North Kildare Chamber Chronicle

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

KILDARE BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 MAYNOOTH GOES PURPLE

North Kildare

CHAMBER IN BUSINESS FOR BUSINESS

PAGE // 1

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

CORPORATE PARTNERS 2017

work space life

*Designed PAGE // 2 and printed by Punctual Print

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

FOREWORD

BY ALISON REDMOND Welcome to our latest edition of the Chamber Chronicle. This is our fourth quarterly publication and looking back 2016 certainly was a busy year!

Last year we hosted on average two events every month outside of our regular networking events – that’s over 100 events – including lunch & learns, business breakfasts, educational workshops and Women in Business Events. This year we will continue to provide quality events on varying subjects based on members’ feedback.

In 2016 we began a number of new initiatives for the Chamber. Firstly, our ‘Business Profile of the Week’ profiling over 30 local businesses on all social media platforms, our weekly newsletter and our Website. Secondly our ‘New Members Breakfast’ – an opportunity to welcome new members into the Chamber and to get feedback on what they hope to gain from Chamber membership. Finally, we also undertook some significant initiatives for some of our towns/regions namely the ‘North Kildare Foodie Destination’ and our Purple Flag application for Maynooth Town.

The highlight of our year was the Annual Kildare Business Awards 2016 sponsored by Clark and attended by 300 business leaders in Kildare, where 10 local businesses received awards for their contribution in various categories of business in 2016. The Events Committee of the Chamber excelled on this occasion … the question is how to make it even better for 2017?

Looking forward, we’re at the latter stages of completing our 2020 Strategic Plan with input from our Committee and Members. The plan concentrates on five main themes all focused on ensuring Kildare is the location of choice for business. 2017 begins in unsteady territory with political uncertainty in the European Union, the UK and the US – Ireland’s three most important political and economic relationships. However, uncertainty brings opportunity and that is what we must embrace.

One of the key focus points of our strategic plan is ensuring we are a world class Chamber. We’re looking forward to working with you all in achieving this aim.

Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2017!

PAGE // 3

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

ENTERPRISE TOWN AWARDS On 7th December at the finals of the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards in Roscommon, Naas was named the overall winner for Kildare. Along with the beautiful Galway Crystal trophy, the town is now €3,000 better off for its efforts.

Speaking to the assembled media following the awards, a delighted Allan Shine said “To win the

Naas had strong competition this year from

county award is great testament of the hard work that

Celbridge, Athy, Maynooth and Kildare Town. Athy

takes place in the town. Business and community

and Kildare Town received Merit Awards for the work

groups working together for the improvement of the

they carried out in the past year.

town has been recognised by this award”.

The awards ceremony was attended by business

Kildare County Council and North Kildare Chamber

and community activists from all over Ireland

worked together to put forward the 5 towns in Kildare

along with Bank of Ireland officials, local authority

for the Awards. Allan Shine said “There was great

representatives and the Minister for Communications

enthusiasm and collaboration with the 5 entries and

Denis Naughten TD.

the future is bright for our towns in Kildare. We were delighted to see that Athy and Kildare Town also get

The Naas Town Team – the lead group in the town’s

recognised for the hard work that the various groups

application - was represented by Sonya Kavanagh

in the towns do.”

from Kildare County Council, Allan Shine of North Kildare Chamber, Catherine Whelan of Catherine Whelan and Co Accountants and Clodagh Hughes, Branch Manager of Bank of Ireland.

Front row L-R: Richie Whelan, Sonya Kavanagh, Catherine Whelan, Jacqui Gallogly; Back row L-R: Tom Dowling, Tom Hayes, Treasa O’Neill, Allan Shine & Clodagh Hughes.

PAGE // 4

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

ANNUAL TOURISM & HOSPITALITY BREAKFAST The Annual Chamber Tourism and Hospitality

Last year was

Breakfast was held on 19th October in Palmerstown

a record year

House.

for tourism in

This year the guest speaker to address the sector was John Concannon, Director of 1916. Prior to “Ireland 2016”, John was director of Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority. He was selected as Irish “Marketer of the Year” in 2011 for his work marketing Ireland, and was nominated again in 2013 as the Creator of “The Gathering Ireland 2013”.

During his address, he discussed the achievements of the year with regards to the State’s Centenary Programme to Commemorate 1916 and also his involvement in the Gathering and Discover Ireland.

The breakfast was attended by an array of key stakeholders in the Tourism and Hospitality sector that included The K Club, Kildare Village, The Osprey Hotel and Cliff at Lyons.

Ireland the

with

industry

worth €8

over billion

to the Irish economy. Domestic tourism demand also generated an estimated €1.75 billion with a further €300m coming from Northern Ireland.

The challenges facing the industry in 2017 include lack of hotel accommodation, Brexit and the weakening of Sterling (making it more expensive for British people to holiday here). The buzzword from John’s delivery was “Co-Opetition” whereby John urged the Kildare Tourism and Hospitality sector to “Collaborate and work together to promote the county in a unified approach”.

Cliff at Lyons Now fully open 7 days a week for business, leisure and events • Meeting facilities for up to 220 people.

• 40 beautifully appointed bedrooms.

• The Canal Café opens daily from 11.30am to 9pm

• Orangery Restaurant open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

• Cookery School for monthly masterclasses, demonstrations and private tuition.

For more information call our events team on 01 630 3500 WWW.CLIFFATLYONS.IE Visit our sister properties: www.cliffhousehotel.ie www.clifftownhouse.ie

PAGE // 5

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

PLANNING FOR IRISH BUSINESS POST BREXIT In October 16, a delegation from across the Irish

The trip included meetings with Lutz Gullner, Head of

Chamber Network met with key officials from

Unit with DG Trade, Susan Carroll from the European

the European Commission to discuss matters of

Agency for SMEs (EASME), Arthur Forbes from DG

importance to the Irish business community.

Grow and the team from the Irish Regions Office,

Representing Kildare business interests were Vivian Cummins (Chamber President) and Allan Shine (CEO of the Chamber).

These meetings were followed by the “European Parliament of Enterprises”,organised by Eurochambres in cooperation with the European Parliament. The event saw more than 800 entrepreneurs from 45 European countries and from all sectors gather in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels to act as MEPs for one day, debating and voting on crucial business related policy issues.

With representation from Chambers of Commerce across Ireland, the objective of the trip was to highlight the need for the European Commission to proactively

along with their colleagues from the Southern Regional Assembly and the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly.

The delegation were also received by the team from the Irish “Perm Rep” to Brussels, where discussions ensued on the challenges and opportunities for Irish Business once the Brexit process commences.

The key message from this visit was the continued progression of trade deals like TTIP and CETA if European Business is to remain competitive.

Furthermore, the importance of the Irish business community clearly communicating to stakeholders that Ireland will remain a strong partner in Europe post-Brexit was emphasised.

engage with the business community, particularly SMEs, on issues such as trade, innovation, skills and regulation.

PAGE // 6

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

The visit forged stronger relationships with colleagues in the European Commission, the Irish Regions Office, the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, our elected representatives and business leaders from across Europe. These relationships will be instrumental in ensuring that the priorities for Irish business are advanced at EU level, including; l

Keeping Ireland competitive

l

Promoting the need for an ambitious trade strategy- including trade links

l

Completing the Single Market

l

Preparing for the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU

l

Addressing skills gaps and shortages

l

Promoting sustainable business practices

l

The benefits of increased dialogue between Irish businesses and the Irish Regions Office

on matters concerning regional development in Ireland

PAGE // 7

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

IN THE HOTSEAT – AUDREY KILGALLON HAVEN HIRE Haven

Hire

family

run,

is

a

100%

continuing to service our existing construction market.

This meant

1200 strong fleet

owned

carrying a more substantial and varied

company who pride

range of equipment which allowed us

themselves on being

to service the new and much wider customer base.

Irish

a one stop shop for plant and tool hire and sales catering for both domestic and

construction

jobs.

Established

almost

25

years

ago, Haven Hire is a business that has weathered unfavorable economic conditions and emerged stronger than ever. So much so in fact that year on year growth has averaged a commendable 30%.

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber recently met with Audrey Kilgallon Director of Haven Hire to discuss the reasons behind Haven Hires successes.

Tell us about Haven – when was it set up?

Haven’s hire business dates back to 1993. My father, Eamon Kilgallon, had been running a successful fitting and repair business. He saw that being able to hire out equipment to his customers while he was doing a repair for them made sense and he bought Celbridge Hire in 1993. His own business was called Haven Engineering so the new entity became Haven Celbridge Hire. We have since expanded with additional depots in Maynooth and Naas and so we became Haven Hire.

In 2014/15 Haven made major investment in our fleet increasing our numbers of Diggers, Dumpers and we’ve also significantly invested in our Access Division– Scissor Lifts, Booms to 60ft, Tracked Hoists and Mobile Scaffolds to name a few. 2016 saw the beginning of our new investment program with the addition of new Mini Excavators, Lighting Towers, Compressors

and

Generators.

This

expansion

program will continue into 2017.

As a result of the above changes our product offering now includes plant hire, tool hire, gardening/ landscaping, DIY hire and access equipment. We also have a strong spare parts business and we sell small tools, accessories, PPE and workwear.

How do you ensure your business stays current?

By ensuring we move with the times. Technology is at the forefront of our marketing, controls and health & safety functions. From a marketing perspective, eCommerce and equipment hire may not seem like logical fits, however, in 2016 we launched a new website www.haven.ie through which we’re offering spare parts sales. Social Media is a very large part of our promotion strategy.

We have also introduced a Flex Asset Management System which facilitates the tracking of all of our

What developments have taken place in the last

machines via ‘chip’ system while also allowing

few years to ensure Haven Hire continues to

automated and mobile check in/out of machinery.

thrive?

This system also facilitates maintenance history thus

We made the decision post-recession to widen our

allowing our customers to conform to Health & Safety

customer base to domestic customers as well as

at Work regulations.

PAGE // 8

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

What differentiates Haven Hire from the competition?

Firstly, our range – everything from domestic user to the substantial construction job under one roof.

And there’s the quality – we’ve invested millions in our fleet. We choose the best brand and stick with it.

Secondly our staff – we have highly trained and very knowledgeable staff who know our customers’ needs and understand their requirements immediately. We have a great team of experienced depot managers: John Cummins in Celbridge, Rob Saunders in Naas and Eugene Erritty in Maynooth. In addition, we appointed a head of Operations for the company in November 2016, Derek Steele.

Where do you see the challenges / opportunities for Haven Hire in 2017?

The largest challenge facing our industry and us as a company at present is the lack of available skills in the workforce.

In terms of opportunities, preliminary results for 2016 indicate we’ve achieved in excess of 30% growth on 2015 continuing that year’s trend. We will continue to invest in the best quality brands further increasing the size of our 1200 strong fleet to ensure we can facilitate the demands of the market.

Finally, our commitment to customer service. At all of our depots we invest time in making sure the customer knows how to operate a piece of equipment. On return from hire, it undergoes thorough post-hire examination ensuring all of our equipment is ready for re-hire at the standard our customers have come to expect. Our new website hosts a customer portal and online booking and payment system making doing business easier whilst bringing Haven Hire closer to its customers.

Ultimately, you’re judged on the quality of your product and service and we are happy to say we have a strong and loyal customer base.

100% Irish Owned

PAGE // 9

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL WIN ‘SUSTAINING THE ARTS’ AWARD On 24th November, the 13th Chambers Ireland

year Local Authorities work consistently to deliver

Annual Awards ceremony was held in association

services and initiatives that sustain, enhance and

with

Planning,

support our communities and local economies. I

This award

congratulate Kildare County Council and the team

ceremony showcases and celebrates the best of

in the council who made the 1916 Sackville Street

Local Government in Ireland.

Project such a great success and which went on

the

Department

of

Housing,

Community and Local Government.

Kildare County Council won the Sustaining the Arts Award on the night.

The winning project was the

to gain national recognition and was a particular favourite with the Irish public.”

1916 Sackville street art project. The aim of 1916

In presenting the awards Minister for the Housing and

Sackville Street Art Project was to hold an exhibition

Urban Renewal, Damien English TD commented, “It

of houses in any 3D art form commemorating the

is essential that local authorities showcase their good

lives of the ordinary civilians that were killed in the

performance - both to recognise their achievements

1916 Easter Rising. 485 people were killed in the

and encourage further improvement in the services

Easter Rising 1916, 262 of these were civilians. The

they deliver to local communities. I’m delighted to be

objective of the Art Project was to tell their story by

associated with the Excellence in Local Government

constructing 262 art houses representing each of

Awards 2016 and very grateful to Chambers Ireland

the civilians killed.

for their valuable work in this area.”

Schools, educational groups,

youth groups and individuals all participated in this initiative.

Allan Shine, CEO of the Chamber said “The Chamber enjoy an excellent working relationship with Kildare

North Kildare Chamber were the nominating Chamber

County Council and we were delighted to be the

for Kildare County Council.

nominating organisation.

Vivian Cummins,

This award showcases

President of the Chamber said “The Excellence in

the excellent work that is carried out by the Local

Local Government Awards demonstrate how each

Authority.”

Damien English (Minister for Housing & Urban Renewal) and Ian Talbot (CE Chambers Ireland) present the Sustaining the Arts Award to Kildare County Council.

PAGE // 10

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

MAYNOOTH GOES PURPLE and Events Manager of the Chamber. Huge work went into this process which included workshops, a self-assessment, a comprehensive application submission and an independent adjudication. The Maynooth application was funded by both Kildare County Council and the Chamber. The town was particularly commended for its diversity of venues that could compete with larger urban areas, the strength of the partnership that worked on the project and support given from the Council.”

North Kildare Chamber are delighted to announce that Maynooth has officially been awarded the

What is Purple Flag?

Purple Flag, the internationally accredited award

Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to

for excellence in the night-life of a town or city.

the Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag

Maynooth joins 22 other towns/cities in Ireland who

status for town & city centres that meet or surpass

have achieved Purple Flag status and is the first town

the standards of excellence in managing the evening

in Ireland to have a University within the Purple Flag

and night time economy (5pm to 5am). The scheme

zone.

is managed by the Association of Town and City

Purple Flag status for Maynooth is estimated to be

Management (ATCM) working alongside the Purple

worth €3.1 million to the local economy in the next 3

Flag Advisory Committee Purple Flag.

years. The Chamber believes that an extra 10,000

Purple Flag is a positive initiative that indicates an

visitors will visit Maynooth over the next 3 years and

entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out

this will lead to increased revenue in Hotels, Bars

throughout the UK and Ireland and now being taken

and Restaurants.

up internationally.

Local golf courses and leisure

amenities coupled with visitor attractions such as Maynooth Castle will all benefit from this prestigious award.

The award which recognises Maynooth as a ‘mustvisit’ location will be beneficial as a marketing and promotional tool, placing the town amongst a small number of towns and cities to have achieved this standard. Maynooth will now be marketed locally, nationally and internationally as a town of excellence with a rich mix of dining and cultural venues and a vast range of events and festivals.

Chief Executive of the Chamber Allan Shine said, “The result was the outcome of months of dedication and hard work led by Jennifer Forster, Membership

PAGE // 11

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

The story of Purple Flag in Ireland started in 2012 when Dublin Creative Quarter and Dame Street District and Ennis Town first pioneered taking on the challenge of the prestigious Purple Flag Accreditation. By 2015 the milestone of 10 Irish Purple Flag towns and cities had been reached.

Maynooth is the first town in Kildare to receive this prestigious award. This was a joint initiative between Kildare County Council and North Kildare Chamber to further enrich Kildare as a tourism destination. Kildare is home to 3 horse racing venues, Irish National Stud, Kildare Village, Newbridge Silverware and is the birthplace to both Arthur Guinness and Ernest Shackleton.

The Purple Flag Journey for Maynooth The Purple Flag Academy explores six areas of evening and night-time development while helping a location’s stakeholder teams to prepare for their application. It includes five Core Programme modules with workshops being held both in individual towns and as part of a group of towns supporting each other through the process of application.

23 Irish Towns/Cities Currently have a Purple Flag

Module 1: Kickstart 24th February – Maynooth Kickstart is a half day event featuring formal presentations and interactive sessions. The process was tailor made to walk all possible stakeholders through the process step-by-step, highlighting Purple Flag’s features and benefits and drawing on the experience of successful flag holders.

The primary aim of the kickstart module is to form a working group and get community engagement behind the application process.

The Working Group for the Maynooth Purple Flag application included: ALLAN SHINE

CEO - North Kildare Chamber

JENNIFER FORSTER

Membership and Events Manager - North Kildare Chamber

MARTIN MCMAHON

General Manager – Picaderos, Oak Alley Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and Donatello’s

CLAIRA BARBOUR

Sales & Marketing Manager – The Glenroyal Hotel & Shoda Market Café

RONAN TWOHIG

House of Finance Maynooth - North Kildare Chamber Executive Committee Member

GERARD WALL

Superintendent Leixlip Garda Station

SONYA KAVANAGH

Director of Services, Economic Development, Enterprise & Corporate Services –

Kildare County Council

Module 2: Firm Foundations – Limerick – 7th April The firm foundations module is designed to help Purple Flag Coordinators and Working Group members to begin their application process. This half day event is led by a Purple Flag Advisor. It covers the essentials of organisation and partnership, the Purple Flag Core Agenda, Purple Flag Standards and other information used to build a convincing case for Purple Flag and to underpin the longer-term development of the town’s evening and night time economy.

PAGE // 12

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

Module 3: Self-Assessment Stage 1: Best Practice Self Assessment – Waterford – 19th/20th May The best practice module gives working groups a valuable insight into a town centre that has been awarded a Purple Flag previously. The event includes a review of the itinerary and key things a Purple Flag Assessor would look for in a formal assessment. This module includes a night walk of an accredited area to draw on the experience of successful flag holders.

Stage 2: First Self Assessment – Maynooth Town 7th July Drawing on the experience gained from the Waterford night walk, the Maynooth Working Group along with some additional volunteers completed their first self assessment of Maynooth on 7th July. Results of this self assessment were submitted to the Purple Flag Advisory team. The Maynooth Working Group subsequently undertook a number of follow up self assessments to ensure that information included in their final submission was correct e.g. lighting was something that couldn’t be accurately confirmed in July but was checked during an assessment later in the year.

Module 4: Application Stage 1: Entry Review - 15th July The entry review process is a full and written feedback report of all documentation provided for application. The session includes a full review by a Purple Flag advisor of Map, Snapshot and Self Assessment conclusions.

Stage 2: Submission deadline – 14th October Full application included: -

Purple Flag Snapshot and Data Dashboard

-

Purple Flag conclusions chart

-

Entry Form

-

Purple Flag Map

-

Digital Photographs for Publicity

Stage 3: Assessors Visit - 12th November Maynooth From 5pm to 2am Purple Flag Assessors followed an itinerary of Maynooth including visits to the University Campus, train station, Manor Mills Shopping Centre, Restaurants and Bars, Taxi Ranks, Hotels, Library and Maynooth Square to name a few.

The final stage in the process is the panel decision and formal accreditation at the Award Ceremony.

Module 5: Life after accreditation Life after accreditation is a half day workshop designed to ensure Purple Flag holders maximize their Purple Flag status and maintain the standards of excellence achieved to fly the flag.

The official ‘Hoist the Flag’ celebration of Maynooth Town’s achievement will be hosted by North Kildare Chamber & Kildare County Council on 16th February at 18.00 in the Glenroyal Hotel. Please R.S.V.P. to jennifer@northkildarechamber.ie

PAGE // 13

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

AWARD OF PURPLE FLAG On the 8th of February, Maynooth will be officially awarded the Purple Flag status at an award ceremony.

Jennifer Forster, Membership and Events Manager with the Chamber led the project “We are delighted that Maynooth has been awarded the Purple Flag status in recognition of our dedicated efforts and investment in the enhancement of our night time economy. We are very proud to fly the Purple Flag, reflecting the strength of on-going partnerships and engagement with businesses, community groups and residents of the town. We look forward to promoting the Purple Flag, and will use it as a stepping stone in our continuing development of a vibrant and safe night time environment for businesses, residents and visitors alike.”

Sonya Kavanagh, Director of Economic Development with Kildare County Council said, “It is fantastic for the local community, and for Maynooth to be awarded this Purple Flag. Maynooth has worked very hard to create a safe and well-managed evening and night time environment, with a variety of social activities on offer for residents of all ages. The panel was particularly impressed with the town’s outstanding diversity of venues and the quality and commitment of the partnership” “The work starts now with promoting the town. Internationally the evening and night time economies of towns and cities are becoming increasingly important. We are seeing a closer alignment of the retail and hospitality industries, and the lines between the traditional day and evening economies are blurring. If our towns and cities are to survive and thrive in the 21st century, they must meet the expectations of both visitors and our indigenous population. To achieve that goal our town centres must be professionally managed and promoted.”

Allan Shine, CEO North Kildare Chamber.

26

19

PARSON ST.

14

12

18 MAIN ST.

MAIN ST.

15

24

25

17

37

13

DOCTOR’S LANE

27

DOUBLE LANE

23

STRAFFAN RD.

21

LEINSTER ST.

35

MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY NORTH CAMPUS

10

07 08

DUNBOYNE RD.

16

22

DOUBLE LANE

01

COATES LANE

20

FAGAN’S LANE

KELLY’S LANE

MILL ST.

04 P

DU

BLIN

RD .

28 38

UE

P

TON CAR

P

KILCOCK

RD.

9a 32

05

03

E

(SE

I T MAMEN

GE AR

L EN

34

P 02

P

9b

P

33

(TESCO)

N FA

AF .

RD

P

TER NS LEI

31

11

P 29

ST.

PARSON ST.

MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY SOUTH CAMPUS

39

P

R ST

36

DUBLIN RD.

T. VE) N S ABO

06

(MANOR MILLS)

EN AV

P

CARTON HOUSE HOTEL

P

30

O’MEARA COURSE MONTGOMERIE COURSE CARTON DEMESNE 19 Royal City Chinese

25 McMahon’s Bar and Lounge

01 Apache Pizza

08 Mizzoni’s Pizza

13 Avenue

20 Stone Haven

26 O’Neills Bar & Steakhouse

02 The Brewery Coffee House

9a O’Briens Manor Mills

14 Bistro 53

21 Taj Indian

27 The Roost

03 Chill Downtown

9b O’Briens Carton Park / Tesco

15 Donatellos

22 Twist

28 The Student Bar & Venue

04 The Coffee Lounge

10 Papa John’s Pizza

16 The Gatehouse

05 Coffee Mill

11 Shoda Market Cafe

06 Jump Juice Bar

12 Supermac’s

Cafés

PAGE // 14

07 Maximus Takeaway

Restaurants

Bars / Clubs

Hotels & Accommodation

17 Oak Alley

23 AK Club (Casino)

29 Glenroyal Hotel & Leisure Club

18 Picaderos

24 Brady’s Clock Tavern

30 Carton House Hotel

31 Maynooth Campus Conference & Accommodation Shops

Services 35 Garda Station 36 Maynooth Castle

32 Manor Mills Shopping Centre

37 Maynooth Library

33 SuperValu

38 Saint Mary’s Church

34 Tesco / Carton Retail Park

39 Saint Patricks College

Demesne Architects Desmond House, Main Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare +353 (0)1 610 6900 info@demesne-architects.com www.demesne-architects

ORDNANCE SURVEY LICENSE NO. AR0111416

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

QUARTERLY REVIEW Despite a quiet December, the last quarter of 2016 didn’t disappoint in terms of Chamber events with over thirty gatherings taking place between October and December including Networking Mornings, Lunch & Learns, Business Breakfast and of course the Annual Kildare Business Awards.

Cyber Security Awareness Seminar – with guest speaker Pat Moran PWC The frequency of cyberattacks against Irish businesses has risen from 25% in 2012 to 44% currently, considerably higher than the global average of 32%. According to PWC’s 2016 Irish Economic Crime survey, as well as the rate of cyberattack on Irish business almost doubling since 2012, the cost associated with cybercrime has also increased. With an increasingly complex security environment, cyber-attacks are becoming more difficult to detect.

On 9th November, over forty Chamber members attended our Cyber Security Awareness Seminar in the Glenroyal Hotel. Pat Moran Cybersecurity Partner PWC was the keynote speaker at this event where attendees learned how better to protect their personal information and that of their businesses.

Lunch & Learn - Vlogging by Graphedia In response to suggestions received at our inaugural New Members Breakfast in June, the Chamber hosted a Vlogging lunch and learn on 27th October. Vlogging is currently one of the most engaged and effective ways to connect with your target audience, generate leads and convert those leads into sales.

Graphedia gave an insightful presentation on why Vlogging is so relevant, the most effective content for Vlogging, and tips and tricks on how to Vlog effectively.

Members attending Vlogging Lunch & Learn.

PAGE // 15

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

ANNUAL KILDARE BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 Over three hundred Kildare business leaders attended the North Kildare Chamber Annual Business Awards on Friday 18th November in The K Club. This annual event is a county wide award ceremony recognising entrepreneurialism, innovation, diversity and talent of businesses across all sectors. The awards honour industry leaders through the acknowledgement of innovative business processes, product development, enterprise, sustainability and overall business success.

The recipient of “The Outstanding Contribution to Business Award for 2016” was Stan McCarthy, CEO of the Kerry Group. In accepting the award to a standing ovation, Mr McCarthy thanked the Chamber and the business community in Kildare for the welcome the Kerry group has received since they opened their doors in Millennium Park in 2013.

Clark were title sponsors of this year awards, Deirdre Coghlan Murray said on the night “We congratulate you all on taking part in this occasion and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all the people behind the entrants for the awards. It is your people who are your most valuable resource and this evening is about taking a moment to recognise and celebrate all that you have achieved”.

Overall Business of the Year Award

Winner - Finlay Motor Group Sponsored by Dooley Insurance Group

L-R Vivian Cummins (President North Kildare Chamber), Laura Reddy (Finlay Motor Group), Paul Dolan (Finlay Motor Group), Tim Dooley (Dooley Insurance Group), Gary Finlay (Finlay Motor Group), Karolina Purek (Finlay Motor Group) and Deirdre Coghlan Murray (Clark).

PAGE // 16

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

ANNUAL KILDARE BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS 2016 High Potential Start Up Award

SME Business of The Year Award

Winner – Meat & More

Winner – Finlay Motor Group

Sponsored by LEO Kildare

Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Jacqui McNabb (LEO), Fionnuala Cotter & Declan Doyle (Meat and More)

L-R: Vivian Cummins (President North Kildare Chamber), Treasa O’Neill (Bank of Ireland), Laura Reddy, Paul Dolan and Gary Finlay (Finlay Motor Group) and Stephen Farrell O’Callaghan (Clark).

Corporate Social Responsibility Award Sponsored by Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors

Winner – Intel

L-R: Vivian Cummins (President North Kildare Chamber), Luke Hanahoe (Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors), Lisa Harlow, Michael Cullen and Rory Gahan (Intel) with Stephen Farrell O’Callaghan (Clark).

Innovation and Technology Award

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Winner – Crystal Air PCM Ltd

Winner – O’Brien PR

Sponsored by Kerry

L-R John Savage from Kerry Group present to Domnick Ward, David O’Brien, John Cassidy, Mick O’Reilly, Caroline Campbell, Don Hoban of Crystal Air PCM Ltd.

PAGE // 17

Sponsored by Education & Training Boards Ireland

Michael Moriarty (ETBI), Aileen O’Brien (O’Brien PR), Deirdre Coghlan Murray (Clark) and Vivian Cummins (President North Kildare Chamber)

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

ANNUAL KILDARE BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS 2016 ECommerce / Social Media Award

Tourism & Hospitality Award

Winner – Kildare Now

Winner – Picaderos

Sponsored by Graphedia

Niall Reck (Graphedia) with Senan Hogan, Anna Fortune and Louise Cunningham (Kildare Now).

Sponsored by J F Dunne Insurances

John Dunne (JF Dunne Insurances) and Brian Purcell (BP Communications)

Networker of the Year Award

Retail Excellence Award

Winner – Linda Gill Ryan, EDS

Winner – Sheehy Motor Group

Sponsored by KBC Bank

Linda Gill Ryan (Essential Driver & Safety Training Solutions) and Tracey Costello (KBC Bank).

PAGE // 18

Sponsored by Ladytown Business Park

Robert Walsh (Ladytown Business Park), Frank Kelly (Sheehy Motor Group), Deirdre Coghlan Murray (Clark) and Vivian Cummins (President North Kildare Chamber).

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

Clark were delighted to be the main sponsor of the event, recognising and celebrating the best in Business in Kildare. 2016 has been a year of significant growth for Clark in Recruitment, Managed Services and Executive Coaching divisions which is reflective of positive trends in the economy and Co. Kildare as a location of choice for employers and a highly skilled workforce.

“We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners on the night. Well done also to the Chamber for organising a very enjoyable evening.”

Outstanding Contribution to Business Annual Award

Winner - Stan McCarthy CE Kerry Group Sponsored by North Kildare Chamber

North Kildare

CHAMBER IN BUSINESS FOR BUSINESS

Deirdre Coghlan Murray (Clark), Stan McCarthy (CE - Kerry Group), Vivian Cummins (North Kildare Chamber President).

PAGE // 19

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

10 NEW YEAR TIPS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS To ensure success in the New Year, most small businesses begin their planning process long before January 1st. However, it’s never too late to introduce and implement productive resolutions.

1.

REVISIT YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

If it has been a while since you examined this critical document, now’s the time to get to it. Review it to ensure it’s still aligned with your current company goals. Change what needs changing.

2.

SET UP YOUR BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS

New Year’s resolutions are not all about losing weight. It is beneficial to lay out what you want for your business in the coming 12 months. Ensure you set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Agreed Upon, Realistic, Time-Based) and diarise a mid-year and annual review of goals to ensure they’re being met.

3.

BUILD A PROMOTIONS CALENDAR

Sit down with a calendar and start looking at all events you want to build promotions around. This will give you ample time to plan your social media updates, blog posts, advertising campaigns, etc. Also, do some research to see what’s available to attend in 2017, and put them on your calendar.

Attending conferences, networking events and industry trade shows can be so beneficial for you as a business owner. Not only can you meet others in your field (or potential customers) but you also learn from leading experts.

PAGE // 20

4.

5.

6.

INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY

If you’ve been putting off that computer or software purchase, now’s the time to go ahead with it. You’ll be more efficient, if you have a computer that doesn’t take an hour to load. Review your cyber security ... as a small business a Cyber-attack could cost you greatly.

CONSIDER YOUR HIRING NEEDS

If your business is getting increasingly too busy for you to run with a skeleton crew, start planning your hiring strategy for 2017.

Consider temps, freelancers, virtual assistants, and part-timers as alternatives to full-time employees if your budget is tight.

REASSESS YOUR ONLINE BRAND

Google yourself! Is it time for a new headshot or website refresh? What worked for you in terms of marketing this year? This is a great time to tweak your online strategy so that you identify the tools that helped your business

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

7.

GET ORGANISED

If you’re like a lot of business owners, your desk is cluttered, and so is your desktop.

Spend a few hours throwing away and shredding things you don’t need and organizing your computer files by year.

It will make you more efficient!

8.

REFRESH YOUR EMPLOYEES SKILLS

If you do have staff, now’s a fantastic time to offer supplementary training to refresh their skills or give them new ones.

ADVERTISE HERE! The Chamber Chronicle is a 24 page publication that is circulated to over 4,000 people, and reaches a further 15,000+ people through our website and various other platforms.

PAGE // 21

9.

10.

GET SMARTER

Your employees aren’t the only ones who could learn more. Build in reading time to your schedule.

Read industry blogs, books, magazines, and anything else you can get your hands on to be on top of the trends in your industry.

Commuting may be the opportune time to catch up on industry trends by reading, listening to podcasts etc.

REVIEW CONTINGENCY PLANS

With the current political and economic instability, now is the time to review your contingency plans – Brexit proof your customer/supplier base, review your US contacts. Ensure you’ve other options for your business should ‘worst case’ scenarios materialize.

For more details on advertisement opportunities, contact Jennifer/ Ali in the office on 045 894074 or email us at info@northkildarechamber.ie

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 2nd February

Business Owners Forum – Osprey Hotel

3rd February

Athy ‘First Friday’ Lunch – Clanard Court Hotel

15th February

Bid Management Tender Programme – Lawlors Hotel

16th February Hoist the Flag” Purple Flag Celebration Glenroyal Hotel Maynooth 18.00 21st February

Peninsula – HR Seminar – Killashee Hotel

MARCH 2nd March

Business Owners Forum – Osprey Hotel

23rd March

Corporate Partners Dinner – Cliff At Lyons

TBC March

Women in Business Event – Kildare Village

APRIL 6th April

Business Owners Forum – Osprey Hotel

27th April

Punchestown Racecourse Social Evening

Date to be confirmed

Breakfast Briefing – Cybercrime – Killashee Hotel

INVITATION You are cordially invited to the official ‘Hoist the Flag’ celebration of Maynooth Town’s achievement in gaining Purple Flag status. This event will be hosted

by North Kildare Chamber & Kildare County Council.

Thurs 16th February | 6pm | The Glenroyal Hotel Please R.S.V.P. to jennifer@northkildarechamber.ie

PAGE // 22

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

OUT & ABOUT

Kildare e (CEO, North ia), Allan Shin ed M il). lin ev (D C County ounc John Hogan (CE of Kildare ey ar C r te Pe Chamber) and

Jennifer Forster (North Kild are Chamber), Sonia Kavana gh (Punctual Print), Vivian Cum mins (President North Kildare Chamber), Michael Gleeson (ISS Recruitment), Caroline Hurley (Boom Marketing), Vin nie O’Rourke (Sheehy Motor Group) , Brian Purcell (BP Com munications).

David Forde (Purple Flag Assessor), Jennifer Forster (North Kildare Chamber), Allan Shine (CEO, North Kildare Chamber) and Martin McMahon (Picaderos Restaurant) at Purple Flag assessment in Maynooth.

Colourtrend team at the Annual Kildare Business Awards 2016

PAGE // 23

Luke Hanahoe (Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors), Allan Shi ne (NK Chamber), Denise Brady (Teamworx), Alison Redmo nd (North Kildare Chamber), Car oline Hurley (Boom Marketing ), Brian Purcell (BP Communica tions) and Fiona Craul (Sweetspot Sourcing) at the ihub social evening.

Ciara Casey (Punctual Print) and Sonia Moran (Punctual Print) host the Kerry Group team at the Annual Kildare Business Awards 2016.

Noel Dempsey (Dooley Insurances) and John Ford, Annual Kildare Business Awards 2016.

Niall Reck, Sarah Reck (Graph edia) and Brian Purcell (BP Com munications).

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business

ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2017

MEMORABLE MEETINGS 7 Meeting Rooms 96 Guest Rooms Conference capacity for 450 guests Natural daylight in all meeting rooms Onsite complimentary car parking Complimentary WiFi Superb Corporate Rates available 045 989900 • ckilleen@westgrovehotel.com • www.westgrovehotel.com WestgroveHotel & Conference Centre, Abbeylands, Clane, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 YWE0 PAGE // 24

North Kildare Chamber – In Business for Business