Think PR celebrates fifth birthday with contract for Volvo Ocean Race

Thu, Jun 14, 2012

This month marks the fifth birthday of leading Galway based public relations firm Think PR. Along with celebrating five successful years in business, Think PR are also celebrating signing a host of new clients, from an internationally renowned food festival, a chain of restaurants, a world’s first product in body care recovery, and most recently the Volvo Ocean Race Finale.

Galway beats Kerry in race for favouite holiday destination

Thu, Jun 14, 2012

Galway has toppled Kerry as the favourite holiday destination for Irish holidaymakers according to a new survey.

Twenty eight per cent of respondents voted for Galway with Kerry left trailing in its wake on 23 . The result marks a startling reversal for the ‘Kingdom’ which last year recorded 24 per cent of the vote and enjoyed a comfortable lead over Galway on 17 per cent.Cork maintained its third position on 12 per cent, with Wexford on 7 per cent. Donegal and Mayo on 6 per cent and Clare on 5 per cent made up the top six. Dublin came 7th on 3 per cent However when asked ‘what is the least appealing county for a holiday’, Dublin received the most votes indicating that trips to the capital generate a lot of mixed feelings. Dublin was followed by Longford and Laois, while Offaly, Limerick, Cavan, Leitrim and Carlow were other counties which proved unattractive to holidaymakers.

NUIG to host international conference on applied microeconomics

Thu, Jun 14, 2012

NUI Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is hosting an international conference on Applied Microeconometrics and Public Policy on Tuesday,July 3.

The conference programme will feature papers and presentations focusing on public policy topics in Environmental Economics, Rural Development and Agricultural Economics, Health Economics, and Mental Health, the Economics of Ageing, Inequality and Poverty, Migration and Demography, Welfare, Taxation and Pensions, Labor Economics and the Economics of Education. A selection of the highest quality papers submitted to the 2012 conference will be put forward for a special thematic edition of The Economic and Social Review. A selection of the highest quality papers submitted to the 2012 conference will be put forward for a special thematic edition of The Economic and Social Review to follow after the conference.

Re-mix — Lettuce celebrate new city centre restaurant as another Mix Greens opens

Thu, Jun 07, 2012

Following the successful launch of Mix Greens eco – gourmet restaurant on Newcastle Road, Galway, in January of this year, Kieran Nolan and his team have done it all over again.

Loughrea business enjoying life in the fast lane

Thu, Jun 07, 2012

Loughrea-based company, cut-e, one of the worlds’ leading online psychometric assessment providers, were enjoyed the fast life last week as the two cars from Fortec Motorsport paraded cut-e logos around the famous Monaco Grand Prix track.

The language of your business

Thu, Jun 07, 2012

I’m not talking about your native mother tongue when I say of the language of business. I’m talking about the language of your manners, the way you dress, the way you speak and the art of listening. All around the world Irish are known for having the ‘gift of the gab’. Is the ability to speak freely and say the right thing at the right time enough? To speak the language of business you have to look beyond the Irish charm and learn how to read positive body language and use appropriate verbal communication. These are vital tools when you are selling your products and promoting your business to your potential customers.

First impressions do last; therefore your non verbal communication is very important. Think about your posture, your personal traits, your general conduct, your gestures and your physical appearance as these can have a huge impact on the success of your business. How you smile, how you dress, how you laugh, eye contact and how you move your hands can show customers how confident you are about your business and your knowledge of the products that you sell. To gain the most out of your verbal communication, speak with your own voice and accent, in other words, be yourself. Pronounce you words clearly. If you talk with a relaxed yet confident tone the customer will pick up on that.  If you speak too fast the customer may feel rushed or may not understand you. Allow your language to flow in a non aggressive form. Give gratitude and lots of old school manners. ‘Thank you and have a nice day’ can go a long way.

Galway city retailers up their game for security during Volvo Ocean Race events

Thu, Jun 07, 2012

In advance of the Volvo Ocean Race Events, Galway City Centre businesses and retailers are invited to attend a briefing on retail security and an opportunity to share information and network.

Dealing with a recent workplace reverse

Thu, Jun 07, 2012

Q: I started work with a company two months ago. Very early in my time there, I realised the job I was being asked to do wasn’t the job I felt I had been hired for – it didn’t really use my skills (I am a computer programmer) and was very underwhelming in terms of challenging me. I had given up a good job to take on this role, so, as you can appreciate, I was very angry. However, rather than sit around become more and more bitter, I left the role two weeks ago. I am now back on the job-searching trail. On my CV, should I mention the six-week stint at this company? (Valerie, email)

Company founded by Galway sport scientist signs deal to work with Olympic athletes

Thu, May 31, 2012

A company based in IT Sligo’s Innovation Centre which provides an applied bio marker (Blood and Saliva) testing service for elite athletes around the world, has signed a contract with the Irish Institute of Sport. ORRECO will work with the cream of Ireland’s high performance athletes, including many who are bound for London 2012.

Immunotec announces expansion into Irish market

Thu, May 31, 2012

THE jewel in the crown of “natural immune health” – Immunotec Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada announces their recent expansion into the Irish market.

Six pointers to jazz up your CV

Thu, May 31, 2012

Q: I haven’t written a CV in 20 years – not since I left school. I understand that everything has changed since back them. For a start, I have 20 years of work underneath my belt now. Not to mention three children and less hair! Plus it is obvious that communications have undergone a revolution in the interim. Can you give me a few quick pointers for my CV? (EH, email)

Galway company agrees €3m partnership with Chinese hand-tool giant

Thu, May 24, 2012

The continuing development of strong links between Irish and Chinese businesses has received a further boost with the announcement of a strategic partnership with a projected value of €3m, between Invention Services, a Galway-based innovation and business supports company, and Asia’s biggest hand-tool vendor Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co Ltd.

Galway doing well on the jobs front

Thu, May 24, 2012

Galway is punching above its weight in attracting jobs, according to Labour TD for Galway West Derek Nolan.

Aer Lingus takes over Knock-Birmingham route

Thu, May 24, 2012

Aer Lingus has stepped into the gap left by Bmibaby to provide a service from Knock to Birmingham.

The new Aer Lingus Regional flight between the Midlands and Ireland West Airport Knock will begin on June 11.

GMIT’s energy lab goes on line with new Android app

Thu, May 24, 2012

GMIT has launched a new Android app which provides information on its state-of-the-art Online Energy Laboratory at the Dublin Road campus, Galway.

Your Career, Your Choices

Thu, May 24, 2012

Q: One from slightly left-of-field here – I have been asked to write a reference for someone who worked with me almost 20 years ago. I remember her very well – she was an excellent employee – but it was a different time. We only had one PC in the office and this woman did not even use it. I know she has developed her IT skills in the meantime, but I cannot vouch for those. She is going for a job as a personal assistant, which is similar to the role she did for us back then. With all the changes that have taken place in technology and work practices in the intervening 20 years, is it feasible for me to even write a reference for her? (MK, email)

Galway firms contribute to environmental sustainability

Thu, May 24, 2012

Two Galway companies have been commended at this year’s annual Small Firms Association Awards.

Founder of 11890 Nicola Byrne to speak at Business Women of the Year Awards

Thu, May 17, 2012

Nicola Byrne, CEO and founder of 11890 and Stenics Media, will speak at the Network Galway Business Women of the Year Awards on Friday May 25 at the Salthill Hotel.

Ronan Lawless — twenty years in business in Galway

Thu, May 17, 2012

From bars and nightclubs to restaurants and hotels, Ronan Lawless has been involved in them all, and while experiencing his fair share of bumps along the way he is going strong with The Forster Group 20 years later.

Selling yourself and your business

Thu, May 17, 2012

My name is Eileen Lauster. My business is producing video content for the web. I am a film maker. I make videos. I used to make documentaries about artists, community groups, and dramas. Now I make promotional videos for businesses. I have travelled to Belarus and Connemara, worked with individuals and groups, produced, edited, and taught others. Now I teach businesses to use the power of video to promote their products and services.

I survived a move across the Atlantic and a career change but they were nothing compared to the recession. In October 2009 my business was dead in the water. All the funding and commissions had dried up. I started applying for full time work and I was not even getting rejection letters! I was deflated.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.