Cork Chamber Conference paves the path for indigenous business growth
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Chaired by Anton Savage, the event attracted close to 200 business leaders and budding entrepreneurs from a cross-section of key industries throughout the Cork region and provided timely and valuable advise and insights to Irish companies seeking to excel in the global marketplace. Drawing on the Industry experiences of some very successful indigenous companies and the four steps to success in 2012, Keynote speakers included Peter Morehead, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Liam Casey, PCH International; Daragh Murphy, Hairy Baby Clothing; Nial Olden Kernel Capital; Dr Mary Keeling, Institute of Business Value, IBM and Enda McDonnell, Enterprise Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the conference, John Mullins, President, Cork Chamber, said: "The positive messages delivered are revealing of the 'real' experiences from the leading innovative indigenous companies, and aim to instil confidence in Cork's business community to support and grow indigenous business and generate employment boosts for the Cork region". The president emphasised that "Cork Chamber is orientating itself towards making sure there is a 'straw bed' for any opportunities that arise. It is all about looking forward, beyond the traditional business models in order to complete in today's business market. Companies must start to look beyond traditional business models and routes to market and must seek to be 'innovative' in all areas of their business. Coupled with a 'yes we will' approavh to exploring and embracing new and innovative technologues and marketing toold - we believe the future is bright for any future entrepreneur who takes that 'next step' - which will no doubt open up a 'new world' of international opportunities and possibilities for them. We are delighted with the feedback received from delegates attending this year's conference, and I would like to thank our main sponsors IBM Ireland and KPMG for their valued support the second year in succession".
Conference delegates also had the opportunity to experience the IBM Technology Truck - a 40ft demonstration trailer which annually tours Europe and showcases the latest technology features and systems of today's businesses.
The 'Transition Year Project Awards' winning class 2012 (Maria Immaculata Community School, Dunmanway)- a UCC and Cork Chamber initiative sponsored by BNY Mellon - also played their part in the conference with a 'live demonstration sales pitch' of their award winning project 'Spic and Span' direct from the IBM technology truck into the conference room. "Ongoing supports and initiatives from business in education is key to instilling a greater interest and awareness of a future career in entrepreneurship amongst our young people, and is key to Ireland's future success story" said Ann Wallace, Student Recruitment & Liason Officer, UCC.
ENDS
The conference speakers included: Minister of Science & Innovation, Sean Sherlock, TD John Mullins - President Cork Chamber, Peter Morehead - Production Director, Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard, Liam Casey - Founder & CEO PCH International, Dr Mary Keeling, Manager, Centre for Economic Analysis, Institute of Business Value - IBM, Niall Older - Managing Partner, Kernel Capital, Enda McDonnell - Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland and Daragh Murphy, Founder, Hairy Baby Clothing.
Conference Sponsor: IBM, Drinks Reception Sponsor: KPMG
Further conference details are available on the Cork Chamber Website: www.corkchamber.ie
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