Caring for your senior relatives and friends this Christmas!

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly under way.  Traditionally a time for celebration and family, Christmas often has less cheerful connotations for the many seniors who are alone.

According to ALONE, which supports older people in need in Ireland, 10% of people aged over 65 are at risk of poverty and 120,000 older people live alone across the country.

Home Instead Senior Care Waterford, which provides care to seniors in their own homes is offering useful advice to ensure our senior relatives, friends and neighbours are safe, warm and cared for this winter.

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 together.  However not all of our seniors have a friend or relative to call upon, so it is up to us to be mindful of their needs and to keep them company.”

Ms. Connolly stressed the importance of visiting 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.  “If you have a neighbour nearby that you know is alone, it is often a good idea to organise a rota for visits or to do some shopping for them so that they will see a friendly face every day.”

“Often, simply dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat can alleviate the loneliness of a senior with no family nearby.  Bringing a gift like a bale of briquettes or a hot dinner is practical and will go a lot further than a box of sweets or a cream cake.”

Ms. Connolly also advised that there are many 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?

·        Are their paths and driveways ice free? Ensure that these are kept ice free with salt or sand.

·        Do they have access to emergency numbers and phone numbers of family and neighbours written down or stored in their phone?

·        Is there a supply of medication to get them through the holiday period?

 “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.

Local produce to take centre stage at Winterval Enterprise Food Fair

Some of the local produce that will be available from the Waterford Festive Food Fair

 (Photo: Peter Grogan)

Local produce will be showcased throughout Winterval, in a joint initiative by Waterford City Enterprise Board and Ardkeen Quality Food Store.

The Waterford Festive Food Fair, located on Michael Street, will open this Friday, December 13^th to Sunday December 15^th and the following weekend from Thursday, December 19^th to Sunday December 22^nd.

The premise of the initiative is to highlight the abundance of locally produced quality foods and to support the local producers that continue to put Waterford on the national food landscape.

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, Chief Executive of Waterford City Enterprise Board was delighted to support this venture.  He said, “Waterford has a vast array of locally produced food of the highest calibre.   Producers such as Ponticelli Coffee, Edelicious, Joy By Bishop’s Palace Café, Dessert First and M & D Bakery, to name but a few, bring a uniqueness of product to the customer.  They all share a passion to produce and deliver to the public food of the highest standards.”

Mr. Cullen added, “Many of the local food producers that will be exhibiting over the course of Winterval at the Festive Food Fair have been closely involved with the Enterprising Food Network since it began over two years ago.  The objective of this network is to assist food producers in the areas of branding, packaging and route to market, so showcasing them at Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, Winterval, is a great accomplishment and a real testament to their commitment and to the quality of their food.”

Mr. Colin Jephson of Ardkeen Quality Food Store added, “The philosophy of Ardkeen Quality Food Store has long been to support the local producer and it’s great to be involved with Waterford City Enterprise Board.  This project gives many of our suppliers, such as Jay Bee’s, Eunice Power and Deise Honey the opportunity to promote themselves in the heart of the city during the busy festive period.”

The Waterford Festive Food Fair will be open 12pm to 8pm on December 13^th 14^th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st and from 12pm to 6pm on December 15^th and 22^nd.

For more information about the Waterford Festive Food Fair or the Enterprising Food Network talk to Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051 852883 or www.waterfordceb.com.

Home Instead Senior Care to provide Emergency Response to Waterford Seniors

Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with Tunstall Emergency Response to provide enhanced monitored protection for seniors. This pilot programme being rolled out in Waterford City is called HomeCARE support.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Waterford, the safety and security measures on offer will give seniors and their family members peace of mind and the HomeCARE support programme will ensure that a “responder” is at hand when needed. 

“We visit clients who have an Emergency Response Monitored system but don’t have family or friends that can respond should they need it anytime 24 hours a day.  What we now offer is that Home Instead Senior Care becomes their “first responders” in the case of an emergency.  As time is of the essence in urgent situations our team of CAREGivers and Community Responders can be at the home of a senior 24 hours a day bringing assurance to seniors and their family members.”

Danette added, “With advanced technology and monitoring a senior person is afforded more security and assurances.  If a person requires assistance they push the red button on a security pendent.  A connection is then made via their phone line or SIM card to the Emergency Response monitoring centre .The monitoring centre staff will then attempt to make contact with the client.  If they cannot make contact they will then make a call to the persons designated contact, and if the person is availing of HomeCARE support service Home Instead Senior Care will respond to the persons needs. “

Tunstall Emergency Response has provided tele-healthcare solutions for over 20 years and welcomed the partnership with Home Instead.  James Doyle, MD, Emergency Response said, “Home Instead has been delivering quality senior care in Waterford since 2009 and we felt that the fit was just right.  We are two companies that that share a clearly defined objective and that is to support seniors enabling them to live full, independent lives in their own homes.”

“With a team of dedicated CAREGivers and a vast range of home and personal monitoring solutions, seniors and particularly their families and carers can rest assured that they are more protected than ever.”

Home Instead opened its doors in Waterford in 2009 with just four staff and today it has cared for over 800 clients, employs 70 CAREGivers along with an office support team of 7, including 3 nurses.

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care Waterford you can visit www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.

Waterford Rotary Club set to launch 16th Memorial Christmas Tree

The Memorial Tree at the Heart of Waterford City in 2012

This Thursday, December 5^th, the Rotary Club of Waterford launches its 16^th annual Memorial Christmas Tree at 12 noon in John Robert’s Square, Waterford.

The Memorial Tree Appeal will be officially launched by The Mayor of Waterford City, Cllr. John Cummins.

William Galloway, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “For 16 years the Rotary Club of Waterford Memorial Christmas Tree has been central to Christmas in Waterford. Most of us have been touched by the wonderful work Waterford Hospice does in our community and Christmas is such an important and appropriate time to thank and reward them. The generosity of the public each year is astounding. It is that generosity that makes this appeal such a success every year.”

In 1998 the first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of Waterford to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has raised nearly €450,000 towards Waterford Hospice.

As well as raising much needed funds in Waterford for the Hospice Movement, the Memorial Tree Appeal provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public.

Waterford Gift Voucher scheme to build local business

 











Delighted to see the B2B Communications' designed Waterford Gift Vouchers hitting the streets of Waterford.
The scheme was launched by Waterford Chamber and Waterford City Centre Business Group (WCCBG) and supported by Waterford City Council.
 
The vouchers, in denominations of €10, €25 and €50 are available from Waterford Chamber Offices in George's Street and a  list of participating businesses can be found on www.waterfordchamber.ie and www.waterfordcitycentre.ie.

Enterprising students get ready for Winterval

A Waterford City student Pop Up shop opens on Michael Street for two weekends only this Friday November 29^th.

Since the start of September, 400 transition year students from Waterford City and seven Youth Bank community groups have been busy setting up small businesses and creating products to sell during Winterval. Everything from designer crafted cakes to natural wooden Christmas candles, pet tag key rings to Christmas cards and cupcakes to jewellery will be showcased at the shop.


The students have been assisted by their teachers and Waterford City Enterprise Board mentors, with interviews and tips on Beat 102 103 and an inspiring talk from entrepreneur Sean Gallagher.

This array of products will be sold from 19 Michael Street, next to the Tea Assembly. This village is part of Waterford’s Christmas Festival, Winterval, which runs from November 29^th.   For the first two weekends these unique seasonal items created by the students and teenagers of Waterford City will be on sale, offering the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

Ciaran Cullen, CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprise Board continually tries to improve and evolve its services, this is epitomised by this year’s efforts. We learned from last year’s experience and thought the Michael Street venue might be more productive and profitable for the students. It is so important for Waterford City students to learn how to interact with customers and sell their products in a live retail environment.”

Waterford City Enterprise Board offers support services for start-up and existing SME’s in Waterford city. If you have a new business idea or are running a business that requires assistance you can contact the Enterprise Board by phoning Celia on 051-852883 or check out what they have to offer first on www.waterfordceb.com.

Waterford Hospice appoints new Chairperson

The Waterford Hospice Movement recently appointed Danette Connolly as the new Chairperson of the Board.

Ms. Connolly, who is Director of Care with Home Instead Senior Care Waterford and Director of Training at the NAS Centre, has been a board member since June 2013.  Speaking of the appointment, Danette said “I am delighted to have received the support of the board and intend to continue the hard work of the outgoing Hospice Chair Mr. Pat Gilhooly.”

“25 years ago a group of volunteers got together with the intention of providing palliative care for Waterford’s terminally ill.  As a result of their vision and determination the Waterford Hospice Movement has gone from strength to strength providing hospice care for patients with life threatening illnesses to those in Waterford city, county, South Kilkenny and surrounding areas.”

Danette added, “Back in 1988 there was a total of £2,500 available for services.  We now receive only a third of the required funding from the HSE and annually need to fund raise €400,000.  In addition to this we have committed to raising €6million for the completion of a state of the art 20 bed unit in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital.”

Coupled with chairing the Waterford Hospice Board, Danette, a registered nurse has been active in raising awareness about issues pertinent to seniors such as Care Choices for seniors; osteoporosis and fall prevention; Positive Ageing solutions; lobbying for the regulation of care services for the 60,000 seniors throughout Ireland and also founded the Waterford Stroke Support group in 2010.

The new appointment was widely welcomed by the Hospice Board members, including Marie Cummins, Hospice Fundraising co-ordinator.  “I am both, in my capacity as a board member and personally, delighted that Danette has been appointed.  The main focus for the Waterford Hospice Movement is to provide hospice homecare services to those in Waterford and South Kilkenny.”

“Having worked on various projects with Danette over the years I am confident that she can drive the hospice movement assuring the best facilities, care and support services for those with terminal illnesses.”

Danette continued, “Although everyone of the board is committed to the fundraising drive to for the new unit this is in addition to our day to day services.  I’m grateful that we have the support of the public to achieve this goal.”

To find out more about the Waterford Hospice Movement visit www.waterfordhospice.ie, call 051 844847 or find them on Facebook.

Minister Coveney congratulates Waterford Blaa Bakers Association on prestigious PGI award!

Simon Coveney, TD Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, at a reception in Waterford’s Medieval Museum expressed delight at the inclusion of Waterford Blaa/ Blaa as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the exclusive list of protected food names in the EU.

This prestigious designation means that the Waterford Blaa can claim its place among the ranks of internationally renowned products such as Italy’s Parma Ham, France’s Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Greece’s Kalamata Olive Oil. 

“This is no small achievement for the Waterford Blaa bakers. A PGI is a symbol of quality within Europe and quality is an issue for every food producer and consumer. EU quality schemes identify foodstuffs produced to exacting specifications with proven links to the geographical area in which they are produced.”

The Minister added “The publication of the Waterford Blaa/Blaa registration follows close engagement between the Waterford Blaa Bakers Association, my Department and the European Commission.  I strongly encourage other groups of food producers to come together to see if your local foods could also qualify for the EU register of protected food names and to work with my Department on presenting the best possible case for recognition”.

  

“The Blaa Bakers are an example to all that Irish products can achieve success at the highest level.  I hope others will follow as we celebrate tonight with other pioneers – Connemara Hill Lamb and Imokilly Regato.  It can be done and we want more groups of producers to take on the challenge.”
 

In 2009, a meeting of four traditional family bakeries from County Waterford and South Kilkenny led to the establishment of the Waterford Blaa Bakers Association.  The main objectives of the group were to protect the Waterford Blaa as a traditional Irish food product and to register it as a protected food product in Europe.

The group members, M & D Bakery, Hickey’s Bakery, Barron’s Bakery and Kilmacow Bakery, are delighted that their famous bread product has been successful in its application for PGI status.

Mr. Dermot Walsh of M & D Bakery said that the implications of PGI for the Waterford Blaa are significant.  “The Waterford Blaa is now produced under a new traceability scheme which clearly defines recipes and baking processes.  All bakers must follow EU approved guidelines and the Waterford Blaa can only be produced within the geographic area of County Waterford and its surrounds.”

Enterprise Board keeps it in the Family

‘Keeping it in the family’ was a half day series of workshops and lectures organised by Waterford City Enterprise Board on the topic of succession planning for family businesses in Waterford City.

The morning opened with Bertie Rogers, Chairman of Waterford City Enterprise Board, welcoming the group and emphasising the importance of succession planning in modern Ireland. The rest of the morning included individual psychometric testing, a talk on ‘Change Management’ by Conor Morris of Evolve Training and Insights from Louis Grubb of Cashel Blue Cheese, a successful family business, on how they executed the transition process from generation to generation.

The range of businesses which attended the event was extremely diverse, from retail to manufacturing, child care to export, auto industry to food production which made for interesting debate during the workshops.

Tony Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Menswear found the event motivating, “I have attended events like this before but none like this. The personality testing was an inspired idea and the intimacy of the group made the morning very productive.”

The event also featured the legal & financial implications of succession with talks from Clare Ryan of Peter O’Connor Solictors and Ann Grant from Ernst & Young.

Finally Ciaran Cullen CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board explained how the Board can help those who wish to start the succession process via training and funding.

Mr. Cullen was pleased with the event and the feedback from its participants, “This is the first succession event we have organised in years and we are delighted with the change in format. As this topic is highly personal we decided to make it an intimate workshop style event. The feedback from the clients has been very positive. It is part of a five year process where we will assist the participants with funds, training and mentoring where required.”

HCS Business Solutions to announce series of free Microsoft Office training workshops for 2014

HCS Business Solutions, Microsoft’s first Gold Small Business partner in Ireland, plans to announce a new series of free Microsoft Office training workshops in 2014.

The free practical, hands-on training workshops entitled “A New World of Work” are designed to give small business managers, owners and business decision makers the opportunity to “test drive” the new suite of Microsoft technologies including Office 365, Sharepoint and Windows 8 across phone, tablet and PC.

According to Neil Phelan, Director, HCS Business Solutions, the decision to roll out further workshops in 2014 was based on the popularity of the current tranche.

“We have been delighted with the response to these training workshops.  Since they were announced in late September, the workshops in Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin were fully subscribed within days.”

“That is why we made the decision to conduct a further series of “A New World of Work” workshops in 2014.  It goes to show that businesses today, regardless of their size or number of employees, are conscious of addressing the ever changing work – life balance.  How we work and interact with our colleagues and clients remotely has an effect on productivity, efficiencies and the bottom line.”

Michelle Casey, Pre Qualification Manager, Winthrop Engineering, attended one

of the New World of Work training workshops recently. “The course was practical and applicable to many of the situations and scenarios I encounter every day”, she said.

“Before, some of these scenarios would have seemed problematic and disruptive, however working with the Office 365 range of features made these problems insignificant.  Also because the course was conducted on a wide suite of platforms such as tablet, PC and smartphone it was easy to see how Winthrop

Engineering Ltd. could benefit through implementing these technological developments without any major outlay.”

Mr. Phelan added, “These training workshops examine how our approach to technology must change as we work increasingly on the move and away from the office.  By introducing day to day scenarios participants are able to understand how these new productivity tools and technologies can enhance their business.”

For further details of the HCS New World of Work Training workshops for 2014 visit www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Solas Centre Run for Life raises €250,000

The Art Therapy Room at the Solas Centre

2013 saw almost 1,700 participants raise a staggering €250,000 for the Solas Centre which will go towards providing the best cancer support services to those affected by cancer across the South East.

The sixth annual South East Run for Life, which took place on October 13th was one of the highlights of the region’s sporting calendar.  The 10 mile route was awash with the Solas Centre’s trademark orange T- shirts as runners, joggers and walkers took to the streets of Waterford to support this worthy cause.

The Solas Centre moved to its state of the art facility at Williamstown almost three years ago and is now regarded as the leading cancer support facility in the country. The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer who can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, art therapy psychotherapy, message, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

Dr.  Brian Creedon, Chairman, South Eastern Cancer Foundation, was delighted with the support of the people of the South East.  “Each year we try to improve the access to and the services provided by the Solas Centre.”

“In 2013 we will conduct over 6,000 individual client sessions and we will see 540 clients utilise the services, representing an increase of 15% since 2012.  That is why the funds raised from the Run for Life are crucial in enabling us to do so.  The running costs for the centre are just over €425,000 each year and without the fantastic generosity, support and goodwill of the public there would be no Solas Centre.”

The Solas Centre employs 4 staff, has 30 counsellors and therapists, 5 individuals from community employment / work placement schemes and is supported by 42 volunteers, providing a wide range of cancer support services including a series of health and education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and counselling for cancer patients and their families.  The Solas Centre is currently focusing on nurturing partnerships with national and international institutions in order to ensure our clients in the South East have access to and choice of services.

Dr, Creedon added “We are indebted to the people of the South East for showing the Centre such unwavering support and we are determined to continue to ensure the Solas Centre is the finest cancer support facility in the country.”

Mr. Jonathan Earl, Chair of the Run for Life committee also thanked the participants, sponsors and volunteers.  “The Run for Life and the family event which followed, the Fun for Life, would not have been a success without the support of the huge team of volunteers who ensured it went without a hitch, the generosity of our sponsors and media partners and, of course, every single person who took part in the Run for Life.  Every cent raised will go towards ensuring that the Solas Centre can continue to provide its support services to those affected by cancer, their families and their carers.”

 If you want to find out more about the services of the Solas Centre visit www.solascentre.ie or on 051 304604.

Irish Handmade Glass to make international TV debut

Waterford’s Irish Handmade Glass Company will debut on one of the world’s largest shopping channels on St. Patricks’ Day, 2014.

The company, founded by four former Waterford Crystal craftsmen caught the attention of QVC when exhibiting at Showcase, Ireland’s Creative Expo.  Showcase has, for over 35 years, actively promoted unique, Irish, design-led products in fashion, crafts, gifts and home accessories.

According to Tony Hayes, a Master Glass Blower, The Irish Handmade Glass Company was one of only three Irish companies chosen by QVC.  “For our work to have been noticed and chosen by the QVC shopping channel is fantastic for us.  They were looking for something authentically Irish, creative, inspired and crafted by hand.”

“Having looked very closely at our portfolio QVC ordered our Lovebird pairs.  The birds are approximately 3 inches long and are inset with wildflower.  The wildflower takes its inspiration from Irish flora and each of the seven colours represents a different flower, such as the yellow of the buttercup, the violet of the bluebell and the green of the fern.”

“It’s wonderful for a company like ours to be exposed on such a global platform.  QVC is available to over 290 million homes around the world so it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for The Irish Handmade Glass Company to export worldwide.”

The founders of The Irish Handmade Glass Company are Danny Murphy, Tony Hayes, Derek Smith and Richard Rowe.  They established the company in the Kite Design Studios in the Viking Triangle and have almost 150 years cumulative experience in glass blowing and cutting.

Producing 100% mouth blown and hand cut coloured crystal in the Kite Design Studios in Henrietta Street the Irish Handmade Glass Company has quickly become one of Ireland’s leading glass manufacturers.

 Ciaran Cullen, Chief Executive, Waterford City Enterprise Board, which has supported Irish Handmade Glass since the beginning through funding and mentoring added, “This is a wonderful accomplishment for Tony, Danny, Richard and Derek.  They were chosen from over 350 exhibitors at the RDS Showcase exhibition last January and as a result will get an audience with the world’s leading retailer.”

“When the company was established in 2009 the aim of these highly-skilled glass cutters and blowers was to preserve a proud tradition indigenous to Waterford.  Not only have they done that, but now they will also bring this tradition to a multi-million audience worldwide.”

To see more from the Irish Handmade Glass Company go to www.theirishhandmadeglasscompany.com or call the Kite Design Studios on 051 858914.

Home Instead Senior Care claims top service Franchise Award

Photo:Brian McEvoy

On Friday, October 11th at the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin, the winners of the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards 2013 were announced. 

The awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry.  Established over 20 years ago, the franchise awards are one of the longest standing and most prestigious business events in Ireland.  Over 230 guests attended the black-tie gala event hosted by Newstalk’s Jonathan Healy and officiated by John Perry, TD, Minister for Small Business. 

The Franchise of the Year (Service) accolade went to Home Instead Senior Care, which is the world’s leading provider of non-medical, in-home services to seniors, with over 1,000 branches throughout the world. 

Danette Connolly brought the successful franchise operation to Waterford in 2009 and today the Waterford office has cared for over 800 clients, employs 70 CAREGivers along with an office support team of 7, including 3 nurses.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care, was delighted with the national franchise award.  “The Home Instead Senior Care is now a nationally recognised award-winning franchise.  That is simply down to the hard work and commitment of the Home Instead teams across the country.”

“Speaking from my own experience in Waterford our philosophy is to give seniors the chance to lead a full, independent life in their own homes.  Our CAREGivers have shown time and time again that caring is not just a job, but a vocation and they have all gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our clients reach and maintain independence.  We are lucky to have such a wonderful team of CAREGivers in Waterford and this award is testament to their dedication.”

“By simply being with a senior who needs help getting to the shops, preparing meals or just by providing companionship, the work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and really does enhance the lives of those in our care.”

The judging panel for the 2013 Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards included Irish Dragon and Newstalk Presenter Bobby Kerr; Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, SME Propositions, Ulster Bank; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift of Dublin County Enterprise Board, Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association and Siobhan Lennon, Commercial Director of the Sunday Business Post. 

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care Waterford you can visit www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.

6th South East Run for Life brings out the crowds!

The 6^th Solas Centre South East Run for Life drew almost 1,700 joggers, walkers and runners from all over the South East.

With the participants setting out from the Quay for the 10 mile route, the fun culminated in the People’s Park with the South East Fun for Life event.

Families of the runners, walkers and joggers were able to enjoy plenty of family entertainment in the People’s Park where there were bouncy castles, children’s races, penalty shoot outs with Waterford United FC, go–karting, a climbing wall, live broadcasts from Beat 102-103 and much more.

The total monies raised for the Solas Centre and the South East Cancer Foundation have yet to be tallied, but the organisers will announce the details in full next week.

Mr. Jonathan Earl, Chairman of the Run for Life committee was delighted with the event, “The annual South East Run for Life has become the highlight of the region’s sporting calendar and 2013 was no exception.” 

“The level of participation and involvement from the runners and walkers was fantastic.  The atmosphere around the route was invigorating and the work and dedication from the massive volunteer crew was wonderful, with everyone so  giving of their time, energy and ideas.”

Mr. Earl added, “All funds raised will go towards the Solas Centre.  It goes without saying that the generosity and goodwill of all those who participated will go towards ensuring that the Solas Centre can continue to provide the best cancer support services for those affected by cancer, their families and their carers.”

For further information about the Solas Centre and the cancer support services it provides check out www.solascentre.ie or call 051 304604.

HCS Business Solutions Workshops popular with regional SMB's

HCS Business Solutions hosted the first in a series of free Microsoft Office 365 workshops in Waterford today with a full house.

There is great interest in these practical, hands-on training workshops entitled “A New World of Work” which give small business managers, owners and business decision makers the opportunity to test drive the new suite of Microsoft technologies including Office 365, Sharepoint and Windows 8 across phone, tablet and PC.

Further workshops take place at HCS Business Solutions, Waterford on October 25th and December 13th, Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin on November 7th and December 5th. Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel on November 21st.

Most of the workshops are now full, but HCS Business Solutions intends to run more over the coming months. 

To register your interest in up and coming training workshops check out www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Bakers use their loaf and prove they have what it takes to succeed!

M and D Bakery, the well known third generation family bakery was announced as the overall winner of the Waterford City Enterprise Awards and will go on to represent Waterford at the National Enterprise Awards which take place in Dublin Castle in November.

Founded by brothers Dermot and Michael Walsh, the bakery supplies a selection of baked “morning goods” to the households, shops, restaurants and hotels of Waterford.  However, M and D Bakery is probably best known for its production of a truly local delicacy, the blaa.

M and D Bakery has been a constant on the baking landscape in Waterford for almost thirty years and produces over 8,000 blaas a day.  More recently M and D Bakery spearheaded the drive, along with three local blaa bakers, to have the blaa safeguarded with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).  With PGI status the once humble Waterford blaa can anticipate a standing equal to that of Stilton Cheese or the Cornish Pasty.

Speaking of the enterprise award, Dermot Walsh said, “We are delighted and honoured to be acknowledged by Waterford City Enterprise Board.  When we started the business almost thirty years ago, our focus was to bring good quality bread products to the city and environs.”

“However, as demand for the blaa grew, particularly outside of Waterford we needed to innovate and invest in ways to make it “travel” friendly.  The blaa is simply made from flour, water, yeast and salt with no preservatives or artificial additives, thus it has a very short shelf life.”

“With assistance from Waterford City Enterprise Board we invested in a freezer room which allows us to blast freeze the blaas so we can supply them to the rest of the country, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and now France.”

“Even though it was the French Huguenots who introduced the blaa to Waterford in the 1690’s, we’re sending it back there in 2013!”

Organised by the County and City Enterprise Boards, the National Enterprise Awards recognise outstanding micro enterprises in Ireland.  Ciaran Cullen, CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board is delighted to support M and D Bakery in their pursuit of new export markets.

 

“Dermot and Michael have shown that there are great opportunities for growth if you explore further afield.  The blaa, which was practically unknown outside of Waterford, can now be found in food stores, forecourts and restaurants across Dublin, Belfast, Britain and even as far as Paris.”

“The Walsh brothers are passionate about what they produce and they produce it well.  With accolades such as the 2010/11 Good Food Producer award, a Euro Toques Taste Award and Gold at the 2012 Blas na hEireann Awards, they will represent Waterford with pride at next months National Enterprise Awards.”

If you want to find out more about M and D Bakery visit www.manddbakery.ie or call 051 378080.  Alternatively if you have a business idea and want to find out more about capital financing, mentoring or start up assistance talk to Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051 852883 or www.waterfordceb.com.