Connect Business 2020 Issue 1

FREE

Issue 1 2020

PLEASE TAKE ME

BUSINESS Kevin McCarthy

Tomรกs Garvey

Tralee Chamber Alliance New Year New Team

JACK GRACE KINGDOM

Kerry Person of the Year

SWIMMING CLUB TAKES GOLD

TWO NEW ROUTES FOR KERRY AIRPORT Seven steps to get you ahead in the graduate race .... See inside

Connect | Business

2 |Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

EDITOR NOTE Hello First issue of 2020 for Connect Business so we hope you are ready and set for a busy year in your business. Connect Business Club will be returning on February 26th and we are organising a very good meeting to kick off proceedings for 2020, so we will keep you posted with some exciting news.

Kerry Airport have just announced two new flights and this is a huge bonus for the people of Kerry looking to take short breaks, its really a testament to the team at Kerry Airport for the work they are putting in to constantly improve services for the county.

Tralee Chamber has a new team at the helm and we introduce them to you, we think this will improve things in Tralee town even more with fresh new ideas and plans for the future, and Listowel Chamber also have amazing plans for the town for the year. Going forward we are looking forward to bringing you Chamber news from all the towns in the county to keep you updated on all that’s happening in business.

We also paid a visit to the new Sports Academy at Tralee IT, what a fantastic facility for our town and our county, if you haven’t checked it out do so its well worth a visit.

Election fever is crossing the county and we catch up with some of the electors (well those that replied to us) and they tell us what their plans are should you choose them to represent you in the next government.

As always don’t forget if you have a business story you feel is worthy of inclusion with us, do get in touch and we will come and see you.

Until next time.

Margaret Editor: Margaret Kissane For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 Email: margaret@connectpublications.ie

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 3

Connect | Business

Great Plans Ahead With New Board of Tralee Chamber Alliance

Tralee Chamber Alliance has introduced some changes and developments in recent times and as we now embark into a new decade we are delighted to introduce the new team behind the scenes working hard to keep the town to the forefront for increased business and footfall to the town.

The Executive Officers and Directors of Tralee Chamber Alliance are responsible for the effective management and oversight of the Chamber to ensure that the Steering Group and Chamber Offices are resourced and enabled to deliver real results for Tralee:

Kevin McCarthy - President Kevin is the Managing Director of The Garvey Group. The Garvey Group are one of the largest independent retailers in the country with a retail turnover in excess of 100 million euro, employing over 800 people in nine retail stores throughout Munster and in two hotels in Dingle. The company are recognised as “best in class” and have won numerous accolades including Retail excellence Ireland “National retailer of the year 2018”. Kevin is also a past President of The Rose of Tralee International Festival and past Captain of Tralee golf club.

Heather O’Sullivan - Chairperson Heather is a Director of Ross John Ross Jewellers, a jewellery and watch business based in Tralee and founded by her great grandfather in 1899. A native of Tralee, Heather was educated at Presentation Convent and studied Linguistics and Computation at the University of Manchester. Heather has worked as a Sales and Marketing Director in the software industry in the UK prior to returning to Tralee in 2002 to work in the family business. As well as representing the town centre businesses, Heather Chairs the Steering Group for Tralee Chamber Alliance.

Ken Tobin – Chief Executive Ken was first appointed as interim Managing Consultant to Tralee Chamber Alliance in 2018 to oversee the restructuring of the organisation. Ken is a Director of HQKerry, who developed Ireland’s largest regional Coworking hub (HQTralee) in the town centre. Ken is also a Director of Yummy Café in Tralee, as well as managing a private Marketing & Strategy consultancy to national clients.

Ken sits on the National Policy and Chambers Executive Forum with Chambers Ireland and is an advocate for Regional Employment policy.

4 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

meet at the rose hotel

Let us look after your business meetings & events For meeting room availability and further information, please contact Sarah today 066 7199100 or email sales@therosehotel.com Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4.

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 5

Connect | Business

Ronan Deasy - Secretary Ronan is Company Secretary for Kerry Group plc and is based in the company’s Head Office in Tralee. Ronan qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte & Touché and joined Kerry Group in 1991. In a career with the organization that has spanned over 28 years, he has worked in numerous senior financial roles in Kerry businesses across the globe, including America, Australia, Asia and Europe. He has also served as Head of Investor Relations for the organization and, prior to his present role, was Group Financial Controller. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a graduate of University College Cork, Dublin City University and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries.

Brian Stephenson – Chamber Director and Treasurer Brian is the founder of a number of community focused technology and communications companies including Learn from Leaders, Candidates.ie and SeeItSayIt. As an innovator in the technology and not-for-profit sectors and with a passion for community engagement, Brian’s company developed the See Something, Say Something system for Tralee. Brian represents Tralee businesses on several boards including the Joint Policing Committee and is a founder of Glan Tralee through the Chamber.

Paul Ruane – Chamber Director and Marketing Paul is Managing Director of Midpoint Creative an award-winning Brand & Design Agency in Tralee and has been a Brand & Events Manager for National clients since 2001. As a Student of the Institute of Technology Tralee, Paul moved from Clare to Tralee in 1996, and on graduation worked with Stockbyte. Paul is the designer who developed the new ‘Tralee – Kerry’s Capital’ brand and has supported the growth and development of several festivals and events in Tralee since joining the steering group of the Chamber.

Shaun O’Shea – Chamber Director and Employment Shaun is Head of European Recruitment with Sigmar Recruitment. As a Senior Member of the Management team of Sigmar, Shaun was pivotal to securing the Sigmar European Talent Hub established in Tralee in 2018 which has grown to a team of over 50 people. Shaun originally from Tralee studied Corporate Law in NUIG and has a master’s in human resources. Shaun has supported a number of ICT organisations, and worked in a number of European locations, before returning to Tralee to establish Sigmar’s European Hub.

6 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 7

Connect | Business

Steering Group

The Steering Group of Tralee Chamber Alliance each represent sectors of business, community and public organisations of the town. They co-ordinate with Ken Tobin, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber and their role is to identify and direct the policy and agenda of the Chamber based on listening to, understanding and representing the Chamber’s members, stakeholders and the Tralee business community in general. The current Chamber Steering Group which is Chaired by Heather O’Sullivan are: John Harty Taste Kerry

Martha Farrell Maharees Conservation

Michelle King The Rose Hotel

John Drummey John Drummey Communications

Dr. Helena McMahon Institute of Technology Tralee John McElligott Vintners Federation Tralee

Jean Foley Kerry County Council Pat Carmody Bank of Ireland

Liz Maher Inspired

Niamh O’Hora Aspen Grove Solutions

Sandra Rusk Weardrobe

Mariana Kobal Wazp

Derek Rusk Manor West Retail Par Dick Spring Director Fexco

Deputy Mayor Tralee District Kerry County Council Sandra Hunter-Ferris Booking Services

On top of Key Partnerships with Retail Excellence Ireland, the German-Irish Chamber and the other seven Chambers in Kerry, as well as key policy submissions to Government, here are a few other highlights: - 27 Events, Festivals & Seminars and 19 Business - Assisted over 8,000 visitors in the ‘Kiosk’ Development Workshops - Launched Dementia Friendly Town pro- Foodie Town Finalists gramme - Launched Tralee Tourism Action Plan - Retained Purple Flag for Tralee - Supported 27 Retails on the Ebay Programme - Expanded the ‘See Something’ campaign - Launched the Tralee App and launched Cluster Gardai initiative - Supported 40 Artists in the ‘Art in the Park’ - Largest Tralee Food Festival to date - Launched the University Town Programme including the 1st Freshers Festival These are just some of the achievements of Tralee Chamber Alliance in the Past 12 months and I am sure with the support of businesses in the town they will endeavour to continue to keep up the good work.

8 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

What’s New

Connect | Business

in Business Distillery and Visitor Experience You may have noticed Skellig Six18 Artisan Gin making an appearance in selected outlets around Kerry over the festive season. This premium gin is slowly blended over six weeks, creating a complex liquid based on distillates from three local Kerry botanicals- Yarrow, Birch Sap and Douglas Fir. It has been getting rave reviews ever since the launch in Michelin-starred Chapter One Restaurant in October 2019. A perfect aperitif!

But did you know that the Skellig Six18 Distillery and Visitor Experience is the only Distillery on the Ring of Kerry?

On the edge of Cahersiveen town, on the Skellig Coast, this ambitious project has been underway since a feasibility study began back in early 2016. The executive team of Pat Sugrue, June O’Connell and Patrick Cooney identified a large building with the right commercial zonings overlooking the Atlantic that had, in recent years, been used a winter dry dock for boats taking visitors to Skellig Rocks.

"We got a lot of the heavy lifting work done quietly, and we came out from under the radar in July 2018 when we put the planning notice up on the site. We were granted full planning permission for a distillery in the existing 2.500 square metre warehouse space of our building. 2020 will see us placing the order for a whiskey plant, so we will have our own Skellig Six18 Irish whiskey by Q4 2024."

For Pat Sugrue, the Skellig Six18 experience has brought him full circle. The distillery is being built on the same spot that was once home to a sock factory, employing over 300 people and producing over 80,000 pairs per week. Pat was the CFO there and returns with the Skellig Six18 team to bring his expertise to their distillery and visitor experience.

"I am proud to be from this place and to have made my family, life and career, right here, in this landscape and among these people. We are of this place and no matter where life takes us, we will make our way home.”

From the very start, the Skellig Six18 team worked with experts in distillery and visitor experience design, branding, labelling and communications.

Their new website offers lots of information, and they’re very active on social, too. See : https:// skelligsix18distillery.ie/ and follow them on social #SkelligSix18

Pat Sugrue, a Reenard man, is co- founder, director and chief financial L-R June O'Connell, Patrick Cooney, Pat Sugrue officer.

Lee Strand wins prestigious European Environmental Award in Spain Lee Strand was presented with a prestigious award at the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Award Ceremony in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain recently. The awards organised by the European Commission recognise environmental excellence, commitment to environmental management and continuous improvement of environmental performance. The theme of this year’s awards was "Driver of Change".

Following the awards ceremony Jerry Dwyer, Milk Operations Manager stated “Lee Strand has a strong commitment to producing high quality products, sourcing our milk from farms who operate sustainably and adhering to environmental excellence in our milk operations.

We are delighted to be recognised on the European stage with the frontrunners in the industry. The recent launch of our new environmentally friendly carton which is the world’s first fully renewable pack also shows our commitment to environmental excellence in order to protect the environment for the next generation. Our packaging innovation is 100% Renewable and 100% Recyclable and offers customers a fully renewable carton and cap that is made from materials that can be traced back to their plant-based source.”

EMAS is a voluntary environmental management tool that organisations use to increase resource efficiency and savings, reduce environmental impacts, ensure legal compliance and report to stakeholders in a transparent manner. The Awards recognise and reward organisations that took a step towards sustainable transition. Since 2005, the European Commission organises every two years an EMAS Award ceremony. The objective of this ceremony is to reward EMAS registered organisations for their outstanding performance in their category. The European EMAS Awards, are described as the most prestigious award in environmental management.

Photo caption: Lee Strand wins prestigious European Environmental Award at the EMAS Awards in Bilboa in Spain (l to r) Kestutis Sadauskas, Director Green Economy, European Commission; Jerry Dwyer, Milk Operations Manager, Lee Strand and Martin Baxter, Chair of the EMAS Awards Jury 2019.

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 9

Connect | Business

Advertising |Connect

Tomas has developed extensive expertise in advanced dental implant therapy. Using the latest digital technology, 3D imaging, sophisticated planning software and 3D printed models, Kingdom Clinic can offer customers quality dental implants with attractive pricing.

“This technology results in more comfortable treatment, shorter appointments and significant cost savings to the patient,” says Tomas.

KINGDOM Clinic in Killarney is a new

ultra-modern facility offering specialist dental services to the people of Kerry.

Great news, as prior to this, patients had to take the long and inconvenient journey to Cork or Dublin to receive therapy.

This clinic itself is worlds away from the typical dentist’s premises you’ll remember from years ago. This large ultra-modern clinic has already made the headlines by winning a recent “Killarney Looking Good Award”.

One of the services proving to be most popular is Dental Sedation. This is the safer, cheaper and more pleasant alternative to general anaesthesia.

Kingdom Clinic offers a full range of competitively priced dental s e r v i c e s , exclusively with dental sedation for your comfort and relaxation.

The clinic is led by Tomas Allen, a periodontist and implant dentist.

Emma Larkin Books

Tomas is joined at the clinic by Dr Margaret O’Connor, a Sedation Dentist and Dr Norma O’Connor, a Specialist Oral Surgeon.

in the UK and now is offering her expert skills in Killarney. Here, Norma provides a full range of oral surgery services, previously only available in a hospital.

Margaret’s experience includes working in the Sedation Department at Kings College London and has a special interest in treating nervous patients.

These aren’t the only services on offer in Kingdom Clinic. The team also offer Periodontal (gum) therapy. Using sophisticated Fontona laser therapy (the only facility in Ireland doing so!), it provides effective treatment for even the most severe forms of gum disease.

Dental phobia is a big problem for people. “We know that many patients hate visiting the dentist” Margaret says, adding “we guarantee that we will change your view of dentistry

So whether you need expert dental implant, gum or oral surgery therapy, or just want a comfortable alternative to regular dentistry, Kingdom Clinic will have a solution for you.

Kingdom Clinic 43-44 New Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry V93N802 Contact 064 776 3010 reception@kingdomclinic.ie with dental sedation. No matter how nervous or phobic you may be!”

Margaret offers a full range of dental services exclusively under sedation for adults and children, with sedation now costing as little as €195.00.

August 2019, I set up my business, “Emma Larkin Books”, along with my publishing imprint “Rebel in Kerry Press”.

My business involves writing, publishing and marketing children’s books. My first book was published in September 2019 and is called “Izzy’s Magical Football Adventure”. It is about a young child playing Gaelic Football, but it is unique in that the main character is a girl. The book was officially launched in Listowel in November 2019 by Billy Keane. My greatest achievement to date in this business journey has been following through on an idea that I had for a book and taking it from a concept to publishing it. I was so grateful for the fantastic support I received on the night of the launch, and the speakers, including Louise Galvin, 10 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Dr Norma O’Connor has worked as a Consultant Oral Surgeon in hospitals

Ephie Fitzgerald and Katie O’Callaghan were all inspirational.

I am currently doing final edits on the second book in the “Izzy” series. It is called “Izzy’s Magical Camogie Adventure” and it will be published later this year. I can’t wait to see the beautiful illustrations that Paul (Paul Nugent Illustrations) will create for it! The books wouldn’t be what they are without Paul’s wonderful illustrations and he has been a fantastic person to work with. My aim for the business is to continue writing a series of b ooks about Izzy, to continue to promote women in sport and to create a brand that is synonymous with sport, fitness, fun and the crossover between sport and reading.

Emmas books are available on emmalarkinbooks.com and are locally, it is available in several stockists in Kerry, all of which are listed on our website.

Two New Routes for Kerry Airport Good Start To New Year For Kerry Airport: New Manchester Route, Extra Frequency On Alicante Route & Increase In Passenger Numbers in 2019 KERRY Airport Ireland is delighted to announce that Ryanair have confirmed a new route to Manchester will commence in late March heralding a great start to 2020 for passengers travelling between the UK and Wild Atlantic Kerry.

“Kerry is connected to five major European cities – London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dublin and now Manchester.

The Greater Manchester area is home to 2.8 million people and many high-tech firms in the pharmaceutical, biomedical engineering, electronics and media sectors. We will work closely with all sectors, in particular Kerry County Council, Tourism Ireland and the local tourism and business groups, over the coming months to promote the county as a great tourist destination and a top

Operating twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays from the 29th of March 2020, Kerry to Manchester will suit passengers travelling for business or pleasure for weekends and midweek breaks.

The news of the new route came less than 24 hours after Kerry Airport announced an increase of 1.2% in passenger numbers in 2019, despite some challenging conditions, compared to 2018 whilst Ryanair is increasing the frequency of its Kerry-Alicante route this summer.

Passengers planning a trip to Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca will have three flights to choose from in June, July and August – a 50% increase on 2019 – in addition to the scheduled flights during April, May, September and October.

location in which to do business.”

2020. This underlines the importance of Wild Atlantic Kerry as a destination for the German tourist market.

“Dublin showed continued growth year on year with increased capacity on the route with Aer Lingus Regional now operating a 70-seater aircraft twice daily. I wish to thank the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Minister of State, Brendan Griffin’s continued advocacy of our regional airport as vital to the economy and the people of the county and the region.”

The short 50 minutes travel time from Kerry to Dublin is a major saving in time for busy Kerry businesses needing access to Dublin and onward to destinations in the USA, Middle East and Australia. Seamless interlining of the Aer Lingus flights from USA to Kerry via Dublin is seeing increased American tourists coming direct to the Kingdom.

“Work on securing additional new routes is on-going with Kerry Airport’s airline partners, Kerry County Council, Tourism Ireland and the tourism organisations in Kerry,” said John Mulhern.

The new Ryanair flight schedule from Kerry Airport will be suited to a range of passengers including football fans, offering easy access to midweek or weekend games involving Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and Leeds.

It’s not all about the footy! Greater Manchester is jam-packed with unique and eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, museums, galleries, hotels and places to visit while the city region is easily navigated with excellent transport links.

For those looking to travel further afield, Manchester Airport allows you to book a transfer in over 50 countries at 450 airports and over 5,000 cities and resorts around the world.

Bookings for flights between Kerry and Manchester, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays from the 29th of March, can now be made online at www.ryanair. com.

Kerry Airport CEO, John Mulhern, said: “We have worked closely with Ryanair to secure this important new route which we believe will be a success and a welcome addition to our schedule of flights. Manchester has long been the most sought-after destination among passengers and the introduction of the new service between Kerry and Manchester heading into the summer season will have a positive economic impact on a range of sectors in the county.

Advertising |Connect

John Mulhern welcomed the growth in passenger numbers in 2019: “Nearly 370,000 passengers travelled through Kerry Airport last year which represents an increase of almost 4,500 passengers.

There was growth of 1% on our two London routes in defiance of being under the Brexit cloud throughout the year. The Berlin and Frankfurt Hahn routes continue to perform very well and we welcome Ryanair’s decision to extend the Berlin route through the summer of

Kerry Airport Ireland has strengthened its position as a top destination for Corporate and Executive Jet Traffic especially from the USA accessing Kerry’s excellent range of Golf facilities, 4 and 5-Star Hotel and Spa offerings and of course the world-renowned Céad Míle Fáilte of the Kerry people.

The refurbished Gateway Bar and Restaurant at Kerry Airport has made the overall customer experience for passengers more efficient, flavoursome and memorable. Further improvements in the airport operational facilities are planned for 2020.

Kerry Airport is ideally located for anyone wishing to travel for business or pleasure with direct flights to eight destinations including: London (Luton and Stansted), Berlin, Frankfurt-Hahn, Manchester, Alicante & Faro (summer 2020) with Ryanair, and to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional.

For more information about Kerry Airport, please visit www.KerryAirport. ie or contact +353 66 9764644.

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 11

Connect | Business

Advertising |Connect

NEWS FROM LISTOWEL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ALLIANCE The formation of the Listowel Business & Community Alliance had two main aims. Firstly, the alliance would be a representative structure through which projects and initiatives could be developed and funded. Secondly the Alliance would present an opportunity for Listowel to market and promote itself to grow existing businesses, develop new businesses, increase visitor numbers and support the community and voluntary sector.

The mission of the Alliance is to work together as a community in partnership with all existing stakeholders (Municipal, Business and Community), to make Listowel an even better place in which to grow up in, live in , work in and visit.

Consultation

- A number of supportive meetings with Moira Murrell, CEO Kerry County Council & Minister Brendan Griffin to identify potential support mechanisms for the town.

- Best practice workshops with KMEG ( Kenmare , Westport, Tralee & Killarney Chambers - Presented to all local Municipal councillors – Alliance objectives/support required - Fundraising for Listowel Food hub - Appointment of Colette O Connor to Marketing Administrator – based at HQ Kerry – Listowel, 27 Rear Market Street.

Contact: info@listowelalliance.ie -Launch of draft 3 year plan

Collaboration

- Listowel Town Health Check Completed in 5 weeks in collaboration with IT Tralee ( estimated cost saving c15K). Production of report paid for

by Kerry County Council - Tidy Towns committee – supported by 48 members of Alliance on a clean-up rota over 12 judging weeks ( June , July August) .Entente Florale Competition 2019 support and presentation during judging - Alliance is part of Kerry Chambers ( strong lobby group, jobs, infrastructure) and was key in hosting a forum with Kerry’s largest employers during June - Alliance a member of the Kerry Tourist Forum set up by Patrick O Donoghue –Glenagle Group) and supported the first Kerry Tourism Summit attended by 180 tourism stakeholders in the county in November 2019. - Strongly lobbying for a North Kerry Rural Recreation Officer - Secured in collaboration with strong support from KCC 50K Town & Village funding to develop 3 year Economic & Marketing Plan and a New Town Website launched October 2019

Retail/Enterprise

- Marketing /Funding model for the town – Independence/Brochure - Series of Business breakfast briefings (Customer Experience, HR, Branding, Digital Marketing, Wellness in the Workplace, Remote Working) - 1st Runner up in Bank of Ireland National Enterprise town competition – Nominated by Moira Morell Kerry County Council - 3 year Listowel town Economic and marketing plan launched October 2019 - New Communication Framework ( definitive list of business owners in Listowel and single point of contact) - Provided mentoring and support for local business in the Retail Excellence Top 100 - Alliance central in bringing HQ Tralee to Listowel – collaboration with Pierce & Fitzgibbon and HQ. ( potential for 30 jobs) - Listowel Food Hub _ 2M project – 1.2M Grant (lobbying all Councillors and KBI’s, Funding/Donations and Enterprise Ireland Presentation October 2018 – Potential of 50 jobs. Member of the Listowel Food Hub Committee – representing the Alliance. supported by Kerry County Council – Funding Approved October 2019

Events/Tourism

- Public Launch of Listowel Business & Community Alliance Nov 2017 – Butler centre expansion of LBCA work in 2019 to launch website Listowel. ie and meet with Failte Ireland on tourism initiatives - Branding workshop/Launch of new Alliance Brand – Initiated by Marketing group.

- Christmas /Year end Public communication – Dec 2019 - Production of 3-minute Marketing Video for Listowel –Part of national Enterprise Competition - New Listowel Town Website launched October 2019 - Financial support for new festival Feile an tSolais 2018 - Lobbied successfully for a Failte Ireland Visitor Experience Development Program North kerry/West Limerick/clare – commencing in 2020.

Strong Support from KCC - New 80 + member Volunteering group to support events.

-Developing a Marketing/Tourist brochure for the town- January 2020 for Interntational Holiday Show in Dublin

Membership is vital for a successful and pro-active Alliance. With your assistance we will continue our work as an umbrella organisation, one strong voice in our community where each member has a say in matters that are affecting your local business.

Become a member for 2020. Membership costs are as follows: Gold - €100 p/m, Silver - €50 p/m, Bronze - €25 p/m We are also looking for new committee members in both the Retail/Enterprise Group and Tourism/Events Group. If you are interested in joining please get in touch directly at listowelalliance@gmail.com 12 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 13

Connect | Business

An Amazing New Facility for Kerry What is the Kerry Sports Acad- and conditioning, area for body weight exercisemy?

The Kerry Sports Academy is an 8,400m2 universally accessible sports facility which has state of the art facilities including:

•International sized indoor sports hall •Hydrotherapy swimming pool heated to 23- 34 degrees •Gym area including a High performance gym and exercise physiology laboratory •Aerobic and dance studios •Massage suite •Teaching spaces (lecture theatre and class rooms) •Dry outdoor and wet changing areas •Student recreation areas

Who can use the facilities?

Facilities are open to members of the public on a pay as you basis and there are also membership options available too. Some of our facilities are available for rental such as our sports hall, hydrotherapy pool and event centre.

Where is the Kerry Sports Academy located?

es, stretching & mobility work, watt bikes, free weights ranging from 1 - 50kg along with Kettlebells, Slamballs & Benches and much more. Both membership and pay as you go options are available at the gym.

Fitness Classes We have two fitness studios in the Kerry Sports Academy; a dance and an aerobics studio. We have over 20 fitness classes taking place each week at morning, lunch or evening times. We have a class to suit everyone with all abilities being catered for from beginner spin, Boxercise, circuits, Fit-blast, Zumba and much more!

We are located on the North Campus of the Institute of Technology Tralee at Dromtacker Tralee.

Where can I find out more information?

Check out the Kerry Sports Academy website www.kerrysportsacademy.ie and Facebook page

What’s on offer at the Kerry Sports Academy?

Gym The gym area is very spacious with over 700m2 floor space which is equipped with over 30 pieces of cardio equipment, variety of strength machines, 10 lifting platforms for advanced strength 14 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Hydrotherapy Pool The hydrotherapy pool is 12 metres long x 6 metres wide. The temperature is above a standard swimming pool - the pool water is kept at a constant temper-

ature of between 32 – 34 degrees. Activities available in the pool include public swim slots, children’s swim lessons, variety of aqua exercise classes and personal hydrotherapy programmes. The pool can be rented privately for group bookings.

Using a hydrotherapy pool can provide benefits in terms of health, fitness, rehabilitation, mobility and pain relief. The pool has a ceiling and pool hoist making the pool accessible to all. Our pool timetable will vary throughout the year.

International Sports Hall The Sports Hall is 1950m2 in size and can operate as one large arena or as three independent multipurpose spaces. The hall can cater for a wide range of sports and is suitable for large sporting events.

Events Centre The Sports Hall can be transformed into a fully carpeted facility with capacity to seat 1,500 people which can be opened up to create one large floor area or divided into different spaces for smaller events. The space is suitable for many types of conference area, events, and exhibitions. We have a wide variety of other facilities to support the delivery of these events such as 142 seater tiered style lecture hall, meeting & class rooms, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment and securing parking.

Contact Details Ph : 066 7144200 Email:kerrysportsacademy@ittralee.ie Web: www.kerrysportsacademy.ie

Connect BUSINESS | Feb/Mar 2019 | 15

Connect | Business Election Fever is crossing the country and some of the politicians going forward for election wanted to bring your their vision on what they feel is important in our country. Feb 8th you will have your say but in the meantime here is what they have to say.

Mike Kennelly

My name is Mike Kennelly and I am a proud North Kerry man, I am married to Colette with three children. I am a volunteer and active member of the GAA, my family has a long tradition of involvement in the Kerry GAA, through my late brother Timmy.

I am running in this election because I believe I can be a strong and vibrant candidate for you and our county.

Kerry needs a fresh start and I am asking you for your number one vote, in order to help achieve that new start for our county. Moreover, we need a new approach to deal with the day-to-day problems facing our county, issues of rural isolation not only in the terms of physical location and where we live but in terms of service delivery.

I have the experience required to serve the people of Kerry, with ten years working solely as a public representative first on Listowel Town Council and now on Kerry County Council, I have worked tirelessly to deliver for North Kerry in relation to: - Infrastructural projects including roads and rural broadband.

- Healthcare including provision of primary care centres.

- Housing for all - Farming and agricultural issues.

- Local policing and issues of anti-social behaviour - Planning including provision of facilities for future industrial development.

- Improvements in recreation and sporting facilities for all town and villages.

I want to continue that work and build on it at National Level.

My focus remains on building and delivering top quality services for hard working tax payers and the most vulnerable people in our society. I look forward to meeting with you over the next number of weeks, having the opportunity to listen to your concerns and also outline further my views on effective representation.

We deserve nothing less in the Kingdom of Kerry. Put your trust in me and I will deliver.

Michael Healy-Rae Health

Our health service at present is falling far short of what people deserve and need if they or their family members suffer from illness, accidents or in need of medical treatment. Our hospital staff, our local GP’S, our nurses all do their level best to help people in their time of need. As I have stated in the past a root and branch approach needs to be taken when dealing with the health crisis. The whole admissions policy in hospitals in kerry and beyond needs to be changed.

In other words there are other ways of addressing the delays when it comes to people waiting on trolleys and having to wait for a long time before been admitted to actual wards. The system that is there at present was not there in the past and I believe the older systems were better than what is there now. I have spoken extensively to people working in our hospital service and they really believe that management and administration do not have a clue when it comes to running a proper heath service and that is why they should be listened to.

Housing

It makes so sense to me that when a local authority house becomes available that there seems to be extraordinary delays in turning those houses around and getting them ready for use again. I believe there are actually 100’s of houses which is an awful shame and an awful waste lying idle today that could be occupied with individuals and young families. I have also proposed to Government but they simply will not listen that there is an awful lot of idle properties that are privately owned and if incentives were put in place could be renovated and made suitable for people to live in. This would also strengthen our communities, villages and help our local businesses by having people living in those centres. The present Minister for Housing in my honest opinion has failed us miserably, there seems to be no work ethic whatsoever. We need a Minister for housing that will listen and that will work more closely with our local authorities.

Family Farm Income

Our beef sector is in crisis and has been now for a long time in that it is quiet simply not possible at present for Farmer’s to make a fair income from producing beef. This has led to many protests on this issue and what I have always said is that the farmer’s that are protesting would far more like to continue with their work but they have to voice their concerns to Government and there is definitely a monopoly which is very unfair in our beef sector in that prices are totally unfair and farmer’s are not been paid properly for producing beef. Young Farmer’s are getting no encouragement whatsoever in getting into farming and it is of paramount importance that the tradition of passing on family farms from one generation to the other is continued. Monopoly’s will have to be broken up and incomes will have to be protected and it is frightening to think that farmer’s tell me now and I know it myself that 30 years ago they were getting paid a fairer price than they are today.

16 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

VOTE HEALY-RAE

Advertising |Connect

TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A FULL AND COMPLETE POLITICAL SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF KERRY

MICHAEL HEALY-RAE and DANNY HEALY-RAE REQUEST YOUR VOTE If you support us please cast your vote in accordance with your location as shown on this map.

It is only with your support that we can get elected.

Vote No 1

MICHAEL

BALLYBUNION

Vote Vote No No 22 DANNY DANNY Healy-Rae Healy-Rae

CAUSEWAY BALLYHEIG E R551

R553

Brand n Point CASTLEGREGORY

DUAGH

R556

ABBEYDORNEY

N21

KNOCKNAGOSHEL

ANNASCAUL

DINGLE

BROSNA

TRALEE N21

CAMP

BALLYFERRITER

N70

Cordal

SCARTAGLIN Currow

CASTLEMAINE R561

MILLTOWN

DUNQUIN

Laharn FIRIES FIRIES Lissavane West N22 R563 Kilcummin Listry FAHA

N70

RATHMORE

Barradubh

Muckross

N22

N71

Rossacroo

MOLLS GAP

VALENTIA IS.

WATERVILLE

KILGARVAN

N70

CAHERDANIEL

18 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

SNEEM

N70 Kenmare River

Clonkeen

R569

R568

PORTMAGEE

Shrone

GLENFLESK

GLENCAR CAHERSIVEEN

Gneeveguilla

KILLARNEY N72

BEAUFORT CARAGH LAKE

GLENBEIGH

R557

FARRANFORE

KILLORGLIN N72Ballymalis Dingle Bay

CASTLEISLAND

N22 Currans

INCH

R555

N69

BARROW G.C. SPA R558 FENIT

N86

Vote Vote No No 22 MICHAEL MICHAEL Healy-Rae Healy-Rae

LISTOWEL

LIXNAW

R551

ARDFERT Tralee Bay

HEALY-RAE

N69

R552

BALLYDUFF

BALLINSKELLIGS

DANNY

ASDEE R551

HEALY-RAE

IGHTS TOWN

Vote No 1

TARBERT

R571

TUOSIST

KENMARE N71

Vote No. 1 & No. 2

HEALY-RAE in order of your choice

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 17

Connect | Business

John Brassil Healthcare

Problem - Lengthy wait times for appointments and procedures and overcrowding.

Solution - Increase number of consultants and increase funding for the National Treatment Purchase Fund to get those on wait lists longest seen to asap. Increase bed capacity and increase budget to employ more nurses.

Problem - Not taking care of our most vulnerable.

Solution - Develop a statutory home care scheme for older people, tackling long delays in accessing disability services especially for children.

Key point of concern for John is in ensuring that UHK maintains its status as a Category 3 hospital this requires proper staffing and making sure Consultant posts are filled.

Rural Ireland

Problem - Two tier recovery, rural Ireland and Kerry is not seeing the same benefits as the East of the Country Solution - John lobbying IDA CEO to appoint a Senior Executive with special responsibility for Kerry, this would help to attract business and enterprise to the county.

Solution - Increased service provision – make Kerry an attractive place to do business and want to work by ensuring schools are properly funded, Garda stations are reopened and resourced and implement the NBP as digital connectivity is essential.

Solution - Support small businesses and start-up companies – Reduce rate bands and tackle the cost of business insurance.

Solution – Better supports for our tourism and agriculture sectors, the biggest employers in the County.

Cost of living

Problem - Working families are finding it harder to meet costs of daily living.

Solution - Reduce the USC rates Solution- Increase entry point to the 40% income tax rate.

Solution - Reform childcare system which currently ignores middle income families.

Solution - Tackle insurance costs on motor and business insurance.

Solution - New direct build affordable housing scheme on sate own lands to deliver homes for families who are above social housing thresholds but unable to reasonably afford buying a new home.

Ted Cronin about Animals.

Firstly let me tell you a bit about myself.

I am originally from Rathmore but have been in Tralee in College or working since 1982. I am married to Mary Horan.

A Rock Woman. Mary is my Rock and inspiration in my life.

I met Mary in 1988. Mary was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991. Mary has progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

But she is the most positive, bubbly and beautiful person I know. I am Mary's Carer and I'm so blessed to be. Mary encouraged me to run in this Election because she has a great love of Animals and she knows how passionate I am

I am Deputy Leader for Party For Animal Welfare, a new Political Party in Ireland. We will be registered in the next few week. Therefore I have to run as an Independent Candidate in this Election, on behalf of Animals. I want to end all Animal cruelty in Kerry and Ireland. I want to end Hare coursing, Fox hunting, Greyhound racing, Deer culling, Protected Grey Seals culling, Puppy farms, live Animal exports, Animal experimentation.

I want to educate our Children on the importance of Animals. And how to love and care for them. The kid who loves Animals will end up to be a loving adult. I want to make people aware of the Environmental damage we are doing by how we treat Animals. And to educate them on moving to a plant based diet, and to research and educate our Farmers on moving to plant based Farms.

To make people aware about the important role Animals have to play in our mental and physical health. How we can use Animals for ADHD, autism, depression, loneliness, suicidal, less abled, schools, prisons etc. I would explore wind power to generate electricity. We are surrounded by Seas, and wind. I would ban cigarettes in all Town centres and walkways and parks.

According to a 2016 census, Kerry has almost 12,000 vacant homes. And this doesn't include Holiday Homes. Surely we can do something to help our people looking for Homes.

A lot of people are not aware that the National Digital Skills Centre of Ireland is based in......Tralee. Therefore we train people here, and them send them out of the County. I, and others, have been calling out to help these skilled people. We have been calling for a Film Studio and creative hub to be built in Kerry. We have the buildings in Tralee. We have the beauty, the coast's, the film history, the golf courses, the hotels, the People. A film studio would create thousands of jobs. It would make Kerry.

Ghandi said that a Nation can be judged by how it treats its Animals.

We treat our Animals very poorly in this County and Country.

Please help me to give a Voice to Animals.

Please Vote Number One Ted Cronin.

A Vote for care and compassion.

18 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 19

Connect | Business

Seven steps graduate race

to get you ahead in the

By Mary Reale, Sli Nua Careers

Q

I’m finishing college this summer. Reality looms, and it might even bite. What should I do to prepare myself for my impending release from an enjoyable few years? I will get a good degree in graphic design and I want to improve my chances of getting a job.

A

: We recommend the following seven pointers for you to consider:

1

. Get your physical portfolio in order. In our experience, graphic designers are generally very good at this – they know the value of the visual. But if you haven’t got it all together in one place, take the time now to do so before the exam rush starts. Plus, remember that a portfolio is not about showing off everything you have done – rather it’s about showing the best of what you have done. . Consider creating an online portfolio. While you should still have your physical portfolio ready, as outlined above, we are strongly of the opinion that you should have an online location where all your best work is displayed. There are countless places where you can put your portfolio up for free.

2

3

. Make a plan. Write down what kind of jobs you would like to do, and where those jobs are. Generate a list of preferred companies. Research those companies. See what they are looking for, what they specialise in, and what kind of people they employ. When you know enough about a company, you should draft a highly-customised letter/email to them explaining what value you would bring to them. Make sure this letter references their specialities and where you would fit in. When you have perhaps 20 of these letters written, hold onto them and post them the day you finish your final exam. If you send them any earlier, you could find yourself getting phone calls during your exams or studies, and, in any event, you aren’t available for work until you’re finished the exams.

4 5

. Update your CV now so that on the day you finish in college, you can include it with the letter in No. 3. Get the CV in the can now. Don’t arrive in midsummer without a CV that you can whip out at a moment’s notice.

. Let your CV showcase your skills – a graphic designer really should have a graphic CV. Don’t go over the top. Don’t force the reader to study it for an hour before understanding what it means. But don’t be predictable either – your CV should start the process of convincing an employer that you have the kind of creativity that is a critical part of any graphic designer’s make-up.

6

. Update your LinkedIn profile. If you haven’t got a LinkedIn profile, start one today. Join groups and fraternise with people in the world of graphic design. There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and the fact that recruiters will check out your LinkedIn profile.

7

. Understand that you are unlikely to vault right into the exact job you want. Be patient. You will almost certainly have to serve your time. Enjoy this part of your career – you will enjoy putting what you’ve learned in college to practical use, and you will also benefit from working with people who have been in the industry for years.

Sli Nua Careers (www.SliNuaCareers.com) have offices in : Tralee Galway Limerick Sligo, Dundalk and Mayo (Ballinrobe and Claremorris).

Their services include CV preparation, interview training, public speaking and presentation skills, and career direction.

For more details, visit www.slinuacareers.com

20 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Connect | Business

22 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Connect | Business

Considering College Options?

It’s the time of year to begin looking at college and the options.

At this pressurised time for parents, teachers school leavers, there are many excellent paths to further study, IOTs or University that don’t involve applying through the CAO. Kerry College of Further Education and Training provides – courses for employment, university progression and apprenticeship applications for all of their courses for university, Online applications for all courses for progression will open on 1st February.

for Progression. In the other Campuses the courses for Employment follow the academic year - September to May. Part-time programmes at evenings and weekends are now enrolling and start in mid-January and again in September.

An apprenticeship is a paid job with structured on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases across 2, 3 or 4 year programmes. First up, the apprentice is hired by a company which has been approved by SOLAS to deliver the training. Qualified apprentices are awarded an Advanced Certificate Craft award at QQI Level 6 and upwards. Some apprenticeships go to QQI Level 9.

Kerry College runs over 80 courses that lead to university progression in the following areas: Agriculture & Horticulture, Creative Arts, Beauty & Hair, Business, Administration & Finance, Computing & Information Technologies, Construction & Built Environment, Education & Childcare, Engineering, Healthcare & Social Sciences, Renewable Technologies, Transmission & Distribution, Science & Nutrition, Sports, Physical Therapy & Coaching, Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, Transport & Logistics.

SCHOOL LEAVERS SHOULD LOOK AT ALL OPTIONS For Leaving Certificate students it is important they consider all options available to them after finishing school. The Further Education and Training (FET) route has become a popular option for students all over the country. There are many advantages in choosing a FET course. It is an opportunity for a student to get an insight in to a subject area, course or industry which leads to them making a more informed decision to invest both personally and financially to undertake a three or four year degree.

They are also introduced to a college environment where they will experience modular programmes and various forms of assessment. There is also more individual and group support and a real focus on the development of a whole student from an educational, personal and social perspective.

IRELAND’S FIRST INTEGRATED COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING -KERRY COLLEGE IS AN IDEAL OPTION FOR THE SCHOOL LEAVER. Kerry College of Further Education and Training was set up in September 2019. This is Ireland’s first integrated college of education and training. Across Ireland, training and further education centres are typically separate. Kerry College operates 4 campus locations – Monavalley, Clash Road, Denny Street and Listowel. Each of these campus locations has a long and storied history in educating, training and developing students and apprentices. Kerry College’s Town Centre Campus is the newest location and is located on Denny Street. Over 3000 students and apprentices study with Kerry College every year.

There are 180 full-time and part-time courses on offer in 3 distinct categories - courses for employment, courses for further study/university progression and apprenticeship programmes.

All courses for employment are fee-free and fully funded. These start every month of the year at the Monavalley Campus. All courses for further study/university progression carry a 130 euro course fee and this is the only cost associated with Courses 22 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

All courses for progression start in September 2020.

Doing a course for progression at Kerry College provides school leavers with a valuable opportunity to explore a career area or sector before they enrol on a 3 or 4 year full time university programme. It can also provide some time to consider their career, re-focus on a new area, save money, prepare for moving away from home or transition to a more independent way of living.

Our campus locations at Clash Road, Denny Street and Listowel have a range of courses both for Profession and for Employment.

The Monavalley campus specialises in courses for employment and apprenticeship training.

The 2020 Prospectus is available from all Kerry College Campus Locations – or by calling the Admissions Team on 066-714 96 96.

Applications for all programmes is online: www.kerrycollege.ie

Connect | Business

Monavalley Campus Clash Road Campus BORD OIDEACHAIS AGUS OILIÚNA CHIARRAÍ KERRY EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD

EMPLOYMENT

DEVELOP JOB-READY SKILLS - Full-Time Day Courses: No Fees.

- Evenings & Weekend Courses: Fees Apply.

- Day Courses start all year round.

Denny Street Campus Listowel Campus

PROGRESSION

APPRENTICESHIP

RANGE OF INNOVATIVE COURSES THAT LEAD TO THIRD LEVEL PROGRESSION

APPRENTICESHIP

- Take a year to explore your career choice.

- Minimum 50% learning on-the-job.

- Courses start in September.

- A range of traditional & new Apprenticeships available.

- The qualification where you earn and learn.

Enrolment for 2020/21 is Now Open

CLASH ROAD CAMPUS, Tralee & DENNY STREET CAMPUS, Tralee 066 7121 741 | LISTOWEL CAMPUS 068 21023 | MONAVALLEY CAMPUS, Tralee 066 7149 600

OPEN WEEK MONDAY 2nd - FRIDAY 6th MARCH

4 C A M P U S L O C AT I O N S | 1 8 0 C O U R S E S | 3 0 0 0 S T U D E N T S | U N L I M I T E D P O S S I B I L I T I E S

Browse/Apply www.kerrycollege.ie info@kerrycollege.ie

EUROPEAN UNION Investing in your future European Social Fund

Courses are offered subject to demand. Limited places available on certain courses.

Connect | Business

KINGDOM SWIMMING CLUB IS PRODUCING Kingdom Swimming Club celebrated their annual Club Fun Gala at Tralee Sports Complex recently followed by a Disco and Awards presentation at Strand Road Clubhouse. Everyone at Kingdom SC were delighted to have guest of honour Jack Grace in attendance despite his busy training schedule at University of Limerick (UL) with the Swim Ireland Performance Pathway Squad.

For those not familiar with the swimming circuit, the Kingdom SC swimmer recently won gold at the National Irish Short Course (SC) Championships for the 100 Freestyle at the National Aquatic Centre Dublin. This is a huge achievement for the 21-year-old Listowel native and another step closer to his dream of making an Irish Olympic or European Championship swimming team.

Jack, a longstanding Kingdom swimmer since the age of 10, progressed

up through the squads in the Club to the Senior squad under head coach Ger McDonnell. He competed at provincial and national level over the years making finals at summer nationals. While obligations for Leaving Certificate and intermittent shoulder injuries caused his performance to plateau somewhat in his late teens he decided to commit fully when he started University at UL nearly three years ago.

24 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

GOLD ALL THE WAY

While in 1st year studying Chemical and Biochemical Engineering he was chosen to join the Swim Ireland Performance Pathway Squad at the National Centre Limerick. By 2nd year he was awarded the Swim Ireland scholarship, an award he received again this year.

Now in 3rd year of his degree at UL, Jack trains nine times per week under Swim Ireland coach John Szaranek.

Five of these sessions are early mornings with Jack poolside at 5.15am finishing at 7.30am. He has four evening sessions per week of two-hour duration also. This doesn’t include his gym work which can be two-three times per week. His biggest challenge is trying to eat enough food to fuel all the training!

While in previous years Jack made finals at the National SC Championship, he didn’t medal. He says ‘it has taken the last three years of me consistently working hard and adjusting to the training at UL for me to finally see progress and reach the podium this year, gold being a massive bonus for me’. Where he used to train 6-7 times per week covering up to 13-15km, he now trains at least 9 times per week and covers 45-50km. His training with John has also become more individualised to his own events.

This achievement has Jack feeling confident heading into the 2020 Long Course (LC) season. ‘I feel better at long course swimming in the 50m pool, dives and turns are not my forte so long course just suits me better’. Winning gold at the National SC is a good indicator for the LC season ahead. ‘My ultimate goal this year is to qualify for the Irish 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay Team or 4 x 200 Freestyle Relay Team either for Olympics or European Championships. Competition is fierce but I have a chance’. This will all be decided in April at the Irish Open Championships which incorporates Olympic trials.

Commitment and hard work are clearly not an issue. Jack says he simply loves to swim and it is very much part of his life. ‘Many of my friends are from Kingdom Swimming Club or through swimming. I live with my best friend Cillian Tierney, an Irish Triathlete (also from Kingdom SC), my sister Hannah (his triplet) who trains with the Swim Ireland Para Development Squad and other swimmers from the Performance Pathway Squad. We all love what we do and have a lot in common’. ‘Kingdom Swimming Club is where competitive swimming started for me. Coaches Mike and Tim O’Connell and Ger McDonnell spent hours and hours working with me on technique, turns, dives, all the different strokes and some gruelling endurance work. I wouldn’t be where I am today in my swimming career without each of them. I’m loving representing Kingdom and am looking forward to building on my success in the future’.

Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 25

Connect | Business

Meanwhile Local swimmer in the club is selected for F424 Olympic Project by Swim Ireland More great news for the club as local swimmer Grace Reidy (14)has been named in the final national squad for the F4-24 Programme. The objective of the F4-24 programme is for the Swim Ireland Performance team to develop a group of female athletes capable of qualifying a Female 800m Freestyle Relay to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This would be the first Irish Female Relay team to qualify for an Olympic Games in over 50 years, the last & only occasion being in 1972.

Grace will train in the Limerick hub giving her regular access to long course water time at the UL Sports Complex up to three times per week. She will also be supported with a personalised long term athletic development plan with gym sessions working in synergy with her development in the pool.

All this is in conjunction with her club training schedule at home with Kingdom Swimming Club at Tralee Sports & Leisure Complex, under the watchful eye of Head coach Ger McDonnell.

While this is a huge achievement for Grace and a wonderful opportunity for further development as an athlete, it comes with a significant commitment. After a fantastic 2018/2019 season with Kingdom Swimming Club, which led to Grace being shortlisted for the programme in the first place, she is certainly starting off the 2019/2020 season on a high note.

All involved with Kingdom Swimming Club are very proud of Grace and wish her well going forward.

Kingdom swimming Club runs swimming trials to assess potential new members usually once or twice a year. This varies depending on numbers & availability of spaces in the Club. It's usually in Sept/Oct at the start of the season & possibly a second trial later on in the year any time from February but again this depends on availability of spaces in the Club. These trials are promoted on our social media(FB & Instagram), website & by Tralee Sports Complex.

26 | Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

CASH FLOW – Can your Business Survive?

In this technology era that we live in, the speed at which money is moved around is amazing. However, if your business does not have cash in the bank or doesn’t have up to date accounting systems letting you know where the business is at, then the business is at a disadvantage straight away because it won’t be able to make key business decisions or avail of opportunities on time.

If you want to bring your business into this decade then here are some simple ways to increase the cashflow into your business.

1. Set a time aside each week to invoice out work done. Simple, but yet often not done.

2. Review the collectability of outstanding debtors and consider how much time is spent chasing these debtors. a. Consider invoice discounting where a large amount of cash is held up. b. Consider also, online accounting software that automatically chases the debtors.

3. Review the methods of how you accept payment. a. Monthly Direct Debits b. Payments over the phone. c. Cash/Cheque on Delivery d. Online payment e.g GoCardless, Stripe, PayPal etc 4. Review margins -is your sales price set at the right price to ensure it’s contributing to the bottom line – Turnover for Vanity, Profit for Sanity comes to mind, not forgetting that Cash is King.

5. Stock – is your cash tied up in stock you can’t sell, or you simply have too much of it. Consider selling it at a discount to release some cash. Consider investing in a good stock system which is

•

unique to your business and can identify when you need to buy stock and even highlight perishable goods that are soon running out. Lots of good systems out there.

6. Creditors/Bills to pay – considerable scope here to review your expense items and shop around. Consider doing a creditors payment run once a month. Where you have regular bills like insurance, rates, Revenue, accountancy bills, consider entering into a direct debit arrangement so that cashflow can be spread more evenly throughout the year.

7. Break Even – ask yourself, how much do we need each week to remain in business? Many people find it difficult to answer that question. Once you know the answer, ask yourself how manageable is that? Set a plan in achieving it.

8. Consider sourcing finance from Financial Institutions to overcome some business hurdles especially in a start-up situation.

9. Review your accounting systems and see what one would work for you and your business so that you have real time information to hand.

10. Should you have surplus cash, review how you can maximise that for the benefit of the business and it’s owners.

Get in touch for a free consultation or a business review to see how we can help you maximise your cashflow at srivasmay@psc.ie / 066 7126333.

Market Expertise - with an extended reach of

•

Varity of open local live positions

candidates worldwide

•

Specialist confidential advice

•

Simplification of the hiring process & reducing risk

•

Interview preparation

•

Services Support & Complicity

•

Salary Negotiation

•

Access to strategic skills

ENHANCE YOUR CAREER PERFORMANCE

Connect BUSINESS | Feb/Mar 2019 | 29

Connect onnect | |B Business usiness C Connect | Business

SUPPORT OUR CBC MEMBERS

Should you wish to join the club contact us on: T: 066 7123954 M: 086 2408237Â | E: margaret@connectpublications.ie

28 30 | |C Connect onnect BUSINESS BUSINESS | | IFssue eb/M 1 2020 ar 2019

A Advertising dvertising |C |Connect onnect Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS ssuear 1 2019 2020 | 29 Connect BUSINESS | F|ebI/M 31

Connect | Business

30| Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020

Advertising |Connect

Connect BUSINESS | Issue 1 2020 | 31