Sienna, Waterford’s only retailer in Irish Top 30

Sienna Home Furnishings is Waterford’s only representative at the prestigious Sunday Independent Retail Excellence Ireland Awards for 2011.

Established 13 years ago by industry group, Retail Excellence Ireland, this Award scheme is the only one of its kind in the country, rewarding excellence across the entire breadth and depth of the retail industry and not just one particular sector.

R.E.I. rated over 400 Irish retailers across more than 50 criteria; standard of exterior, use of windows, footfall management, service levels, and numerous further tests were carried out including a thorough mystery shop. After this the top 100 were selected for a further rigorous store assessment. From those, the Top 30 were selected to attend the Sunday Independent Retail Excellence Ireland Awards ceremony later this year.

Sienna Home Furnishings qualified as Waterford’s only finalist, and is placed in the ‘Best Extra large Store’ category.

The award process is based on a thorough store review conducted by a fully trained assessor, which is subsequently assessed by a panel of 10 independent judges who ultimately select the final winners in each category

In fact this is no ‘once off’ event for Sienna. After only two years in business they were named among the top 25 retailers for 2007, they featured again in 2008 and 2010.

Following the store review, the assessor described Sienna as a “leader” in the home furnishings sector. Sienna supplies a vast range of Irish and international furniture brands, highly innovative, interior designed room settings. There is also a dedicated The Sleep Room, where customers can select a new mattress or bed. In this family run business, the highly trained staff is always available with advice and product knowledge to help the customer make the right furniture choice for them.

Paul Lenehan, Managing Director of Sienna Home Furnishings added, “It is a great honour to be featured amongst the Top 30 retailers in Ireland. At Sienna we work hard to ensure that the retail experience is one that will have our customers coming back again and again. Through a combination of carefully selected merchandise, bringing together style, quality and value for money together with a strong sense of customer care, we were delighted to be recognised by our peers for our endeavours”.

Waterford City Gamers go global!

The idea behind G4X, in hindsight, seems very simple!

Create one of Europe’s first competitive online gaming websites where gamers can compete against one another for cash prizes.

G4X Gaming Ltd is the brain child of Waterford native and tech engineer/ IT consultant, Richard Anderson. The idea came to him four years ago, for a user friendly online gaming site where gamers could compete with each other anywhere in the world.

Today G4X is recognised as one of Europe’s fastest growing gaming sites with almost 400 members.

Richard approached Waterford City Enterprise Board in 2011 with his business plan and the Enterprise Board immediately recognised the potential of the venture offering financial and marketing assistance. According to Ciaran Cullen, CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board, G4X Gaming Ltd is the kind of business that the Enterprise Board is eager to support, “While this type of business is new to Waterford City, globally it is a growth area. It is where we see our future development and reflects our best hope for long term jobs.”

Richard spent years build up friends and contacts in order to get G4X up and running. These include Tony Gorey, the co-founder of G4X Gaming Ltd,

Ferdia O`Brien from Strawberry Interactive and Mark Flanagan.

G4X was approved for a Waterford City Enterprise Board employment grant which was crucial in setting up the company. They also based themselves in the Waterford City Enterprise Centre where Ciaran has been keeping contact with G4X to see how they are growing and giving advice when needed. Now that the company is up and running their passion has increased tenfold and they are looking for new ways to make gamers experiences better and more enjoyable.

While the majority of promotion for G4X is through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, as a way of promoting the business and having some fun, G4X hold ‘off line’ events around the country where gamers can show up and take each other on face to face using a number of different consoles and games to maximise the gamers experience and win great prizes. G4X held their first ‘off line’ event night in Revolutions Basement Bar in Waterford city on the 2^nd of September which was a success with 210 gamers attending the event. They are also in the process of organising Ireland’s largest inter-college tournament promoting gaming lounges on campuses throughout Ireland.

If you have an idea for a technology business but have not acted on it call into Waterford City Enterprise Board at Enterprise House on New Street in Waterford City or phone them on 051-852883.

Regional registration for Solas Centre South East Run for Life

It’s just weeks away!

The Solas Centre South East Run for Life takes place on Sunday October 16^th in Waterford City. Sponsorship cards are still available from the Solas Centre, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches through out the region.

All runners or walkers must register prior to race day. This registration takes place at the Solas Centre in Waterford City between 11am to 6pm from Tuesday October 11^th to Saturday October 15^th.

Because the emphasis has been on the South East this year and the level of interest outside Waterford has been unprecedented, the organisers are aware that not everyone can make it to Waterford City for these registration times. That's why for the first year ever there’s postal registration.

If you are located outside Waterford City and cannot attend the main registration just post a completed sponsorship card along with a cheque or bank draft for the full amount of your fund raising efforts. These bank drafts are available free of charge from any AIB branch.

Please send your envelope containing the card and cheque to;

South East Run for Life

Solas Centre

Williamstown

Waterford

Closing date for receipt of sponsorship cards and donations is Monday October 3^rd.

The Solas Centre will then post you your number, shirt and race information before October 8^th. The organisers are hoping 1,000 people take part in support of the 1,000 who will avail of the Solas Centre in 2012.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.

HCS Business Solutions in “tech” recruitment drive

When HCS Business Solutions was established in 1994 one of its main objectives was to provide IT solutions to SME’s in the South East. Today, whilst IT solutions are still an integral part of what the company does, it has moved on to provide innovative business solutions to the SMB market.

Major developments in the IT sector have been well documented and technologies are now moving towards “the cloud”, thus highlighting how quickly the IT industry is evolving.

Within such a fast paced sector HCS Business Solutions is delighted to announce the expansion of its tech team. Based in the Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford, HCS has launched a recruitment drive to find suitable senior support technicians, business development executives and a workshop technician.

According to Sean Hegarty, Director of HCS Business Solutions, the expansion of their tech team comes from the growth of its client base in the South East. Mr. Hegarty said “The spotlight is focused on the IT sector and particularly on the area of cloud computing, that’s why we are looking for a number of tech professionals that will be able to advise and service new and existing clients.”

“Businesses, not just in Waterford, but throughout the South East, are beginning to see the future is the cloud and are beginning to realise that cloud based services for businesses will soon be the norm. Cloud computing will give users a more reliable, remote and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability, which in these tough times is crucial.”

In order to keep abreast of the constant shifts in technology, HCS Business Solutions has developed a suite of managed services – the “Tech” range. This trilogy of advanced remote managed services clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and development of cloud solutions to the small and medium sized business markets.

HCS Business Solutions was also instrumental in brining MD of Microsoft Ireland, Paul Rellis, to Waterford to the region’s businesses on the future of “cloud computing” and the advances being made by Microsoft in this area.

Another area where HCS Business Solutions has received accolades is that of IT in Education. HCS was lauded at the recent ICT Excellence Awards, having made significant progress in the area of “Technology in Education and Training”.

HCS is accredited with a unique set of partnerships and accreditations that offers customers complete business solutions. With some of the highest accreditations in the industry HCS Business Solutions has plans to continue to grow and offer more and more exciting software innovations to customers in the South East.

For further information about HCS Business Solutions and the technical vacancies visit www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Waterford’s Kite Design Studio takes flight!

The Kite Design Studio, a pilot project spearheaded by Waterford City Council and Waterford City Enterprise Board was officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Pat Hayes and Artist Róisín de Buitléar.

Situated in a state of the art facility in Henrietta Street this unique design collective houses some of Waterford’s most talented designers and artists including glass blowers, glass cutters, a Master engraver, a fine art printer, two silversmiths and a contemporary Irish designer.

The project initiated by Waterford City Manager, Michael Walsh and former Chief Executive of Waterford City Enterprise Board, Bill Rafter, took almost two years to complete and was formulated to develop the Viking Triangle as a key tourism area in the city and to showcase Waterford’s long crystal making tradition.

According to Mr. Ciaran Cullen, Acting CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, the Kite Design Studio project is the first of its kind in Ireland. “The premise of this ambitious project is to encourage, nurture, house and showcase the phenomenal craftsmanship that Waterford has to offer. All of the businesses operate as micro- enterprises and produce the highest quality design and craft pieces.”

Mr. Cullen added, “It’s hard to imagine another collective in the country that could house such talented entrepreneurs. The Kite Studio is home to independent design label Bonzie. The studio also houses Sean Egan Art Glass, renowned for its 9/11 Twin Towers Commemorative sculpture. Another enterprise is Stradbally Jewellery comprising of talented husband and wife team, Ken and Claire Coleman, who produce quality handmade silver jewellery. The Irish Handmade Glass Company is a glass blowing and cutting studio formed by four former Waterford Crystal Master craftsmen producing a range of clear and colour crystal. You’ll also find there Anne McDonnell-Murphy, a fine art printer consistently pushing the boundaries of this traditional art form.”

“It really is a case of an “embarrassment of riches” – the talent, ingenuity, craft quality and innovation coming from the Kite Design Studio are an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs, designers and craftsmen and women.”

The launch was well attended by local businesses, artists and supporters of the project and the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Pat Hayes officiated over proceedings. Mayor Hayes said “The Viking Triangle project is the embodiment of a cultural renewal initiative in the heart of Waterford City. Effectively what has been achieved here is the bringing to life of over a thousand years of history that have shaped Waterford as we know it today.”

“An integral part of this project is the Kite Design Studio which houses five amazing artists and designers. This design collective brings a unique and remarkable craftsmanship to the city. From fine printers and jewellery makers to glass engravers and silversmiths to fashion designers, the Kite Design Studio is an enviable and ambitious design centre that showcases the imagination and talent that Waterford proudly possesses.”

Also speaking at the event was Visual Artist, Róisín de Buitléar. Róisín has been working in the medium of glass as a primary material since 1983 and said the Kite Design Studio was an important facility. “Hopefully the Kite Design Studio will be the first of many such creative facilities in Waterford. It allows the public direct access to artist’s studios to engage with artists and their making process. This interchange nurtures a greater understanding of the individual craft practices, which stimulates and encourages sales and referrals.”

Ms. de Buitléar added, “Working in a craft tradition means having a respect for that tradition while embracing new ways of interpreting that tradition.”

The design studio is open to the public six days a week and visitors have the unique opportunity to experience in-house designers working on their designs in situ.

For more information about the Kite Design Studio call along to the Henrietta Street premises, call 051 858914, or check out Kite Design Studio on Facebook.

Free Waterford Seminar on ‘Building a Business on Your Ideas’

A Government-sponsored free seminar, ‘Building a Business on Your Ideas’ is taking place in the Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford on Thursday 22nd September 2011.

The seminar organised by the Patents Office, is aimed at small business-owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and start-up companies in Waterford and surrounding counties. Speakers include experts from the public and private sectors and local entrepreneurs.

Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD said: ‘This seminar presents a great learning opportunity for small business-owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and start-up companies who want to scale their businesses or turn their ideas into functioning enterprises.

‘It is not generally known that over 80% of new inventions are derived from previous inventions, so during the seminar information will be provided as to where details of previous inventions can be sourced.

‘The seminar will outline all the government supports available from incubation to commercialisation.

‘It will examine how to convert an idea into a business opportunity, due diligence in setting up a business, an insight into what are patents, trade marks and industrial designs and how they should be managed.

‘Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and now more than ever they need every support they can to start and grow,’ Minister Sherlock concluded.

The seminar runs from 9.10am to 4.00pm and there will be an opportunity to meet and talk to the speakers throughout the day and after the seminar from 4pm to 4.30pm.

Admission to the seminar is free but pre-registration with Waterford City Enterprise Board is required by call to their offices on New Street in the City, email them at info@waterfordceb.com or by phone at 051-852883.

Waterford showcases Positive Solutions for Ageing!

Now officially recognised as a Positive Ageing Week City, Waterford will play host to a number of senior related activities from September 23^rd to October 1^st.

“Celebrating Positive Ageing” is the theme of this year’s Positive Ageing Week and the full programme of events was recently launched by the Mayor of Waterford Councillor Pat Hayes.

Speaking at the launch the Chair of the Committee, Babs Murphy, encouraged older people to attend the free events and to try out new activities on offer throughout the course of the week.

The “Positive Solutions for Ageing” Health Day is one such free event which takes place in the Waterford Health Park, Slievekeale Road from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday, September, 27^th.

As part of the event there will be free health checks and a number of talks covering topics such as legal advice, security, mobility and citizens information. There will also be a wide range of exhibitors including Home Instead Senior Care, the Irish Heart Foundation, Lisduggan Active Retirement, Stroke Support Group and many, many more.

According to Ms. Connolly, Director of Services with Home Instead and PAW Committee member, “Currently there are over 7,500 senior citizens living in Waterford City and County. The basis of Positive Solutions for Ageing is to make as much information available to seniors and their families about many health related issues including; healthy eating, mental well being, free blood pressure and hearing tests, complimentary therapy options, personal safety and security and general advice for seniors. And all talks and presentations are free to attend.”

Ms. Connolly added “We want to give seniors as much information about the options available to them to empower them and enable them to make the right choice when it comes to all senior matters.”

The “Positive Solutions for Ageing” Health Day takes place in the Waterford Health Park, Slievekeale Road from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday, September 27th – admission is free and all are welcome.

Positive Ageing Week is run by Age Action Ireland and the premise of the event is to highlight the positive aspects of ageing and also to dispel the negativity that surrounds the ageing process.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care service visit www.homeinstead.ie or contact the Waterford office at Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road on 051 333966

Great Support for Waterford Hospice Coffee Morning

Bright Sparks Required!

On September 21st Waterford City Enterprise Board will conduct a FREE Idea Generation Programme.

Do you have a business idea and as yet are unsure whether or not it will work? Would you like to be your own boss but you cannot come up with a business idea? Are you not sure what to do next? Learn all you need to know about idea generation from taking an idea from first thought stage through to business start-up.

The programme, consisting of three workshops, is specifically designed as a first step for those thinking of setting up a new business, but have not yet decided to take the plunge or don't know how to take it further. The three workshops will assist them with generating new ideas, to help the new owner/manager considering setting up a business to get over the hurdles that exist during the idea generation phase.

These free workshops are designed to naturally fit prior to a Start Your Own Business Course. They not only show you what ideas are good ideas but also introduce you to the concepts of thinking laterally, creating new ideas and will help you to develop your business ideas and point you in the right direction for starting up a new business.

Acting CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board, Ciaran Cullen, is very excited about the programme’s prospects, “'We have run the Idea Generation workshops for the past two years and many of those that came to us with a vague idea for a business went on to do a Start Your Own Business programme and are now self employed today and growing their ideas into profitable businesses.”

If you have an idea for a new business but have not acted on it yet this is your chance. Call into Waterford City Enterprise Board at Enterprise House on New Street in Waterford City or phone 051-852883.

Jackie gets behind Solas Centre Run for Life

Jackie Hoyne at her Blackberry Café in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

Jackie was diagnosed with stage 3 Advanced Breast Cancer in December 2009.

Jackie was admitted for treatment on the 14th January 2010. The Solas centre was recommended by the liaison nurse on the ward. Having cancer was terrifying but she repressed the powerful emotions and met the challenge head on with a very stoic ‘get on with it’ attitude. She would not give in to her fears and wanted to channel all her energies on getting better. One of the fears was getting into a car and driving as she had a phobia about car crashes since she was diagnosed. Because her body was so on the edge a car crash would have been too much to handle.

Her first appointment at The Solas centre was scheduled for the 1st of Feb 2010. Jackie lives 20 miles from the hospital so driving was essential but she never made this appointment as driving down the quays in Waterford a large 4x4 crashed into her. The car was written off and she was rushed to hospital in a neck brace. Luckily she was ok and a few weeks later did get to the centre in one piece.

Claire at the Solas Centre talked to Jackie and her husband and they decided Reflexology would help. The therapist Gail was able to describe the emotions they were feeling through reflexology. They found this very useful and it was a safe place for Jackie to deal with her psychological and emotional needs.

One year on Jackie has made a full recovery, feels great and no longer has the car crash phobia. She puts this down to the fantastic help that she and her husband received at the Solas Centre.

Built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East, the Solas Centre was designed with ambiance and comfort in mind. There are relaxing therapy rooms and quiet comfortable sitting rooms for a confidential chat or for counselling. The art room is bright and airy and perfect for kids to splash paint or for adults to express themselves through art. The Centre’s assembly room is great for groups to meet and chat.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman, said “The Solas Centre would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and goodwill of the people of the south east. Since April 2008, we have been campaigning to build and fund state of the art cancer support centre that offers excellent services to cancer patients and their families. Frankly, none of this would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the groundswell of support and kindness from the people of the South East.”

However the need for fundraising goes on. The event now in its fourth year is changing emphasis from building the Centre to maintaining quality cancer services. It is also expanding its appeal for participants not just from Waterford City but from the whole South East. Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. While last year cancer support was provided to 250 the Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, is calling on all runners, joggers and walkers to get in shape for the Solas Centre South East Run for Life which takes place on Sunday October 16^th in Waterford City. Sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre in Waterford city, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches through out the region. The organisers are hoping 1,000 people take part in support of the 1,000 who will avail of the Solas Centre in 2012.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.

Mr. Binman cleans up Waterford’s Harvest Festival

As Festival sponsor, Mr. Binman supplied the food, recycling and general waste disposal for the Waterford Harvest Festival outdoor events, including the Big Street Barbeque, Picnic in the Park, GIY Street Feast and the Amazing Grazing event on the South Quays.

Gary O’Keeffe, Mr. Binman Commercial Manager, said of the sponsorship “This is a wonderful opportunity for a company like Mr. Binman to partner with one of Ireland’s largest artisan natural food festivals.”

“Waterford Harvest Festival aims to educate people in the appreciation of good, clean, fair food. Similarly, Mr. Binman is encouraging people to make small changes in their attitudes towards recycling and to act more responsibly towards the environment.”

Mr Binman is constantly striving to increase the amount of waste recycled. The more material that is recycled, the less waste going to landfill which is better for this and future generations.

Mr. O’ Keeffe added, “The challenge for us all is to make small modifications in our day to day practises. Small but significant steps such as reducing, reusing and recycling our waste can make a big difference.”

Mr Binman is a family run waste and recycling company that employs over 150 people in the South East region. For further information and details about Mr. Binman log onto www.mrbinman.com or call 051 643144.

Pictured at the launch of the 2011 Waterford Harvest Festival were Michael Garland (Waterford Chamber of Commerce), Gary O’ Keeffe (Mr. Binman), Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Pat Hayes and Lynn Cahill (Waterford City Council).

Home Instead Senior Care to put the kettle on for Waterford Hospice Movement

Home Instead Senior Care will put the kettle on and host a coffee morning to raise funds for the Waterford Hospice Movement on Thursday, September 15^th.

All of the funds raised on the morning will go towards the provision of hospice care for patients in Waterford and the South East. Waterford Hospice Movement provides palliative care services for patients with life threatening illnesses in Waterford city and county and South Kilkenny, covering a population of 120,000 people.

Home Instead Senior Care is delighted to host its fifth Hospice coffee morning. Danette Connolly, Director of Services said “As a company that supplies caring professionals to the region, we are acutely aware of the absolute necessity for a dedicated hospice facility in Waterford. The level of care provided to both the patient and the family is paramount.”

Danette added “It costs Waterford Hospice approximately €588,000 annually to provide its services. Almost two thirds of this money has to be raised through donations, local fundraising such as these coffee mornings and funds raised by individuals.”

“If something as simple as putting the kettle on can raise money for such a worthy cause and help to guarantee a better quality of life to the patient and their support network of family and friends I’d encourage everyone to make a small effort on September 15^th.”

The WHM Coffee Morning takes place at Unit 2, Cleaboy Business Park (in front of the Blueberry Café) from 10am to 11.30am.

For further information about how you can help the Waterford Hospice Movement contact Marie Cummins, Fundraiser, on 051 832330 or call along to the WHM Coffee Morning at the Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road on Thursday, September, 15^th.

Call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.