Budget 2012: Local Government Rates and VAT charges targeted

In advance of Budget 2012, Chambers Ireland has called for local government rates to be set at appropriate levels for businesses in 2012 to reflect current activity levels in the economy. Figures obtained through our own research show that the dependence on commercial rates to fund local government services is still too high, despite the economic downturn. If rates rise further, the future of local business and jobs will become increasingly uncertain. Chambers have also called for the rate of VAT not to be increased. To read more on these stories click here.

Guide for Businesses on the Smart Economy Launched

Chambers Ireland has launched an information booklet designed to help Irish business innovate through a greater understanding of the ‘Smart Economy’ in order to continue to thrive and survive in the current challenging economic climate. Understanding the Smart Economy sets out what the Smart Economy means for Ireland, and crucially how businesses can embrace it. Understanding the Smart Economy provides examples of SMEs from around Ireland,– Catch FM, Curragh Tintawn Carpets, Dromad Hire, Piercom Limited, Torpey Wood Products, Crospon working with HP and Celtic Linen – that have embraced new technology and ideas and in some cases completely redefined their business model to create new products and services, increase productivity and boost sales. To download a copy of the booklet click here.

D&B 200 Million Campaign

Dun & Bradstreet, the world's leading source of commercial information and insight, has reached a significant milestone: 200 million businesses covered in its global database. To celebrate, D&B will take the next 200 days to say "thank you" through a digital tribute to businesses around the world. Businesses can submit their own stories and join D&B's celebration at www.dnb.com/200million. You can also check out the D&B YouTube channel to see customers sharing their success stories and how they got there http://www.youtube.com/user/DunandBrad .

International Trade Finance Workshop

The International Trade Finance workshop, brought to you in conjunction with World Trade Centre Dublin, addresses financial methods and tools used to conduct international business transactions successfully. Learners will acquire a broad overview of the nature and scope of trade finance, in particular, the "Four Pillars" of trade finance, i.e., payment facilitation, risk management, financing and provision of information related to a transaction. The workshop will take place on December 8th and 9th with guest speaker Gerry Ennis, Head of Global Trade Finance, Ulster Bank. The course costs €450 for CPA members and €495 for non-members.
 

Click here to book your place!

Cavan scoops top prize at Excellence in the Local Government Awards 2011

This year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards took place on Wednesday 9th November in The Burlington Hotel, with Cavan County Council taking home the top prize of County Council of the Year. Waterford City Council and Dundalk Town Council won City and Town Council of the Year respectively. Now in their eighth year, the night was a huge success. To see all the winners and photos of the night, click here.

Chamber Week 2011

The first ever National Chamber Week took place between the 7th and 11th of November and was a great success. The week involved over 20 chambers up and down the country hosting events such as network evenings, breakfast briefings, seminars and conferences. The idea behind the week was to showcase what your local chamber can do to help support business in your area. Watch this space for details of next year’s Chamber Week.

December Bulletin

Keep an eye out for next month's Bulletin which will be issued shortly after Budget Day.