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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterford showcases Positive Solutions for Ageing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Support for Waterford Hospice Coffee Morning

Bright Sparks Required!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie gets behind Solas Centre Run for Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Binman cleans up Waterford’s Harvest Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.