Eishtec to create 250 new smartphone support jobs in Wexford

Eishtec, the Waterford based customer contact solutions provider, announced today that it is to create 250 new jobs by October 2013 as part of a major expansion via a new custom built facility in Drinagh, Co. Wexford. 

Eishtec currently employs 400 people in its Waterford site at the Cleaboy Business Park and these additional jobs will bring its total workforce to 650 across the South East region of Ireland.  

Brian Barry, one of the co-founders of Eishtec, said: “We are particularly encouraged by this growth because in January 2012 we announced 250 jobs for Waterford and, based on delivering strong performance to date, we have been able to grow beyond that figure to 400. We want to acknowledge the personal interest and support of Minister Bruton and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as well as the ongoing support of Enterprise Ireland in our growth to date and these new jobs will be subject to their continued assistance”.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said:

“Eishtec is a great role model for what we are trying to achieve in the Irish economy. This is an Irish company, founded by three former employees of a multinational, winning business in a highly competitive market, and growing employment in a part of the country which has suffered from high levels of unemployment. Through continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs I am determined to ensure that companies like Eishtec can continue to start-up, grow, and create the jobs we need”.

The growth is on the back of Eishtec securing an expansion to an existing contract with EE, the company behind the UK telecommunications brands Orange, T-Mobile and EE. EE is a new brand that recently launched the UK’s first mobile superfast 4G network.

Eishtec will expand its support for Orange and T-Mobile customers with smartphone service and technical care, including Android and iPhone.

Making the announcement Heather Reynolds, co-founder, said: “We believe this expansion is testament to the skills and positive attitude of the people we've recruited. We are delighted to be expanding our business further to 650.

Recruitment for the new positions is currently underway.”

"This is another significant win for Eishtec, the South East and Ireland. We have the skills and experience in our team to provide the highest quality services to our clients and help support the achievement of its business objectives.”   Ms. Reynolds added. “We're delighted we can maintain a proud tradition of providing market-leading customer services to blue chip organisations.”

Eishtec was set up by Heather Reynolds, Brian Barry and Colm Tracey in May 2011 with nine employees. The company is now recruiting for service and technical support roles, with all training provided by Eishtec.

Radio Blaa Blaa for Christmas Appeal!

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford held a coffee morning in aid of the WLRfm Lions Club Christmas Appeal and the proceeds from the sale of Brian Kennedy’s book Radio Blaa Blaa were donated to this worthy cause. 

L-R:  Danette Connolly, Home Instead Senior Care, Timmy Ryan and Karen Tomkins, WLRfm and Brian Kennedy, Home Instead Senior Care.

Ballybeg Youth Project gets festive

The young people at the Ballybeg Youth Project have certainly had a busy few months!

Since September the group has been working hard to create a wonderful array of hand crafted Christmas decorations, wreaths and candles. The gifts were available at the Waterford City Enterprise Village on Bailey’s New Street during the opening weekend of Winterval.

As a result of the positive feedback the group received the hand-crafted gifts will also be available in Centra, Ballybeg on Thursday, December 13^th and also directly from the Ballybeg Youth Project.

According to Lil Quinn, Community Youth Worker, BYP, the initiative has proved extremely popular with the group.  “All the boys and girls involved in the project enjoyed every minute of it.  It allowed them to let their creativity flourish and we were amazed at the standard that was produced.”

“The boys worked hard in manufacturing high quality crafted Christmas decorations and the girls produced a wonderful festive selection of wreaths and candle trays. They also enjoyed the opportunity to sell and interact with the public at Waterford City Enterprise Village.”

“The experience has given them the confidence to think about developing the array of products on offer and already they are thinking about launching their Valentine’s, wedding and Easter ranges.”

The Ballybeg Youth Project provides clubs, programmes and activities for young people aged 9 to 21 years living in Ballybeg.  Activities include educational programmes, sporting opportunities, group games, arts and crafts, fretwork, a games room, large screen TV, cyber centre, Youth Cafe and lots more.

If you want to view some of the work from the Ballybeg Youth Project come along to Centra in Ballybeg on Thursday, December 13^th, enjoy a complimentary mince pie and hot drink and pick up a festive bauble or two to brighten your Christmas tree!

Santa brings festive cheer to the Solas Centre!

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, recently hosted a Christmas Party at the centre and the “Big Man” himself dropped in to deliver some Christmas cheer!

The festive celebrations focused the children and over 40 children were treated to a fun afternoon of face painting, balloon modelling, party food and a visit to the very seasonal Santa’s Grotto.

According to Mick Nevin, Solas Centre Manager, the day was a huge success.  “The children and their parents really enjoyed the party and it was filled with lots of entertaining fun and party games and what Christmas party wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa?”

“The Solas Centre works with families every day that have been touched by cancer.  From children who are affected themselves to those who have accompanied a parent or a guardian to the centre for our cancer support services, cancer has a big impact on everyone.”

Each year 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.  Since opening its doors almost two years ago the Solas Centre has provided support services, such as counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services to over 1,000 people affected by cancer.

Mick added, “The purpose of this Christmas party was to have some festive fun and whet the appetite for Christmas.  We couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the local community and Solas colleagues. We would especially like to acknowledge the very generous support we received from Hasbro, McDonald’s, Ardkeen Quality Food Store, Partyworld and Suirfire Productions.”

James Rockett provided the very popular balloon modelling and the talented Aoife Dunphy was in demand for her face painting skills throughout the afternoon.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

Suirfire Announces a Cracking Christmas Season in Theatre Royal

Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and Suirfire has the perfect night out to get you in the festive mood.

  

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret kicks off on Friday, December 21^st for three nights at the Theatre Royal. It’s the perfect remedy to blow away all the stresses of the season and leave you full of Christmas cheer, fun and laughter.

The Cabaret features; De La Salle Choir, Konor Halpin, Nicky Cummins, Vicki Graham, Lynsey Penkert, Des Manahan, and Sharon Clancy to name but a few. With a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine plus your ticket all for only €15, its great festive value!

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret runs 21st, 22nd, 23rd December at 8pm nightly.

Suirfire also has put together an enchanting production for the little ones this Christmas.  A big hit last year, Elfie the Elf returns to the Theatre Royal, with even more Christmas fun to be had.

Elfie must once again save Christmas with the help of Mrs Claus, Santa and the other Elves. With even more audience interaction, story time with Mrs Claus and sing along with Santa this magical Christmas tale will enchant and delight. Elfie the Elf is ideal Christmas entertainment for kids aged 3 to 10 years.

Tickets are €12 for adults, €10 for kids with a super value family rate of just €38 for two adults and two kids.  Special group rates are also available.

Elfie The Elf Returns runs in December on Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday, 19^th at  11am and 7pm, Thursday 20th and Friday 21st at 11am, and Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23^rd at 2pm.

The Suirfire Winterval Cabaret and Elfie the Elf Returns are on sale now from Theatre Royal box office on 051 874402 or www.theatreroyal.ie.

Caring for your senior relatives and friends this Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly under way and Home Instead Senior Care Waterford is offering some useful advice for getting the most out of the festive season for elderly relatives and friends.

 “Better Living for Older People” is a series of practical tips ensuring that seniors are safe and secure this winter.  They include a range of useful guidelines such as advice on taking measures to avoid trips and falls, keeping a supply of non perishable goods to hand and ensuring that all emergency and phone numbers of family and neighbours are written down in case there is a need to contact them urgently.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead it is imperative that our seniors have a safe and happy Christmas. “We can all play a part in ensuring that Christmas is a highly enjoyable event for all.  Christmas is about friends, family and loved ones enjoying the festivities safely and being mindful of elderly parents, grandparents or neighbours needs.”

Ms. Connolly stressed the importance of keeping an eye on elderly relatives and neighbours over the Christmas holidays. 

“Over the holiday season we tend to spend more time with our parents, grandparents or senior relatives so it is a good opportunity to make sure that they are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes”, she added.

Ms. Connolly advised that there are warning signs to look out for that signal an ageing parent or relative needs more help at home. 

·        Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?

·        Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?

·        Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?

·        Does their car have new scratches or dents?

·        Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?

·        Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

“If you are visiting a senior relative during the Christmas holidays be aware of things that may be changing for your senior relatives.  Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.”

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford provides an array of senior care services such as light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, transport and companionship, up to and including personal care, dementia care, post hospital care and disability care.

For further information about the services log onto www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.