Chamber News
In Business for Business
Thank You!
Over 50 Businesses got behind the Flower Display Initiative
There has been fantastic public reaction to the display and all who have got involved are to be commended.
Considering it was done in a matter of days, the response has been phenomenal. It will be even bigger and better in 2014.
Baskets should be retained and Delta will fill these again next year.
We were delighted to involve the Delta Centre in the project and they got fully behind it.
If you haven't been to their gardens do take a spin up and see Carlow's Secret Garden.
It's a gem.
Chamber Education
Our 10 week Management Development Course in IT Carlow finished up this week with the submission of assignments and Presentations by the participants. This course was an accredited NGD Level 7 Course.
Course participants were drawn from established businesses and potential start-ups. Feedback was very positive.
Our next course will again be in IT Carlow and will be an NQF level 8 Course in Online Marketing.
The aim of the course is to introduce the participant to the dynamics and challenges of the principles, practices of online marketing and digital media in marketing. It aims to equip the participant with the skills to create, develop, maintain and critically evaluate an excellent online marketing communication strategy.
Anyone looking to improve their Online presence - this is a great learning opportunity for your business. Full course details available on request.
You can book your place now by filling in the online application below.
This programme is supported by Carlow County Enterprise Board
A Year in the Life
If you would like to be included at some stage please contact us and let us know!
Email: news@carlow-nationalist.ie
Website: http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/
Location: Hanover House, Carlow
Phone: +353 59 9170100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlowNationalist
Twitter: @cwnationalist
Credit Review Office: Raise Appeals Ceiling to €3 Million Now
Carlow Chamber welcomed the 11th report of the Credit Review Office (CRO) showing that since 2010, upheld appeals have resulted in €16.8 million credit being made available to SMEs and farms, protecting 1,297 jobs.
Speaking this morning John Brophy, President of the Chamber said, “244 cases have now been completed by the CRO with 135 of those decisions in favour of the borrower. While this is still a very small number of applications, it highlights the role that the CRO can play in processing credit decision appeals. More businesses need to use this avenue to appeal a decision that they do not agree with.”
“One positive trend over the last two quarters is an increase in credit appeals for expansion working capital and for potential investments in fixed assets to grow businesses in response to improving confidence in the economy. All confidence building measures are to be supported, in particular Mr. Trethowan’s request for the limit of appeals to be raised from €500k to €3m. This would be of significant benefit to SMEs particularly those looking to refinance debt from institutions that are in wind down mode.”
“As with previous reports, evidence suggests that the pillar banks are largely supportive of medium and low risk new lending proposals. We must ensure that credit is available to all viable SMEs and as such it is vital that issues such as response times and front line experience of banking personnel must continue to be addressed,” he continued.
“Finally, we will continue to encourage members who have a query on a Pillar Bank lending decision to undertake the full appeals process,” he concluded.
National Procurement Framework
Everybody would agree with those aims.
However it has created huge difficulties for local suppliers to provide their services and for those procuring goods and services to source locally.
The system needs to address these deficiencies.
The system was recently challenged in court by a Tipperary firm.
Ireland’s Openness to Trade Ranked in World Top 10
Ireland are ranked 8th out of 75 countries assessed worldwide.
http://www.chambers.ie/media/news/2013/06/11/ireland%E2%80%99s-openness-to-trade-ranked-in-world-top-10/Carlow Gateway Business Centre - a great place to do business
Office space currently available!
Email: info@carlowgateway.ie
Website: www.carlowgateway.ie
Phone: 059 9135044
Co Carlow Chamber
Email: ceo@carlowchamber.com
Website: www.carlowchamber.com
Location: Athy Road, Carlow, Ireland
Phone: 0599132337
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlow.chamber
Twitter: @carlowchamber