Month: October 2021

Cork City Local Enterprise office are running a number of events over the next few weeks.

Christmas Visual Merchandising … with London-based Visual Merchandiser, Lara Curry

• Monday 15/11/21
• 18:30-20:00

Reawaken your offering, breath life back into your retail space and metaphorically “bring Christmas to life” so you are ready for the new season with new energy!

Award winning Visual Merchandiser, Lara Curry, will be joined by Irish Retail Expert, James Burke, to help owners/managers of retail outlets who want to improve the visual merchandising aspects of their window and shop interior displays.

For further information and/or to book online, go to ….

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/City-Retail-Christmas-Visual-Merchandising-with-London-based-Visual-Merchandiser-Lara-Curry.html

LEAN for Micro – November 2021

Discover how a LEAN approach to your business can help you to complete tasks Quicker, Smarter, Cheaper, Better and make your business more efficient.

For successful applicants, Group Training is scheduled for 9^th and 16^th November (09:30-13:00), with dates for one-to-one mentoring to be agreed between participants and Jigsaw Better Business. Closing date for applications for the November Programme is 29/10/21 ….

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Lean/LEAN.html

Note: The LEAN for Micro programme will also be included in our Spring/Summer Training Schedule.

Start Your Own Business course

• 6 X Wednesdays, commencing on 27/10/21
• 18:30-21:30

This six-part course will enable participants to assess the viability of their business ideas and to understand the essential elements required to start up and run their own business.

Click on the following link for further details and to book your place online …

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Start-Your-Own-Business-commencing-27th-October.html

Export Programme 2021/22

“An exciting and pragmatic opportunity if you would like to strengthen your export marketing strategy.”

This programme will inform, facilitate, focus and prepare craft and design businesses in the expansion of an overseas marketing strategy.  The programme is a partnership between the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and Design Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI).

Here is the link to the programme brochure and to the online application form ….

https://www.dcci.ie/craftspeople/how-we-can-help/opportunities/dcci-export-programme-2021-2022

Closing date for applications is 10/11/21.

Facebook for Business – Beginners

• 03/11/21
• 10:00-12:30

Learn to set up a Facebook page for your business, be able to upload images and edit the settings on your page using your smartphone and/or PC or laptop.

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Facebook-for-Business-Beginners.html

Trading Online Voucher (TOV) – Information Webinar

The TOV information webinar is the first step in applying for the Trading Online Voucher.   Learn about the Scheme and how best to use and get value from the Voucher to support your online trading proposition.

Click on the following links to book one of the upcoming information webinars ….

• Webinar 10/11/21, 09:30-11:30

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Trading-Online-Voucher-WEBINAR-WEDNESDAY-10TH-NOVEMBER-2021.html

• Webinar 23/11/21, 09:30-11:30

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Trading-Online-Voucher-WEBINAR-TUESDAY-23RD-NOVEMBER-2021.html

Prepare your Business for Customs

These workshops will be of interest to any small business importing / exporting to, from or through the UK

• Workshop 23/11/21, 10:00-16:00

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Online-Business-Advice-Clinic-Wednesday-23rd-November-2021.html

• Workshop 01/12/21, 09:30-16:00

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Prepare-your-Business-for-Customs-1st-December.html

National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) 2021

Recorded sessions – get insights, top tips and expert advice

If you missed one of the NWED virtual event sessions on 7^th October last, here is the link to the recorded morning and afternoon sessions, and the spotlight sessions…

https://www.localenterprise.ie/enable-enterprise-culture/nwed/nwed-2021/watch-on-demand1/watch-on-demand.html

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD  visits Cork Business Association

CBA President, Eoin O'Sullivan pictured with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD together with CBA Chairman Pat O'Connell, CBA Vice-President Kevin Herlihy, CBA Business & Communications Manager Helen Murphy and CBA Executive Committee Member Aaron Mansworth.

On Friday October 15th, CBA welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD to it’s offices on South Mall to discuss a number of issues of concern for businesses in Cork, including; recent budget announcements, the housing and recruitment crises, the full reopening of the hospitality sector, etc.

CBA President, Eoin O’Sullivan, Chairman Pat O’Connell and a number of Executive Committee members were in attendance and outlined their business experiences throughout the pandemic and the challenges now faced by all CBA members as we seek to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions.

The discussion was proactive and inclusive with the Minister listening carefully to the many points raised and taking on board several suggestions for further follow-up, particularly regarding the housing crisis and its knock-on effect of leading to a recruitment crisis for Cork-based businesses. Clara O’Neill of Total Planning Solutions discussed how government incentives need to be deployed to encourage property developers to build apartments in Cork city centre, while Aaron Mansworth of Trigon Hotel Group appealed for the retention of the 9% VAT rate for hospitality beyond the August 31st 2022 date set out in Budget 2022.

To close the meeting, Eoin O’Sullivan thanked the Minister for taking the time to visit CBA and further expressed the hope and expectation of all businesses in Cork that the current review being undertaken by the Department of Sport in relation to the hosting of the 37th America’s Cup in Cork would ultimately be favourable and that Cork will emerge as the preferred bidder for this prestigious international sporting event.

Casey’s Furniture celebrates 100 years in business by bringing back nostalgic Casey’s Teddy Bear with 100% of proceeds going to children’s charities

Casey’s Furniture, one of Ireland’s oldest and largest retailers, is currently marking 100 years in business and to celebrate they have launched a charity teddy bear.

Based on the original Casey’s Bedtime bear from 25 years ago, which still features in their traditional and much-loved Christmas window displays every year, the new 2021 Bear has been reimagined by the Casey’s team into a cute and cuddly companion bursting with loving charm.

The super-soft high quality teddy bear will retail for €20 and is dressed in adorable vintage blue and white striped pyjamas, ready for a great night's sleep in a comfy bed, cuddles on the couch, or a teddy bear picnic on a sumptuous rug – all of which of course can be found at Casey’s.

The best news is that 100% of proceeds made from the sale of the bear will be donated to local children's hospital wards in Cork University Hospital (CUH) and University Hospital Limerick (UHL) where the legendary furniture retailer has stores.

Customers who are kind enough to take the charity teddy home with them will therefore not only get a snuggly new friend but could also help make a big difference.

Monies raised will support the invaluable services and facilities of CUH Children's Services and will be used to purchase material and equipment for children in the care of the paediatric unit at UHL in association with their charity Children's Ark.

Commenting on Casey the Bear’s cheerful and nostalgic return David Casey from Casey’s Furniture, who came up with the concept says. “The idea for the charity fundraiser came about when we were looking back over our 100-year history, reminiscing about milestones and talking about fond memories we as a family business hold. One of the stand-out moments was the love the public had for our Casey’s bear.  We decided it would be a nice time to bring back the iconic Casey’s bear 25 years on to thank our loyal customers for their ongoing support and to give back to the community locally. A lot has happened in the 25 years since the first Casey’s teddy bear including the launch of our second flagship store in Raheen Co. Limerick. We are thrilled with how passionate all our team are about this initiative and are hopeful that people will buy a bear when popping into the store or online. I’m sure that Casey Bear will make a treasured member of the family or a special Christmas gift.”

From small beginnings, John Casey established the business in Cork in 1921, supplying furniture to residents after the burning of Cork, which decimated a large part of the city in 1920.  It expanded into Limerick in 2005. Now under the leadership of grandsons Peter and David Casey, the business delivers to homes throughout Ireland and is widely recognised for providing superb quality and stylish home furnishings as well as an exceptional service to customers. As part of their celebrations, Casey’s have also launched an exclusive 100-year range and their Centenary Event is now on.

Casey Teddy Bear can be purchased at their multi-award-winning stores – the original historic store in Cork on Oliver Plunkett Street or their purpose-built showroom in Raheen in Limerick or online at www.caseys.ie/casey-the-charity-bear (€6 additional delivery fee for online orders via An Post).

See www.caseys.ie  or call Cork 021 427 0393 Limerick 061 307070 for more information

Ardú Street Art project made a triumphant return to Cork city for their second edition, bringing some of the country’s most exciting street artists to create thought-provoking, large-scale murals across the cityscape: Friz’s “Goddess Cliodhna” at St Finbarr’s Road, Shane O’Malley’s bold and bright coloured angular shapes and colours on Lower Glanmire Road, Asbestos’ “What is home?” at South Main Street.

The fourth and final piece of the current series has now been revealed, painted by Cork-born, world-renowned artist Conor Harrington at Bishop Lucey Park (Grand Parade entrance). Based in London since the mid 2000s, Harrington has created street art in New York, Miami, Paris, London, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Aalborg, Mallorca, Sao Paulo, San Juan, and the Bethlehem Wall; this is Conor’s first large-scale mural in his hometown.

Harrington says, “My favourite part of Cork is the English market. I used to do as much of my shopping as possible there when I lived in Tower Street, before moving to London. And every time I’m home I’m always sure to have a stroll through and soak up some of the atmosphere.

I’ve used the English Market as a starting point for my mural, the gate of which is opposite my wall. It was built in 1788 and has seen us through famine, boom and bust.

In my painting, a man sets a table, a composition of fruit and veg in the manner of a lot of still life paintings from the 18th Century, when the English market and much of the Grand Parade and Patrick’s Street was built. The table is overflowing with fruit, an abundance of fresh produce that has been available in the market for years. I’ve included a doll’s house on the table to illustrate how Cork is a city built on food and how our culinary scene is one of our greatest assets. I’ve also included a fire extinguisher on the table as a reminder of the Burning of Cork 101 years ago, and that although the market was mostly spared, damage was still done.

 In the mural I’ve played with proportion and inverted the traditional scale of figure and dwelling to exacerbate the idea of the Georgian figure as a looming power or Lord over his domain. In my work I examine the role and legacy of the empire, and try to find parallels in contemporary culture. By including the doll’s house as a reference to home, housing and the current crisis in Ireland and the abundant fruit table which is in a state of overflow and collapse, I’m asking the question to whom does power and plenty belong? Despite this historical foundation, my mural is ultimately about the balance of abundance and excess, and the fall which inevitably follows.”

Many local businesses in Cork have rallied behind the work that Ardú do throughout the city, a major supporter is Pat McDonnell Paints, who supplied the artists with some of their materials for this year’s programme:

“Here at Pat McDonnell Paints, we are firm believers in how paint can transform the spaces we live in. We were delighted to support Ardú and their artists bring colour and vibrancy to Cork City.

140 litres of paint tinted in over 22 colours and Conor Harrington talent and vision have given us a modern day masterpiece in a corner of Bishops Lucey Park.” – Aidan McDonnell, Pat McDonnell Paints.

Commissioning artwork from home grown talent of the highest level is the main aim of Ardú, which is supported by Cork City Council and Creative Ireland, and with paint generously sponsored by local businesses Pat McDonnell Paints, and spray paint from Vibes & Scribes.

In order to cover total costs for this year’s event (paying for the artists fees, painting materials, maintenance,  etc.) and to help secure the future of Ardú Street Art Project, the crew need YOUR support.

Ardú’s fundraiser allows for four donation options - €10, €20, €50, or €100 - everyone who donates is entered into a raffle to win a signed photo print of artwork from the 2020 Ardú series, which featured works by artists Maser, Peter Martin, Shane O’Driscoll, Deirdre Breen, Garreth Joyce, Aches and James Earley. There will be 5 winners chosen at random and each winner can select an artwork of their choice. The raffle is available to enter online via bigcartel: https://arducork.bigcartel.com/

For more details, visit Ardú’s social media pages:

Twitter @ArduStreetArt https://twitter.com/ArduStreetArt

Instagram: @ArduStreetArt https://www.instagram.com/ardustreetart

 Ardú Street Art Initiative is made possible with generous support from Cork City Council and the Creative Ireland Programme - an all-of-government five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. Further information from creativeireland.gov.ie

Cork digital marketing agency ePresence is urging local businesses to look to digital solutions and start their Christmas promotions earlier this year to recover losses suffered through the Covid-19 lockdowns. The agency wants to see Cork bounce back by taking advantage of the fact more people are shopping online.

Consumer habits have changed massively since the onset of the pandemic. According to the  2021 European E-commerce Report, there was a 10% rise in e-commerce business in 2020. Bringing the value of e-commerce to €757 billion in Europe alone. ePresence wants to see Cork’s business community benefit from this e-commerce trend.

“From extended lockdowns to delayed business re-opening, Irish businesses have come through another year of uncertainty,” says John Brennan, Owner and Director of ePresence.

“There are many ways local businesses can benefit from the rise in online shopping this Christmas, including selling online, social advertising and email marketing”.

5 Tips For Cork Businesses Getting Ready For Christmas

1. October is the time to be fixing website bugs. Check that your online shop is working properly, that products and content are up to date and refresh any images that need updating.

2. Set up an e-commerce site if you don’t have one already. Even vouchers sell well online. They are a simple way for any kind of business to capitalise on the popularity of online shopping and is ideal for the Christmas period.

3. Use Google advertising to get ahead of the competition. Google advertising lets you target specific audience types in specific areas, ideal for local businesses.

4. Let your customers know about your Christmas deals via email. Email marketing is an excellent Christmas promotion tool. When your customers are planning for the festive season, your products can be in their inboxes ready to buy.

5. Advertise on social media. Social media advertising is an opportunity to get your brand in front of the right people. Targeted social media advertising campaigns can reach your customers when and however you choose. This allows you to target them when we know they are most likely to make a purchase online.