Merry Christmas from B2B Communications!

Padraig goes top in Google rankings!

 Colin Goulding, Head of SMB Publishers, EMEA, Online Partnerships Group, Google Padraig O'Scanaill, Fund Recs, winner of Best Online Promotion of a Business Award and Valerie Legrand, Ads Quality Operations Vendor Manager, EMEA, Google (Keogh Photography)

Padraig O’ Scanaill, a young Waterford entrepreneur and finalist in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition, picked up the award for the ‘Best Online Promotion of Business’ and won €1,000 worth of Google Adwords for his company, Fund Recs.

Of the 24 finalists from 17 counties competing in the inaugural national competition, the special award was presented to Padraig and was judged by Google to be the best at promoting business online.

Paddy Flynn, Director of Product Quality Operations at Google Ireland said: “The Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is a natural fit with the existing ‘Google for Entrepreneurs’ programme, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and empower the next generation of innovators to be successful. The ‘Best Online Promotion of a Business’ Award is an extension of that, offering one young entrepreneur the opportunity to find their audience, extend their reach, and grow their business both locally and internationally.”

Padraig was delighted to receive the award for his company, Fund Recs, which provides cloud based software to the Investment Funds Industry.

He said, “From start to finish the IBYE journey has been a rewarding experience for me and for Fund Recs.  We participated in invaluable business boot camps, received great mentoring from established practitioners, won best Waterford and Munster start-up titles and to top it all off were singled out by Google as having a national award winning online strategy.”

“The #TeamWaterford campaign was instrumental in driving visitors to our website. The content was engaging and interactive and it certainly increased our company’s profile.”

Padraig added, “Despite the much heralded economic difficulties, there has never been a better time to start a new business.  There are plenty of support services available to start-ups, particularly through organisations such as the Local Enterprise Offices to enable new companies to grow and become successful.”

Ciaran Cullen of Waterford Local Enterprise Office said, “Padraig was a deserving winner of the best online promotion award.  The Fund Recs online campaign has allowed them to grow their business and put them on an equal footing with some of the world’s more established software providers to the global funds industry.”

“Waterford LEO engaged the services of Waterford marketing company, B2B Communications, to implement and manage the highly effective #TeamWaterford social media campaign, which not only built links to support Fund Recs SEO efforts, it gave a wider audience access to the whole IBYE process and particularly, Padraig’s journey.”

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country. 

For further information about the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, visit www.ibye.ie, www.localenterprise.ie or search #TeamWaterford or #IBYE on social media.

Top Christmas gift ideas for Waterford Grandparents

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle to find the perfect gift for grandparents and elderly loved ones. To help make gift-giving for grandparents easier, Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland's trusted source of home care for seniors, has studied over 12,000 senior requests for presents and compiled a list of the most popular items, which includes:

·        Gift certificates to restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores or fuel cards for people who drive.

·        Vouchers for or a delivery of coal, briquettes or oil

·        Personal items such as hand and body lotions and creams

·         Blankets, robes and slippers

·        Books and magazine subscriptions

·        Crossword and puzzle books
·        Hats, mittens and gloves
·        Towels and washcloths
·        Boxed chocolates, or sweets
·        Stamps and stationery
·        Nightlights, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
·        Bird feeders or plants.
·        Payment of an annual bill / subscription, e.g. TV, phone, broadband.

Wishing Ireland's seniors a happy Christmas, Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care Waterford said, "At Home Instead Senior Care we encourage younger people in the community to remember their elderly loved ones during this festive season.

Giving a small gift like a box of chocolates or comfortable slippers is a simple gesture can really make senior feel loved and remembered. Of course the best gift you can give a senior is your love and time so remember to spend some time with elderly loved ones during the holiday season". 

A “plane” and simple solution to overcome the fear of flying!

You’ve booked your summer holiday flight or you have to attend a business meeting in the UK and all you feel is fear…fear of boarding a plane, fear of taking off, fearing of being in the air and fear of landing!

European Aviation College (EAC), a new pilot training college based at Waterford Airport, will host a series of one day courses from January to alleviate the fear of flying, a phobia that affects one in five people.

The course is the brainchild of Gillian Chiavacci, Head of Training at EAC. “We decided to develop and offer fear of flying courses to the public, as it is a phobia that affects almost 20% of the world’s population.  It is a common condition which can be debilitating.  In its most moderate form, it makes flying uncomfortable and unenjoyable, but an extreme phobia can lead people to become overwrought, stressed, anxious and more often, avoid flying at all costs.”

The course is practical and hands-on, delivered by experienced airline pilots.  Waterford pilot David Flynn, Course Instructor with EAC, has over ten years’ commercial flying experience.  He commented, “Evidence suggests that the main fear of flying stems from lack of knowledge, basically we fear the unknown.  The premise of the Fear of Flying course is to familiarise attendees with the workings of the aircraft, the causes of turbulence, an explanation of in-flight noises, dealing with anxiety and flight preparation.”

“The course is conducted over one day at Waterford Airport and gives attendees practical and hands-on knowledge, which empowers them to overcome their fear of flying,” David said.

“There has been a huge amount of interest already and in fact, we have seen an increase in referrals from G.P.s.” Gillian added.  “Many with aviophobia who can’t avoid flying, perhaps due to work or necessary overseas travel commitments, will either medicate or take alcohol, both of which can have adverse consequences. Alcohol can cause dehydration, particularly at an altitude of 35,000 feet.”

If you want to find out more about the European Aviation College’s Fear of Flying course, visit www.europeanaviationcollege.ie, call 051 843436 or email info@europeanaviationcollege.ie.

Rotary Memorial tree aglow!

Cllr. Lola O' Sullivan, Chief SuperIntendent Patrick Murphy, Anne Marie Caulfield and Danette Connolly

Yesterday evening (Thursday) the Rotary Club of Waterford launched its 17^th   Annual Memorial Christmas Tree at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City.

The Memorial tree will as always be a central feature in Waterford City’s Winterval Festival.

The Memorial Tree Appeal was officially launched by Her Worship the Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan.

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.

Enterprising students have Christmas all Wrapped Up!

A Waterford City Student Enterprise Village will take place over two days in the Granville Hotel’s function room on Thursday and Friday December 11^th and 12^th from 10am to 4.30pm.

Since the start of September, 350 transition year students from Waterford City and six Youth Bank community groups have been busy setting up small businesses and creating products to sell for Christmas. They have been assisted by their teachers and Waterford Local Enterprise Office and business mentors.

Everything from crafted cakes to Christmas candles, reflective dog leads to traditional recipe books, Christmas cards and a host of other gift ideas. This array of products will be sold from the Granville Hotel’s function room on Thursday and Friday December 11^th and 12^th from 10am to 4.30pm each day.

Schools involved include De la Salle College, Abbey Community College, Waterpark College, Presentation Secondary School, Newtown Secondary School, Mercy Secondary School and Gaelcholaiste Phortlairge.

Ciaran Cullen of the Local Enterprise Office commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprise Office continually tries to improve and evolve its services. This event is all about the students. We learned from last year’s experience and thought one event over two days 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.”

The student, schools, youth groups and Local Enterprise Office appeal to the public to visit the Student Enterprise Village, support the work they have put into their businesses and encourage their efforts.

For more information please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32 the Mall in Waterford City. Alternatively you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .   

Rotary remembers!

This Thursday, December 4^th, the Rotary Club of Waterford launches its 17^th annual Memorial Christmas Tree at 5.30pm at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City.

It will, as always, be a central feature in Waterford City’s Winterval Festival.

The Memorial Tree Appeal will be official launched by Her Worship the Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan.

Ann Marie Caulfield, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “For 17 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. This year in particular Rotary in Waterford has had its own friends and long serving members who have passed and who we fondly remember.”

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 half a Million Euro 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.

From the Deise to Dubai!

It’s almost a year to the day since the Waterford Blaa received the highest recognition as a quality European foodstuff - PGI status.  This prestigious designation meant that the Waterford Blaa could 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. 

And claim it, it did!  The sky seems to be the limit for this once humble bread roll.  Following the appearance of the Waterford blaa on Aer Lingus menus on transatlantic flights, the blaa recently made its debut at the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai.

This prestigious five star hotel now serves the blaa in its Cavendish Restaurant and McGettigan’s Irish pub.  Mr. Dermot Walsh of M & D Bakery, based in Mount Sion Avenue in Waterford City is delighted that the blaa is making an appearance on Middle Eastern menus.

“The interest in the blaa has mushroomed beyond all expectations.  To see the blaa on the menu of one of the Middle East’s most esteemed hotels is a hugely significant achievement and one that all Waterford blaa bakers can be very proud of.  The Bonnington Towers is the latest addition to the Regency Hotel Groups chain and the owners were intent on bringing a taste of Ireland to Dubai.  We had been speaking with the team in Dubai, through their distributors La Rousse Foods, for a few months and were delighted they chose to bring a taste of Waterford to their restaurants.”

“Back in 2009, M & D Bakery, along with three other traditional family bakeries from County Waterford and South Kilkenny set up the Waterford Blaa Bakers Association. It was our objective to protect the Waterford Blaas as a traditional food product and register it as a protected food product in Europe, which we achieved last year.”

The Blaa Bakers Association consists of M & D Bakery, Hickey’s Bakery, Barron’s Bakery and Kilmacow Bakery, who between them, produce over 100,000 blaas weekly.

Mr. Walsh added, “Since the awarding of PGI status, the blaa can be found throughout Ireland, the UK, France, the U.S. and now in the Middle East.  It’s been an exciting journey from the Deise to Dubai.”

The last year has also seen the blaa receive a host of awards and accolades, both nationally and internationally and it has featured in countless publications, blogs and journals, including the New York Times.

Speaking of the introduction of the Waterford blaa to Middle Eastern fayre, Mr. Michael Hussey, Manager of Bord Bia, Middle East said, “It is wonderful to see the blaa such a long way from home.  We have been working with the Blaa Bakers Association in order to bring this project to fruition.”

Mr. Hussey added, “There are huge opportunities in the Middle East. The market is growing by 5 to 6% year on year in food service due to the growth in tourism in UAE and other factors such as population and income growth in the entire region. However, growing the market is very competitive, so hotels, restaurants and other catering outlets are looking for points of difference to make them stand out from competitors and the Waterford Blaa offers this to discerning customers”.

The story of the Blaa goes back to the 1690’s, when the French Huguenots arrived in Ireland introducing white flour and their baking skills. Over 300 years later, it remains a firm stable, not just of the Waterford diet, but of thousands of Irish diaspora scattered throughout the world. 

Currently the Blaa Baker’s Association is working on a joint marketing initiative to raise awareness of the blaa’s esteemed PGI status and continues to explore new export markets for the now, not so humble blaa!

Metalman points the way for new businesses

There has probably never been a better time to set up your own business in Ireland. 

Organisations like the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland are constantly supporting and rewarding new businesses as they take the plunge.

This is why it is extremely appropriate for Grainne Walsh of Metalman Brewing to give her ‘Top Ten Tips for new businesses’ on Thursday November 27^th. 

Following on from the success of these lunches with speakers such as Des Whelan of WLR fm, Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific, Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan’s Pharmacies and John Noonan of Flahavans, Grainne’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford’s business people and start-ups alike.

These ‘Top Ten lunches’ are a series of networking events on the theme of ‘my Top Ten Business Tips’ delivered by successful local business people and occurring once per month. Each lunch will outline a speakers’ views on a specific topic and take place in the Bistro in the Tower Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Born of a desire to see more beer produced by independent brewers in Ireland, Metalman Brewing is the brain-child of a couple of beer enthusiasts (Grainne Walsh and Tim Barber) who were frustrated by the lack of availability and choice of flavoursome, authentically Irish beer. Inspired by some of the other small Irish brewers, they eventually decided to try and help do something about it.

The first beer, Metalman Pale Ale, was brewed under contract at the White Gypsy Brewery in Templemore, and launched in March 2011 to a great reception. The Waterford brewery was commissioned at the Tycor Business Centre and production was moved across in May 2012.

The name of the brewery is inspired by a navigational aid on the Waterford coast. The figure of the Metal Man was erected in 1823 after a military transport ship called the Sea Horse was wrecked off the Tramore coast, resulting in a significant loss of life. The Metal Man stands on one of three pillars overlooking the bay, his purpose to guide seafarers, and keep them on their true course.

The cost of these events is just €8.50, this is for the cost of the lunch alone.  Booking is essential. For more information or to register your interest please contact your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford on 051-849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

Home Instead advises "Keep seniors warm and safe this Winter"

Forecasters are predicting that Ireland is set for its coldest winter in years and Home Instead Senior Care is advising that preparations be made to help seniors deal with the big freeze.

With sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall set to grip Ireland over the next few months, Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, says that there are some useful tips and practices that can be put in place to ensure our senior relatives, friends and neighbours stay warm, safe and cared for this winter.

“We are an ageing population with over 10% of people aged over 65 and at risk of poverty.  We have a duty of care to our ageing parents, grandparents and neighbours and by looking after their interests this winter, we can help alleviate the hardship that comes with a particularly severe winter.”

“By regularly visiting the home of a senior person, one should be able to identify the areas that can be improved.  For example, make sure the house is well stocked with the essentials, such as batteries for the smoke alarm, medicines, particularly repeat prescriptions and plenty of tinned fruit and veg and non-perishables such as pasta and rice.”

Ms. Connolly advised that encouraging our senior relatives to wear several thin layers of clothes, instead of one heavy layer and to keep all internal windows and door closed to keep heat in, will keep them warmer longer throughout the day

“It is crucial that seniors eat regular hot meals, as the body keeps warm by burning the food we eat.  Porridge is an excellent source of nutrients, it’s quick and easy to prepare and fuels the body for hours.”

Other tips include:

• De – ice pathways of snow and ice using salt or sand
• Clear pathways of wet leaves, which pose a trip hazard
• Keep all emergency / contact numbers close at hand
• Block draughts and keep curtains closed at night to retain heat
• Ensure electrical devices are unplugged at night

Ms. Connolly continued “Many older people can feel vulnerable as the evenings are much darker, colder and longer.  Please, when possible, visit your older relatives and neighbours.  Sometimes, bringing a gift such as a bale of briquettes or doing a grocery shop for them can be much more practical and useful than bringing a box of chocolates.”

This winter, if you are concerned about the welfare of a senior family relative or neighbor, visit www.homeinstead.ie or call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.  Home Instead Senior Care can provide advice on the best solutions to looking after our seniors. 

Home Instead also offers 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.

Fund Recs co-founder through to National IBYE final.

A young Waterford entrepreneur has won a place at the first ever national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition, for a chance to share a €100,000 investment fund.

Padraig O’Scanaill of Fund Recs will represent the Munster region in the Best Start-up category at the national final in Dublin this December and has already won €20,000 worth of investment from Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

Founded in 2013, Fund Recs provides cloud based software to the Investment Funds Industry, targeting a need for disruptive technology to automate the manual reconciliation of data and deliver streamlined workflows. Not even a year in business, Fund Recs already works with a Top 5 Global Bank, a FTSE 100 company and a globally renowned independent securities depository.

Originally from Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, Padraig graduated from UL and after several years working in Limerick, Galway and Dublin came to Waterford and volunteered as a CoderDojo mentor.  Padraig now regards Tramore as home.

Speaking of the IBYE journey, Padraig was delighted with the company’s progress in the competition. “The competition has been a fantastic experience for me personally and also for the company.  The starting point was being accepted onto the local IBYE programme, where we received mentoring and attended intensive business bootcamps.”

“I thought winning the Best Start-up category in the Waterford final was a major achievement, particularly in the face of such tough competition.  However going on to win the Munster regional final was tremendous. Representing Munster in the National Finals has focused so much positive attention on the business.  That, coupled with the support received from Waterford LEO has given our business invaluable exposure, funding, networking opportunities and potential to grow.”

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country. 

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, LEO Waterford said, “It is very fitting that Padraig will go on to represent Munster in the national final in December.  Over 1,000 businesses entered from every county in Ireland and the competition was intense.  Padraig’s company Fund Recs develops cloud based reconciliation software and was recognised for its strong concept, innovative nature, originality and international growth potential.”  

“We are delighted to support Padraig and his company, which is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in Waterford.  Business challenges and business opportunities are breeding start-ups, like Fund Recs.  Locally, there is a wealth of talent, intellect and vision, all combined with sound business acumen, which is ensuring that we see more young innovative companies like Padraig’s start, grow and flourish in Waterford.”

For all the latest news and updates about the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, visit www.ibye.ie, www.localenterprise.ie or search #TeamWaterford or #IBYE on social media.

Rotary Club and Tom Murphy Mercedes Benz bring Mrs. Brown’s Boys, D’Movie to the big screen!

The Rotary Club of Waterford is proud to present a special screening of Mrs. Brown’s Boys, D’Movie.

This charity evening takes place thanks to Mercedes Benz at the Tom Murphy Car Sales showrooms, on the Cork Road, Waterford on Wednesday November 19^th at 7.30pm, with light food and drinks reception beforehand.

  

The charities to benefit from the movie night are the SECF Solas Centre and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The SECF Solas Centre is a registered charity 100% reliant on donations to provide services free to people affected by cancer.  The generosity and commitment of the public will help the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to continue and further improve the services provided at the Solas Centre and to reach more people affected by cancer.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) was founded in Ireland in 1844. Its focus is on practical approach to dealing with poverty, alleviating its effects on individuals and families through working primarily in person-to-person contact by a unique system of family visitation and seeking to achieve social justice and equality of opportunity for all citizens.

Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie is a 2014 comedy film based on the sitcom Mrs. Brown's Boys. When Moore Street market-trader Agnes Brown finds her livelihood under threat from a ruthless developer, she and her family embark on a campaign to save her stall, aided as only the Browns will be, by a motley troop of blind trainee Ninjas, an alcoholic solicitor, and a barrister with Tourettes Syndrome.

Barry Murphy of Tom Murphy Mercedes Benz is looking forward to the event, “We at Tom Murphy Mercedes Benz are delighted to be associated with this unique event. When approached with the idea of a charity film night in conjunction with Rotary Waterford we jumped at the chance. It’s such an original idea and the opportunity to work with Rotary to raise funds for such worthy causes couldn’t be passed up.”

The Rotary Club of Waterford raised approximately €30,000 for charities in 2013, including local charities such as Waterford Hospice. Waterford Rotary Club is best known locally for the annual Memorial Christmas Tree in John Roberts Square. 

Tickets cost €25 ( all of which goes to charity) and can be purchased from Tom Murphy Mercedes Benz showrooms on the Cork Road and David M. Breen & Co. Wallace House, Maritana Gate, Canada Street, Waterford

Rain couldn’t dampen the South East Run for Life spirits!

 A wonderful day was had by all at the 7^th South East Run for Life.  Waterford City was awash with a sea of orange when almost 900 runners, joggers and walkers took to the streets to complete the 10 mile course finishing in the People’s Park.

This year was no exception as so many amazing supporters took up the Run for Life challenge in support of the Solas Centre and people affected by cancer throughout the South East.  Participants ranged in age from 12 to 76 making this a truly family friendly event.  Although the number of entrants was down on previous years, the atmosphere on the day was electric with supporters lining the route to cheer on the participants and hand out water and oranges.

Despite the unsettled weather, families and friends of the runners came along to join in the fun and activities in the People’s Park at the Fun for Life following the run.

 As part of the Fun for Life, children in 5th and 6th class primary schools in Waterford and Wexford participated in a "Design our T-shirt competition". With over 400 entries, Sean and Miranda Corcoran of the Art Hand Bonmahon had the very difficult task of choosing the winners.  The winner, not only had their entry printed on all the t-shirts worn by volunteers on the day but also won plenty of goodies from Sporthouse.

In first place was Sophie Quinn from Newtown Junior school. Caoilfhinn Harte from Gaelscoil Phortlairge was second and third place went to Eoghan Lawlor, also from Gaelscoil Phortlairge.

Clair Moriarty, Chair of the Run for Life committee thanked the participants, sponsors and volunteers. "The Run for Life and 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 Datapac and our media partners Beat 102 103 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 careers".

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

Waterford 1100 judges find their “Muse”

Muse was announced as the overall winner of the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition at a ceremony in the Medieval Museum, officiated by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District, Cllr. John Carey.

With almost 40 registered entries from Waterford city, the competition, an initiative of Waterford City and County Council, supported by Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford Business Group, encouraged businesses to create a window display to “celebrate Waterford.”

The judging panel of Billy Duggan, Chair of Waterford 1100 Committee, Peter Kelly, aka Franc and WLRfm’s Karen Tomkins, was highly impressed with the displays of the twelve finalists but agreed that Muse’s window display, located on the Quay “would not look out of place in a store in Paris, Milan or New York.”

Muse’s proprietor, Clodagh Roche, collected a cheque for €1,500, while runners up Fitzgerald’s Menswear, Cummins & Stone and Babycare received €1,000, €750 and €500 respectively.

Commenting at the awards ceremony, Deputy Mayor Carey said, “Each and every business that registered for the competition went to great efforts in creating visual window displays that not only reflected the Celebrate Waterford theme, but also caused passers-by to stop, have a glance, maybe take a second look and leave learning a little more about what makes Waterford great.”

He added “I hope that the creativity, vision, colour and stories displayed by Waterford businesses remain a permanent fixture in the shop windows of our city.”Announcing the overall winner, judges Franc and Karen said that the calibre of entries was extremely high, but the stand out features of the Muse window display were its creative use of space and the clever integration of the humble blaa with contemporary fashion to create a vista that could be interpreted as a ships sail or representative of the cable-span bridge, both strong Waterford themes.

According to Waterford 1100 Chair, Billy Duggan, there may be plans to repeat the competition next year.  “We were heartened by the great feedback we got from all the finalists.  The general feeling is that they would welcome this competition in the future as it really put the spotlight on their shop windows and their businesses.  In fact, it is undeniable that the window display competition created a buzz amongst retailers in Waterford city.”

For further information about events taking place in Waterford as part of Waterford 1100 celebrations check out the Facebook page or follow @Waterford1100 on Twitter.

Waterford’s best young entrepreneurs win investment of €50,000

Judge Frank O' Regan, winner Lyndsey Power and Lar Power

Conor Browne, Padraig O’Scanaill and Lyndsey Power have been named as Waterford’s best young entrepreneurs, and have won an investment of €50,000 between them, as part of the €2 million Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition.

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur is an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the Local Enterprise Offices.

At a function at the Medieval Museum’s Garden Room on Friday October 10th, awards were made for Waterford’s best start-up, the best new idea, and the best existing business were as follows:

Waterford’s best start-up is Padraig O’Scanaill  Padraig’s company ‘FundRecs’ develops cloud based reconciliation software for the funds industry.

Waterford’s best new idea is Conor Browne who developed a social media app called Grumble, designed to connect you with people you already know anonymously and enable you to speak honestly about things you may not necessarily say face to face.

Waterford best existing business is Lyndsey Power of the South East’s first interactive doggie day care and training centre, Inn the Doghouse.  Lyndsey is a qualified dog groomer, trainer and Canine Behaviour Consultant.

Director of Economic Development for Waterford City and County, Lar Power explained the importance of this initiative, “The aim of the Economic Development Department is to co-ordinate the City and County Council's work and interaction with communities and to support the economic development of the city and county. The IBYE initiative is important to these aims, it encourages and supports the next generation of enterprise in Waterford City and County. I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and entries and wish our three nominations the very best in the next stage of the competition.”

This initiative was created by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD to be implemented by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. Central to his plans for jobs and growth is supporting more businesses to start-up as two thirds of all new jobs are created by start-ups.

That is why he put in place the entrepreneurship forum and that is why he established the Local Enterprise Offices, to provide more and better Government supports to businesses in one easily-accessible place at local level.

The three judges were well known Waterford business people, David Breen, Frank O’Regan and Regina Mangan. Speaking on their behalf, David Breen outlined just how tough the judging process was, “Given the overall standard of entry, there wasn’t an easy decision on the winner in any category, each was vigorously debated amongst the judges. It was a long but thoroughly rewarding day. It was also a distinct pleasure meeting each of the finalists and we hope the winners’ progress within the national forum will make our county proud.”

The three businesses will now go through to regional finals in Cork where they will compete for the right to go through to the national finals and ultimately compete for the award of being named Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur at a ceremony on 6th December 2014.

A recipe for successful food production!

Following the success of the Harvest Festival 2014 Waterford food producers are on a high. For year’s Waterford relied on a small number of prominent food producers, though lagged behind the prolific success of counties such as Cork and Tipperary. However, in recent years the Deise has seen an explosion of food production.

Success and national acclaim have followed. The Blaa receiving PGI status in 2013, the first five graduates of the Food Academy, all from Waterford, now on the shelves of SuperValu stores across the country and all on the shoulders of such giants as Flahavans and Dawn Meats.

This is why the timing couldn’t be better for John Noonan of Flahavans to give his ‘Top Ten Tips for Food Producers’ on Thursday October 23^rd. Following on from the success of these lunches with speakers such as Des Whelan of WLR fm, Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific and Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan’s Pharmacies, John’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford’s business people and food producers alike.

These ‘Top Ten lunches’ are a series of networking events on the theme of ‘my Top Ten Business Tips’ delivered by successful local business people and occurring once per month. Each lunch will outline a speakers’ views on a specific topic and take place in the Bistro in the Tower Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

There is a considerable pool of business talent and experience in Waterford and the Local Enterprise Offices hopes to harness this expertise to inspire Waterford’s new and existing business communities.  

John Noonan is currently Sales & Marketing Director at E. Flahavan & Sons Limited

John graduated from UCC with a B.Comm and is also a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.  He has over 25 year’s experience in marketing, having worked abroad and at home in various marketing roles including, Guinness GB, London International Group, C&D Petfoods and Cahill May Roberts Group. In 1997, John moved to Waterford as Marketing Director with Flahavans, becoming Sales and Marketing Director in 2007.

John is a previous Chairman of the Bord Bia Brand Forum and  is a director of Love Irish Food, an initiative led by Irish manufacturing brands which seeks to promote Irish Food and Drink brands in the Republic of Ireland.

The Local Enterprise Office is also looking forward to Grainne Walsh of Metalman Brewing speaking at the following networking lunch on Thursday November 27^th.

The cost of these lunch events is just €8.50.  Booking is essential. For more information or to register your interest please contact your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford on 051-849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

Windows by Franc!

With almost 40 businesses in Waterford City registering for the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition, the judges described the shortlisting process as a “very tough decision, with Waterford retailers showing an extraordinary amount of creativity, insightfulness and pride in Waterford city.”

The Waterford 1100 Window Display competition, an initiative of Waterford City and County Council, supported by Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford Business Group, encouraged local businesses to “celebrate Waterford” with prizes to the value of €3,750 to be awarded to the overall winners.

Billy Duggan, Chairman of the Waterford 1100 committee and member of the judging panel, was delighted, not only with the response from local businesses, but also with the calibre of entries to the competition. “The premise of the Window Display competition was to encourage local businesses to celebrate any aspect of Waterford that resonated with them.  Whether it was a Viking theme, a sporting theme, a food theme or based on a famous Waterford personality, these businesses took it to heart and made the process of compiling a shortlist a very difficult one for the judging panel.”

“As Ireland’s oldest city, celebrating 1100 years of history, these engaging and fun window displays added a little spark to the City and based on the positive feedback and comments we’ve had from the general public we hope to replicate it in the future.”

Joining Mr. Duggan on the adjudicating panel were Peter Kelly, aka “Franc”, the wedding planner synonymous with shows such as RTE’s Weddings by Franc and Franc’s DIY Brides and Karen Tomkins, WLRfm’s Big Breakfast Blaa presenter.

The judges were looking for creativity, presentation, relevance to the competition theme and a certain WOW factor. Participants were encouraged to integrate their own product into the display to make a strong impact.

Peter Kelly who is no stranger to ingenuity, imagination and exuberance said the competition standard was very high.  “The shortlist finalists were chosen because of their use of colour, their creativity, their ability to bring a story to life and the simple, but effective integration of their product into creating the display.”

Karen Tomkins added, “It really made me look at window displays in a different light.  It’s now easier to see how an effective well displayed window can draw in a customer.  The businesses that made the shortlist all demonstrated the importance of local heritage, space, and light along with the clever use of stock and props.  Creativity and imagination are very much alive and well in Waterford.”

The 12 businesses shortlisted are Fitzgerald’s Menswear, Gerry O’ Carroll Photography, Therapie Clinic, The Dresser, Babycare, Sam McCauley Chemist, The Little Design Shop, Keighery Antiques, Muse, Waterford Animal Welfare Shop, Waterford Hearing Services and Cummins & Stone.

The overall winners will be announced at a Mayoral reception in the Medieval Museum on October, 14^th when prizes of €1,500, €1,000, €750 and €500 respectively will be awarded.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office is open for business

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation today [Thursday 2^nd October] officially launched the Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

The Waterford LEO is part of a network of 31 LEOs which will deliver an improved system of local enterprise supports to start-ups and small businesses across the country – with more staff, more funding, and more services being provided.

Today’s announcement means that from today, people thinking of starting or expanding a business in every part of Waterford will be able to access the full range of State supports provided by different Government bodies – for example Waterford City and County Council, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, the Credit Review Office and training bodies .

The establishment of the LEOs will mean that all categories of business – including sole traders, micro businesses and small and medium sized companies – will have access to Government supports and advice. Previously some businesses – for example, companies who were too large to access CEB supports, but were not exporting and therefore did not qualify for Enterprise Ireland supports – fell through the cracks between different agencies.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD said “This morning we are seeing some very positive jobs news in the multinational sector for Waterford.  It is worth remembering that two thirds of all new jobs are supported by start-ups."

 “The Waterford Local Enterprise Office will deliver more services and better services to the start-ups and small businesses across the county that we rely on to create the jobs we need, with more staff and more funding. Today is a good day for business in Waterford”.

“A key part of our Action Plan for Jobs and the South East Employment Action Plan is supporting job-creation across every region of the country. Waterford was hit hard by the collapse in employment across the country. Between 2008 and 2011 38,000 jobs were lost in the South East region. It is encouraging that in the last two years employment has increased by over 12,000 across the South East region, and the live register in Waterford has fallen by 14%.

"However we must do more to make the recovery local, and that is why were are making changes such as establishing the Waterford LEO, building advance IDA facilities in Waterford and a new competition to find the best young entrepreneur in Waterford.”

“I am convinced that with the right support by Government, we can build on the progress we have made and help create the jobs we need in Waterford”.

Commenting on the launch, Director of Economic Development, Mr. Lar Power said “The launch of LEO Waterford heralds an exciting time for enterprise in Waterford.  Small businesses and start-ups now have, at their disposal, an enhanced range of business support services.  Services such as business training, mentoring, grant assistance, enterprise education and more are in place to encourage the growth of the small business sector in Waterford.”

“With increased investment, resources and initiatives at LEO Waterford we can look forward to seeing more business success stories, like those of M & D Bakery, Metalman Brewing, CF Pharma and Chia Bia.  Companies like these simply start with an idea and the assistance provided by LEO Waterford has given them the opportunity to expand, create employment, discover new export markets and drive the recovery of our economy.”

New initiatives to the LEO Waterford portfolio include the recently launched Digital Voucher Scheme, which assists businesses in expanding by trading online; Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE), an allocation of €50,000 for an outstanding idea or commercial venture for entrepreneurs under 30 years of age and the SuperValu / Bord Bia collaboration, Food Academy, which gives local food producers access to the national marketplace.

If you have a business idea and want to find out what assistance is available to you contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32, The Mall in Waterford City or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .  

Eleanor wins Waterford CAREGiver of the Year title

Eleanor Fox was announced as the overall 

winner of Waterford’s Home Instead

Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Eleanor will now go on to represent Waterford in the national CAREGiver of the Year awards which will take place later this year.

A Waterford native, Eleanor is Home Instead Senior Care’s longest serving CAREGiver, clocking up almost 6,000 hours of care for her 50 clients.  Eleanor was a popular choice amongst the adjudicating panel, which consisted of Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services, Nick Donnelly, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Anne Corcoran Browne, daughter of popular and well-regarded Waterfordian, Denny Corcoran, who was formerly a client of Home Instead Senior Care.

According to Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, Eleanor was a very worthy winner of the prestigious title. “To Eleanor each person she cares for is much more than just a client and indeed many of them and their families have come to regard Eleanor as a friend.  This is most likely because Eleanor treats each client as a friend and not a frail, sick or frightened senior.”

“Eleanor has truly embraced the philosophies of Home Instead Senior Care.  She is a superb example of a CAREGiver that lives Home Instead Senior Care by building trust, taking the lead and sharing her heart with her clients”, Danette added.

Now in its fourth year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Nick Donnelly, Adjudicator, “It is refreshing to see a company such as Home Instead place so much emphasis on the role of their carers, by investing in them and ensuring that their clients reap the rewards of the best possible service.”

“The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised.  The decision was a difficult one to make as there are so many dedicated and compassionate carers in the city and county.  Each and every one of them has brought something good to the lives of their clients.”

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the longest service award, the CAREGiver Award for the CAREGiver who is currently a Student and Length of Service Pins were presented to 46 recipients.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver awards or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie