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 Chambers Ireland launches Pre Budget Submission 2019 with Chief Executives from the Chamber Network

Recent articles

Putting Place First - Government Budget 2021 stimulus must restore the health of our towns and cities

Chambers Ireland today (10 September 2020), launches its submission to Government detailing recommendations to be included in Budget 2021 and the longer term National Economic Plan.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Chambers Ireland Budget 2021 Submission makes a series of recommendations that will support businesses to trade through the Pandemic through enabling our town centres and local economies to recover. It also emphasises the importance of investment in infrastructure, the low carbon transition, and the delivery of affordable homes.

Chambers Ireland calls on businesses to expect a hard Brexit and act accordingly

With the seventh round of negotiations between Britain and the EU having broken up without an agreement being reached, Chambers Ireland are disappointed that a compromise has yet to be found.
Businesses, both in Britain and in the EU, are already suffering significantly as a result of Covid-19. A hard Brexit will act as a hammer blow to many of those that are surviving on the margin at the moment.
The most likely outcome of the negotiations at this stage is that Britain’s transition period will end without a trade deal being in place.

Online trading a lifeline for business - additional funding welcomed by Chambers Ireland

 
Chambers Ireland today (8 June 2020) welcomes news from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, that the Trading Online Voucher Scheme has received additional funding.
Speaking this afternoon, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said,
“Today’s announcement from Minister Humphreys and Minister Bruton that an additional €14.2 million will be made available for the Trading Online Scheme will be widely welcomed by businesses all over the country.

Data Crucial to Obtaining Supports for Business

Data Crucial to Obtaining Supports for Business - Chambers Ireland Launches Latest COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
 
Chambers Ireland is today (27 May) launching its latest Covid-19 business impact survey.
The target of this survey are the business owners and operators around the country, both those whose businesses have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis, and those whose businesses have not.
 

Half measures not enough

Half measures not enough - Chambers Ireland calls for significant expansion of supports to support business through COVID-19 catastrophe
 
Following today’s (22 May 2020) launch of the Restart Fund, Chambers Ireland calls on Government to urgently commit to increased funding and a more expansive approach, so that businesses of all sectors affected can receive support.
 

Chambers Ireland Says Next Programme for Government Must Support Regional Recovery and Boost Impacted Sectors in the Wake of the COVID-19 Crisis

Press Release, 8 May 2020

Chambers Ireland launches new research this morning (8 May 2020) on the sectoral and regional impact of COVID-19. This follows publication of survey results last week on the 30 April which looks at the economic impact on businesses across the country.

Tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and local services all show signs of having been particularly negatively impacted. Regionally the counties along the Atlantic Economic Corridor are feeling the impact of this economic calamity more keenly than in other regions.

Latest Chambers Ireland Survey Highlights Costs to Business in Reopening and Calls for More Support from Government

Press Release - 30 April 2020
Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of chambers has today (30 April 2020) published results from a survey of the Irish business community. This survey seeks to quantify and highlight the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in towns, cities and regions across the country.
The third in a series, the survey has over 1300 responses and was conducted between the 24 and 28 April 2020.

Free online Business Planning Course from Chambers Ireland and Griffith College to Address Key Issues for Irish Businesses

Cashflow, Crisis Management and Flexible Working Practices are Key Challenges for Irish Businesses
 
Chambers Ireland, in association with Griffith College, have today (24 April 2020) announced a free online business planning course for its 8,000 members nationwide. Commencing on Thursday 30 April 2020, the course will address the key concerns that businesses are facing, including cashflow, crisis management and managing flexible working practices, and will assist them in developing plans to reboot their business.

Cashflow, Crisis Management and Flexible Working Practices are Key Challenges for Irish Businesses

Press Release  -  24 April 2020

Free online Business Planning Course from Chambers Ireland and Griffith College to Address Key Issues for Irish Businesses

Chambers Ireland, in association with Griffith College, have today (24 April 2020) announced a free online business planning course for its 8,000 members nationwide. Commencing on Thursday 30 April 2020, the course will address the key concerns that businesses are facing, including cashflow, crisis management and managing flexible working practices, and will assist them in developing plans to reboot their business.

Mayo County Council’s Community Engagement Section interactive map

Mayo County Council’s Community Engagement Section has developed an interactive map which represents volunteer groups and other relevant services that are on-call for those who need them most.
Services include collecting groceries, prescriptions and medication, Meals-on-Wheels, assistance with errands, support on entitlements and the offer of a helping hand or a friendly voice at the end of the phone.

Enterprise Ireland All Sectors €50k Competitive Start Fund - Call Now Open

All Sectors Competitive Start Fund - Open to start-ups, active in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors
What is the call close date?
This call for applications will close on Tuesday 14th April 2020 at 3pm.
How do companies apply?
Completed application forms and the mandatory online video pitch must be submitted through the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System by 3pm on 14th April 2020.

Irish business coaches offer free support to SMEs amid coronavirus chaos

Irish business coaching experts are offering free online support to steer business owners through the economic chaos created by the spread of coronavirus.
 
ActionCOACH Ireland Managing Director Paul Fagan says his team launched the initiative in order “to get behind the national effort to minimise the impact of the economic fallout from this crisis”.
 

Minister Donohoe outlines further measures to support Individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19

Wednesday 18th March 2020
The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., today (Wednesday) welcomed the ongoing work of the Central Bank of Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), and the Revenue Commissioners to support customers in difficulties due to COVID-19.
 

Minister Humphreys announces supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19

Tuesday, 10 March 2020
The Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), Heather Humphreys TD, today announced details on the package of supports she has put in place for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Minister Humphreys said, “I know that this is a worrying time for businesses and I want to assure them that my Department and agencies are working on their behalf to develop and deliver a range of supports to help them through this rapidly evolving situation.

Government agrees next phase of Ireland’s Covid-19 response

Major national actions agreed across Government
New supports for health service, workers & business
St Patrick’s Festival to be cancelled
 
Following a meeting of the special Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 today, the Government has decided on the next phase of Ireland’s response to the global and national public health emergency arising from Covid-19.
 
Government Actions
The main actions agreed today are:

Chambers Ireland Press Release

Transformation to Inclusive 21st Century Workplace Must be Top of Next Government’s Jobs Strategy
In the face of ongoing economic challenges, on everything from changes to the international taxation environment, Foreign Direct Investment and Brexit, Chambers Ireland emphasises the need to improve the efficiency of our domestic economy and support labour participation. This objective must be central to the enterprise agenda of the incoming Government.
 
Speaking today, Chambers Ireland President Siobhan Kinsella says,

Places Matter, says Chambers Ireland

Places Matter, says Chambers Ireland and Calls on Next Government to Support Balanced Regional Development Through Delivery of Critical Infrastructure
Chambers Ireland today (24 January 2020) calls for the next Government to deliver on commitments in the National Planning Framework and Climate Action Plan and ensure delivery of important infrastructure needed to support the competitiveness and sustainability of our economy.

Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, Ian Talbot said,

Ballyhaunis Junior Chamber at Ballyhaunis Community School

Congratulations to the newly formed Junior Chamber at Ballyhaunis Community School. They were part of the team that hosted a very successful seminar on diversity and integration in conjunction with the Department of Justice and the Department of Rural and Community Development and Mayo County Council. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents in public speaking and were a credit to their school, families and community. 

Brexit Preparedness Checklist

Guidelines
The DBEI Brexit Preparedness Checklist identifies the essential actions that firms can take in advance of 31 October to ensure that they will still be able to trade with the UK after it leaves the EU. The checklist includes links to the relevant Agencies who can provide the necessary guidance and support to firms. For further information please follow the link:  https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Brexit-Preparedness-Checklist.html

Brexit could impact every business in Ireland – preparation is critical

Reports today that in the last year the majority of SMEs have either postponed, or are reviewing, their investment plans highlights the impact of the Brexit negotiations on the Irish economy. 
Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot emphasised the importance for businesses of all sizes to prepare now before the UK’s final departure deadline at the end of October.

Chambers Ireland emphasises how remote working can support Female Labour Participation as part of Future Jobs Ireland forum

Chambers Ireland welcomes this morning’s (18 July 2019) consultation on remote working hosted by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Richard Bruton as part of Future Jobs Ireland.

As Ireland’s largest business network with a geographical reach into every major town and city in the country, we know how important it is, both for employers and their employees, to implement effective policies which facilitate flexible working.

Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot commented,

Department advises businesses to ensure they have adequate cashflow for Brexit

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation asks businesses to make sure they have adequate cashflow to see them through Brexit
Dublin, Ireland, 25 March 2019 The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, is today, 25 March 2019, encouraging businesses to make sure they have the adequate cashflow to see their operations through Brexit. Cashflow problems could arise for business for a variety of reasons including currency fluctuations, customs, potential delays and tariffs.

Enterprise Ireland Agile Innovation Fund - Upcoming Promotional Events

Enterprise Ireland's R&D Core Unit is hosting a number of regional events on their new Agile Innovation, Research and Development funding programmes. Offering fast-track approval and a streamlined online application process, the new Agile Innovation Fund allows companies to access up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000.

Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation - Future Jobs Ireland 2019 now launched!

Yesterday the Future Jobs Ireland programme was launched, a new skills initiative aimed at taking advantage technological change to boost productivity of businesses and enhance the skills of Irish workers.
Future Jobs Ireland will focus on five pillars in the areas of enhancing innovation and technological change, improving SME productivity, enhancing skills, increasing labour force participation and transition to a low carbon economy.

Minister Humphreys urges business trading with UK to register for customs number with Revenue

Minister Heather Humphreys TD, has urged businesses to take a few minutes to register with Revenue for a customs number, which they will need if they want to continue trading with the UK after Brexit. Businesses that intend to import or export to the UK post-Brexit, can only do so with a customs number called an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number

Mentor Mayo

Mentor Mayo, brought to you by Local Enterprise Office Mayo and Mayo Business Mentors offers Free  mentoring support to the business community. This is suitable for anybody who is thinking of starting their own business, a business start-up wanting to scale or an established business who wants to expand and grow. 

Take the first step today and visit www.mentormayo.ie or call 094 9064299

Employment Service

Ballyhaunis Local Employment Service, Clare Street is now open Monday to Friday. This is a private and confidential service providing career guidance, interview techniques, CV preparation and information on training and employment. 

Call in or phone 0949630080 to arrange an appointment. 

Spotlight award for Ballyhaunis Chamber CEO

Congratulations to our CEO Anne Cunnane at Ballyhaunis Chamber on coming second in the annual Spotlights Awards. Each year businesses are encouraged to nominate their chosen employee or work colleague, The Spotlights program has been created for SMEs to find Ireland's best employee - that person who always goes the extra mile.This  is something Anne certainly does through her work here in Ballyhaunis and her involvement in the community and passion to drive the town forward.

Well done Anne we are so proud of you. 

How to prepare for WRC (Workplace Relations Commission)

How to prepare for WRC inspections
 
Employers are often visited by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) asking to inspect employee records such as payslips, employment contracts, annual leave entitlements, public holidays, etc. Here’s our advice on making sure you’ve got everything covered…
 
In order to ensure compliance and avoid fines, employers paying below the National Minimum Wage for training purposes must implement a structured training programme which allows the lower payment.

Vacant Homes

Mayo County Council has launched an iniative through a new national website designed to gather information on vacant homes throughout the country. Local government wants to engage with owners to assist in bringing these homes back in to use.

To see how it works, log on to www.vacanthomes.ie

Business Mentoring

The Local Enterprise Office Castlebar  provides business advice and mentoring to existing and potential clients. 
 
Business Meeting
 
This free service is geared towards those who are considering starting their own businesses, those who have recently done so and existing start ups that are moving to the next stage of their development. A business advice and counselling meeting will initially point you in the right direction and help you prioritise the actions you need to implement to make progress.
 

R&D Fund Standard Projects

Overview of the R&D Fund Standard Projects (Maximum Grant of €650,000)
The R&D Fund exists to support projects which have the potential to develop novel products and services with a clear competitive advantage in their target market. This will enable companies to increase employment through sustainable and substantially increased sales.
The R&D Fund will help companies to achieve the following:
A demonstrable connection between R&D and the overall business objectives.

Would you like to do business in the US? Ireland West International Trade Centre

The ‘Ireland West International Trade Centre’ is a collaborative partnership developing a soft landing platform in the US for companies, businesses and entrepreneurs based in the West and North West of Ireland. Our strategy is to assist indigenous companies explore export opportunities in the US.
 
Our objective with our partners in Rhode Island is to provide a cost-effective client based service to identified companies in the region. Supporting our companies with direct support, networking and connectivity with US based Diaspora.
 

Ballyhaunis Chamber Local News