Thousands of jobs sustained by Ireland’s Year of Craft

Thu, Jan 05, 2012

Ireland’s Year of Craft 2011 initiative has given a welcome boost to Ireland’s craft industry, and will help to sustain thousands of jobs in the sector into the future, according to the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Policy holders downgrade insurance cover to save money

Thu, Jan 05, 2012

Tighter personal finances are causing many holders of insurance policies to downgrade their level of risk in a bid to save money.

This sign of the times has become particularly evident in the motor insurance industry with motor insurance companies now reporting that one in four drivers in Ireland have either considered or made the switch from fully comprehensive to third party or third party fire and theft motor insurance within the last two years.

Getting the most out of the interview regulars

Thu, Jan 05, 2012

We got quite a bit of reaction to last week’s column outlining common questions that arise in interviews – and, so, we will run through some more here. I must repeat my warning of last week that it is not a good idea to become fixated on the questions, as there is an endless supply of ones they may ask you, and it is more sustainable in the long run to focus on the key information you wish to get across, regardless of the questions.

But you want to hear more questions, so here goes, five more. These are drawn from various pieces of research carried out into interviewing styles and techniques.

Increase in standard rate of VAT from next week

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

After much speculation, Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, confirmed that the standard rate of Irish VAT is to increase from 21 per cent to 23 per cent with effect from midnight 31 December 2011. This VAT rate change is earlier than set out by the Government under the National Recovery Plan where it stated that the standard rate of VAT would only increase to 23 per cent in 2014.

‘Appy out — competition to get college students working on new innovative apps

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

A new competition ‘Code Ninja’ has been launched for students at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and NUI Galway. Code Ninja is an App development competition, designed to train and encourage students to be creative in the cultivation of their own tech ideas.

Your Career, Your Choices

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Q: I have a Masters in English and History. However there are very few jobs available at my level, so I have found myself applying for jobs that might be, if you will excuse the language, beneath me. However, I’ve always worked throughout college semesters and I really want to get a foot on the ladder, even if the job is not tailored to my qualifications. I want to get a job so that I can make a positive contribution, rather than having to emigrate, an option currently on my mind. However, I find many employers seem to think I’m over-qualified and I don’t even get called to the interview stages for jobs that I am well capable of doing. Should I dumb down my CV to help me over this hurdle? (TN, email)

Mayo print company named print partner for organisation of Volvo finale

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Cashin Print has recently been appointed official print partner to Let’s Do It Global, the event management company responsible for the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race finale in Galway.

The boats are due into Galway on July 3 2012 and a record number of international visitors from the stopover ports are expected to attend.

‘No-shows’ in Irish restaurants to deposits being taken on bookings

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Irish restaurants are reporting a dramatic increase in diners making bookings and not showing up this Christmas.

Born Clothing - where style, great prices, and service combine to create a true shopping experience

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Since opening its doors more than two years ago Born Clothing in Newtownsmith has grown from strength to strength, quickly gaining a reputation as a true shopping destination, offering its customers not only the latest fashions at affordable prices but also tasty culinary delights and beautiful views at its trendy cafe.

Irish language working for local businesses

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Local business in Galway are continuing with their use of the Irish language and making it work for their business. Colette Kelly Optometrist on Middle Street has redesigned their premises on Middle Street and the Irish language has remained an integral part of their new brand.

NUI embarks on e-learning initiative with Pres pupils in city

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

NUI Galway has embarked on a new initiative with Transition Year students from the Presentation Secondary School in Galway City. The students have devised a new e-Commerce module which is facilitated by their business teacher Eleanor Fogarty.

Galway’s Green contractor Stewart wins another award

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Following on from Stewart’s success in the Chartered Institute of Building – “Green Building” Construction Manager of the Year 2011 Award earlier this year, fourth generation construction company Stewart, accepted the award for Sustainable Construction at the CMG Building and Design Awards 2011 presented by well known broadcaster Ivan Yates at a glittering gala evening in the Four Seasons, Ballsbridge this week.

WDC welcomes proposed transatlantic high-end fibre connection

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has welcomed the announcement by Emerald Networks and Pipiper Infrastructure of their intention to effectively upgrade commercial broadband capability in the west of Ireland to world class status.

Your Career, Your Choices

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

How far back do I go in my CV...and should that CV be colourful and creative?

Chamber of Commerce calls on public to ‘Sp€nd Christmas in Galway’

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

The Galway Chamber of Commerce is calling on the public to do their Christmas shopping in Galway this year and thereby generate money for the local economy and protect local jobs.

Permanent tsb host to savings and investments event tonight

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

A Savings and Investment information evening is being hosted by Ronan Fairbrother, Branch Manager, permanent tsb Galway Shopping Centre and Dave Hickey, Branch Manager, permanent tsb Eyre Square, on Thursday December 1.

A look at gifts and inheritance tax

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

The issue of inheritance and gift tax (CAT) is becoming more important to many people because of the reduction in the amount an individual can receive tax free. When an individual decides to transfer his/her assets to another person, either by gift or on their death, assets over a certain value will attract CAT. The current rate of tax is 25 per cent, there is speculation that it will increase in the upcoming budget. It is important that individuals plan the transfer of assets in a tax efficient manner, as many people may be forced to sell assets they have been gifted or left on an individual's death in an attempt to pay the CAT liability.

Galway Software company Enerit helps Pfizer achieve energy standard

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Pfizer’s Loughbeg site in Ireland has become the first Pfizer pharmaceutical plant worldwide to achieve the ISO 50001 standard — and it was achieved with the help of software from a Galway company.

The pharmaceutical company has long been recognised as one of the industry leaders in energy management. Pfizer’s global “Energy and Climate Change Program” (ECC) is an all-inclusive, cross-divisional initiative seeking to optimise the consumption of energy and other resources that result from Pfizer's facility and fleet operations. The key goal of the Program is to reduce energy and resource intensity, decrease CO2 emissions and minimise Pfizer's energy resource spend for business operations related to facilities.

Head to Citylites and Peter Curran Electric Ltd for all your lighting and electrical needs

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

‘In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary’ or so the saying goes, and at Citylites, part of Peter Curran Electric Ltd, it certainly seems true while standing in its magnificent showroom which boasts a sheer treasure trove of top quality lighting, of all shapes and sizes, suiting all needs and budgets, and where every customer is treated like a VIP.

A new chapter for T O’hUiginn, where all are welcome

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

After more than 70 years as a builders’ providers T O’hUiginn in Shantalla has built up a wealth of experience, becoming a leading supplier of building materials and products, but this year it took a new direction, renovating the store with the aim of becoming much more retail-friendly, a place where now everyone, not just industry professionals, can come and benefit from expert advice and top quality products in everything from timber and cement to paints, stoves, bathrooms, and other household products.

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