliminate duplication in regulatory standards. However, we believe that this should not come at the cost of very high food and safety standards already in place.

a119bn The amount the European economy is predicted to grow by per year should the trade negotiations be successfully concluded.

• In addition, any moves made to establish a regulatory co-operation body must prioritise the inclusion of SME representatives as key stakeholders. • There must be a dedicated ‘SME Chapter’ in order to ensure that small and medium businesses can realise the benefits of a transatlantic trade agreement. This Chapter, which aims to provide a one-stop shop of information for SME exporters, must be sufficiently resourced. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS TTIP

• Investment protection, and consequently an effective investorstate dispute mechanism, is a necessity for any comprehensive agreement to be successful. However, we are also of the view that any such mechanism must include measures to ensure investor state dispute resolution is accessible to SMEs. Throughout 2015, Chambers Ireland worked with our European partners to lobby for a trade agreement that represents the interests of small and medium enterprises. As part of these efforts, Eurochambres led a delegation to Washington in March to discuss how a transatlantic trade deal could best benefit SMEs. The delegation comprised 15 representatives both from the Chamber network and from individual enterprises across Europe. The countries represented included Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland and the UK. Ireland was represented at the summit by Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot. The delegation met with senior officials from the Federal Government, including the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce and the State Department. The delegation also had the chance to discuss with Congressman E. Paulsen, co-leader of the TTIP Caucus, the critical role Congress has in advancing SME interests in TTIP. Throughout the mission, the content of a dedicated SME chapter was discussed. It is hoped that the EU-US trade deal will establish comprehensive information portals that will give SMEs guidance on the regulatory environment on both sides of the Atlantic, with the goal of making it easier for smaller companies to trade and do business. In addition, the delegation highlighted the reduction of administrative burdens associated with customs procedures and the mutual InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

022 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_TTIP.indd 23

“THE DEPARTMENT OF JOBS, ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION HAS REPORTED THAT

OWING TO THE STATE’S ALREADY

STRONG TRADE LINKS WITH THE US, IRELAND

COULD BENEFIT FROM TTIP MORE THAN

DOUBLE THE EUROPEAN AVERAGE.”

recognition of certification and inspections as being crucially important for SMEs in this trade agreement. Overall, the SME mission to Washington helped strengthen the Chambers profile as key representatives for European small and medium sized companies as these trade negotiations progress. Following the trade mission to Washington, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot also spoke at a number of national events on the impact of the EU-US trade deal for Ireland This included a high level panel discussion at Dublin Castle on the launch of the Copenhagen Economics Report on TTIP with EU Commissioner Malmstrom, Minister Richard Bruton, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Farmers’ Association and a national event on TTIP at the European Commission representation in Ireland organised by Nessa Childers MEP. The year was then rounded off in November when Chambers Ireland participated in a high level conference organised by the Luxembourg Presidency entitled ‘TTIP: What’s in it for the social partners?’ at the headquarters of the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. Other speakers at the event included EU Trade Commissioner Cecelia Malmström, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament and Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg. As the only Irish representative at the conference, Chambers Ireland spoke not just on why the business community supports these trade negotiations but also on why Ireland has so much to gain from such an agreement. The TTIP negotiations will continue in 2016 where it is hoped that significant progress will be made, particularly in areas such as regulatory co-operation and the SME Chapter. Chambers Ireland will continue to promote the interests of SMEs as the discussions continue. 23

15/02/2016 12:17

CHAMBERS NEWS ICC

Chamber’s

GLOBAL REACH Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, the international body working to strengthen commercial ties among nations.

hambers Ireland is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a global organisation based in Paris 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. The ICC is a steadfast rallying point for those who believe that strengthening commercial ties among nations is not only good for business but good for global living standards and good for peace. As the umbrella body for Chambers of Commerce in Ireland, Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish National Committee of the ICC, or ICC Ireland. The ICC provides us with valuable information throughout the year including the results of the World Economic Survey which measures economic outlook and expectations in the eurozone. At present, ICC Ireland is actively involved in seven areas it has identified as being of importance to Irish businesses and the wider Irish economy; these are arbitration, customs and trade, taxation, digital economy, environment and energy, and corporate responsibility and anti-corruption. COMMISSION ON ARBITRATION AND ADR The Commission on Arbitration and ADR is ICC’s rule-making body and unique think tank in the field of international dispute resolution. The commission drafts and revises the various ICC rules for dispute resolution, including the ICC Rules of Arbitration, the ICC ADR Rules, the ICC Dispute Board Rules, and the ICC Rules for Expertise. 24

024 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_ICC.indd 24

COMMISSION ON CUSTOMS AND TRADE REGULATIONS The central objective of the Committee on Customs and Trade Regulations is to overcome practical obstacles to the free flow of goods, services and investment across borders, in particular those related to customs policies and procedures. COMMISSION ON TAXATION The Commission on Taxation promotes an international tax system that eliminates tax obstacles to cross-border trade and investment. Its primary goal is to promote transparent and non-discriminatory treatment of foreign investment and earnings that eliminate tax obstacles to cross-border trade and investment. COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY The Environment and Energy Commission makes recommendations for business on significant regulatory and market issues concerning energy and environment. The Commission helps the ICC act as business’s primary interlocutor and partner in key intergovernmental negotiations and dialogue, including at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, and the UN Environment Programme. COMMISSION ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION A growing number of companies across the world increasingly recognise that doing business with integrity is the only right way of doing business. The ICC is on the forefront in the development of ethics, anti-corruption and corporate responsibility advocacy codes and guidelines, providing a lead voice for the business community in this rapidly changing field. COMMISSION ON DIGITAL ECONOMY The Commission on the Digital Economy seeks to realise the full potential of e-commerce by developing policy and practical tools that encourage competition, growth, predictability, compliance and the secured, free flow of information in crossborder trade, via the internet and information and communication technologies. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS ICC

UPCOMING

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland with Ana Sylvia Prado, Deputy Manager of the ICC Centre for ADR and Gordon Barry, Chartered Institue of Arbitrators Ireland (CIArb)

EVENTS

22 Feb 2016 ICC Institute Masterclass for Arbitrators New York City New York, United States

29 Feb 2016 31st annual ICC SIA QMC Joint Symposium of Arbitrators London, United Kingdom

16 Mar 2016 2016 ICC PANARB and ALARB Annual Conference Panama City, Republic of Panama

29 Mar 2016 International Construction Contracts & Dispute Resolution Istanbul, Turkey

10 Apr 2016 ICC Advanced Arbitration Academy for the MENA Dubai, United Arab Emirates

COMMISSION ON MARKETING AND ADVERTISING The Commission examines major marketing and advertising related policy issues of interest to world business via issues-specific task forces and working groups. Its mandate is to promote high ethical standards in marketing by business self-regulation through ICC international marketing codes. ICC IRELAND IN 2015 Throughout the course of 2015, the team in ICC Ireland worked with our partner organisation in Paris to further the goals of the International Chamber of Commerce. ANTI-CORRUPTION AND ETHICS Chambers Ireland has made a number of tools, developed in association with the International Chamber of Commerce, freely available on its website for companies who are interested in developing anti-corruption policies and developing responsible business policies. These tools include: • An anti-corruption clause for contracts: The anti-corruption clause is a tool which will preserve trust between parties, deter corruption in the negotiation and performance of a contract, and preserve the sanctity of contracts. • Guidelines on gifts and hospitality: This document provides guidance for companies on how to establish and maintain a policy relating to gifts and hospitality, based on the most recent international, regional and national rules, as well as on commercial best practice.

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• A copy of International Chamber of Commerce Rules on Combating Corruption: The rules assist enterprises to comply with their legal obligations and with the numerous anticorruption initiatives at an international level. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS In conjunction with the International Chamber of Commerce, ICC Ireland supported the Global Goals campaign at the time of the launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015. The SDGs aim to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality. Many of these goals are linked to our own priorities, such as Goal 8, which supports decent work and economic growth and Goal 11 that prioritises sustainable cities and communities. Our global partner, the International Chamber of Commerce played a significant role, as the voice of business, in driving this agenda and will be working with the United Nations to develop and promote these new goals. LAUNCH OF THE ICC EXPERT RULES AND ICC DISPUTE BOARD RULES ICC Ireland, in conjunction with the ICC International Centre for ADR, hosted a seminar in the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre on the new ICC Expert Rules. ICC Ireland welcomed from Paris the Deputy Manager of the ICC International Centre for ADR, Ana Sylvia Prado. For more information on the work of the International Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.iccwbo.org

15/02/2016 16:42

CHAMBERS NEWS EUROCHAMBRES

PROMOTING EUROPEAN COMPETITIVENESS EUROCHAMBRES IN NUMBERS Represents

20m businesses

members

Network of

1,700 of regional and local Chambers

98%

of businesses represented are SMEs

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Chambers in Ireland continue to work with Eurochambres to develop a business-friendly and competitive economic environment in Europe and beyond.

he European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also known as Eurochambres, was founded in 1958 as a direct response to the creation of the European Economic Community. Eurochambres acts as the eyes, ears and voice of the business community at EU level. Thanks to its unique network of national, regional and local Chambers of Commerce and industry, Eurochambres represents the views and needs of businesses of all sizes and sectors, from self-employed freelancers through to major multinationals. Its mission is to develop a business-friendly and competitive economic environment in Europe and beyond. Thus, Eurochambres works towards a European Union that ensures the conditions, markets and resources needed for access to business growth.

During the course of 2015, Chambers Ireland worked with Eurochambres on a number of key areas relevant to Irish business including the single market, trade and alternative dispute resolution. SINGLE MARKET It is the view of Eurochambres and Chambers Ireland that the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal market remains far from fully functioning when it comes to the free movement of workers, goods, services and capital. A core objective of this organisation is to make the internal market a reality for businesses, particularly SMEs. Dossiers such as the Services Directive, consumer affairs, intellectual property rights and company law are strategic in this respect. In order to identify what businesses think of the Single Market and whether it is working in their interests, Eurochambres launched its own survey in autumn 2015. The survey reveals that 23 years after the InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS EUROCHAMBRES

“ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS ARE

THE DRIVERS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND

THE COMMISSION’S COMMITMENT TO

MAKING IT SIMPLER AND MORE COSTEFFECTIVE FOR SMES TO DO BUSINESS IS A WELCOME STEP.”

Single European Act took effect, innumerable national product and service rules persist within the EU, imposing complex compliance obligations and implying huge information requirements for businesses. Following the results of this survey, the European Commission launched its new Single Market strategy in October where it highlighted its intention to simplify VAT regulation, reduce the cost of company registration, put forward a proposal on business insolvency and make all information on regulatory requirements accessible in a single digital gateway. The Commission has also committed to developing clear and SME-friendly intellectual property rules and take the final steps needed for the Unitary Patent to become an attractive and affordable way for European companies, including SMEs, to capitalise on their ideas, both of which have been called for by Chambers Ireland in the past. Speaking at a roundtable discussion with Commissioner for Internal Market Elzbieta Bienkowska, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot welcomed the announcement. “The Single Market is the crown jewel of the EU and we welcome the steps the Commission is taking to ensure that it keeps up with the times and reflects the reality of doing business in today’s business climate. Entrepreneurs and small business are the drivers of economic growth and the Commission’s commitment to making it simpler and more cost-effective for SMEs to do business is a welcome step.” TRADE A key policy priority for Eurochambres in 2015 (and beyond) has been to represent the interests of SMEs across Europe in the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is a free-trade agreement currently being negotiated between the EU and US. The agreement has three main strands; improved market access; improved regulatory coherence; and improved co-operation when it comes to setting international standards. Eurochambres is recognised as a key European stakeholder during these trade talks, giving Chambers Ireland and our member Chambers a direct line to the European Commission as negotiations continue. One of Eurochambres’ key policy objectives has been the promotion

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of SME interests as part of the trade partnership negotiations. As part of these efforts, Eurochambres led a delegation to Washington in March 2015 to discuss how a transatlantic trade deal could best benefit SMEs. The delegation comprised of 15 representatives both from the Chamber network and from individual enterprises across Europe. The countries represented included Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland and the UK. Ireland was represented at the summit by Ian Talbot. The delegation met with senior officials from the Federal Government, including the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce and the State Department. Throughout the mission, the content of a dedicated SME chapter was discussed. It is hoped that the EU-US trade deal will establish comprehensive information portals that will give SMEs guidance on the regulatory environment on both sides of the Atlantic, with the goal of making it easier for smaller companies to trade and do business. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) Chambers Ireland has long been an advocate of using ADR processes as a way of resolving consumer and commercial disputes. Due to its cost effectiveness and efficiency, mediation can be of particular benefit to SMEs. Chambers Ireland, in partnership with Eurochambres, is currently working on a project called Mediation Meets Judges. The project, which also involves the European Association of Judges for Mediation (GEMME), aims to raise awareness of mediation among judges in civil and commercial courts. It also aims to establish a court-annexed mediation scheme where judges will encourage parties to consider mediation. The project’s goal is to make it easier for European companies to do business with each other and to help find workable remedies if business relationships break down. For more information on the work of Eurochambres, please visit www.eurochambres.eu

16/02/2016 10:04

CHAMBERS NEWS CSR

Getting Serious about

CSR As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility agenda in 2016, Chambers Ireland will continue to develop tools and guidelines for companies wishing to be more ethical, responsible and sustainable in their business operations.

hambers Ireland is well known for its work in organising and hosting the annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. The awards are hosted every year and 2015 was the 12th year of the event with Ulster Bank the winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility award. Last year we received a record number of applications to the awards as more and more companies are now realising the strategic importance of CSR to their business. This was evidenced by the fact that just under half of this year’s entrants were new applicants. Our work in organising the awards is supported by our membership of the National CSR Stakeholder Forum, which was established to drive the objectives of the National Action Plan on CSR, inform further development of the CSR policy framework in Ireland, and to ensure that the National Plan on CSR remains relevant to evolving international best practice and thinking. CSR POLICY COUNCIL AND LAUNCH OF GUIDE Internally, Chambers Ireland’s work in developing policy around Corporate Social Responsibility is supported by the work of our CSR Policy Council. As part of our activities in 2015, Chambers Ireland launched a new guide in April targeted at SMEs with the goal of highlighting 28

028 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_CSR.indd 28

the benefits of engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the steps to take when choosing a charity partner to support. The guide was developed with the support of our Policy Council and in partnership with Dóchas and The Wheel. It was and remains the view of Chambers Ireland that SMEs are at the heart of their communities and this makes partnering with a local charity a perfect fit for their activities. ANTI-CORRUPTION When it comes to compliance the landscape has evolved greatly in recent years. Companies are now expected to take extra steps to show that they have programmes and policies in place to ensure they are able to mitigate risks when it comes to anti-corruption and exposure to bribery. This relates not only to their internal structures but also to their relationships with third parties. Transparency, ethics and responsibility are becoming more central to company policies regarding trade, investment and doing business generally. There is a growing number of businesses that are prioritising the integration of rigorous corruption prevention into their overall business plan. Common features of such programmes include: • Detailed policies on company-specific bribery issues • Policies on conflicts of interest • Guides on political and charitable contributions • Management procedures outlining frameworks for risk assessment, training, whistleblowing and reporting In order to help mitigate these risks, we at Chambers Ireland have made a number of tools, developed in association with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), freely available on our website for companies who are interested in developing anti-corruption policies and developing responsible business policies. These tools include:  AN ANTI-CORRUPTION CLAUSE FOR CONTRACTS The Anti-Corruption Clause is a tool which will preserve trust between parties, deter corruption in the negotiation and performance of a contract, and preserve the sanctity of contracts. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS CSR

 GUIDELINES ON GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY This document provides guidance for companies on how to establish and maintain a policy relating to Gifts and Hospitality, based on the most recent international, regional and national rules, as well as on commercial best practice.  A COPY OF ICC RULES ON COMBATING CORRUPTION The rules assist enterprises to comply with their legal obligations and with the numerous anti-corruption initiatives at the international level. These simple templates and tools allow a company to develop internal processes to ethically meet the challenges of international commerce at little or no cost. BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS On February 13th, Chambers Ireland cohosted a workshop with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on business and human rights. The workshop was part of a public consultation process with the Department as it drafts a National Action Plan on how best to integrate the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights into our national policy framework. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights state that governments have the duty to protect human rights, companies have a responsibility to respect rights, and both governments and companies must work to provide a remedy when violations occur. This is known as the ‘Protect, Respect, and Remedy’ framework. Speakers at the event included John Cunningham of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Paddy McGuinness of Traidlinks, John Devitt of Transparency International Ireland and Leslie O’Loughlin of Enterprise Rent-a-Car. A central theme at the workshop and something echoed by many of those in attendance was that the National Action Plan (NAP) must be a collaborative process between businesses, the State and civil society and that it should be relevant to business and framed in the language of business. The NAP also needs to articulate to the business community that ‘doing the right thing’ and behaving responsibly is good for business. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2016? According to Forbes, the top five CSR trends to be aware of in the year ahead include InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

028 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_CSR.indd 29

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland, Deirdre Garvey, CEO, The Wheel and Hans Zomer, Chief Executive, Dóchas launching the Chambers Ireland guide for SMEs

Minister Alan Kelly speaking at the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2015

increased corporate engagement with climate change and sustainability, increased corporate interest in social issues and more broadly, a move towards greater transparency. In Chambers Ireland, we hope that our work in driving the CSR agenda will reflect these views. In the months ahead we’re looking forward to the launch of the 2016 CSR Awards in March, which will be followed by the 13th Annual CSR Awards event on September 1st. Additionally, we expect the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to publish and launch the Irish National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. We will be continuing to work with our CSR Policy Council and the ICC to develop tools and guides for businesses that would like to be more ethical, responsible and sustainable in their business operations. Should you be interested in more information on our CSR polices, please visit our website at www.chambers.ie. 29

15/02/2016 12:15

CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

CHAMBERS IRELAND:

THE YEAR IN

PICTURES

Through events, debates, lobbying and more, Chambers Ireland continued to be the voice of businesses across the country in 2015. We take a look back at some of the work carried out.

Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber; Chair of the CE Forum, Áine Collins, Fine Gael; Dara Calleary, Fianna Fáil; Lucinda Creighton, Renua; Peadar Toibín, Sinn Féin; Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

MANIFESTO DEBATE The Chamber Executive Forum Manifesto Debate took place in December 2015 with TDs from across the political spectrum. During the panel discussion the TDs addressed the issues that are a priority for the Chamber Network in advance of Election 2016. Chamber executives asked questions about party manifestos and the different priorities for each candidate.

Derek Nolan, Labour; Lucinda Creighton, Renua; Áine Collins, Fine Gael; Dara Calleary, Fianna Fáil; Peadar Toibín, Sinn Féin

Law Society and Chambers Ireland representatives at the launch of the guide to the Companies Act 2014.

COMPANIES ACT In September 2015 Chambers Ireland and the Law Society of Ireland launched a new guide to the Companies Act 2014. The Companies Act is the largest piece of legislation ever to come into effect in Ireland and this guide highlights the most important pieces of information for companies in a clear and concise manner.

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EUROPEAN ECONOMIC FORUM Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland, with Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg, Peadar Carpenter at the Eurochambres Economic Forum 2015 in Luxembourg. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION The 2015 Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission was published in July calling on the Government to support local economic development and sustain Ireland’s economic growth. Chamber executives from the network met with Chambers Ireland’s public affairs team in Buswells Hotel to launch the document and discuss the Chamber Network’s priorities for Budget 2016.

SOCIAL MEDIA

@ChambersIreland now has over 5,000 followers. Follow us for daily news from Chambers Ireland and for information from across our Chamber Network.

Pre-Budget Submission briefing

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING In June 2015 Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White addressed a Chambers Ireland National Advisory Board meeting. Mark O’Mahoney, Director of Policy and Communications, Chambers Ireland, Minister Alex White, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland has a company page on LinkedIn where we share our latest news stories and blog posts. Follow our page to connect with us and our Chamber Network.

INVESTING FOR TOMORROW

Senator Marc McSharry (front row third from left), member of the Industrial and Commercial Panel of the 24th Seanad with the Chambers Ireland Board during their visit to Leinster House in October 2015. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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The ‘Investing for Tomorrow: Supporting the Economy through Affordable Childcare’ document was published by Chambers Ireland in September 2015. Investment in our children is also an investment in our economy and this document presented the business case for greater investment in childcare and early years education.

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CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

LOCAL CHAMBERS:

THE YEAR IN

PICTURES

2015 was another busy year for the Chamber Network. InBUSINESS highlights some of the events that took place around the country.

DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN Pictured at the 9th Annual EnviroCom Awards held in the Royal Marine Hotel on November 5th 2015 were DLR County Council Cathaoirleach Barry Saul, Minister Alex White and DLR President Kevin Kelly.

TRALEE DROGHEDA

Kieran Ruttledge, CEO of Tralee Chamber, receives the award for Best Large Tourism Town from Minister Michael Ring at the Fáilte Ireland Awards 2015 where Tralee won the Best Large Tourism Town Award.

DUNDALK

Winners pictured at Drogheda Chamber’s 2015 Business Awards, which took place on November 14th in the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda.

GALWAY

A business expo which took place in the Marshes Shopping Centre in May 2015 with over 90 stands exhibiting.

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Galway Chamber in collaboration with the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) and main sponsor AIB hosted the inaugural Venture West conference on September 18th in the Bailey Allen Hall, NUIG. Pictured speaking at the event was Bernard Byrne, Chief Executive of AIB.

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CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

SOUTH DUBLIN

MALLOW

Cork County Mayor John Paul O’Shea, Cllr Dan Joe Fitzgerald and Seán Lynch, President, Mallow Chamber at the launch of the Mallow Christmas Lights.

Pictured at South Dublin Chamber’s Annual Christmas Lunch, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, were Danny McLoughlin, CEO, South Dublin County Council; Brigadier General Paul Fry, Irish Air Corp; Sherri Brennan, President, South Dublin Chamber; guest speaker Shane Jennings; British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; Mayor Sarah Holland; Stuart Dwyer, Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy; Peter Byrne, CEO, South Dublin Chamber.

DUBLIN

ENNISCORTHY President John Bourke O’Leary of Enniscorthy & District Chamber making a presentation to US Ambassador Kevin O’Malley at the Christmas reception at the residence of the US Ambassador.

LIMERICK

Pictured at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lunch in the InterContinental Dublin on December 10th were guest speaker Michael O’Leary, CEO, Ryanair, Anne O’Leary, CEO, Vodafone, Greg Clarke, President, Dublin Chamber and Gina Quin, CEO, Dublin Chamber.

SHANNON

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe was the keynote speaker at Shannon Chamber’s Christmas lunch, and is pictured outside Dromoland Castle Hotel with Seán Flannery, VP, GECAS Shannon and Julie Dickerson, MD, Shannon Engine Support and Shannon Chamber Director.

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Josephine Feehily, Chair of the Policing Authority, spoke frankly about her time as head of the Revenue Commissioners during the bailout when addressing over 150 business leaders at a Limerick Chamber business lunch which formed part of the Chamber’s 200th anniversary year-long programme.

15/02/2016 12:12

CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

LETTERKENNY

CORK

Letterkenny Chamber President for 2015 Brian McCormick pictured with founding members Bernard Dillon and Noel Crossan at Letterkenny Chamber’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Members of the Chamber team who volunteered to help remove graffiti from the city in advance of Cork city’s successful application for purple flag status.

NORTH KILDARE

Liam Queally, MD Of Irish Dog Foods, recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Contribution to Business Award at North Kildare Chamber’s annual awards night at The K Club.

BALLINA

Local TDs Michelle Mulherin and Dara Calleary face each other in a cook-off, with the help of chef Gerry Luskin and MC Tommy Cooke at Food Fleadh Ballina 2015.

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KILKENNY John Hurley, CEO Kilkenny Chamber, Mary Kennedy, RTÉ broadcaster, and Martin Costello, President, Kilkenny Chamber pictured at the launch of the Glanbia Kilkenny Business Awards 2015.

WATERFORD

Pictured at the launch of the 2016 Waterford Business Awards were Waterford Chamber CEO Nick Donnelly; Paul Nolan, Commercial Director, Dawn Meats; Teresanne O’Reilly, WLRfm; Waterford Chamber President Michael O’Dwyer and John Noonan, Flahavan’s (judge).

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CHAMBERS NEWS THE YEAR IN PICTURES

CLONMEL

FINGAL Stephen Fry, CEO, Hounslow Chamber with Mark Small, President, Clonmel Chamber at the RBS headquarters in London at the first County Tipperary Chamber International Network event.

The Dublin Airport team collecting the Development in People Award at the Fingal Business Excellence & Corporate Responsibility Gala Awards in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport on November 13th.

CARLOW RTÉ broadcaster Olivia O’Leary being presented with the Carlow Ambassador Award at the Carlow Business Awards last October, recognising her work in promoting brand Carlow on a national scale. Olivia is pictured with Chamber President Derek Shannon, category sponsor Declan Doyle, IT Carlow and Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Cllr Charlie Murphy.

WEXFORD Pictured at a special event in November 2015 to mark Wexford Chamber’s 180th anniversary and the launch of its newly renovated premises were (L-R Back Row) past presidents Cllr Tony Dempsey, Rita Doyle, David Wagstaff, Michael Maher, Sean Mythen, Eamonn Murphy. (L-R Front Row): Chamber President 2014-2015 Martin Doyle, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform Brendan Howlin; Mayor Cllr Ger Carthy; Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence Paul Kehoe and Wexford Chamber CEO Madeleine Quirke.

DUNGARVAN & WEST WATERFORD Pictured enjoying the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber & FBD Awards 2015 were Edel Spillane, Tracy Quinlan, Marie Quinn and Mags Durand O’Connor.

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ENNIS

Pictured at a business expo announcing the finalists in the FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards for 2015 were a selection of the finalists along with Ennis Chamber and FBD representatives.

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CHAMBERS NEWS SHOP LOCAL

LOOKING OUT FOR the

Locals

Tralee The Tralee Chamber Alliance ran a shop local campaign in 2015 based around Christmas shopping, called ‘Christmas Spraoi in Tralee’. As an added bonus for shoppers the Chamber Alliance negotiated free town centre parking from 1pm each day, organised a series of events including office chair racing down the high street and improved the town’s Christmas lighting.

Chambers across Ireland launched numerous shop local initiatives in 2015 aimed at strengthening the local economy by encouraging shoppers to stay local.

Kells In 2015 Kells Chamber launched its Shop Happy in Kells initiative assisted by businessman Seán Gallagher. Up to 30,000 worth of Kells gift vouchers were purchased in the run up to Christmas last year. The Kells gift vouchers are now in their 7th year and have amounted to sales of almost 300,000 in that period.

Cork

Letterkenny

Cork Chamber’s promotional video ‘Make Yours a Cork Christmas’ highlighted the festive events and iconic businesses around the city to encourage people living in Cork to shop local in the run-up to Christmas 2015. Pictured is the family friendly wonderland in Bishop Lucey Park and Ireland’s largest Ferris wheel located in the heart of the city on the Grand Parade as part of Glow, a Cork Christmas celebration.

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Chamber President Brian McCormick with the Mayor of the Letterkenny Municipal District Gerry McMonagle

In 2015 Letterkenny sold over 1m worth of ShopLK Gift cards and vouchers. The ShopLK initiative has existed since 2004 to encourage local shopping in Letterkenny. The scheme started as a paper voucher system and later moved to gift cards powered by Mastercard. Ranging from the local locksmith to large multinationals, there are over 130 participating outlets. Last year Letterkenny also placed a strong emphasis on the strength of Sterling and promoted this through posters, radio campaigns and social media.

Ballina

In 2015 Ballina retailers launched their 2nd annual Christmas Cracker Bonanza Draw with tens of thousands worth of vouchers from local businesses up for grabs. It proved to be a fantastic way for businesses to reward loyal customers. With three draws running throughout the month of December, Ballina Chamber gave away up to 10,000 worth of Ballina Business Vouchers.

16/02/2016 10:05

CHAMBERS NEWS SHOP LOCAL

Waterford Shannon

€250,000

The amount sold in local shopping vouchers through the Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber in the lead up to Christmas.

Galway

Shannon Chamber Chief Executive Helen Downes is joined by Chamber members and SkyCourt retailers for the launch of the Chamber’s affinity card

Ennis The Ennis Gold Gift Voucher Scheme, administered on behalf of local businesses by Ennis Chamber, recorded greater than predicted sales of nearly 90,000 in 2015. The popularity of Ennis Gold has grown due to its flexibility in allowing the customer to purchase one set of vouchers as a gift for family and friends or as a bonus to an employee which can then be spent in a choice of over 90 businesses in the town.

Keen to encourage more business at a local level, Shannon Chamber relaunched its affinity card programme in 2015, offering various levels of discounts to Chamber members who do business together. B2B and B2C discounts included reductions on hotel overnight rates, lunches and dinners, spa treatments, books and magazines, pottery, golf green fees, flower loyalty points, meat and poultry, fine wines, gym membership, and much more besides.

CHAMBER COMMENT: “This is money which is guaranteed to

Frank Greene, Galway Chamber President, David Walsh, Group Retail Manager, One4All, Maeve Joyce, General Manager, Galway Chamber and Aengus Burns, Treasurer, Galway Chamber

Galway Chamber in partnership with The Gift Voucher Shop, the company behind Ireland’s market leading One4all Gift Card, launched a new gift card in the run-up to Christmas 2015, which allowed employers in Galway to reward and motivate their staff with a tax-free benefit and stimulate the local economy at the same time. The Galway Chamber gift card could be used at over 100 retailers across Galway City, county and online.

be spent in Dundalk and surrounding areas and will help support local business and jobs. By replacing a cash bonus with Shop Local gift vouchers you will be giving your employees more than double their bonus!” President of Dundalk Chamber Michael Gaynor speaking at the launch of their Shop Local gift vouchers. Over 200,000 worth of the vouchers were sold in the run up to Christmas 2015.

037 InBusiness YB 2016_CS_Shop Local.indd 38

Wexford

€80,000

The amount sold in Wexford Chamber Shop Local vouchers in 2015, an increase of 60 per cent in sales compared to 2014.

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MURPHY’S 40

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COVER STORY

WE HAD TO TAKE A STEP BACK, DO SOME RE-THINKING AND ENSURE THAT WE STRENGTHENED CERTAIN AREAS, SO THAT WE WOULD MAKE OUR PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE GOING FORWARD.

040 InBusiness YB 2016_Cover Story.indd 41

Conor McCabe

The business outlook for the legal sector in Ireland is on the up, and Eversheds is among the law ﬁrms here that are setting the pace. InBUSINESS speaks with Managing Partner Alan Murphy who reﬂects on a successful year and ponders the future of his profession.

15/02/2016 12:22

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EMBRACING CHANGE As Eversheds keeps apace with new services to satisfy client demands, so too must the company prepare itself for industry changes in the future, brought about by technological advancements, new business models and disruptive innovations. Murphy is all too aware that the legal sector is not immune to such developments. In fact, he becomes a lot more animated in our discussion when the subject turns to technology and the legal profession. “The changes are going to be principally around how we do things,” he says. “So where technology is moving and what a lawyer’s role is going to be in ten years’ time or indeed in 20 years’ time. “The discussion revolves around how much of the legal process might be carried out by other people and whether the lawyer will be solely relied upon for advice and expertise. Technology will take the place of process. There’s a big debate about how much technology can actually do. Some argue that it can do the majority of the job, but we want to partner with technology to ensure that we stay ahead as much as we can and that technology compliments what we do.” Many law firms already embrace technology, but not typically as a means to drive efficiencies. Powerful new technologies are enabling legal professionals to access relevant regulations and laws far more easily and within a much shorter timeframe. Once incorporated, these tools can provide law firms with high demand answers at a much lower cost, potentially broadening a

CV: Alan Murphy ROLE: Chairman, Eversheds International and Managing Partner, Eversheds Ireland LIVES: Malahide, Dublin FAMILY: Three children, James, Harry and Eva CURRENTLY READING: Head of State by Andrew Marr FAVOURITE FILM: North by Northwest by Alfred Hitchcock HOBBIES: Hillwalking, swimming, reading, taxiing his children to and from social events

Conor McCabe

position sees him travel extensively throughout the year, carrying out regular executive reviews of the various European offices. He provides an insight into how the firm’s international offering works to its advantage. “We were talking this morning about a deal which relates to a property in Northern Ireland, procured through the US, but the deal was made by someone in Romania. The world is becoming increasingly a smaller and smaller place and year-on-year the level of work we’re doing internationally is growing. Not only for clients who want to do business in Dublin, but for clients who want to do business from Dublin into Europe. It’s extremely important for us. The whole key to it is about not only having that difference but making that difference matter for a client.” Eversheds has also moved to broaden its expertise in recent years, a shift that can be traced back to the 2008 crash, at a time when Eversheds was heavily exposed to the property and construction sectors. That was also the year that Murphy was elected managing partner when he says tough decisions had to be made. “We had to take a step back, do some re-thinking and ensure that we strengthened certain areas, so that we would make our practice sustainable going forward. It was all about sustainability and ensuring we got the mix right, and it’s proved a major success.” Now Murphy and Eversheds conduct legal work in areas like IP, data protection and energy, while strengthening its traditional practice areas such as HR, corporate, property, litigation and procurement. A glance at the news section of the Eversheds website will give you an indication of how the firm has turned its attention to new areas of specialisation. Recent stories include an update on regulation of the use of drones in Ireland and commentary about legislation to protect against cyber attacks.

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15/02/2016 12:22

business’s offering and client base while generating handsome profits. New technologies will undoubtedly present new legal frontiers, and Murphy believes it is critical that companies embrace these changes. “Last year we invested heavily in a knowledge management system but also a case management system, which have both proved valuable,” he says. “But there’s also lot of talk around the way in which lawyers will work in ten to 20 years and whether they will, for example, work in offices. Will they need offices? Will they need desks? There’s a lot of discussion around that, how virtual a lawyer will be. You can’t be afraid of it. You need to take the best of what’s there and use it to your advantage for the sake of your client.” TAPPING TALENT Another area that Eversheds sees as critical to maintaining its market position is its ability to attract and retain top talent. The firm has invested heavily in training programmes such as those in coaching and mentoring, diversity, female leadership, and learning and development. This is alongside a strong traineeship programme which Eversheds made sure they didn’t compromise during the tough recessionary years. “Talent is a massive key strategic motivator in today’s market so we have a number of different threads to that,” explains Murphy. “We have a very strong trainee programme and we didn’t reduce that or limit it in any way during the downturn so it means we’re coming out of the recession with a very strong group of newly qualified solicitors. We then have a very intense internship programme, which goes on for quite a long period compared to other law firms. It’s been a huge help to us in recruiting trainees because we know what they can do and what they’re capable of.” Eversheds also has a detailed competency framework for InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

040 InBusiness YB 2016_Cover Story.indd 43

solicitors, offering clear guidelines of what’s expected of them once they are qualified. Additionally, this year the firm is launching The Academy, a business development programme made up of a varierty of modules – ones that you might not generally associate with legal training – an indication of the emphasis being placed on developing highly professional and versatile solicitors. “One of them is sales training for example,” says Murphy. “Another is negotiating skills. Then there is a module on how to have a difficult conversation. There’s a coaching and mentoring module too, all with the intention of helping a solicitor to become the best advisor they can. “Young, talented people are a precious commodity and we need to invest in them.” The subject of training and recruitment brings to an end our interview and Murphy seems more than satisfied to call it a day on media engagement. I’m told he was put through his paces earlier that morning being photographed for a national newspaper, part of Eversheds promoting the appointment of two new partners. Murphy seems like the type that would rather spend his time focused on day-to-day operations and a strategy that he believes will keep the firm in good stead for 2016 and beyond. “We have significantly increased our expertise in commercial and international services so we would like to grow that further,” he says. “We’ll also look to bring some new expertise to the market. For example, we have very strong teams in the UK on cyber crime, cyber security and sanctions, and there certainly is an appetite here in Ireland to hear more about that. We’re continuing to look at people initiatives because you can never do enough in that area. We’ll continue to roll out our coaching, mentoring and leadership programmes. Other than that, we’ll keep on doing the best we can do for our clients.”

EVERSHEDS: A GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Eversheds has come a long way since it was first established in 1988, and is now recognised by Acritas as a global elite law firm with 55 offices spanning 28 countries (outlined below).

Europe • Austria • Belgium • Estonia • Finland (6) • France • Germany (3) • Hungary • Ireland • Italy (2)

• Latvia • Lithuania • Netherlands (2) • Poland • Romania • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland (3) • UK (11)

Africa, Asia and the Middle East • China (2)

• Singapore

• Hong Kong

• South Africa (4)

• Iraq (2)

• Tunisia

• Jordan

• United Arab Emirates (2)

• Qatar • Saudi Arabia

15/02/2016 12:22

PARTNER PROFILE AIB

CASH FLOW IS KING FOR AIB is challenging itself to develop new ways of delivering better, quicker and more bespoke solutions for its SME customers. One such solution is its invoice discounting facility, which provides customers with an upfront release of cash otherwise tied up in trade debts.

SMEs

AIB reached an important

milestone in 2015 with a further payback of capital to the State, bringing to a4.7 billion the total repaid to the Government since 2008. This demonstrates the extent to which AIB has recovered to become a sustainable and profitable bank. AIB’s role in the Irish economy is to be an influential supporter of business in Ireland and to achieve this, it is focused on being a bank that meets SME needs and enables sustainable growth in Ireland. One of the ways AIB does this is through its Backing Brave programme which provides support for small businesses and farmers. It offers extended hours with teams available on the phone (1890 478833) from 8am to 9pm weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends. AIB turns around decisions on loans of up to a30,000 within 48 hours, approving 95 per cent of all SME credit applications. AIB has partnered with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to bring lower cost funding to the market. The attractive 4.5 per cent interest rate is 2 per cent below AIB’s standard variable rate business loan and the discount is being provided through a combination of both the SBCI and AIB. The bank is also leading the way in innovation by introducing My Business Toolkit, a cloud-based market leading programme with a tailored suite of business applications for SMEs. AIB is challenging itself to develop new ways of delivering better, quicker and more bespoke solutions for its SME customers. AIB Commercial Finance offers one such solution through its invoice discounting facility, which provides customers with an upfront release of cash otherwise tied up in trade debts. 44

044 InBusiness YB 2016_AIB.indd 44

WHAT IS INVOICE DISCOUNTING? Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business and one of the main challenges facing many Irish businesses is effectively managing their cash flow, regardless of size or industry. The invoice collection cycle can put pressure on cashflow and can ultimately impact on a business’s ability to grow. Deirdre Moore, Head of AIB Commercial Finance, explains AIB’s solution to this common issue. “Invoice discounting is a working capital facility, designed to smooth cashflow and provide flexible finance that grows in line with a company’s own sales growth. In simple terms, it converts outstanding trade debts into cash, which in turn can enable business expansion.” CUSTOMER SOLUTION IN ACTION Synergy Security Solutions Ltd has been a customer of AIB Commercial Finance since January 2010. Founded in 2008 through the merger of two local security companies, Synergy has established itself as a leading, indigenous provider of managed security and related services across the island of Ireland. Core services provided by Synergy include manned guarding solutions, mobile patrol,

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PARTNER PROFILE AIB

security consultancy and project management. With present turnover in excess of a35 million and ambitious plans to grow this to a50m over the next two years, Synergy has found invoice discounting to be a key component when it comes to managing its cashflow, as John Lawlor, Managing Director for Synergy explains. “In order to sustain levels of growth and stability in our business we turned to AIB and applied for an invoice discounting facility as we saw this as the most flexible finance solution for us. The facility is growing with our business, it also releases more timely funds compared with other more traditional forms of working capital facilities such as loans and overdrafts.” HOW DOES IT WORK? Confidential invoice discounting is the most common form of invoice discounting and this enables companies to access credit whilst the management of their customer relationships and the credit control function remain with the company. Lawlor highlights the importance of the confidential nature of this service. “The fact that we maintain full control over our debtor’s ledger throughout this process further adds to our customers’ complete confidence in Synergy, meeting our commitments to staff, sub-contractors and suppliers, on time.” Deirdre Moore outlines how AIB’s invoice discounting proposition operates. “Ordinarily businesses selling on credit have to wait between 60 and 90 days for debtors to pay invoices. Invoice discounting eases cashflow pressures by making up to 85 per cent of the invoice amount available the day our customer assigns invoices to us. When debtors pay, the remaining 15 per cent, excluding fees, is then released to the customer. We have a very simple, user-friendly online platform to manage this process. It’s a simple, flexible product and we’re very conscious of tailoring it to suit our customers’ specific needs. We understand that not all businesses are the same.” WHO USES INVOICE DISCOUNTING? To ensure this facility is cost-effective for AIB customers, the invoice discounting service is devised for suitable companies with an annual turnover of more than a750,000, broadly, a minimum funding requirement of a150,000 should exist. This allows AIB to offer competitive rates to its customers with the cost typically cheaper than an overdraft. There are two elements to the fee for this service; a InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

044 InBusiness YB 2016_AIB.indd 45

discount charge (similar to an interest rate) and a monthly service fee. Typically invoice discounting is suitable for companies selling fully delivered goods or services, on credit, to other companies in domestic or export markets. AIB’s customers are drawn from a range of sectors and include small owner-managed firms to large domestic and multinational corporates. “This is reflected in the industry sectors we cater for, which range from wholesale and distribution to manufacturing, recruitment and security services, food and drink amongst others,” says Moore. BENEFITS AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Invoice discounting offers a number of benefits to businesses: a higher level of funding than an overdraft; allows access to bulk and settlement discounts from suppliers; enables companies to promptly pay suppliers helping to improve their own credit rating and allows companies to extend longer credit terms to their own customers. While it is primarily a working capital solution, it is increasingly used to help fund transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, management buy-outs, management buy-ins and capital expenditure programmes. AIB has been supporting customers in this area for more than 22 years and prides itself on offering superior customer service in the provision of invoice discounting. “Over the years, our relationship with AIB Commercial Finance has grown from strength to strength,” says Lawlor. “We are continually impressed with their level of professionalism and their understanding of what exactly we do. We have regular contact with the team at AIB Commercial Finance, giving us the added benefit of working our projections and forecasts into our ever-changing landscape of financial needs.”

“CASH

FLOW IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF ANY BUSINESS AND ONE OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACING MANY IRISH BUSINESSES IS

EFFECTIVELY MANAGING THEIR CASHFLOW, REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR INDUSTRY.”

Deirdre Moore, Head of AIB Commercial Finance

For more information on invoice discounting visit www.aib.ie/invoice-finance or phone 01 772 4488 where AIB’s team of invoice discounting specialists can advise on how they can best support you. Alternatively you can contact David Avery, Head of Business Development via email david.g.avery@aib.ie. Please note that the provision of this product or service does not require licensing, authorisation or registration with the Central Bank of Ireland and, as a result, it is not covered by the Central Bank’s requirements designed to protect consumers or by a statutory compensation scheme.

John Lawlor, Managing Director, Synergy

15/02/2016 12:36

PARTNER PROFILE CBRE

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PROSPECTS FOR The commercial property market is moving to the next stage of recovery with a significant escalation in development activity becoming increasingly evident, writes Marie Hunt, Executive Director & Head of Research, CBRE Ireland.

Marie Hunt, Executive Director & Head of Research, CBRE Ireland

046 InBusiness YB 2016_CBRE.indd 46

2016 Following two extremely

busy years, the volume of transactional activity in most sectors of the Irish commercial property market is likely to ease a little in 2016. In the investment and hotels sectors, this will occur due to the deleveraging activities of NAMA and various banks starting to wind down. Meanwhile, in the occupational markets (office, industrial and retail), although demand is expected to remain strong, the scarcity of modern accommodation in prime locations will compromise ability to match the record transaction volumes of the last number of years. This year will see the Irish property market moving to the next stage of recovery with a significant escalation in development activity becoming increasingly evident, most notably in the residential, office and hotel sectors in Dublin, where several new schemes are expected to commence construction over the course of the next 12 months. The office sector is at a more advanced stage of the cycle than the retail and industrial sectors. However, we expect to see an increase in the number of retail and industrial projects entering the planning process during 2016 as the viability of new development improves in line with rental value improvements. Considering the greater emphasis on development, we expect that there will be an increase in forward funding transactions in 2016. Outside of the capital, development will be more muted. A small volume of new office stock is scheduled to be delivered this year but many of the larger schemes wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be completed until

2015 IRISH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET IN NUMBERS

176

investment transactions of greater than a1m (a3.5bn)

+ 63

hotel sales (a710m)

113

development land sales (a770 million)

+ 39

Dublin pub sales (a49m)

Office take-up of

249,000 sq m achieved in Dublin

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PARTNER PROFILE CBRE

2017/2018 at the earliest, which will continue to put upward pressure on rental values in this sector until there is a meaningful improvement in supply. We believe that prime headline office rents in Dublin will reach a700 per sq m by year-end 2016. However, developers seeking to de-risk new schemes by securing pre-lettings may be in a position to offer more competitive terms. We also expect to see prime office rents in suburban locations increase significantly over the course of the next 12 months. While we expect to see some further growth in retail rents in prime shopping centres and high streets this year, the highest proportional increase in retail rental values in 2016 could well occur outside of the core Dublin market with signs of retail recovery increasingly filtering down to provincial locations. The biggest challenge this year will be securing stores for retailers in many of the most highly sought after schemes and high streets considering many of these are now close to, or at, full occupancy. With only one speculative industrial scheme currently under construction in the Dublin market, shortages of modern accommodation will prevail for some time yet, which in turn will put significant upward pressure on rental values in this sector over the next 12 month period. Indeed, we expect to see prime industrial rents rising by as much as 25 per cent to a94 per sq m by the end of 2016, which in turn will render new development viable and kick-start the development cycle in this particular sector. Meanwhile, an uplift of some 10-15 per cent could be achieved in hotel values in prime locations, including Dublin, Galway and Cork during 2016. Although returns from Irish commercial real estate won’t be as spectacular in 2016 as those achieved during the last two year period, we are nevertheless anticipating very strong returns to be achieved this year. We are now entering a period where the Irish investment market will be more focused on generating returns from income and rental growth as opposed to yield compression. The stability this offers is ultimately more attractive to long-term institutional investors than a cyclical market driven by the weight of capital. As deleveraging efforts wind down, it is inevitable that a greater proportion of transactional activity in the Irish market will emanate from secondary trading, as InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

046 InBusiness YB 2016_CBRE.indd 47

“A

STRONG DOMESTIC ECONOMY WILL BE

HUGELY SUPPORTIVE OF STABILITY IN THE IRISH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET

OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, WITH AN ADDITIONAL

50,000 NEW JOBS EXPECTED TO BE CREATED THIS YEAR.”

some recent buyers such as private equity firms implement their exit strategies and many of the assets and portfolios purchased over the last number of years are re-traded or re-financed. In addition to acquiring assets, investors will now broaden their focus to maximise income generation from existing assets and concentrate on potential development opportunities. We expect to see more long-term institutional investors, including many new entrants from overseas, being particularly active in the Irish market this year. Central Business District (CBD) and suburban offices, prime high street retail properties and prime industrial assets are likely to offer the most attractive returns in 2016 considering the potential for rental growth in these sectors. We also expect to see increased focus on investment in sectors, including healthcare, student housing and hospitality. A strong domestic economy will be hugely supportive of stability in the Irish commercial property market over the next 12 months, with an additional 50,000 new jobs expected to be created this year and employment expected to reach 2 million during 2016. With the Irish economy firmly on target to outperform the rest of Europe again in 2016, the biggest potential threats at this juncture are external with macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical risks of particular concern. Although we will have a General Election this spring, few commentators see this having any discernible impact on the commercial real estate sector. Indeed, elections in other jurisdictions including the European Referendum on BREXIT in the UK, which is expected to take place in 2016 and the US Presidential Election in November are likely to have a greater bearing on the Irish commercial property market over the medium term. We also need to be mindful of proposed changes to corporation tax in Northern Ireland in April 2018, which could ultimately pose a threat to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in this jurisdiction, particularly if competitiveness is not kept in check. While efforts are now underway to address shortages of office accommodation and hotel stock in the capital, it is essential that our ability to attract FDI and in turn create additional employment is not compromised by a scarcity of housing, so we urge the Government to prioritise this issue as a matter of urgency over the next 12 months. 47

15/02/2016 12:35

PARTNER PROFILE ESB

INVESTMENT WITH ESB recently celebrated reaching a milestone of having donated a10m to charity. Today, the company continues to adopt responsible business practices and contribute to the vibrancy of community life.

IMPACT

With over 400 community

and voluntary organisations supported with a10 million of ESB funding in the past decade, ESB knows that its investment has made some real impacts across the island of Ireland. And it is an investment that it intends to continue making over the next decade and beyond. While ESB’s Energy for Generations Corporate Responsibility Fund has formally been in operation since 2005, ESB has always, since its foundation in 1927, had a strong sense of corporate responsibility. Indeed, before the term ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ (CSR) was ever coined, ESB had been supporting communities and programmes that enhance the economic and social fabric of the country. For example, ESB’s rural electrification programme, which started in 1946, created strong links with local communities through the installation of electricity infrastructure to power all of Ireland. Why does ESB invest so much in CSR? The answer is simple, according to Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive, ESB. “We recognised from an early stage that as a leading Irish corporate citizen, we had to show leadership by adopting responsible business practices and contributing to the vibrancy of community life – from sponsorship of Irish Countrywomen’s Association educational courses in the 1950s, supporting The National Children’s Choir in the 1990s, to our involvement in Feis Ceoil.” With such a strong legacy, ESB has learned many lessons and honed their way of delivering CSR. “One of the crucial informants to our CSR work is that we never work in a vacuum,” explains O’Doherty. “National policy and structured ways of adding value to existing, highquality services is something we consider before embarking on any new CSR programme.” In consultation with all of its staff, ESB has focused its community group support on three specific areas over the last 10 years: suicide prevention, homelessness and education. 48

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SUICIDE PREVENTION ESB has given over a5m towards suicide prevention services over the past 10 years. Suicide is a very serious issue that has touched every community in the country, and ESB identifies the need to support robust, resilient services and capacity building in this sector. ESB works with the National Office for Suicide Prevention to identify and support organisations that have the capacity, skills and training to make effective suicide prevention interventions. “By aligning our CSR efforts with national policy, ESB is committed to playing a key role in contributing to the broader improvement of society – something we believe is a responsibility of all companies throughout the country, and indeed across the world,” says O’Doherty.

HELPING THE HOMELESS Homelessness is, and continues to be, a pressing issue in Ireland. Through its Energy for Generations Corporate Responsibility Fund, ESB has contributed over a3m to charities as well as community and voluntary organisations working to alleviate homelessness in Ireland. Mid West Simon is one such organisation to benefit from ESB’s support. Working to tackle homelessness in the midwest region across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary, ESB recently provided funding for their deposit scheme which supports clients to retain tenancies in private rented accommodation. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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PARTNER PROFILE ESB

ESB CEO Pat O’Doherty and Germaine Noonan, Business in the Community, launch Ireland’s first nationwide business to schools reading initiative Time to Read at the National Library

EDUCATION MATTERS ESB believes that its position as Ireland’s leading energy company means it has a vital role to play in building a brighter future. It wants the decisions and actions it takes today to leave a positive legacy for future generations. This doesn’t just apply to the technology choices the company makes. ESB is also committed to helping people reach their full potential, nurturing talent and skills that are important for Ireland’s future. Recently ESB extended the focus of its CSR programme to include funding for education. “From our perspective, as a leading Irish employer, it makes sense for us to support our young people in developing the skills to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace,” explains O’Doherty. “We, in common with many other Irish companies, need access to staff with strong science, technology, maths and literacy skills and all of these are grounded in getting our young people off to the best educational start possible.” He adds that ESB is conscious that the organisation and its staff have greatly benefited from the historically high standards of educational delivery. “We have a duty to acknowledge and repay that investment made in us and we are pleased to be the national partner with An Cosán and Business in the Community Ireland in exciting and innovative programmes at each end of the spectrum.” ESB’s CSR programme also InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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ESB CEO Pat O’Doherty and schoolchildren take part in the Time to Read initiative

Cheque presentation at ESB Power Station, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, where funding was awarded to four organisations; Mid West Simon Community, Limerick Marine Search and Rescue, Limerick City Build, and the Northside Family Resource Centre

offers staff great volunteering opportunities. “Our staff are proud of what we do, and can see the real impacts of our work, in their own communities throughout the country,” says O’Doherty. “Between our Time to Read volunteers, our staff involved in STEP and STEM activity, and the teams we have working with children through

Pat O’Doherty with Brother Kevin Crowley of the Capuchin Day Centre at the 10th anniversary of ESB’s charity funding programme

Science Gallery’s Makeshop Workshops, we have over 250 volunteers supporting company programmes.” ESB also supports staff in its own volunteering, with an annual contribution available to people working with their own community or charity organisations. “Through our Energy for Generations Corporate Responsibility Fund, we strive to ensure that grassroots organisations continue to provide vital services to local communities, helping people reach their fullest potential and ensuring brighter possibilities for all,” says O’Doherty. “Over the last decade it has been our privilege to deal with some fantastic and unsung people in the community – working with scarce resources to make a real difference and we want to commend them for their continuing efforts.” 49

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PARTNER PROFILE BAM

SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINING

For almost 60 years, BAM has delivered many of Ireland’s landmark building and infrastructure projects and consistently demonstrated that growth can come from sustainable practice.

EMPLOYMENT

BAM Ireland is the country’s

leading construction company, which directly employs over 700 people throughout Ireland. Its operations span the entire spectrum of construction activity from high tech bio-pharma facilities to state-of-the-art iconic buildings and major economic infrastructure projects. Operating successfully for almost 60 years, the bedrock of BAM’s success has been an understanding of its customers’ needs that comes from its wealth of experience. High on the list of priorities for its customers is to reduce the environmental impact of their projects, and BAM has led the way in Ireland for environmentally responsible construction.

One Albert Quay

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BAM’s position as a global leader in environmental sustainability has been consistently recognised; Royal BAM Group has once again been named on the A List of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Climate Performance Leadership Index. The CDP A List is a list of international companies whose efforts and actions to combat climate change distinguish them among the elite companies in the world. A place on the global A List is highly sought after with only 5 per cent of applicants achieving it. Speaking on the CDP achievement and BAM’s performance over the past 12 months, BAM Ireland CEO Theo Cullinane said: “2015 was a positive year for the company’s financial and sustainability performance. Not only was the company able to grow its portfolio but we have continued to reduce our emissions which has once again contributed to Royal BAM’s inclusion on the CDP A List.” BAM Ireland has now fully integrated CSR and sustainability into its strategic agenda. This has enabled it to achieve all its 2015 sustainability targets including a 15 per cent reduction in relative CO2 emissions. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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PARTNER PROFILE BAM

Research Hub, DIT Grangegorman

Key initiatives included: • Collaboration with GalwayMayo Institute of Technology on the development of a resource efficiency toolkit for the construction industry • Procurement of 100 per cent green electricity for BAM offices and direct supplied sites • A fleet renewal system, which ensures that all vehicles more than five years old are replaced with low emission diesel vehicles BAM is very pleased with the results it has seen from its initiatives to date, however, the growing economy will present new challenges. “BAM is delighted with the upturn in construction activity that we are now seeing – especially in areas that have been quiet until recently, such as commercial office building activities, says Cullinane. “However, this upturn will undoubtedly place additional pressure on the environment and we must take steps to ensure that emissions are reduced and resources are correctly managed. BAM Ireland is ideally positioned in the market to deliver this for its customers. BAM Group is the only major construction company that is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 programme. This brings together governments and cities, academic institutions, emerging innovators and affiliates to develop their circular economy capabilities, which are key to improving resource efficiency.” BAM’s dedication to sustainable practice is one of the main reasons InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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Lambe Institute at University Hospital Galway

that it is continually selected to deliver the major infrastructural projects that support the development of the Irish economy, as well as large private sector projects. BAM has directly invested in Ireland’s public-private partnership (PPP) projects; these include the recent Courts bundle; Schools Bundle 4, the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway and the recently completed works on the N7 Newlands Cross/N11 Arklow Rathnew motorway. BAM is also involved in many other projects across Ireland including the construction of a new campus building for a major international corporation in Sandyford, the Clinical Research and Translational facilities at NUI Galway, and the redevelopment at Ulster Hospital. Work is also ongoing at One Albert Quay in Cork, a development for JCD. This follows on from the successful delivery of the 45,000 sq m office and retail development at CityGate Park for the same developer. BAM’s work on One Albert Quay is representative of how it collaborates with clients to develop business models for smart and sustainable buildings. It is being built with a view to achieving the Gold Standard Accreditation from the international Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) programme. Each project that is managed by BAM benefits from decades of expertise and cuttingedge technology, which ensure they are cost-effective, efficient, and

environmentally sustainable. These factors have led to BAM becoming Ireland’s leading construction company, according to Cullinane, which has enabled it to grow its business and create jobs in the economy. “It is a complete misconception that environmental concerns have to be anathema to industry,” he says. “By placing a focus on our environmental footprint, BAM has been able to grow its business significantly in recent years, because there is an increasingly widespread consciousness amongst industry leaders about the need to reduce their carbon footprint. Our reputation in this area has certainly helped us to win contracts and create employment right across Ireland; we have over 2,000 people both directly and indirectly employed. For BAM, sustaining the environment is interlinked with sustaining jobs. “Many businesses say that CSR is an important element of their organisations, but we have placed it at the very heart of our strategic plans for growth and development. By distinguishing ourselves in this area, we have aided our clients to fulfil their own vision for how their businesses shape the future of the planet while also achieving tremendous value and efficiencies. This has been at the core of BAM’s success in the past and I have every expectation that it will continue to drive our business for the foreseeable future.” 51

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PARTNER PROFILE ZURICH GENERAL INSURANCE

A RESPONSIBLE

INSURANCE

Delivering our social responsibility strategy for customers and communities remains a key focus for Zurich in 2016, writes Conor Brennan, CEO of Zurich General Insurance Ireland.

At Zurich we work

ABOUT ZURICH Zurich Insurance is one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading general insurance companies and offers a wide range of products including private motor, home and farm insurance, commercial property, business and professional indemnity insurance. Zurich employs over 400 people in Ireland across its locations in Dublin and Wexford. Zurich in Ireland is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets.

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PARTNER

hard to get to know our customers better, to understand their needs and to develop quality products and services we know will encourage them to stay with us, even if that means paying a little more. Expectations of what consumers want from their insurance company is changing and our customers tell us they not only want quality cover, great service and value for money, but they also expect their insurer to have a strong reputation and track record in social responsibility. At a time when the reputation of the financial services sector has been under the spotlight, I was delighted with Zurich being awarded the highest ranked insurer in Ireland in a survey for reputation measurement last year. The results followed the most comprehensive study of corporate reputations undertaken in the country, carried out by the Reputations Agency and their global partners, the Reputation Institute. However, at Zurich, we are much more than a business who will pay claims when customers suffer a loss. We care about our people, our customers, our shareholders and also our communities. Delivering on this commitment is front and centre for everyone in Zurich, no more so than during the recent winter storms and severe flooding. As part of our ongoing commitment to our customers and our communities, Zurich, as a socially responsible insurer is committed to

continued engagement in the development of solutions to reduce the devastating impacts of flooding. In Ireland, insurers covered flood claims totalling a750 million between 2000 and 2014. Since 2000, Zurich has dealt with over 3,000 flood claims to the satisfaction of our customers. During the most recent weather events, we have proven, yet again, that we are there for our customers when they need us, with interim payments issued immediately on almost 15 per cent of these claims. At Zurich, our customers are at the centre of all underwriting and claims decisions. We offer them market leading solutions while ensuring our underwriting approach maintains our ability to meet all claims obligations. The cost of flood claims, however, is unsustainable and the priority has to be a combination of investment in appropriate flood defences, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of these defences, appropriate regulation on planning and construction, pre-event risk mitigation, contingency planning and customer education and communication. EXPERTISE We pride ourselves on our expertise in a variety of industry segments, from delivering propositions that go beyond simple cover to risk management solutions and specialist services. Our customers need us most when they have a claim on their policy, regardless of the cause of claim. As CEO, I am particularly proud of how we deal with InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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PARTNER PROFILE ZURICH GENERAL INSURANCE

all claims quickly and efficiently and our expertise has a proven track record in making a difference to our customers. We have an emergency flood response plan in place which is triggered as soon as flooding hits. The ultimate aim is to ensure that our resources are effectively deployed to the impacted regions without compromising on the claims experience of customers not impacted by the event. Using our geocoding tools, we can quickly identify the number of customers in impacted areas. Using this information we proactively visit our customers even before they have contacted us to report the claim. As well as our engagement with industry bodies and working groups to address the issue of flood cover, a key focus for us is to increase flood resilience. By providing direction and advice to our customers where flooding has taken place, we help them to effectively repair their properties incorporating enhanced flood defences with more appropriate building materials. This approach encourages customers to invest themselves in future flood prevention. Our online flood guide, which is available on our website, provides advice to customers and communities on how to prepare for, cope with and recover from flooding. We are committed to making flood insurance as widely available as possible in areas benefitting from appropriate flood defences. We want to work closely with the OPW, Government, local authorities, Chambers Ireland and local brokers to see how we can develop a sustainable, short, medium and long term solution to this pressing social issue. Where requests are made to provide or reinstate flood cover, or to provide cover for new homes or businesses that may be in flood prone areas, we consider these cases on a case by case basis, taking into account all information available including OPW data. During the recent flooding, our claim and risk management experts visited a number of towns prone to flooding to assess their flood defence mechanisms and make a deeper assessment of the specific risks. Where these risks can be addressed to a satisfactory level, we are open to considering a wider provision of flood cover in these areas. To truly address the social, economic and environmental impacts of flooding, an industry wide working group should be re-established to develop a solution to protect customers from the risk of flooding while maintaining the insurance industry’s ability to meet all of its obligations. This working group should InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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Conor Brennan, CEO, Zurich General Insurance Ireland

incorporate all relevant expertise in the area of flood management. Internationally Zurich has developed a Global Flood Resilience Program, designed to enhance knowledge and flood resilience of communities worldwide. We want to bring this global expertise to bare in the context of the flood challenge that Ireland faces, improving our ability to manage the risk of flooding in our local communities. Given the scale of the global flood problem, flood resilience has become a priority within our Corporate Responsibility Strategy at Zurich. Looking at the year ahead, I have ambitious plans for Zurich’s business in Ireland, in both personal and commercial insurance. We are introducing new market leading directors’ and officers’ cover for the corporate and SME markets. We will also continue to develop our farm insurance business leveraging our state-of-the-art risk management farm insurance app and we will also invest in further strengthening our fraud detection capabilities to protect customers. A recent report by Morgan Stanley suggests the Internet of Things and the multiplication of connected devices opens the door for new ways of selling and servicing insurance products. With customer expectations changing at a much faster rate than the insurance industry, fuelled by online and digital experiences in other industries, a key priority for me as CEO in looking to the future is making a significant investment in our people and new technology so we deliver a world class customer experience to our clients, brokers and partners. Above all, I want to keep brokers, customers and their communities at the heart of everything we do.

CONOR’S BIO Conor Brennan was appointed CEO of Zurich General Insurance Ireland in July 2014. He joined the company in February 2008 as Director of Broker Distribution. He was also previously Chief Administrative Officer for Zurich’s EMEA region, based in Dublin’s IFSC. Conor has a good grasp of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Ireland today, having been Deputy CEO of Chambers Ireland between 2004 and 2008 and a director of two SMEs during his business career.

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

BEST IN Class CSR The 12th Chambers Ireland CSR Awards highlighted the level of dedication and creativity shown by Irish businesses in carrying out their CSR strategies.

lster Bank has won the Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award at the 2015 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards held in Dublin on September 3rd 2015. The judging panel selected Ulster Bank for the sustained excellence of their CSR programmes. The twelfth annual awards were partnered by Business in the Community Ireland, run in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and kindly sponsored by BAM Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency and JustGiving. Each winner

was presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Waterford Crystal. Speaking at the event, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said: “The number of companies embracing CSR is growing every year due to the increasing recognition that responsible business practice is smart business practice, with benefits not just for the wider community, but for the business itself. We are delighted to celebrate the commitment of Irish companies to CSR and impressed by the level of dedication and creativity shown by our businesses in carrying out their CSR strategies.”

OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED ON THE NIGHT EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION AWARD ■ Electric Ireland - Darkness into Light EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL CSR ■ IBM Ireland - IBM Corporate Service Corps Program EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT AWARD - LIC ■ Cork University Hospital - Achieving a Sustainable Environment at Cork University Hospital EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT AWARD - MULTINATIONAL COMPANY ■ Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd. (Kerry Plant) - Changing tomorrow – Our journey to Sustainability EXCELLENCE IN MARKETPLACE CSR AWARD ■ Abbott Nutrition Ireland - Essential Elements of Nutrition Care Programme EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME - LIC ■ Dublin Port Company - Early Learning Initiative EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME - MLC ■ Genzyme - Partnership with Project Treo Port Láirge

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING - LIC ■ Ulster Bank - MoneySense for Schools EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING - MLC ■ Intel Ireland - Intel Involved EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE - LIC ■ ESB - Positive Mental & Physical Health Promotion EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE CSR AWARD - MLC ■ PayPal - Live Well Programme EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY - LIC ■ Bewley’s - Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY - MLC ■ Microsoft - Youth2Work EXCELLENCE IN CSR BY AN SME ■ DHR Communiation - Working with and for The Liberties

CSR AWARDS JUDGING PANEL SHORTLISTING PANEL: ■ Nina Arwitz, Chief Executive, Volunteer Ireland ■ Dr Sheila Killian, Assistant Dean in the Accounting and Finance department, University of Limerick ■ Alan Ryan, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government ■ Tomás Sercovich, Director of Communications and Industrial Relations, Forética

Ulster Bank, winner of Outstanding Achievement in CSR

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The shortlist was then separately evaluated and our eventual winners chosen by:

■ John Cunningham, Chair, Immigrant Council of Ireland ■ Seán McLaughlin, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government ■ Maura Quinn, Chief Executive, Institute of Directors ■ Martin Tobin, CEO, European Recycling Platform ■ Tomás Sercovich, Director of Communications and Industrial Relations, Forética

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

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION AWARD: Electric Ireland for Darkness into Light

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Nicola O’Leary, Senior Sponsorship and PR Professional, Electric Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL CSR: IBM Ireland for the IBM Corporate Service Corps Program

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Deirdre Kennedy, Corporate Citizenship Manager, IBM Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT AWARD – LARGE INDIGENOUS COMPANY: Cork University Hospital for achieving a sustainable environment at Cork University Hospital

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Shane Colgan, Resource Efficiency Unit, Environmental Protection Agency, Edward Murphy, Sustainability Officer, Cork University Hospital and Minister Alan Kelly

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Darkness into Light is Electric Ireland’s flagship fundraising and awareness event which takes place every May. Thousands of people gather nationwide at 4am to walk or run a 5km route as dawn breaks. The event drives conversations around the issue of suicide and represents community, hope and solidarity. The event is also symbolic of the work of Pieta House – bringing people from darkness into the light.

The Corporate Services Corps provides groups of IBM employees with the opportunity to complete four week community-based assignments in emerging markets. During the assignment, participants perform community-driven economic development, healthcare and education projects. IBM’s Corporate Service Corps builds skills and capabilities that can contribute to real and sustainable solutions to many of the world’s toughest challenges.

Cork University Hospital Campus is the first healthcare facility in the world to be awarded a Green Flag by An Taisce and the Foundation for Environmental Education for its environmental achievements. Cork University Hospital Group is committed to becoming a leading sustainable, low carbon organisation delivering sustainable healthcare into the future.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

Astellas is a forward thinking organisation which strives to reduce its impact on the environment. Astellas has excelled in the area of renewable energy and decreased its reliance on nonrenewable energy sources by 62 per cent and carbon emissions by 69 per cent since 2005. It has also showed initiative in reducing its reliance on landfill by up to 70 per cent since its journey started in 2000.

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT AWARD – MULTINATIONAL COMPANY: Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd. (Kerry Plant) for the project Changing Tomorrow – Our Journey to Sustainability

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Shane Colgan, Resource Efficiency Unit, Environmental Protection Agency, Colm Timmons, Engineering Facilities Manager, Astellas Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

Abbott Nutrition Ireland nutrition care programme has been specifically designed to equip healthcare professionals and catering staff with the tools to provide optimum nutritional care for residents in the care home setting. The programme was first launched in 2006 and is now acknowledged as a world class programme by the Irish care home sector.

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETPLACE CSR AWARD: Abbott Nutrition Ireland for the Essential Elements of Nutrition Care Programme

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland; Sinéad Hickey, CSR Manager, Abbott Ireland; Margaret Morrissey, Country HR Director, Abbott Ireland; Alan MaGovern, ANI Cootehill Site Director, Abbott Ireland; Fiona Burke, ANI Country Manager, Abbott Ireland; Orla Brophy, ANI Sales Manager, Abbott Ireland; Minister Alan Kelly

Dublin Port Company is a longstanding supporter of educational programmes in the Dublin Docklands area. In order to promote the attainment of higher education locally, DPC partnered with the National College of Ireland to support their Early Learning Initiative. Results published by the NCI found that 83 per cent of the children in the programme were meeting their developmental milestones in May 2014 compared with only 17 per cent of the children when they began the programme in November 2012.

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EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – LARGE INDIGENOUS COMPANY: Dublin Port Company for the Early Learning Initiative

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Charlie Murphy, Communications Manager, Dublin Port Company, Dr Josephine Bleach, Director of Early Learning Initiative, National College of Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – MULTINATIONAL COMPANY: Genzyme for its partnership with Project Treo Port Láirge

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Ger Harris, Project Engineer, Genzyme, John Norris, Communications & CSR Manager, Genzyme and Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING – LARGE INDIGENOUS COMPANY: Ulster Bank for MoneySense for Schools

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Pauline McKiernan, Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager, Ulster Bank, Jill Smyth, Head of MoneySense, Ulster Bank, Janice Martin, Deputy Principal, St Mark’s Community School, Dublin, Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEERING – MULTINATIONAL COMPANY: Intel Ireland for Intel Involved

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Lisa Harlow, External Communications Manager, Intel Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

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As part of a wider suite of CSR activity, Genzyme has partnered with Project Treo Port Láirge to help deliver a series of training programmes designed to divert at risk young people from repeat offending behaviour. Through the project, young offenders are equipped with skills that greatly improve their life prospects and reduce the risk of them becoming habitual offenders with huge costs to themselves, their families and wider society.

MoneySense is Ulster Bank’s flagship skills-based volunteering programme. It harnesses the banking expertise of its staff to deliver personal finance classes to secondary students, reaching over 55,000 students island-wide. 250 Ulster Bank staff are trained to teach the programme and they have donated more than 4,500 volunteering hours to help young people learn about money, banking, borrowing, saving and starting a business.

Intel Ireland has a long tradition of community engagement and in 2014 58,680 volunteer hours were recorded by its Irish employees. The involvement of Intel employees in their local communities has made a huge impact on local organisations, clubs and schools. Intel employees have increasingly found opportunities to donate the skills that they have honed at Intel, providing legal, human resources, marketing, finance, and IT expertise to schools, non-profits, and NGOs.

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

Positive mental health promotion among staff is a key priority for the health and wellbeing team within ESB. A range of supports have been developed to encourage selfawareness, develop coping strategies and provide access to more acute intervention routes. ESB has recently introduced new elements to its range of support for staff concerned about personal mental health issues or about issues with friends and colleagues.

PayPal aims to ensure that employees can live a healthy, active life at work as well as at home. Its benefit package includes health cover for teammates and their families, access to an onsite gym, annual health assessments and onsite restaurants. In 2014 PayPal expanded its health strategy with a Live Well Programme that includes onsite dental appointments, a smoking cessation programme, a holistic fitness and wellness programme implemented in collaboration with their health partner, gym provider and catering company.

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE CSR AWARD – LARGE INDIGENOUS COMPANY: ESB for its positive mental and physical health promotion among ESB Staff

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Louise Murphy, Health and Wellbeing Team, ESB, Kathleen McDonnell, Health and Wellbeing Team, ESB, Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE CSR AWARD – MULTINATIONAL COMPANY: PayPal for its Live Well Programme

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Annette Hickey, Director Customer Solutions, EMEA, PayPal, Paul Ryan, Senior Director Risk, Financial Services and Compliance Operations EMEA, PayPal, Minister Alan Kelly

For 22 years Bewley’s has supported Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of local hospice care. The 2014 campaign raised 2.5 million for the Irish hospice movement which supports over 3,100 people and 732 new patients per month in community-based palliative care.

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – LARGE INDIGENOUS COMPANY: Bewley’s for the Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning initiative

(Sponsored by JustGiving)

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, David Ascott, Head of Partnerships, JustGiving, Mark Saunders, Brand Director, Bewley’s, Carol Gallen, Bewley’s Foodservice Marketing Manager and Minister Alan Kelly

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CSR AWARDS WINNERS 2015

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY – PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – MULTINATIONAL COMPANY Microsoft for its Youth2Work project

(Sponsored by JustGiving)

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, David Ascott, Head of Partnerships, JustGiving, Orla Hogan, Director of PR and Citizenship, Microsoft Ireland and Minister Alan Kelly

EXCELLENCE IN CSR BY AN SME AWARD: DHR Communiation for Working with and for The Liberties

Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland, Catherine Heaney, MD, DHR Communications and Minister Alan Kelly

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CSR: Ulster Bank

(Sponsored by BAM)

Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland, Theo Cullinane, CEO, BAM Ireland, Sarah Dempsey, Head of Corporate Affairs and Economics, Ulster Bank and Minister Alan Kelly

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Responding to the problem of youth unemployment Youth2Work provides free access to training for unemployed youth aged 16-26. Following these courses the objective is to ensure the youth secure full-time employment. The programme aims to engage 10,000 youths in three years. After two years 5,000 youths have been trained with over 22 per cent in full-time jobs and over 80 per cent either in further internships or having returned to full-time education.

Located in the Liberties, DHR has built a CSR programme aimed at using their employees’ skills to enhance the local community. By concentrating on what they do best, DHR provides PR support to a number of local groups and facilitates employees to participate on boards and provide strategic counsel to community organisations. DHR draws on its experience in media relations, political communications and stakeholder engagement – and their knowledge of Dublin 8 – to promote a better image of The Liberties and work with local people to ensure the community achieves its full potential.

Winner of eleven CSR awards since 2010 and the only bank in Ireland to be accredited with the Business Working Responsibly Mark, Ulster Bank joined the top tier of responsible companies in Ireland by winning the Chambers Ireland Outstanding Achievement in CSR Award. With a clear vision to be the number one bank for customer service, trust and advocacy on the island of Ireland, Ulster Bank sees sustainability as central to achieving its vision.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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15/02/2016 14:47

LOCAL

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

LEADERS RECOGNISED

CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL SCOOPED THE TOP ACCOLADE AT THE 2015 EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS. Carlow County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at this year’s Chambers Ireland Annual Excellence in Local Government Awards, which took place on November 12th. The awards, which are held in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, recognise and celebrate the best of Local Government.

THE WINNERS Supporting Active Communities sponsored by Eirgrid Monaghan County Council – The Peace Link Best Practice in Citizen Engagement sponsored by ESB Networks Fingal County Council – Fingal Age Friendly Facilities Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Healthy Ireland Dublin City Council – The Ballybough Community, Youth and Fitness Centre Supporting Tourism sponsored by Fáilte Ireland Carlow County Council – Tourism Planning and Execution Promoting Economic Development sponsored by Eirgrid Cork City Council – ‘I wish’ stands for Inspire young Women to Investigate opportunities in STEM

The Carlow County Council team that won Local Authority of the Year

Local Authority Innovation sponsored by AIB Wexford County Council – Environmental Incidents – Mobilised Investigation and Management Sustainable Environment sponsored by ERP Cork County Council – Cork County Hall Campus Beyond 2020 Smarter Travel sponsored by Waterford Crystal Mayo County Council – Westport Smarter Travel (WST) Best Library Service sponsored by CBRE South Dublin County Council – Creative Campus: Supporting our second level students in South Dublin

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Sustaining the Arts sponsored by Shell E&P Ireland South Dublin County Council – TENDERFOOT: A volume of plays by & for young people Joint Local Authority Initiative sponsored by GloHealth Donegal County Council – SPACEial is an acronym for ‘Spatial Planning and Collaborative Exchange of Information and Learning’ Festival of the Year sponsored by Fáilte Ireland Limerick City and County Council – A Giant’s Journey, Limerick, September 2014 Parks and Recreation sponsored by Healthy Ireland Wicklow County Council – Arklow Duck Pond, Nature Walk & Leisure Area Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Zurich Cork County Council – Your Good Self: Cork’s Positive Self Help Programme Enhancing the Urban Environment sponsored by ERP Wexford County Council – New Ross Quayfront redevelopment Heritage and Built Environment sponsored by An Post Cavan County Council – World War 1 Experience at Cavan County Museum

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THE JUDGES FOR THE 2015 EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS, THERE WERE TWO INDEPENDENT JUDGING PANELS FIRST ROUND PANEL • Maurice Coughlan, Principal Officer, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government • Joe Allen, Former Principal, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government • Tony O’Brien, Chair, Chambers Ireland Local Government Policy Council

SUPPORTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY EIRGRID

The Peace Link is a modern community sporting facility built to create a shared space for the Clones Erne East region, which came to fruition in 2014 through partnerships between local authorities, funding agencies and local community groups. This iconic state-of-the-art sports facility endeavours to promote social inclusion, peace building through sporting and recreational events and above all to encourage people of all ages and from all denominations to equally experience the richness that diversity offers. The Peace Link sports facility was officially opened by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on September 26th 2014. The ethos of the facility is to create a shared space to promote peace building through active participation in sport and recreation within a natural sporting environment.

• Dr Seán Ó Riordáin, Director, Seán Ó Riordáin & Associates • Yvonne McKenna, Chief Executive, Gaisce SECOND ROUND PANEL Joining Maurice Coughlan and Tony O’Brien on this panel were:

BEST PRACTICE IN CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY ESB NETWORKS

• Dónall Curtin, Outgoing President, Chambers Ireland • Pat McLoughlin, Consultant, PML Consulting • Geraldine Tallon, Former Secretary General, Department of the Environment Community and Local Government

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Fingal Age Friendly Facilities is an initiative that commits Fingal County Council to informing older people that their contribution to society is valued. The project establishes the community facilities as age-friendly and in doing so supports the development of practices that improve the experience within community centres for older people. The elderly have an extremely valuable contribution to make to society and their communities and it is important to facilitate this for the benefit of all. It is also important that older people are able to live healthily and independently. This project is about empowering, enabling and facilitating older people to be active within and to benefit from community facilities.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

The Ballybough Community, Youth and Fitness Centre provides a multifunctional open and inviting building, which acts as a focal point for the local community and is a crucial element in the social, educational, cultural and recreational life of the area. It provides a strong, identifiable focal point for the local agencies to provide essential services for the local community. The centre also provides a large array of affordable classes and courses for communities in the surrounding areas. The centre has been fully operational for the last five years and has enhanced the health and wellbeing of the local community. It provides a safe and friendly environment for all age groups to take part in different programmes.

HEALTH & WELLBEING: DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL

SUPPORTING TOURISM: CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY FÁILTE IRELAND

Carlow County Council has made significant commitments to increasing the country’s tourism infrastructure base which has assisted Carlow’s profile as a developing tourism destination of repute. Public sector investment has also stimulated economic development, revenue and occupancy for the private tourism sector and has given both small and large scale providers the confidence to invest or re-invest, be that in the accommodation or attractions sector. As the body responsible for the creation of Carlow’s tourism, the county tourism marketing and development company has overseen a structure which guides sustainable development and marketing of the sector. Between 2006 and 2014 the Council has invested some a25 million in product infrastructure, whilst also facilitating ongoing maintenance and presentation of these sites to the highest standards. The Council also invests over a150,000 between Carlow Tourism and a series of festivals and events throughout the county on an annual basis.

PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CORK CITY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY EIRGRID

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I WISH is a city and regional schools initiative to Inspire Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The idea, the dream, the wish, is to promote greater female participation in STEM, to ensure that Ireland maximises its talent pool and continues to attract high skilled jobs. This is Cork’s response to the recognised need to attract more female students into the skills pipeline. On February 12th 2014, City Hall became the central event centre for I WISH and hosted over 20 interactive exhibitors from all areas of STEM. In addition, there were rolling presentations from senior female role models representing household names in the sector such as Google, Twitter, PepsiCo, Pfizer and Arup. There were also four I WISH hub events in west Cork, north Cork, east Cork and the western suburbs.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

LOCAL AUTHORITY INNOVATION: WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY AIB

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT: CORK COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY ERP

SMARTER TRAVEL: MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY WATERFORD CRYSTAL

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Wexford County Council responded to a range of environmental incidents such as fly tipping, abandoned cars, stray animals and pollution across a wide geographic area. All of these incidents can not only have a detrimental effect on our environment but also a direct negative effect on tourism, business and the wider community. Dealing quickly with anti-social incidents such as littering and fly tipping can have positive knock on effects in relation to the social wellbeing of the community. The Council’s environmental project leverages low cost, high function Android devices and web services to rapidly respond to and manage these environmental incidents and thereby provide a more efficient and effective service to the community. Since implementing the system there has been, on average, a decrease of 36 per cent in the turnaround times of environmental incident (the time between the initial report and the resolution of the incident).

The Cork County Hall campus consists of a 17-storey office block, six storey extension, multi-storey car park, two ancillary buildings and county library. The building was built in 1968 but a redevelopment project began in 2002 where the original distinctive concrete façade was replaced with a louvered glass cladding and a six storey extension at ground level was completed in June 2006. The library building is the headquarters of a 22 branch county-wide network of local libraries and provides administrative offices and a large book processing facility for Cork. County Hall accounts for 19 per cent of the total energy usage and thus was the subject of a targeted campaign of energy reduction culminating in a 34 per cent energy reduction being achieved in December 2014 (based on a 2009 baseline year), five years ahead of the 2020 target of 33 per cent (NEEAP 2012).

Westport Smarter Travel (WST) is all about reducing the preference for the car as a default choice of transport and opting instead for more sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, public transport or car sharing. It’s a lifestyle change with health and wellbeing benefits. Westport has actively developed a smarter travel philosophy over the past decade. Its philosophy is the embodiment of smarter travel through the rejuvenation of the public realm. In 2009 Westport Town Council was successful in an application for funding from the Department of Transport to upgrade and extend the existing Railway Walk into a high standard greenway facility. The greenway facility caters for cyclists and pedestrians and has significantly improved access throughout the town. In 2012 Westport was selected as one of three Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas in Ireland and WST is continuously working on improvements in infrastructure as well as implementing behavioural change measures.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

BEST LIBRARY SERVICE: SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY CBRE

SUSTAINING THE ARTS: SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY SHELL E&P IRELAND

JOINT LOCAL AUTHORITY INITIATIVE: DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY GLOHEALTH

South Dublin has one of the highest numbers of young people under 18 years of age in the country. Of the eight second level schools in the county, four have DEIS status. The school retention rate is 88.4 per cent compared to 90.1 per cent in Fingal. Retention rates in DEIS schools are generally much lower, at 82.1 per cent nationally. The number of young people accessing third level in south Dublin is 29.5 per cent, comparing unfavourably to that in Dublin city at 37.6 per cent; Fingal at 37.9 per cent and DĂşn Laoghaire Rathdown at 51.2 per cent (Census 2011). South Dublin Libraries is supporting young people achieve both their personal and educational needs in developing partnerships with a range of organisations to provide an appropriate range of services. Creative Campus is an ongoing and developing programme which will further expand in the coming years to meet the changing needs of our young citizens.

TENDERFOOT: A Volume of Plays By & For Young People is a selection of 13 plays and three monologues chosen from over 100 written by 15 and 16 year old students over a period of seven years as part of the Tenderfoot project. These plays give expression to the seldom heard voice of young people and is of interest to youth theatres, schools and anyone interested in theatre. TENDERFOOT, which was initiated in 2007, is a successful apprentice theatre programme lead by one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most esteemed theatre makers, Veronica Coburn and the Civic Theatre, Tallaght. Each year it offers 40 transition year students interested in theatre an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the art of theatre in a very hands on way. South Dublin County Council initiated the programme and funded the publication of the collection of plays promoting the initiative to the local community.

The SPACEial NW project is an acronym for Spatial Planning and Collaborative Exchange of Information and Learning. Donegal County Council was the lead council implementing this project and worked closely with Derry City Council, Strabane District Council, Limavady Borough Council and Magherafelt District Council in responding to the need for cross-border spatial data to inform and shape policies and decisionmaking within the region. The project produced a dedicated website, www.spaceialnw.eu, which is essentially a one stop shop for maps, stats and apps in the northwest region cross-border area. This project has provided a much needed platform in the northwest region in using geographical information to develop plans and policies and has the potential to impact on the lives of 317,518 persons who live in the region.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: LIMERICK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY FÁILTE IRELAND

PARKS AND RECREATION: WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY HEALTHY IRELAND

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE: CORK COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY ZURICH

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Limerick City of Culture invited the world-renowned street theatre company Royal De Luxe to present their spectacular Giant Show in Ireland in 2014. Limerick is the first ever Irish city to welcome the rambling giants, and privileged to be the first Irish City to have a giant saga perform here. The event was the flagship event for Limerick National City of Culture 2014 demonstrating a commitment to creating an event of scale to attract a record number of visitors to the city, and enhancing the global image of the Limerick city. The three day spectacle was an original tale, developed and specially scripted for the city and narrated and acted out by the Giant and her loyal Lilliputians. The tale was based on Royal de Luxe’s newest member of the giant family, Grandmother, whose identity is partially rooted in Ireland.

Up to six years ago Arklow Duck Pond was a no go area for families and children. The area was scourged by vandalism and teenage drinking. Wicklow County Council, together with community groups, has worked to improve the recreation site for locals and tourists. Arklow Duck Pond and Recreational Area is now a wonderful place to visit, providing a diverse mix of amenities including interesting walks, outdoor gyms, crazy golf, a playground, skateboard park, a sensory garden and a running track. Children can feed the ducks and explore the various habitats. A number of events take place at the site which are organised by Wicklow County Council and various community groups. These events have proved popular and encourage people to connect with their environment.

The Your Good Self project is a joint initiative between Cork County Library, Cork City Libraries and the HSE. It is a bibliotherapy programme that enables people to become active participants in their own wellbeing. Bibliotherapy is the term given to obtaining information and techniques from books to enhance our mental, emotional and relationship health. Books, DVDs, CDs and lists of online resources which can help in the development of practical skills to cope positively with life’s challenges are available at local, participating libraries. These resources have been handpicked and reviewed by HSE psychologists and other health professionals and cover a variety of topics from bereavement to stress, from parenting to low self-esteem and many more. The collection includes adult resources, including those relevant to older adults, and a selection of child and family resources.

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS WINNERS 2015

ENHANCING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT: WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY ERP

HERITAGE AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT: CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL SPONSORED BY AN POST

The Quayfront redevelopment works in New Ross have brought a real vibrancy to the area. The strong linear connection between the bridge and the Dunbrody Centre not only elevates the quayside aesthetically but has transformed the adjoining public areas to become enjoyable and interesting spaces. New Ross has certainly benefited from this innovation project. The immediate vicinity has been transformed from a tired looking traffic dominated through flow into a vibrant and enjoyable urban space. The boardwalk is enticing and gives new perspective back towards the town and along the Barrow. Now an internationally recognised landmark, this development transformed derelict riverside sites, fronted by a concrete flood barrier, into a most magnificent public boardwalk and civic space. The incorporation of the emigrant flame design created a unique commemorative piece of sculpture that is attracting thousands of visitors from home and abroad.

In 2014 Cavan County Council undertook a major development at Cavan County Museum, developing a new visitor experience which is now home to the largest outdoor replica trench open to the public in Ireland and the UK. The Trench is a must-see attraction for visitors since it opened in August 2014 and includes sound and visual effects to enhance the experience and educate visitors on life in the trenches during World War I. The trench is over 350m long and includes frontline, communication and support trenches. Those who fought in WWI were a different breed and no matter what their politics or religion everyone experienced the same horrors, hardships and loss. We can never fully understand the complexities of their war but through the Trench Experience and Exhibition we can begin to shed some light on a period of Irish history that has been forgotten.

Carlow County Council was named 2015 Local Authority of the Year in recognition of its commitment to the best possible public service standards for the people and businesses of Carlow. Carlow is a council that has been prepared to think big, has shown ambition for the county and has delivered on that basis.

LOCAL AUTHORITY OF THE YEAR: CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL

Minister Alan Kelly with representatives from Carlow County Council, Chambers Ireland and Carlow Chamber

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15/02/2016 12:38

IB SURVEY NORTHERN TRUST

IN IRELAND

WE TRUST InBUSINESS spoke to Clive Bellows, Country Head of Northern Trust and Chambers Ireland President to get his views on the funds industry, financial regulation and the global financial services provider’s commitment to Ireland.

ver the past 25 years Ireland has become something of a global force within the funds industry. More than 40 per cent of international hedge funds are serviced here and according to the Irish Funds Industry Association, the total value of assets under administration in Ireland had climbed to a3.6 trillion by October 2015, around double what it was in 2011. Northern Trust, the global financial services provider with a significant presence in Ireland, has played its part. Now firmly established as one of the top three fund administrators and custodians in the country according to the Monterey Insight Ireland Fund Report, Northern Trust employs over 1,200 people between its Dublin and Limerick offices and has 190 clients contracted through Ireland. At the helm is Country Manager Clive Bellows who joined Northern Trust’s Irish arm in 2011. Bellows is no industry rookie; prior to his current role he was Managing Director at JP Morgan and responsible for EMEA asset management and hedge funds. He has worked at Chase Manhattan Bank, Deutsche Bank and Barclays International, and also spent six years at Northern Trust London, between 1997 and 2003, as Head of Relationship Management for Global Fund Services. Ireland’s financial sector has undoubtedly endured a torrid few years since the economic crash of 2008. As the Government works to eliminate the deficit and return the country to full employment, the funds industry in Ireland has already contributed greatly to an Irish recovery. Much tighter regulation has been introduced and we have seen an increased, and recently unparalleled, demand for onshore regulated funds in Ireland, driven by the demand for a hugely experienced fund services industry. Within this healthy-looking funds community, we find Northern Trust in good shape, and according to Bellows, its strong and undiluted focus on the services and products it provides gives it a distinct competitive edge.

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Clive Bellows, Country Head of Northern Trust and Chambers Ireland President

We’re not conflicted by being an investment bank, we don’t provide credit card services. Our focus is on fund administration and custody while many of our competitors have other lines of business that potentially conflict or dilute their focus on the type of services that they provide. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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IB SURVEY NORTHERN TRUST

“The fact that our core business is fund administration and custody means we’re not conflicted by being a major retail bank,” he says. “We’re not conflicted by being an investment bank, we don’t provide credit card services. Our focus is on fund administration and custody while many of our competitors have other lines of business that potentially conflict or dilute their focus on the type of services that they provide. It’s our commitment to these sectors that sets us aside from lots of our competition.”

CLIENTS Northern Trust services in excess of 1,500 funds across a full range of structures and asset classes, so product diversity is key to the growth of the business. Typically, Northern Trust’s clients are asset managers, institutional investors, government agencies, charities and wealth managers. The products and services they are looking for include the safe keeping and ringfencing of their assets dealt with in a fiduciary way, depositary services for unitised funds under various regulations, operational support, valuation and settlement services. So how has tighter regulation of the financial services sector impacted the funds industry and can we expect further tightening in the coming years? Bellows says most changes are either behind us or are understood and will be implemented in the coming months. “We’ve seen a spike in regulatory activity and what’s now important is making sure that we offer our clients the products and services they need to adhere to.” Bellows says the broad thrust of new regulation is understandable and it was needed given market events. “Ireland has been at the forefront of anticipating and responding to these changing regulatory conditions, building on its global reputation as a robust funds centre, offering the appropriate levels of investor protection.”

COMMITTED Despite the recent years of economic turmoil, Bellows and Northern Trust InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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NORTHERN TRUST IRELAND IN NUMBERS A presence for over

+ years

Service in excess of

1,500

+ funds

190

clients contracted through Irish office

+ Made

acquisitions in the last 10 years

+ Employs over

1,200 staff

continue to view Ireland as a great place to do business, and there are plans to continue to grow staff numbers in line with business demands. Northern Trust’s operations in Limerick, for example, are currently expanding as part of a programme supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through IDA Ireland. As a result of this continued and sustained business expansion, Northern Trust’s Limerick operations added over 350 staff in 2015 and are expected to reach more than 1,000 employees by the end of 2017. Northern Trust has had a presence in Ireland since 1989 and opened its Dublin office in 2000. Its first Limerick office opened in 2006 and was followed by a second in 2014. Bellows says: “We gratefully acknowledge the support of IDA Ireland and the Irish Government as we focus on growing our Limerick office over the next few years, which together with our Dublin operations, will continue to position Northern Trust in Ireland as a key centre of fund administration.” So his commitment to Ireland is strong but it does come with a caveat. “We’re very committed to Ireland, however that is all dependent on Ireland continuing to be an attractive place for clients to domicile their business.” The Government’s IFS2020 strategy can only serve to cement Ireland’s attractiveness. Launched in 2015, the strategy aims to build on Ireland’s strengths in talent, technology, innovation and excellent client service, and to highlight all that Ireland has to offer as a location for specialist international financial services. Bellows is fully supportive of the strategy. “It makes lots of sense,” he says. “For our business in Ireland to grow, clients and potential clients have to choose Ireland before they choose Northern Trust. So, even before anybody chooses to work with us, it is most important that Ireland remains competitive and maintains its reputation as a sensible place to do business,” he concludes.

CHAMBERS IRELAND PRIORITIES Wearing his Chambers Ireland hat, Bellows says 2016 is a big year for Ireland and the Chamber Network. “Clearly there are political factors that will potentially have an impact on the Irish economy. The priority for Chambers Ireland has to be giving a strong lead to regional Chambers and making sure that we continue to support them so that Irish businesses – whether they are big multinational organisations or small regional companies – continue to see Chambers as a valuable tool for helping them to progress their businesses.”

15/02/2016 12:49

WINNERS ANNOUNCED BEST APP (MOBILE OR TABLET) Legion Interactive BEST BRAND/ COMPANY USING DIGITAL Vision Independent Productions BEST CONVERSION STRATEGY Wolfgang Digital

sponsored by Hibernia College

MEDIA BRAND OF THE YEAR – DIGITAL Maximum Media

16/02/2016 13:17

IB SURVEY MARINE INSTITUTE

Innovation and the Sea Harnessing Ireland’s Ocean Wealth Ireland’s economy could be boosted by taking advantage of potential in the marine sectors.

Innovation is key to the success of the ‘blue economy’ and will be a theme for the third annual Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Conference, which will take place on July 1st in Galway, as part of SeaFest 2016, Ireland’s national maritime festival (June 30th - July 3rd). Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute said: “We’re delighted to bring SeaFest 2016 to Galway and we intend to build on the success of the first SeaFest in Ringaskiddy last summer, which attracted 10,000 visitors.” Research and Innovation go hand in hand, and Ireland is developing a strong marine research infrastructure to support and drive innovation. Ireland’s first cabled Ocean Observatory was installed in Galway Bay in 2015 with a subsea cable connecting the observatory and the marine and renewable energy test site to the shore at An Spidéal, Co Galway. The project, a collaboration between the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and SmartBay Ireland Ltd. is a great example of joined up cross-government agency action. The cable project was funded by Science Foundation Ireland with

Andrew Downes

reland’s ocean economy is performing better on average than the general economy with up to nine per cent growth over the last five years. The sector has an estimated turnover of a4.5 billion and employs about 18,500 full-time equivalents. Recent research funded by the Marine Institute and carried out by the Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit, NUI Galway and Teagasc, shows that the indirect impacts of Ireland’s bio-economy are significant. In addition to the direct impacts of Ireland’s ocean economy, a further 13,000 are employed across the wider economy. The national marine plan for Ireland – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – sets out a roadmap to exceed a6.4bn a year in turnover from our maritime sectors by 2020, and to double their contribution to GDP to 2.4 per cent a year by 2030. Among the marine sectors performing well are established industries such as seafood, shipping and marine tourism with emerging industries including high-tech marine products and services, marine biotechnology and maritime commerce excelling.

Dr. Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute

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support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, while SmartBay Ireland was established with funding from the Higher Education Authority PRTLI (Programme for Research in Third-level Institutes). The Ocean Observatory is currently in the commissioning phase and will be launched later this year. It is expected that the new test and demonstration facilities at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test site will attract companies and researchers developing marine technology and renewable ocean energy equipment, and will position Ireland at the forefront of these emerging sectors by developing an expert indigenous supply chain that will expand as these sectors grow. The Ocean Observatory will also enhance our ability to monitor the ocean and better understand how it works, which is critical to tackling issues such as climate change impacts. The Marine Institute’s ship time programme will provide a3 million funding in 2016, supporting 256 research days onboard the national research vessels RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager. The programme gives researchers access to the national research vessels, as well as the remotely operated submarine ROV Holland I to carry out surveys that further our understanding of the ocean, support policy and development, as well as providing essential training to young researchers and undergraduates. The programme is part of a very busy schedule of research vessel programmes that includes statutory fish stock assessment, environmental monitoring, and seabed mapping surveys in both Irish waters and across the Atlantic basin to Newfoundland. More information on www.marine.ie or www.ouroceanwealth.ie.

15/02/2016 12:41

LEGAL COSTS SEMINAR 2016 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HOUSE, DUBLIN 2

7 TH

APR 2016 9am -1pm

An expert panel of contributors will examine the law and procedures governing the area of legal costs and provide delegates with an explanation of the underlying basic principles, law and jurisprudence. How legal costs are assessed at the current time and methods that practitioners should adopt to assist them on a daily basis and going forward will also be analysed. SPEAKERS:  SHANE GALLIGAN, PARTNER, BEHAN & ASSOCIATES Legal Costs Provisions of the Legal Services Regulation Bill  PAUL MCGARRY SC, VICE-CHAIRMAN, BAR COUNCIL The provisions in the LSRA and recent judgments of the courts dealing with costs  CLARE CASHIN, PARTNER, LITIGATION GROUP, PHILIP LEE Costs in ADR (mediation, conciliation, adjudication)

MEDICAL INQUESTS SEMINAR 2016 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HOUSE, DUBLIN 2

11TH

APR 2016 9am -1pm

Should full-time coroners be responsible for dealing with more complex cases? Expert speakers will also focus on the importance of pre-Inquest preparation and issues that arise when representing next of kin at Inquests in cases of suspected medical misadventure. Case law will also be discussed. KEYNOTE SPEAKER:  DR. BRIAN FARRELL, DUBLIN DISTRICT CORONER SPEAKERS:  ROGER MURRAY, PARTNER, CALLAN TANSEY SOLICITORS “The Changing Face of Inquests”  LYNDY CANTILLON, SOLICITOR, CANTILLONS SOLICITORS Representing next of kin at an inquest managing their expectations

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: • Public Interest Law & Litigation - 20th April • Law & Mental Health - 21st April • Employment Law - 12th May •

To learn more about our upcoming conferences, please contact Chris Lavery Tel: (01) 432 2273 or Email: chris.lavery@irishconferences.ie Irish Conferences 2016 Advert.indd 1

15/02/2016 14:18

IB SURVEY BORD GÁIS ENERGY

MAKE ENERGY WORK for your business Nicky Doran, Marketing & Energy Services Controller with Bord Gáis Energy, explains how Irish businesses can effectively manage their energy costs.

t’s a great sign that Ireland’s economy is starting to improve and with this comes a focus on business growth for Ireland’s SMEs. We now have the fastest growing economy in the European Union according to the latest CSO figures and competition remained high throughout 2015, particularly in the SME sector. While businesses continue to be busy, we know the foundation for growth must include the management of costs and for most, energy costs are on the list. We regularly speak to our customers and the wider

protection against fluctuations in energy markets. These are available for gas and electricity and offer the opportunity to fix rates for the duration of the contract. • Standard variable price plans give customers the option to choose a tracking discount whereby it is possible to save the same percentage every month against Bord Gáis Energy’s standard rates. Regardless of energy rate fluctuation, the discount remains the same.

In terms of developments at Bord Gáis Energy, 2015 was a busy and successful year. This was nicely topped off by winning the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Energy Company of the Year Award, a significant achievement for the business team. We have placed huge focus on delivering for our business customers over the last 12 months and it’s great to be recognised for our Eddy Collier, CEO of Bord Gáis Energy, Dave Kirwan efforts. COO of Bord Gáis Energy and Minister Alex White at In the last 12 months, the Bord Gáis Energy conference we launched an online resource called the Bord Gáis Energy Business Hub SME community to identify and (bgebusinesshub.ie) where businesses understand their energy needs. This can access information, advice, expert feedback informs the development of insights and how-to guides on a range our products and services which are of topics including HR, sales, marketing created to give customers flexibility and technology. We also developed and choice. Some options include: a dedicated business care team to ensure customers have access to expert • F ully fixed price plans which offer assistance regarding any concern or control over costs and ensure InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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question they may have about energy. Also, in September 2015 we welcomed over 200 customers to our Nicky Doran, Marketing & Energy Services Controller, first ever Bord Gáis Energy business conference in the Aviva, with a theme of ‘Legendary Leadership brings Success’. Keep an eye out for details of our 2016 conference later in the year. We understand the challenging environment Irish businesses operate in today. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the SME sector, Bord Gáis Energy have established a partnership with the Small Firms Association’s Business Bytes seminar series, where SMEs have the opportunity to upskill and gain access to valuable expert advice for free. We also have a long heritage of supporting local communities in which businesses operate. We recently made a commitment to support the outstanding work of Focus Ireland in combating the significant issue of homelessness in this country. We will be donating a400,000 per year for the next three years to a total of a1.2 million, which will be used to help prevent family homelessness. We understand that this is a national problem and at Bord Gáis Energy, we want to be part of the solution. If you would like to find out more about any of our products, services, or supports, call one of our business care team members on 1850 211 907 or visit businessenergy.ie.

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238754 Trinity CC! YB JM.indd 1

15/02/2016 14:42

IB SURVEY TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

CREATING VALUE FOR IRELAND

Dr Chris Keely, Senior Business Development Manager, and Fionnuala Healy, Startup Development Manager, of Trinity Research & Innovation (Office of Corporate Partnership and Knowledge Exchange) talk impact creation.

ver the past two years, Trinity College Dublin, the university of Dublin, has focused its efforts to reach out to industry and the business community to develop close, mutually beneficial partnerships. As the top ranking university in Ireland, Trinity is home to world leading research, education and infrastructure, all of which can contribute towards supporting industry – from SMEs to MNCs, from short term projects to long term on-going collaborative projects. “Our mission is to try and develop very close relationships with industry and practically meet their needs,” explains Dr Keely. “It can be difficult for industry to know how to engage with universities; we want to streamline that, develop one access point to Trinity for potential industry partners. Essentially we are trying to take world-class research education and convert it into economic benefit. Trinity works collaboratively with industry stakeholders to share the relevant infrastructure and expertise required to tackle global industry challenges.” Over the last six years, 520 collaborative agreements have been signed with companies including GSK, Google, Intel, Movidius, and Sigmoid Pharma. Our collaborative agreements come from multiple sectors, including ICT, materials, pharmaceuticals, entertainment and media, business services, energy, transportation, food and telecommunications. Last year Google acquired one of Trinity’s leading technologies: Thrive, a personal 3D audio technology for InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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Dr Chris Keely, Senior Business Development Manager, Trinity Research & Innovation

Fionnuala Healy, Startup Development Manager, Trinity Research & Innovation

virtual reality applications. “We regularly meet with organisations like IBEC and the IRDG to ensure that companies know how to engage with us as sometimes the process can be cumbersome,” said Dr Keely. “We have over 400 industry partners in Trinity, and we work with SFI, the IDA, and Enterprise Ireland to help drive innovativeness and help companies develop the strengths required to be more competitive nationally and internationally. The importance of access to a talented researcher base which can be brought forward into employment cannot be over-stressed. Large companies such as Google and IBM are coming to Ireland because of the talent pool; workforces cannot be sustained on financial incentives alone.” Trinity has produced more spin-outs than any other Irish university; over 90 campus companies since 1985 and 36 in the last five years alone. Trinity’s strategy for innovation and entrepreneurship is providing greater focus on the entrepreneurial journey from research project to market

launch. Supporting the new strategy, Fionnuala Healy, Trinity’s Startup Development Manager, outlines: “With a history of successful campus companies such as Opsona, Havok, IdentiGEN, and Iona Technologies, it’s an exciting challenge to work with the next generation. We’ve learnt a lot from our previous spin-outs and have started to implement new best practice programmes and support infrastructures to increase the chances of success for our spin-out companies. “We’ve a lot of plans for 2016, with many programmes and initiatives in the pipeline to create and support disruptive new ventures that can realise social and economic impact from our research. Our campus companies have been very successful in raising venture capital, in excess of a130 million to date. My role was created to ensure that innovation spinning out of Trinity is ready for investment. Companies need to be appropriately structured to take a product to market and scale quickly when they achieve investment. Building the right team and ensuring the market is ready are key to success. Engaging with industry for everything from mentors and customer development to strategic partnerships is vital to the creation of viable businesses. “We have real world-class talent here in Trinity,” Dr Keely added. “We are open for business – the message to anyone looking to engage with the university is come on in and talk to us.” For further information visit tcd.ie/innovation.

15/02/2016 12:48

IB SURVEY ŠKODA IRELAND

BUILDING ON

PERFORMANCE With the latest addition of all-wheel drive, the ŠKODA Octavia RS makes one of the most complete cars available today even better.

he ŠKODA Octavia RS is one of Ireland’s favourite performance models and recently it saw the addition of the powerful 2.0 TSI 230 bhp model as the fastest version in the range. But there is now a new, perhaps more relevant flagship model for Ireland in the form of the Octavia RS 4x4 DSG. “Since the launch of the RS to Ireland, we have always had the question, from both media and customers alike, as to if and when this car would gain all-wheel drive, and thankfully this has now been answered positively with this new model,” said Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing for ŠKODA Ireland. “With the addition of all-wheel drive, which provides for improved grip and acceleration, this makes one of the most complete cars you can buy today even better.” The Octavia RS 4x4 is available with the 2.0-litre TDI 184bhp, which is the engine chosen by virtually all Octavia RS customers in Ireland and this is twinned with a six-speed DSG transmission. Power is distributed over the four wheels depending on the specific driving situation when the 4x4 technology is active. The wheels will not spin even when pulling away or accelerating rapidly. As with the standard front-wheel drive Octavia RS, the car features sports suspension with multi-link suspension and electronic differential lock XDS+ for dynamic cornering, progressive steering and numerous assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort.

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ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS: THE STATS

The Octavia RS with 4x4 and DSG accelerated faster to 100km/h than the front-wheel drive DSG equivalent (7.6 seconds vs 8.2 seconds) and a top speed of 228 km/h is possible. The maximum torque of 380 Nm is available between 1,750-3,250 rpm. Combined fuel economy figures are 4.9l/100km and this corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129g/km (Band B1 a270 annual motor tax). The Octavia RS 4x4 DSG can be

 Now with all-wheel drive and six-speed DSG  ŠKODA Octavia RS 2.0 TDI is now available with all-wheel drive and DSG  Best grip and acceleration: From 0 to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds; top speed 228 km/h  Priced from a39,395 - a40,395  Available as Liftback or Combi  More than 58,000 of the third-generation Octavia RS sold since 2013

ordered now from ŠKODA retailers nationwide. Prices are a39,395 for the Liftback and a40,395 for the Combi (Estate) model. For further details on ŠKODA Ireland, visit www.skoda.ie. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 12:48

IB SURVEY CLdN

ROLL ON,

ROLL OFF Koen Vanhentenrijk, Commercial Route Manager at CLdN ro-ro SA, delves into the topic of short sea ro-ro shipping.

f one thinks of shipping, the picture of enormous deep sea container vessels comes to mind. The speciality of CLdN ro-ro SA is a completely different discipline: short sea ro-ro shipping.

WHAT IS SHORT SEA RO-RO SHIPPING? Let’s first dive into ‘short sea shipping’. This is a modern term which refers to the movement of cargo mainly by sea along a coast, without crossing an ocean. For comparison, ‘deep sea shipping’ or ‘intercontinental shipping’ refers to maritime traffic that crosses oceans. Secondly the term ‘ro-ro’ stands for ‘roll-on / roll-off’, which basically means that the client’s equipment is rolled on the vessel to load it and rolled off the vessel to discharge it. This significantly improves the turnaround time of the vessel compared to a lo-lo vessel, where the containers are lifted on and off the vessel one by one. Another big advantage of a ro-ro service is the ability to accommodate a vast variety of equipment types. CLdN not only moves containers and tanks of all sizes, but also accompanied and unaccompanied trailers, (self-propelled) mobile machinery and even static cargo. An added bonus, which is currently being well recognised by the automotive industry, is CLdN’s capacity for volume shipments of new cars and vans.

THROUGH SHIPMENTS With its 24 owned vessels, CLdN InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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ro-ro operates road mile reducing services on various routes between Ireland and the continent and also between the UK and the continent. As all vessels call at the Port of Zeebrugge (BE) or the Port of Rotterdam (NL), CLdN offers easy and frequent through shipments with its own services out of Ireland or the UK to Sweden, Denmark and Portugal and vice versa: • Gothenburg (SE) – three sailings per week • Esbjerg (DK) – one sailing per week • Leixões (PT) – three sailings per week

IRELAND Out of Ireland, CLdN ro-ro currently offers three weekly sailings from Dublin to Rotterdam and three weekly sailings from Dublin to Zeebrugge and vice versa. This nice spread of sailings throughout the week ensures the rapid delivery of products and the quick turnaround of equipment, which can only assist with the commercial success and profitability of the customer’s business. On top of that the service directly links Ireland with the continent as an inevitable, ecologically friendly alternative to the more expensive and complex land bridge option, where the Irish Sea, the UK and the North Sea need to be crossed.

PORTUGAL AND SCANDINAVIA A priority of CLdN ro-ro is not only to constantly optimize its existing services, but also to investigate new possibilities. As a result CLdN has started a new service from Portugal to London and back (via Zeebrugge) since September 2015. This is in addition to the successful ro-ro sailings (two per week each way) between Rotterdam and Leixões (PT). More exciting developments are near to fruition.

NEW VESSELS CLdN have placed firm orders for two 8,000 lane meter ro-ro vessels, with a length of 235m, double the capacity of the majority of today’s larger short sea ro-ro vessels, and are also poised to place orders for further vessels of classes ranging between 4,700 and 8,000 lane meters. The orders will be spread across various yards, in Europe and in the Far East. The new vessels will follow CLdN’s proven methodology of combining high utilisation container and trailer decks with additional car decks to service their automotive clients. The first new built vessels will arrive in September 2017.

15/02/2016 12:47

INSURING

IRELAND

At IPB Insurance, we are proud to be Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only indigenous mutual insurer, owned by, and managed on behalf of our Local Authority and ETB Members. From the Cliffs of Moher to the Spire in Dublin, we have been protecting our Members and their communities nationwide, for 90 years.

working to make a difference | www.ipb.ie Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd. trading as IPB Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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For business in the UK, IPB Insurance is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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LEINSTER • MUNSTER • CONNAUGHT • ULSTER App brings 1916 Wicklow to life, Carlow in bid to connect to business and Louth takes action on broadband.

Investment In Tipp roads, Cork addresses power of solar and LimerickShannon receives EU funding boost.

Jobs boost for Mayo, REDZ project in Sligo and Manorhamilton street name to honour Rising volunteer.

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Scheme to support Cavan creatives, funding for Malin Head and investment in Letterkenny.

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06 BUSINESS ALIVE IN

LIMERICK Limerick City and County Council, alongside Limerick Chamber and other stakeholders, have been working tirelessly to attract inward investment to the Midwest region.

LOOK TO MEATH IN 2016 Meath means business, according to Meath County Council

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DRIVING THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA Dublin City Council is leading by example in its approach to sustainable energy practices

In Association with

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UPCOMING EVENTS LEINSTER

18TH - 28TH FEBRUARY Dublin International Film Festival Dublin City 29TH MARCH - 3RD APRIL International Pan Celtic Festival Co Carlow 26TH APRIL - 2ND MAY Drogheda Arts Festival Drogheda, Co Louth 2ND APRIL Bray Cliff Run Bray, Co Wicklow

COUNTY WICKLOW

COUNTY LOUTH

APP BRINGS 1916 LOUTH TAKES ACTION WICKLOW TO LIFE ON BROADBAND A new app called 1916 Wicklow Life has been launched to promote the 1916 centenary celebrations in the county. Engineered by Wicklow County Council, the app is available free of charge for smartphone or tablet users. The app gives users a glimpse of life in Co Wicklow during the year of the Easter Rising. Among its various capabilities, it provides weekly updates to the user, revealing a collection of newspaper clippings and photographs taken one century ago. The website version of the app can be found on www.1916wicklowlife.ie.

Junior Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash has launched the Louth Economic Forum Broadband Action Plan, marking the first county in Ireland to produce a countybroadband strategy in response to the National Broadband Plan. The Louth Economic Forum’s strategy runs until 2020 and aims to build on the significant progress achieved in recent years in broadband across the county. Speaking at the launch which took place in Ardee in late January, Louth County Council’s Joan Martin said Louth is the third best broadbandenabled county in Ireland, behind Dublin and Kildare.

COUNTY CARLOW

COUNTY WEXFORD

NEW PUBLIC PARK IN GOREY GIVEN GREEN LIGHT Wexford County Council has announced that it is to spend a1.2 million in 2016 on transforming Gorey Showgrounds and Gorey Town Park into a single park. Plans which were unveiled to councillors at a recent meeting of Gorey Municipal District committee include two open playing fields on the Showgrounds side, an amphitheatre for outdoor events and informal play with seating for spectators, a marsh or wetland area with a boardwalk, a sensory avenue, and a woodland type habitat around the edges.

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CARLOW IN BID TO CONNECT Local businesses have joined forces with Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office and ConnectIreland to showcase why people should spread the word about the county as a business location. The ConnectIreland project encourages people to reach out to their networks to see if they know any international companies considering expansion. Two local firms took part in a specially commissioned promotional video alongside Kieran Comerford of Carlow County Council’s LEO, which is available to view on the Local Enterprise Office’s YouTube Channel.

Companies That Have Connected Through ConnectIreland

• Skellig • Automation • Magni Group Inc • Pepper • Lobo Leasing • Mafic

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 11:51

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS NEWS: MUNSTER COUNTY TIPPERARY

INVESTMENT IN TIPP ROADS Tipperary County Council is expected to receive a3.35m from Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the purpose of maintaining and improving primary and secondary roads in the county. Tipperary TD Noel Coonan welcomed the announcement as a much needed investment in Tipperary’s road infrastructure and said such Government support is vital for the economic growth of the local community. COUNTY CORK

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WHAT’S ON IN

MUNSTER

26TH - 28TH FEBRUARY Ortus Chamber Music Festival Co. Cork 4TH - 6TH MARCH 1848 Tricolour Celebration Co Waterford 7TH - 12TH MARCH Fresh Film Festival Co Limerick 17TH - 20TH MARCH Dingle International Film Festival Dingle, Co Kerry

Energy Cork Chair Michael Quirk and David Maguire, Irish Solar Energy Association at Ireland’s Solar Power Future Conference

CORK ADDRESSES POWER OF SOLAR MORE THAN 350 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES ascended on Cork on January 29th to attend Ireland’s Solar Energy Future conference hosted by Energy Cork. The interest and appetite for solar power in Ireland was evident at the event which was held at the Clarion Hotel. Speakers on the day included John Mullins, Chair of Port of Cork and CEO of Amerenco and Thomas Döring of Solar Power Europe. Organised by Energy Cork – an initiative funded by Cork City Council and Cork County Council through their respective Economic Development Funds and supported by Cork Chamber – this was the largest conference on solar power held in Ireland devoted to the discussion of the solar photovoltaic industry.

COUNTY KERRY

LIGHTING UP KERRY Kerry County Council has announced that it will be investing a2 million in the lighting structures of the region in 2016. The decision came after the local authority decided the current lighting was dated and therefore too costly to maintain. A new contract for lighting maintenance will be tendered later in the year. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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COUNTY LIMERICK

LIMERICK-SHANNON RECEIVES EU FUNDING BOOST Limerick City and County Council, as lead designated authority in collaboration with Clare County Council, have secured a4.5m in EU funding from the Southern Regional Assembly’s Operational Programme 20142020 to support sustainable urban development in the Limerick-Shannon Gateway. Approximately a4.1m will be spent to revitalise O’Connell Street. “In a time of renewed optimism, this call for priority sustainable urban development projects constitutes an important opportunity to not only consolidate progress to date but also to stimulate further investment in the Gateway,” said Conn Murray, Chief Executive, Limerick City and County Council.

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WHAT’S ON IN

COUNTY SLIGO

CONNAUGHT 6TH - 14TH MARCH Western Drama Festival Co Sligo 18TH - 20TH MARCH Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival, Co Mayo 29TH APRIL - 1ST MAY Connemara Mussel Festival Renvyle, Co Galway 29TH APRIL - 4TH MAY Roscommon Lamb Festival Co Roscommon

REDZ PROJECT IN SLIGO AN ECONOMIC PLAN FOR TUBBERCURRY and the surrounding area will be key to the area’s regeneration, according to County Council Cathaoirleach Rosaleen O’Grady. She was speaking during a visit to the town by Minister of State Ann Phelan to Teach Laighne for a briefing on a Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Project for the town. REDZ aims to encourage a more tailored approach to economic planning at local level, and increase the level of local input in relation to the planning and delivery of agreed economic development initiatives.

What is REDZ? A Rural Economic Development Zone is described as a functional rather than administrative geographic area that reflects the spatial patterns of local economic activities and development processes, i.e. they are the sub-county zones within which most people live and work.

COUNTY GALWAY

COUNCIL CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORK Galway City Council has moved to establish a multi-party framework for architectural and civil works – including residential construction – worth around a38m. The local authority is seeking tenders from interested contractors who are capable of delivering architectural, civil and building services. The City Council says successful bidders will be responsible for the delivery of all construction works for the initial contract, and contracts under the framework agreement.

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COUNTY LEITRIM

STREET NAME TO HONOUR RISING VOLUNTEER Leitrim County Councillors have unanimously agreed to a proposal to change the name of Lower Main St, Manorhamilton in honour of 1916 Proclamation signatory, Seán MacDiarmada. The proposal will see the street renamed Street Seán McDermott (Sraid Seán Mac Diarmada). Independent Cllr Felim Gurn said that the local historical society had been looking at ways to commemorate Seán Mac Diarmada and the heroes of 1916.

COUNTY MAYO

JOBS BOOST FOR MAYO Environmental services group Veoila, which operates the Killala biomass site in Co Mayo, is expected to create over 300 jobs in the region within in the next five years. The news of further job creation has been welcomed by Mayo County Council. The biomass company currently employs 500 people in the area and is seeking to hire a further 40 new staff members for its Killala plant. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 11:51

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS NEWS: ULSTER COUNTY CAVAN

SCHEME TO SUPPORT LOCAL CREATIVES Cavan Arts Council has announced the launch of a scheme to encourage local creative talent and community awareness. The Artists in the Community scheme will offer two separate rounds of funding in 2016 to enable artists and communities to collaborate on projects of interest. The projects can focus on a diverse range of social issues or community interest. The areas of art being accepted for consideration include architecture, circus, street art and spectacle, dance, film, literature and opera. For more details visit www.cavanarts.ie.

COUNTY CAVAN

NEW A113K SKATEPARK FOR CAVAN TOWN Work on the eagerly awaited a113,000 skateboard park at the Con Smith Park in Cavan Town is set to get underway in early spring. Cavan County Council has awarded the tender to Bristol company, Canvas Spaces Limited, which boasts over 10 years of experience in creating skateparks. The project is expected to take six weeks to complete.

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WHAT’S ON IN ULSTER

9TH APRIL Shore 2 Summit Adventure Race Buncrana, Co Donegal 29TH APRIL Cavan Walking Festival Co Cavan 29TH APRIL - 2ND MAY Cup of Tae Festival Ardara, Co Donegal 29TH APRIL - 2ND MAY Great Lighthouses of Ireland Shine a Light on Summer Fanad Head, Co Donegal

COUNTY DONEGAL

A400K IN FUNDING FOR MALIN HEAD Donegal County Council has been awarded almost a400,000 to further develop the visitor facilities at Malin Head. Both local Government and Fáilte Ireland will work in partnership to ensure the site reaches its full tourism potential and that the facilities along the key attraction of the Wild Atlantic Way are to a standard of excellence. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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INVESTMENT IN LETTERKENNY VISIT MALIN HEAD Known as Ireland’s most northerly coastline, Malin Head has a long cultural history steeped in local folklore that attracts hundreds of tourists each year. Home to rugged coastlines and some of the largest sand dunes in Europe, it sells itself as the ideal holiday destination for the active tourist with a taste for adventure.

Donegal County Council has welcomed the announcement that it is to receive a2 million in funding from the ERDF Designated Urban Centres Grant Scheme 2014-2020. The grant will be used on a number of projects in Letterkenny, including the Joe Bonner Link Road, the new social enterprise building, and the town centre as it receives an upgrade in linkages through footpaths and enhanced walking infrastructure.

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BUSINESS ALIVE AND WELL in Limerick Limerick City and County Council, alongside Limerick Chamber and other stakeholders, have been working tirelessly to attract inward investment to the Midwest region.

he business landscape in Limerick has been undergoing huge change of late. Increased job numbers, for example, created by a mix of indigenous and multinational companies, has been accompanied by huge investment in the region – around a1.3 billion. Mobile ride hail company Uber recently opened its first centre of excellence outside of the United States on Thomas Street in Limerick city. The centre will support the 36 European, Middle East and African cities in which Uber operates, and will employ hundreds of staff once fully operational. The reorganisation of the Shannon Group, meanwhile, continues to deliver growth for the region, while Limerick’s success as Ireland’s National City of Culture in 2014, also ensures that Limerick remains a key focal point for cultural activity, enhancing quality of life. “Significantly for Limerick Chamber and our members, 2015 marked a turning point in the post boom austerity with a growth in both business and consumer confidence, allowing for positivity in businesses across the region. There were a

number of significant job and investment announcements in 2015 for the region, with incumbents such as Northern Trust, Analog, J&J, Dell and others investing and expanding their operations here,” said Orlaith Borthwick, Director of Policy at Limerick Chamber, which celebrated its historic 200th anniversary last year. “Limerick is proving to be an attractive location for many reasons – we offer an unparalleled quality of life for staff, we have an international airport

LIMERICK 2030 A key focus for Limerick has been the continued development of the Limerick 2030 Economic & Spatial plan, which outlines a 15-year vision to revitalise the Limerick region, and which is already producing results. At least 6,500 new jobs have been secured for Limerick over the past two years, numerous strategic sites and locations have been purchased and secured to anchor major new projects, and almost 500,000 sq ft of new, world class office and enterprise space is in development to support this new investment drive.

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FEATURE

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with daily connectivity to Europe and the US and we are a city and region with a vision; currently undergoing a1bn in strategic capital investments.” It’s a viewpoint echoed by those working within the recently amalgamated Limerick City and County Council, who have been working tirelessly to entice investment and bolster Limerick’s reputation as a viable and attractive location in which to do business. “Over 6,500 jobs have been created by indigenous and multinational companies, close to a1.3bn has been invested, and 500,000 sq ft of knowledge and office space is under development,” explains Conn Murray, CEO, Limerick City and County Council. “Limerick is a long established and proven location for international business with over 14,500 people working in 116 overseas companies. We have a 15-year plan – Limerick 2030 Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick – that aims to transform Limerick through the economic,

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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social and physical renaissance of Limerick City Centre and the wider county and Midwest region.” To that end, a new in-house investment unit has been established, ‘Innovate Limerick’ (a new innovation company), aimed at opening up innovation channels and connections, while both public and private business networks in Limerick are working hard to make Limerick the investment location of choice for scaling national and international companies – highlighting features which include a proactive and supportive local authority, excellent business infrastructure, a young and dynamic population profile, continued investment in skills, connectivity not just to the rest of Ireland, but the US, UK and Europe, as well as the provision of high quality of life. “Limerick is an exciting place to be right now, and Limerick Chamber look forward to leading the business community along the journey,” Borthwick concludes.

“LIMERICK IS PROVING TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR MANY REASONS – WE OFFER AN UNPARALLELED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR STAFF, WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH DAILY CONNECTIVITY TO EUROPE AND THE US AND WE ARE A CITY AND REGION WITH A VISION; CURRENTLY UNDERGOING €1BN IN STRATEGIC CAPITAL INVESTMENTS.” 7

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The Customer’s CHOICE Vhi provides a comprehensive healthcare insurance offering to its customers across Limerick and the Mid-West.

hi is Ireland’s leading health insurer with over 1 million customers, and has been looking after the healthcare needs of its customers in Limerick and the Mid-West for more than five decades. Vhi’s diverse product range offers customers health insurance plans for every life stage, dental and travel plans, occupational health services, the best in urgent-care medical facilities and a unique hospital-inthe-home service. Vhi’s General Manager – Retail, Gearoid Gilley said: “Vhi continues to provide support to our customers in many different ways. For example, during 2014 we paid out more than a1.377 billion in total claims for our customers nationwide. Nearly a183 million of this was for the treatment of cancer patients and

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a149m for customers needing orthopaedic procedures like new hips, knees, repairs to fractures and back problems. During the same period, Vhi provided over a23m worth of medical care [to] customers with cancer living in Limerick and the entire Mid-West region.” He added, “For the business community of Limerick and the Mid-West, Vhi has over the years been to the forefront in providing support for the biggest and most ambitious community-focused projects including sponsorship of the Chamber Business Awards, Limerick City of Culture, and the Limerick Women’s’ Mini-Marathon.”

COMPREHENSIVE CARE Of particular interest to business customers, Vhi also provides a corporate wellness programme to companies with on-site health screening and support services. The LiveWell Health Screening programme is nurse-led and involves the employee attending a 15-minute

appointment without ever having to leave the work premises. During the appointment employees are assessed for height, weight and body mass index (BMI), blood sugars, cholesterol, blood pressure, HbA1c tests and a prescreening lifestyle questionnaire. A doctor will review any high risk reports. Additionally, on-site wellness screenings record trends on the level of physical activity at work, outside work, smoking prevalence, perceived stress levels, perceived eating habits and body mass index. Each employee receives a detailed and confidential health assessment report immediately after the screening. An aggregate report is issued to the employer providing the key findings of the overall health status of the company. This initiative has proven to be very popular with employers and figures show that in 2015 almost 9,000 employees have been screened under this programme. In addition, Vhi is the only insurer that owns and operates dedicated screening facilities, (situated in Dublin and Cork) which are JCI accredited – to the highest degree of clinical standards. These tests and screenings are designed to help customers better understand and manage their health. As well as providing screening for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, the Vhi Medical Centres also offer a range of health screening packages to suit both individual and corporate customers. For Vhi members, it is important to note that the HeartCheck and CancerCheck screenings are free of charge for those on HealthPlus plans. According to Gearoid Gilley, “In 2016, Vhi plan on continuing to drive innovation, manage costs and proactively improve the health and wellbeing of our customers.” InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS HLB MCKEOGH GALLAGHER RYAN

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Supporting Irish Business Accountancy firm HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan offers a comprehensive range of services from Limerick.

hamber member HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan is a firm of accountants and business advisers led by three experienced financial professionals – Mary McKeogh (CTA), Eoin Gallagher (FCA) and Eoin Ryan (ACA, CTA). It is a full-service firm providing audit, tax, advisory and corporate recovery services across Ireland from their base in Limerick city. The firm experienced significant growth since opening in 2012, moving into landmark Georgian offices at

45 O’Connell Street in 2015. They provide a range of services nationwide ranging from audit, tax, restructuring, banking and refinancing to valuations, M+A, EIIS fundraising and structuring. As a member of HLB International, they have access to a network with over 600 offices in 130 countries. Their diverse client base and sectoral expertise means they work with indigenous companies, owner operators, multinationals, financial institutions and private individuals working across diverse sectors including healthcare, retail, crèches, leisure and tourism, food and agri-business, security and wind and renewable energy. An active member of Limerick (where Eoin Ryan is a Director), Shannon and Dublin Chambers, the firm believes

in the importance of the Chamber as a networking facilitator and driver of the regional business agenda.

We are advisers who know and understand business We are close to our clients because their success is our success

Infinity Vision Limited t/a HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan is authorised by Chartered Accountants Ireland to carry on Investment Business

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Factories of the FUTURE Further expansion, a new, dedicated R&D facility and heavy involvement in the Industry 4.0 movement are among the projects in the pipeline for Limerick-based DesignPro Ltd.

stablished in 2004, DesignPro is a leading provider of specialist machine-building and automation services, allowing clients across a variety of industries to reduce costs while also increasing efficiency and output. 2015 marked several significant milestones – moving to much larger premises, winning the Best SME Award at the Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards and securing contracts with some of the most renowned international companies. Since the move to much larger (125,000 ft²) premises in July 2015,

Multi-Award-Winning Company

30,000 ft² has been completely renovated and is fully operational, making DesignPro one of the largest machine building facilities in Ireland. “We are proud to call multinationals like Abbott, P&G, Millipore, Valeo and Nestlé our loyal customers. Our new R&D facility and our current involvement in the Industry 4.0 project

really cements our commitment to staying on top of the latest trends and technologies,” says Paul Collins, Managing Director of DesignPro Ltd. The dedicated R&D centre will allow for project trials, advanced robotic simulations and increased employee training. DesignPro is also heavily involved in a Factory 4.0 Research Pilot Line which is playing a large part in establishing the Industry 4.0 movement in Ireland. DesignPro’s motto: ‘The Best way to Predict the Future is to Create it’.

“WE ARE PROUD TO CALL MULTINATIONALS LIKE ABBOTT, P&G, MILLIPORE, VALEO, NESTLE AND MANY MORE, OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. OUR NEW R&D FACILITY AND OUR CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY 4.0 PROJECT REALLY CEMENTS OUR COMMITMENT TO STAYING ON TOP OF THE LATEST TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES.”

PRECISION AUTOMATION & MACHINE BUILD SPECIALISTS DesignPro Ltd Rathkeale Industrial Estate, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, Ireland Phone: +353 (0)69 67150 Email: sales@designpro.ie www.designpro.ie

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15/02/2016 11:39

we’ve been

You’re not alone when it comes to coping www.turn2me.org

Forums, group support, 1to1 counselling, iphone enabled

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Driving the

Sustainability Agenda Dublin City Council has combined technical expertise, innovation and citizen engagement to deliver a range of energy-saving projects across a number of key areas.

s the largest local authority in Ireland, Dublin City Council recognises that it must lead by example in its committed and innovative approach to sustainable energy practices. While the requirement of a 33 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2020 sets a real challenge for the public sector, Dublin City Council is on track to meet this target and has already achieved substantial energy savings of 20.2 per cent since 2009. Working with the Dublin energy agency Codema, the Council has combined technical expertise, innovation and citizen engagement in delivering a range of energy-saving projects across a number of key areas.

INNOVATION Dublin City Council’s Community, Culture, Economic and Emergency Services department is leading the way in championing Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) in public buildings. EPC is the contracting of an Energy Services Company (ESCo) to deliver energy services in a building with guaranteed energy savings and up until now, has been a relatively unknown business model in Ireland. Together with Codema, the CRAC department is currently tendering for Ireland’s first local authority EPC contract for three Dublin City Council leisure centres (Ballymun, Finglas & Markievicz). This will also include close monitoring and assistance

with the leisure centre managers throughout the process. When the work is complete, the three buildings will achieve an average energy saving of approximately 30 per cent, with a total savings value of around a190,000. Dublin city’s fire brigades also present great opportunity for future EPC projects and a full analysis of this will be carried out during 2016.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Dublin City Council has recently installed photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of its civic offices and also on three public library branches; Coolock, Raheny and Cabra library. PV panels are currently being installed on Irishtown Sports Centre and when completed, the combined projects will save an estimated 136 megawatt hours per year, which is the equivalent to over a20,000 cost savings per year. The project was driven by the City Architects and Corporate Services departments which will continue to work with Codema in monitoring the progress of the systems and to identify further suitable Council buildings in 2016.

ENERGY MAPPING

Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8

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Codema has recently produced the first Spatial Energy Demand Analysis (SEDA) for Dublin City on behalf of the Council. This report involves the mapping of local energy demand (i.e. household energy, commercial energy) and matching this to the best locally available resources in order to find the most sustainable solutions for current and future energy consumption trends. This InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 11:36

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL

is extremely important as there is currently a huge disconnect between traditional planning and sustainable energy planning. The SEDA addresses this problem directly, enabling Dublin City Council to make strategic decisions on how energy will be provided for in the city region and presenting real opportunities for energy and CO2 savings in line with EU targets. The key findings of this research included: • The total energy demand of the residential, commercial and municipal sectors in Dublin, including a detailed visualisation of areas in the city where heat demand, electricity use and fossil fuel use are particularly high so that targeted solutions can be found for these specific locations. • A detailed analysis which identified over 75 per cent of areas in the city as suitable for district heating. Considering that three quarters of the energy use in all the buildings analysed is attributed to heating demand (5.1 terawatt-hours), this report highlighted the huge opportunity to reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels through the provision of a citywide district heating system. • The identification of areas most at risk of energy poverty in Dublin City, enabling the Council to prioritise these areas for retrofitting. • The suitability of renewable resources and, in particular, the potential for solar energy production in the city. For example, just 1m sq of solar PV installation on all houses and bungalows in Dublin city would provide 20 per cent of the average household’s electricity requirements and save a250 per year on electricity bills. • A detailed Building Energy Rating (BER) analysis highlighting the huge number of dwellings in the city with poor energy ratings.

CLIMATE CHANGE InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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Dublin City Council recognises that its effort in reducing carbon emissions locally is paramount in addressing the global issue of climate change. It is within this context that the Council has set up a Climate Change Sub-Committee to develop a new strategy to address both climate adaptation and mitigation in the city which will be in line with the Government’s new climate change bill. The Council is also currently involved in an EU application for funding to promote low carbon water management practices and strengthen flood resiliencies locally.

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Public Libraries will launch the Home Energy Saving Kits which have been developed by Dublin’s energy agency Codema and contain six practical tools to help the public save energy at home. This is the first time that such a scheme has been introduced into Ireland, with the kits available to borrow free of charge in ten library branches across the city. For further details on Dublin City Council’s energy-saving initiatives, please visit www.dublincity.ie or www.codema.ie

ENERGY AWARENESS Dublin City Council’s ongoing ‘Think Energy’ campaign reinforces the idea that along with ‘smart technology’ you need ‘smart people’ who have the information and means to change their behaviour in order to maximise energy savings. The campaign has been running for three years and in 2015 was extended into the Dublin City library network, with a series of energy-saving workshops for adults and renewable energy Lego workshops for primary school children. In June 2015, the Council held its largest energy awareness events to date with the launch of the 5Cube and the Dublin City Energy Fair. The 5Cube is Ireland’s first renewable energy design feature and represents the 437 barrels of oil consumed in Ireland every five minutes. Located in Hanover Quay in the heart of Dublin’s Sustainable Energy Community, the 5Cube aims to get citizens thinking about our reliance on fossil fuels and the need to switch to cleaner, renewable sources. The Dublin City Energy Fair was held in Civic Offices and featured a range of interactive displays to highlight the benefits of sustainable energy in an innovative and engaging way to Council staff and the wider public. Both events were organised as part of Dublin City Council’s involvement in the INTERREG IVB Ace project, which aims to promote renewable nd sustainable energy across northwest Europe. In March this year, Dublin City

Gerry Wardell, CEO, Codema, John Ryan, Corporate Services Department, DCC and Eamon Duffy, City Architects Department, DCC pictured on the roof of the Civic Offices following a recent installation of PV panels

“WHILE THE REQUIREMENT OF A 33 PER CENT REDUCTION IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY 2020 SETS A REAL CHALLENGE FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR, DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL IS ON TRACK TO MEET THIS TARGET AND HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED SUBSTANTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS OF 20.2 PER CENT SINCE 2009.” 13

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LOOK TO MEATH IN

2016

Meath means business, according to Meath County Council, as it strengthens its efforts to drive economic development in the year ahead.

eath County Council hit the ground running in 2015, officially launching its Economic Development Strategy 2014-2022 which will accelerate Meath’s economic transformation, revitalisation and sustainable development. Meath is on a mission to create 7,500 new jobs by 2022 to serve its well educated and growing population, which is only one of many unique selling points for the Royal County. Meath’s cost competitive location within the Greater Dublin Region, outstanding connectivity for local, national and international trade, business infrastructure, access to a critical mass of talent and top tourist attractions showcasing the excellent quality of life available, are all driving forces in encouraging businesses to set up or relocate to the county. One area of strength that Meath County Council and Meath Enterprise have recognised is the food and drinks industry which is prominent in Meath and the Boyne Valley region. The success of these businesses locally, nationally and internationally contributed to the conception of the Boyne Valley Food Hub Project. This regional project seeks to locate a food hub and innovation centre on the outskirts of Navan which will accelerate innovation and research through collaborative partnerships. This will result in the development of scalable, sustainable and profitable food and agri business with high growth and export potential. Meath County Council acknowledges that nurturing innovation is key to attracting and developing enterprise as well as encouraging sustainable job creation

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and a better society. Meath County Council is proud to organise, support and sponsor initiatives aimed at fuelling entrepreneurship and economic development including the annual Meath Enterprise Week, Meath Business and Tourism Awards, the national Start Up Gathering Initiative and the Boyne Valley Food Series, which has grown in strength since its inaugural programme of events in 2013 and was nominated in the top ten for Foodie Town 2015. Meath County Council was shortlisted for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2015 for its work alongside Kells and District Chamber of Commerce and Age Friendly Ireland in establishing the Kells Age Friendly Business Recognition Scheme which advises businesses on how they can enhance the retail experience of their mature customers. The Council continues to recognise and support Meath’s budding student entrepreneurs who can greatly impact the future economic success of Meath. Support was also given to Navan Chamber of Commerce in achieving the prestigious Purple Flag status in 2015 for Navan’s evening and night-time economy. Meath County Council is confident

that 2016 will see Meath continue to prosper with Kells proving an attractive location due to its designation under the Regional Aid Map 2014-2020 which provides aid opportunities to enterprises locating in the area. The Council’s budget for 2016 includes the extension of the Small Business Support Scheme to encourage and support small businesses by giving them a reduction on their annual commercial rates bills of a5,000 or less. For eight consecutive years commercial rates remain unchanged. Meath has more than its rich culture and heritage to offer. Meath means business and Meath County Council is strengthening its efforts to drive economic development with aims to increase investment targets by 40 per cent and boost foreign direct investment by 15 per cent. The production of two new promotional videos for Meath encapsulates the unique selling points that make Meath an attractive investment location. For more information on why you should ‘Make it Meath’ as your business location, you can visit www. meath.ie/business and view our promotional videos. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 11:36

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL

We have a wide range of nationalities living locally with 37 languages spoken as a first language which offers language skill set to support any global business operating in Meath. Tayto Park is one of the top 10 visitor attractions in Ireland.

57%

Critical Mass of Talent 1.8m people in the region = 40% of the country.

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LOCATION: The number one advantage for operating a business in Co. Meath followed by proximity to capital city and access to clients

BUS AND RAIL SERVICES: Access to major cities and towns in Ireland

42%

Knowledge Economy 8 higher education institutes = 57% of all postgraduates.

40%

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PORT TUNNEL: Dedicated route for Heavy Goods Vehicles between the port, located in the heart of the national gateway (capital city of Dublin) and the national road network via the M50 Interchange

Labour Force 910,000 people = 42% of the country.

ALMOST

80% Almost 80% of Meath businesses surveyed are ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with being located in Meath.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: 30 minutes travel time to Europe’s sixth largest airport for transatlantic connectivity 21.7 million passengers annually; 161 destinations globally

ACCOMMODATION: Over 1,000 serviced accommodation bedspaces, 65% of which are hotel spaces

MOTORWAY: 4 of the 6 primary motorways to the national capital city including the Belfast-Dublin Economic Corridor

PORT: 1.7 million ferry passengers and 140,000 visitors on 86 cruise ships annually. Kells Regional Aid Area

CONGESTION-FREE: No congestion & guaranteed journey times.

Business Supports

50%

Ready to go Business and Technology Parks

GDA CONTRIBUTION TO TOTAL GVA Quality of life

Domestically / locally-traded activities

Manufacturing /engineering Tourism and hospitality Retail and wholesale Transport, logistics and distribution Property and construction

National strengths and convergence opportunities

Agri-food ICT Med-tech Pharma-chem Internationally-traded services

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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STRONG ENTERPRISE MIX IN SECTORS

Mature sectors

Emerging opportunities and untapped potential

Green economy / clean-tech Arts, entertainment and recreation Education

Meath forms part of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) with 50% Gross Value Added (GVA) of Ireland in this region.

32% INDUSTRY

57% SERVICES

13%

AGRICULTURE

Professional and business services Medical services Personal services

(GDA contribution to total GVA)*

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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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15/02/2016 11:27

IB SURVEY PORT OF CORK

PORT OF CORK in Confident Mood Aidan Fleming

The Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company reported 11 million tonnes of trade traffic in 2015, a sign that trade is returning to prerecession figures.

otal trade traffic at the Port of Cork reached 9.8 million tonnes in 2015, up a significant 10 per cent on 2014 traffic figures. Meanwhile, Bantry Bay Port Company dropped slightly from 1.3 million tonnes in 2014 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2015. These figures mean that total traffic through the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company in 2015 reached a total of 11 million tonnes, which is extremely positive news for the port, showing that trade is returning to pre-recession rates. The latest figures also show that total container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy container terminals in the Port of Cork grew by 8 per cent compared to 2014 figures with over 205,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled. This is very encouraging, particularly as the port received planning permission to move all container operations to Ringaskiddy in the near future. Dry bulk cargos such as animal feed increased by 2 per cent in 2015 while fertilisers and cereals both decreased slightly. Commenting on the 2015 trade traffic results, Port of Cork Chairman John Mullins said: “We are pleased with the total trade traffic figures across both Bantry and Cork in 2015. Achieving traffic figures which are in line with pre-recessionary time highlights the beginning of the positivity returning to the market and I am confident that we can sustain InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

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Cork Harbour

this growth across 2016.” The Port of Cork cruise business grows year on year with 55 scheduled cruise liners calling to Cork in 2015. In total these liners carried in excess of 145,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are an excellent economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a welcome boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. The Port of Cork has completed work on upgrading the facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal and can now handle quantum class vessels, which are the largest liners operating in Europe today. The Port of Cork continues to work closely with cruise lines to increase calls to both Port of Cork and Bantry Bay. In 2015 the Port of Cork was granted planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment which is a milestone for the Port of Cork and particularly the Munster region. According to Mullins, receiving planning permission for Ringaskiddy has given the

Achieving traffic figures which are in line with prerecessionary time highlights the beginning of the positivity returning to the market and I am confident that we can sustain this growth across 2016.

organisation a renewed confidence in the future of trade for the Cork region. “Not only is this a great boost for our company but most importantly for our customers, who can now confidently plan for the future knowing the port has the capacity to accommodate their growth.” It is estimated that 849 full-time equivalent jobs will be created during the construction of the Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Project which the port aims to have operating by Q4 2018. The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities in 2016, with the agrifood industry a key sector which it is keen to develop. Other areas include the offshore oil exploration field and establishing new trade links for Cork.

15/02/2016 12:47

IB SURVEY DHL

Can SMEs break borders

successfully?

Despite the opportunities offered by air travel, telecommunications networks and the internet, it looks like globalisation is still principally being driven by the big players.

Bernard McCarthy, Managing Director, DHL Express Ireland, discusses cross-border trading.

rading across borders can be a time-consuming, complex and risky business. Researching market opportunities, finding partners and distribution channels, negotiating licences and permits, navigating customs, establishing production and building a customer base in an overseas market usually require considerable financial firepower, resources and political connections, all factors that favour heavyweight businesses. Stepping into the international ring with them, entrepreneurs and small businesses are in for a gruelling fight with the odds stacked against them.

BARRIERS A research paper issued by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Breaking Borders, also paints a rather gloomy picture about the international trading environment for SMEs. The companies surveyed highlighted a large number of barriers standing in the way of their global expansion. Infrastructure problems, prohibitive costs of establishing operations and networks abroad, bureaucracy, corruption and political instability were all cited as reasons for not entering overseas markets. Of those that were venturing abroad, the vast majority were doing so very tentatively, and most SMEs expand into markets similar to their own. Despite the opportunities offered by air travel, telecommunications networks and the internet, it looks like globalisation is still principally being driven by the big players.

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BREACHING BORDERS

Bernard McCarthy, Managing Director, DHL Express Ireland

The EIU paper also offers a mixed assessment of the world’s growth markets. China remains the most attractive developing market for the majority of SMEs, mainly because of its enormous consumer base and the country’s economic policies, which continue to support growth. There are reservations, however, about the appeal of Africa, with 40 per cent of surveyed companies saying that they see no potential in the continent. At the same time, despite the doom and gloom, the paper still revealed a positive outlook. Most of the SMEs intend to generate over 50 per cent of their revenue from outside their home market within five years. Part of the reason could be defensive – as globalisation has taken hold and markets have opened up, competition has intensified for smaller businesses. Domestic economies in most markets have also slowed or stagnated, which has put their margins under pressure, and this is forcing businesses to look abroad to grow.

So how can SMEs go global without the financial muscle and manpower of bigger companies? Breaking Borders reveals that it takes resourcefulness, partnerships, a robust supply chain and the ability to make your size work in your favour. DHL was a brash, upstart small business once. Thanks to an aggressive international expansion in the 1970s and 1980s and a ‘first mover’ philosophy, we have grown into one of the world’s most international companies. That was a different time, and we’re a very different company today, but we still have a keen eye for the opportunities of international trade. For any small business doubting their ability to tap into Africa’s growth story, for example, we would say that the challenges are indeed there but, as the experiences of many of our customers who are trading successfully with the region show, they are by no means insurmountable. SMEs may have to learn to compete in different ways and to make best use of all resources available to them in order to hold their own on the world stage. However, with good planning, a well-designed supply chain, a clear understanding of their competitive strengths and the right mind-set, even the most lightweight of businesses can outperform the global heavyweights. InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

15/02/2016 12:47

IB SURVEY QUALITY AND QUALIFICATIONS IRELAND

QQI AWARD.

Know it when you see it. The new QQI Award heralds the best in education and training.

uality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) was established in 2012 as a result of the amalgamation of a number of predecessor organisations; among them two awarding bodies, FETAC and HETAC, which were well-known to learners, providers, employers and the general public. QQI was conscious that it was important to ensure that the value of the qualifications awarded by these bodies was maintained in the transition to a new QQI award brand. To help build that understanding and confidence, we first coupled the QQI Award brand with references to

Dr Padraig Walsh, CEO, QQI

InBUSINESS | YEARBOOK 2016

083 InBusiness YB 2016_QQI.indd 83

were very pleased that the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan T.D., was in attendance to present commemorative certificates to learners from across the country who represented achievement at all ten levels of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The event was a keen reminder of the significance of qualifications and the importance of ensuring that the national, statutory and quality assured nature of QQI awards is known to learners, providers, employers and the general public. For further information on the QQI Award Launch please visit http://www.qqiaward.com. Press, radio, and events are obviously important elements in this promotional campaign, but we are also increasing our use of the QQI website to promote the brand and to direct providers Our ambition to further information is to increase on usage of the Award our information and brand and logo. The communication activities, and carousel at the top of the QQI website www.QQI. to improve the quality and effectiveness of our interaction ie draws direct attention to the promotional with stakeholders. campaign. Our ambition is to increase our information and used as advertisements communication activities, and to in national newspapers improve the quality and effectiveness of and for promotional our interaction with stakeholders such posters. The stories as providers and employers. In this created around the context, we wish to highlight one of the characters are also organisational goals in our recentlythe subject of radio published Strategy Statement 2016-18 advertisements which whereby we seek to ensure that the have commenced on National Framework of Qualifications national radio stations. (NFQ) and its qualifications are used In order to further to develop education and training highlight the new programmes with clear occupational QQI Award brand, we and educational purposes and learning held a launch event outcomes for informed career and on November 18th in other choices by learners. the Aviva stadium. We

FETAC and HETAC. Following this transitional period, we now believe it is time to promote the statutory QQI Award brand in its own right. Creating awareness of any brand takes time and needs to be approached in more than one way. In autumn 2015, a number of initiatives were undertaken at both a national and a provider level, which will be built upon over the duration of the 20 month campaign. The strapline for the promotion campaign is QQI Award. Know it when you see it. Building on this idea, a series of promotional images have been designed which focus on the QQI certificate and on a series of characters that speak about reaping the benefits of education and training in their chosen paths. These images are being

15/02/2016 12:46

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